9-6-2021 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus)

 Little Bitterns were once widespread in Central Europe. In the meantime it is a poorly distributed breeding bird of the lowlands, sporadically up to low mountain ranges. It occurs from Europe (without regular breeding in Great Britain, Ireland or Scandinavia) to West Siberia up to 56° N. It also occurs in North Africa and southern Iran and south of the Sahara to southern Africa. Isolated populations also exist in Madagascar and Australia. The total population of Europe is about 60,000-120,000 breeding pairs, with occurrences of> 5000 breeding pairs in Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Turkey. In Central Europe (around 2000) about 5300-7800 pairs are breeding, most of it in Hungary. The formerly large population in Germany has decreased to just over 100 breeding pairs. However, inventory information is particularly unreliable for this very secret species.

The little bittern is crepuscular, skulking and normally solitary. It feeds on fishes, amphibians and insects which are caught within reedbeds or at their edges by the bird slowly stalking the prey. The male claims a territory in the Spring, advertising his presence with a deep barking or croaking call and the monogamous pair remain together for at least one breeding season. Eggs are laid in a nest situated in dense reedbeds, rushes or bushes above the water from the middle of May and there is a single brood which is normally 5-6 eggs. These are incubated for 17–19 days and the chicks are fledged after 25–30 days.

In Europe the little bittern is a migratory species, crossing the Mediterranean from Africa in the early Spring and arriving in their breeding wetlands from mid April onwards. The return to Africa occurs in August and September and there are normally only a few juveniles left in Europe by October. The European breeders migrate as far south as the Eastern Cape and Transvaal.

8-4-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

10-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WHITE FACED BUSH CRICKET (Decticus albifrons)

The White-faced Bush-cricket (Decticus albifrons), also known as the Southern Wartbiter, is a large, Mediterranean insect (up to 7 cm long) often found in warm, dry, scrubby habitats. Characterized by a distinct white face patch, this species is largely carnivorous or omnivorous, feeding on other insects and plants, and is known for its loud, long,, high-pitched song. 

Key Facts About the White-Faced Bush-Cricket

Appearance: They are large, robust insects often displaying vibrant green or brownish, with wings that typically extend past the abdomen.

Appearance: Their most notable feature is a white, cream, or light-colored patch on the face.

Habitat: Primarily found in the Mediterranean region in scrub, grassland, sand pits, and gardens, favoring hot, sunny, and dry conditions.

Diet: They are opportunistic feeders (omnivores), consuming small invertebrates like grasshoppers, as well as plants.

Behavior: They are not strong flyers, relying on walking and jumping to move, but they are capable of flight.

Reproduction: The male produces a long, loud, high-pitched, continuous sound similar to a sewing machine, typically during the day in warm, sunny weather.

Lifespan: They have an annual lifecycle, with nymphs appearing in spring and adults present from July through early autumn.

Interaction with Humans: They are generally harmless, but like other large Tettigoniids, they can deliver a strong,, though rarely breaking,, bite or pinch if handled. 

1-12-2021 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - COMMON CHAFFINCH (MALE) (Fringilla coelebs)

The male Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a small, vibrant songbird. It is easily identified by its striking blue-grey cap, rust-red to pink underparts, and contrasting black-and-white wing bars. Widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, it is frequently spotted in woodlands, parks, and gardens.

Key Biological & Behavioral Facts:

Plumage: Males display their brightest colors during the spring breeding season, while their colors mute slightly in the winter. Females and juveniles are much duller and more camouflaged. Both sexes share prominent white outer tail feathers that are highly visible in flight.

Diet: Primarily feeds on seeds and invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when they need protein-rich insects for their chicks. They are ground foragers and often hop beneath feeders rather than perching on them directly.

20-2-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

The European robin (Erithacus rubecula), known simply as the robin or robin redbreast in Great Britain and Ireland, is a small insectivorous passerine bird, a member of the chat subfamily of the Old World flycatcher family. It is a plucky little bird, with a length of about 12.5–14.0 cm and a weight of 16–22 g. Both sexes are similarly adorned with an orange breast and face, lined with grey, brown upper-parts, and a whitish belly.

Adult robins can be identified by their orange breast and face, bordered by a bluish-grey on the sides of the neck and chest. The upperparts are brownish, or olive-tinged in British birds, and the belly is whitish. The bill and eyes are black. Juvenile robins are distinguishable by their spotted brown and white plumage, with patches of orange gradually appearing as they mature.

The European robin is a bird of diverse habitats, found in woodlands, gardens, and parks across its range. It is particularly associated with areas where the soil is dug or disturbed, allowing it easy access This bird has a wide distribution across Europe, extending east to Western Siberia and south to North Africa. It is sedentary in most of its range except the far north, where it is migratory.

The robin is diurnal and is known for its boldness in human presence, often seen investigating gardeners at work. It is territorial, with males known to fiercely defend their territory. The robin's diet is primarily composed of insects and worms, but it will also consume berries and fruit, especially in autumn and winter.

The robin's song is a delightful fluting warble, more plaintive during the winter months. Both sexes sing, with the male's song typically starting before dawn and ending after dusk. Urban robins may sing at night, possibly to avoid noise pollution during the day.

Robins are versatile in their choice of nesting sites, often opting for unusual locations such as nooks in machinery or even discarded clothing. They typically lay two or three clutches of eggs per season, with the eggs being cream, buff, or white and speckled with reddish-brown.

Robins primarily feed on insects, spiders, and worms. During colder months, their diet is supplemented with berries and fruit. They are also known to visit bird tables for seed mixtures and suet.

The European robin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable and possibly increasing population. It does not face any significant threats that would warrant concern for its long-term survival.

23-3-2017 SAN GERARDO DE DOTA COSTA RICA - LARGE FOOTED FINCH (Pezopetes capitalis)

The Large-footed Finch, Pezopetes capitalis, is a robust, terrestrial bird, notable for its impressive stature among its kin. Adults measure around 20 cm in length and weigh approximately 56 grams, making them one of the heaviest in the Passerellidae family. They exhibit a slate grey head, with the throat, forehead, and crown sides transitioning to black. The upper parts are a dark olive, while the wings and tail are black with olive fringes. The underparts are a vivid olive, with a brownish hue on the flanks and lower belly.

When identifying the Large-footed Finch, look for its slender bill, modestly sized tail, and particularly its very large and powerful feet and legs. The adult's coloration is distinct, with the contrast between the slate grey head and the black throat area being quite prominent. Juveniles can be recognized by their streaked dark olive head, blackish scaling on the upperparts, and buff-olive underparts.

This species thrives in the undergrowth of mountain forests, second growth, and bamboo clumps. It is also found in scrubby pastures and the scrubby páramo, at altitudes ranging from 2150 meters to 3350 meters.

Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, the Large-footed Finch is a common sight in locations such as Cerro de la Muerte.

Typically observed in pairs, the Large-footed Finch is a ground-dweller. It is known for its powerful double scratches when foraging, capable of sending debris up to 30 cm away. This bird is also known to pick berries from low bushes.

The male Large-footed Finch serenades with a song composed of whistles, warbles, chatter, and mimicry, often performed from the ground or a low perch. Additionally, the species emits a thin 'seet' call.

The female constructs a large, loose cup-shaped nest from plant material, usually situated less than 2 meters above ground in bamboo or a dense shrub. The typical clutch consists of one or two brown-marked white or blue-white eggs. The female incubates these eggs alone for a period of 12 to 14 days before they hatch.

The diet of the Large-footed Finch includes insects, spiders, and seeds, which it extracts from the leaf litter. It also consumes berries, which it gathers from low-growing vegetation.

9-12-2021 CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, VALENCIA - EURASIAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus ostralegus)

The Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) also known as the common pied oystercatcher, or (in Europe) just oystercatcher, is a wader in the oystercatcher bird family Haematopodidae. It has striking black and white plumage, a long straight orange-red bill, red eyes and relatively short dull pink legs. The sexes are similar in appearance but the bill of the female is longer than that of the male.

It is the most widespread of the oystercatchers, with three races breeding in western Europe, central Eurosiberia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. No other oystercatcher occurs within this area.

The Eurasian oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) is a wading bird with striking black and white plumage. It is a noisy plover-like bird, and despite its name, oysters do not form a large part of its diet. The bird still lives up to its name, as few if any other wading birds are capable of opening oysters.

Eurasian oystercatchers have black and white plumage, pink legs, and a strong broad red bill used for smashing or prising open mollusks. The sexes are similar in plumage but the female has a longer bill than the male. This oystercatcher is unmistakable in flight, with white patches on the wings and tail, otherwise black upperparts, and white underparts. Young birds are more brown, have a white neck collar, and a duller bill.

Eurasian oystercatchers breed in western Europe, central Eurosiberia, Kamchatka, China, and the western coast of Korea. No other oystercatcher occurs within this area. Eurasian oystercatchers are migratory over most of their range. They can be found on coastal saltmarshes, beaches, and dunes, along the shores of lakes, or rivers. They can also occur on agricultural grass and fields not far from water.

24-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - BROWN JAY (Psilorhinus morio)

The brown jay (Psilorhinus morio ) is a large American jay which has the habitus of a magpie, but is slightly smaller and with a shorter tail, though the bill is larger.

It occurs from Mexico south into Central America on the Gulf slope. The northernmost extent of the bird is in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas.

Brown jays vary in plumage geographically: there are two main groups. Northern birds are almost completely dark brown, with lighter brown on the underparts. Southern birds are white-bellied and have bright white tips to the outer tail feathers. The intergrade zone is in Veracruz, Mexico.

Adults in both populations have black bills, legs, and feet. Immatures have yellow bare parts, including yellow eye-rings.

The voice is a loud but low-pitched pee-ah call and is often modified to suit its situation or mood.

In Central America, the brown jay is not found in El Salvador; the range is on the Pacific side of Central America in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama. It does not extend into South America.

24-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - CHESTNUT HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)

The chestnut-headed oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri) is a New World tropical icterid bird. The scientific name of the species commemorates Johann Georg Wagler, who established Psarocolius, the oropendola genus.

The male is 35 cm (14 in) long and weighs 225 g (7.9 oz); the smaller female is 28 cm (11 in) long and weighs 125 g (4.4 oz). The wings are very long. Adult males are mainly black with a chestnut head and rump and a tail which is bright yellow apart from two dark central feathers. The iris is blue and the long bill is whitish. Females are similar, but smaller and duller than males. Young birds are duller than adults and have brown eyes. The populations south of an area around the border of Honduras and Nicaragua are sometimes separated as a subspecies P. w. ridgwayi, but the separation of this form has been questioned.

The distinctive songs of the male include a gurgle followed by a crash guu-guu-PHRRRRTTT. Both sexes have loud chek and chuk calls.

It is a resident breeder in the Caribbean coastal lowlands from southern Mexico to central Costa Rica, both slopes of southern Costa Rica and Panama, and the Pacific lowlands of Colombia and north-eastern Ecuador. Though it usually stays below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) ASL, it has also been recorded as much as 1,300 m (4,300 ft) ASL, for example in the Serranía de las Quinchas of Colombia. It may in be more common at such high altitudes at particular times or in particular places, but its altitudinal movements are insufficiently understood. The species is common across its large range and is not considered threatened by the IUCN.

The chestnut-headed oropendola inhabits forest canopy, edges and old plantations. It is a quite common bird in parts of its range, seen in small flocks foraging in trees for large insects, fruit and berries.

The Chestnut-headed Oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri) is a striking Central and South American Icteridae bird known for its bright blue iris, pale yellow bill with a frontal shield, and bright yellow tail. It is famous for building long, hanging woven nests in colonies at the edges of humid forests.

Distinctive Characteristics and Behavior

Physical Traits: Males are larger (about 35 cm long) than females (28 cm long), but both boast a rich brown/chestnut head and a bold yellow tail, excluding two dark central feathers.

Vocalizations: They are extremely noisy and social, performing elaborate singing routines that involve unique liquid gurgles, harsh squawks, and sharp clicks. Males also perform physical displays involving bowing and tail-fanning.

Nesting: Females weave large, pendulous nests that hang several feet below tree branches. Often, these colonies are built near active wasp nests to protect their young against predators.

7-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BARBARY GRASSHOPPER (Calliptamus barbarus)

Calliptamus barbarus is a species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae. It is found in the Palearctic.

Calliptamus barbarus or Costa's rose wing is a right-winged insect from the family locust (Acrididae). The scientific name of this species was first validly published in 1836 by Oronzio Gabriele Costa.

The Barbarian grasshopper is not toxic and does not usually pose a threat to human health. There is no need to be overly concerned.

The Barbarian grasshopper feeds on plants and usually does not cause a major problem. However, If you observe the number getting larger, you need to take it seriously.

6-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MOORISH GECKO (Tarentola mauritanica)

Tarentola mauritanica, known as the common wall gecko, is a species of gecko (Gekkota) native to the western Mediterranean area of North Africa and Europe. It has been introduced to Madeira and Balearic Islands, and the Americas (in Montevideo, Buenos Aires and California). A nocturnal animal with a predominantly insectivorous diet, it is commonly observed on walls in urban environments in warm coastal areas; it can be found further inland, especially in Spain where it has a tradition of cohabitation with humans as an insect hunter. A robust species, up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, its tubercules are enlarged and give the species a spiny armoured appearance.

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is also known as moorish gecko, crocodile gecko, European common gecko, and, regionally, as osga (in Portuguese), salamanquesa (in Spanish) and dragó (in Catalan).

6-7-2026 CANOPY LODGE, PANAMA - CHESTNUT HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri) WEBCAM

The chestnut-headed oropendola (Psarocolius wagleri) is a New World tropical icterid bird. The scientific name of the species commemorates Johann Georg Wagler, who established Psarocolius, the oropendola genus.

The male is 35 cm (14 in) long and weighs 225 g (7.9 oz); the smaller female is 28 cm (11 in) long and weighs 125 g (4.4 oz). The wings are very long. Adult males are mainly black with a chestnut head and rump and a tail which is bright yellow apart from two dark central feathers. The iris is blue and the long bill is whitish. Females are similar, but smaller and duller than males. Young birds are duller than adults and have brown eyes. The populations south of an area around the border of Honduras and Nicaragua are sometimes separated as a subspecies P. w. ridgwayi, but the separation of this form has been questioned.

The distinctive songs of the male include a gurgle followed by a crash guu-guu-PHRRRRTTT. Both sexes have loud chek and chuk calls.

3-1-2021 POTRIES, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The female Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala) is a small, energetic Mediterranean songbird. Unlike the male's striking black hood, she is drabber, featuring a solid grey head, brownish back, buffy-brown underparts, and a white throat. She is also recognized by a distinctive orange or red eye-ring.

Key Facts & Characteristics

Size & Shape: Compact and big-headed, measuring about 13–14 cm (5–5.5 inches) in length with a long, rounded tail and a thin, slightly curved beak.

Habitat: Common year-round in the Mediterranean basin. She prefers dense scrubland, maquis, and garrigue, but frequently nests in low bushes, parks, and gardens.

Diet: Primarily insectivorous, hopping actively through thick vegetation in search of insects. She supplements her diet with seeds and autumn fruits.

Breeding: The breeding season spans from March to July. The female builds a small, cup-shaped grass nest low to the ground, usually 30–60 cm up in thick undergrowth. She lays clutches of 3 to 5 eggs, and both parents share incubation duties.

3-1-2021 POTRIES, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKCAP (FEMALE) (Sylvia atricapilla)

The female Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) is a small, slender warbler distinguished from the male by its bright chestnut-brown cap and slightly browner grey plumage. Both sexes measure around 13 cm in length and weigh roughly 21 g.

Key facts about the female Eurasian Blackcap:

Appearance: Features a distinct rusty-brown cap, olive-grey upperparts, and paler grey underparts. Juveniles closely resemble females.

Habitat: Inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, and dense scrubby areas, and is frequently spotted foraging in gardens.

Diet: Omnivorous, feeding primarily on insects and caterpillars during the spring and summer, shifting to berries and fruits in the autumn and winter.

3-1-2021 POTRIES, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler (Curruca melanocephala) is a common and widespread Sylviidae warbler from the Mediterranean region. Like most Curruca species, it has distinct male and female plumages. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. Plumages are somewhat variable even in the same locality, with the intensity of a reddish hue on upper- and/or underside that varies from absent to (in some subspecies) pronounced. The female is mainly brown above and buff below, with a grey head. The Sardinian warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds.

13-8-2021 PARQUE DE JESUITAS, SALAMANCA - WESTERN BONELLI'S WARBLER (Phylloscopus bonelli)

 The western Bonelli's warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli) is a warbler in the leaf warbler genus Phylloscopus. It was formerly regarded as the western subspecies of a wider "Bonelli's warbler" species, but as a result of modern taxonomic developments, they are now usually considered to be two species:

Western Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus bonelli, which breeds in southwest Europe and north Africa

Eastern Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus orientalis, which breeds in southeast Europe and Asia Minor

The breeding ranges of the two species do not overlap; while their appearance and songs are very similar, the calls are completely different (see below). They also show marked difference in mtDNA sequence.

7-7-2021 CORRAL RUBIO, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)

The European bee-eater, Merops apiaster, is a bird of arresting beauty and grace. Its plumage is a kaleidoscope of warm hues, with brown and yellow adorning its upper parts, while the wings boast a vibrant green. The beak, a stark black, contrasts sharply with the bird's colorful attire. This slender avian can reach a length of 27–29 cm, including the elongated central tail feathers that add to its elegance. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the female may sport greener shoulder feathers compared to the male's gold.

When identifying the European bee-eater, look for its distinctive coloration and sleek profile. The non-breeding plumage is more subdued, with a blue-green back and the absence of elongated central tail feathers. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but exhibit less variation in feather colors. During the moulting period, adults transition to breeding plumage, which is completed before their winter migration to Africa.

5-12-2021 BELLUS, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKCAP (MALE) (Sylvia atricapilla)

The Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla, is a common and widespread typical warbler known for its distinctive cap and melodious song. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism with males sporting a black cap and females a chestnut one. The upperparts are generally olive-grey, while the underparts are pale grey. This bird is small and agile, measuring around 13 cm in length with a wingspan of 7–8 cm.

Males can be identified by their black caps and light grey underparts, while females have a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner hue to their grey upperparts. Juveniles resemble females but have a rufous tinge to their upperparts and a more olive tone on the breast and flanks. The blackcap's tail is dark grey with an olive edge to each feather, and it has a grey bill and legs with a reddish-brown iris.

The blackcap favors mature deciduous woodlands with a well-developed understory. It also occupies parks, large gardens, and overgrown hedges, provided there are tall trees for songposts and dense shrubs for nesting.

This warbler breeds across much of Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. It is a partial migrant, with northern populations wintering in northwestern Europe, around the Mediterranean, and in tropical Africa. Some have adapted to wintering in British and Irish gardens.

Blackcaps are territorial during the breeding season, with males establishing and defending their territories through song and display. They are mainly monogamous and may raise one to two broods per season. The species is known for its leap-frog migration pattern, where northern populations migrate further south than those from the Mediterranean.

5-8-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

The common reed warbler or Eurasian reed-warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. It breeds across Europe into the temperate western Palaearctic where it is migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa. It is also a resident species over large parts of Africa.

This is a medium-sized warbler, 13 cm (5.1 in) in length with a wing-span of 17–21 cm (6.7–8.3 in). The adult has an unstreaked brown back and buff underparts. The forehead is flattened, and the bill is strong and pointed. The sexes are identical, as with most warblers, but young birds are richer buff below. The common reed warbler looks similar to the great reed warbler, but the great reed warbler is larger in size and has a stronger supercilium.

The song is a slow, chattering jit-jit-jit with typically acrocephaline whistles and mimicry added.

This small passerine bird is a species found almost exclusively in reed beds, usually with some bushes. They can also be found in damp scrub.

Like most warblers, it is insectivorous, but will occasionally take plant material such as berries.

6-7-2026 CANOPY LODGE, PANAMA - STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus) WEBCAM

The Streaked Saltator (Saltator striatipectus) is a medium-sized, grosbeak-like bird of the family Thraupidae. It is easily recognized by its olive-green upperparts, pale underparts with varying degrees of dark streaking, hefty dark bill, and a short white eyebrow (supercilium).

Until recently, the Streaked Saltator was considered the same species as the Lesser Antillean Saltator, but it was split into its own species based on genetic differences.

Distribution & Habitat

These birds are common, year-round residents distributed across parts of Central and South America, including Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Trinidad. They prefer lowland areas, open woodlands, scrub forests, regenerating agricultural lands, and urban gardens.

Diet & Behavior

Their hefty, conical bills are perfectly adapted for a diverse omnivorous diet consisting of seeds, fruits, flowers, and various insects. They are active foragers and are frequently observed in pairs or small groups, singing sweet, melodious whistled tunes from exposed perches.

Breeding

The breeding season aligns with the wet season in their respective regions. They construct neat, cup-shaped nests out of twigs, vines, and grass, usually placed low in shrubs or trees. Females typically lay 2 to 3 eggs, which are usually blue with black spots.

16-1-2020 CANAL LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.

When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.

The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.

2-7-2026 ST AUGUSTINE ALIGATOR CAMP, FLORIDA - TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) WEBCAM

 The tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor), formerly known as the Louisiana heron, is a small species of heron native to coastal parts of the Americas. The species is more solitary than other species of heron in the Americas and eats a diet consisting mostly of small fish.

Tricolored herons breed in swamps and other coastal habitats and nests in colonies, often with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. In each clutch, three to seven eggs are typically laid. The tricolored heron is the second most coastal heron in the United States.

The species' range follows the northeastern United States, south along the coast, through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, to northern South America as far south as Brazil. In the Pacific region, it ranges from Peru to California, but it is only a nonbreeding visitor to the far north.

It was likely the most numerous heron in North America until the cattle egret arrived to the continent in the 1950s. While the species' population appears to be on the decline, it remains quite common. The bird is listed as "Threatened" by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

This species measures from 56 to 76 cm (22 to 30 in) long and has a typical wingspan of 96 cm (38 in). The slightly larger male heron weighs 415 g (14.6 oz) on average, while the female averages 334 g (11.8 oz). It is a medium-large, long-legged, long-necked heron with a long, pointed, yellowish or greyish bill with a black tip. Its legs and feet are dark. The plumage of the triclolored heron changes dramatically from its juvenile form to its adult form.

Adults have a blue-grey head, neck, back, and upper wings, with a white line along the neck. The belly is white. In breeding plumage, they have long, blue, filamentous plumes on their heads and necks, and buff ones on their backs.

6-7-2026 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - COMMON OLEANDER (Nerium oleander)

Nerium oleander (/ˈnɪəriəm ... / NEER-ee-əm), commonly known as oleander, rose laurel, be-still tree or rosebay, is a shrub or small tree cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical areas as an ornamental and landscaping plant. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium, belonging to subfamily Apocynoideae of the dogbane family Apocynaceae. It is so widely cultivated that no precise region of origin has been identified, though it is usually associated with the Mediterranean Basin.

Nerium grows to 2–6 metres (7–20 feet) tall. It is most commonly grown in its natural shrub form, but can be trained into a small tree with a single trunk. It is tolerant to both drought and inundation, but not to prolonged frost. White, pink or red five-lobed flowers grow in clusters year-round, peaking during the summer. The fruit is a long narrow pair of follicles, which splits open at maturity to release numerous downy seeds.

Nerium is a poisonous plant but its bitterness renders it unpalatable to humans and most animals, so poisoning cases are rare and the general risk for human mortality is low. Ingestion of larger amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and irregular heart rhythm. Prolonged contact with sap may cause skin irritation, eye inflammation and dermatitis.

5-7-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SICKLE BEARING LEAF KATYDID (Phaneroptera sparsa)

The Sickle-bearing Leaf Katydid (\(Phaneroptera\) \(sarsa\)) is a medium-sized, green insect with a widespread distribution in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Asia. It is known for its excellent camouflage, feeding on flowers and other plants, and is most active at dusk and night. A distinctive feature is its "tzzp..tzzp.." call, and it reproduces by laying eggs along the edges of living leaves. 

Size: Medium-sized, with a body length of around \(30\) mm.

Color: Primarily green with green, unstriped abdomens.

Wings: Opaque green forewings and hindwings with a tan stripe, which extend beyond the forewings.

Habitat: Found in a wide range of habitats including grasslands, scrub, gardens, forests, and urban environments.Camouflage: Its leaf-like appearance provides excellent camouflage, helping it blend into its surroundings. 

Behavior and reproduction Activity: Most active in the late afternoon, evening, and at night. Males typically call about three hours after sunset.Call: A short and sharp "tzzp..tzzp..", which can be hard to identify.

Diet: Herbivorous, feeding primarily on flowers and other parts of plants.

Reproduction: Mating involves the transfer of a large spermatophore by the male. Females use an upturned ovipositor to lay eggs along the edges of living leaves.Life Cycle: Develops through a three-stage process: egg, nymph, and adult, with a process called incomplete metamorphosis. 

1-7-2026 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCIA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The red-veined darter or nomad (Sympetrum fonscolombii) is a dragonfly of the genus Sympetrum.

Sympetrum fonscolombii was named under the protonym Libellula fonscolombii by the Belgian entomologist Edmond de Sélys Longchamps, in 1840, in honor of the French entomologist Étienne of Fonscolombe (hence the species name). Its name is sometimes spelt fonscolombei instead of fonscolombii but Askew (2004) gives the latter as the correct spelling.

Sympetrum fonscolombii can reach a body length of 38–40 millimetres (1.5–1.6 in). This species is similar to other Sympetrum species but a good view with binoculars should give a positive identification, especially with a male.

Males have a red abdomen, redder than many other Sympetrum species. The frons and the thorax are red-brown. The eyes are brown above and blue/grey below. The wings have red veins and the wing bases of the hind-wings are yellow. The pterostigma is pale yellow with a border of black veins.

Female are similar but the abdomen is ochre yellow, not red, with two black lines along each side. The wings have yellow veins at the costa, leading edge and base, not red veins as found in the males. The legs of both sexes are mostly black with some yellow.

Immature males are like females but often with more red and a single line along each side of the abdomen.