Friday, 31 July 2020
Thursday, 30 July 2020
27-7-2020 BARQUEROS, MURCIA - LITTLE OWL (Athene noctua)
This owl usually perches in an elevated position ready to swoop down on any small creature it notices. It feeds on prey such as insects and earthworms, as well as small vertebrates including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. It may pursue prey on the ground and it caches surplus food in holes or other hiding places. A study of the pellets of indigestible material that the birds regurgitate found mammals formed 20 to 50% of the diet and insects 24 to 49%. Mammals taken included mice, rats, voles, shrews, moles and rabbits. The birds were mostly taken during the breeding season and were often fledglings, and including the chicks of game birds. The insects included Diptera, Dermaptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. Some vegetable matter (up to 5%) was included in the diet and may have been ingested incidentally.
The little owl is territorial, the male normally remaining in one territory for life. However, the boundaries may expand and contract, being largest in the courtship season in spring. The home range, in which the bird actually hunts for food, varies with the type of habitat and time of year. Little owls with home-ranges that incorporate a high diversity of habitats are much smaller (< 2 ha) than those which breed in monotonous farmland (with home-ranges over 12 ha). Larger home-ranges result in increased flight activity, longer foraging trips and fewer nest visits. If a male intrudes into the territory of another, the occupier approaches and emits its territorial calls. If the intruder persists, the occupier flies at him aggressively. If this is unsuccessful, the occupier repeats the attack, this time trying to make contact with his claws. In retreat, an owl often drops to the ground and makes a low-level escape. The territory is more actively defended against a strange male as compared to a known male from a neighbouring territory; it has been shown that the little owl can recognise familiar birds by voice.
Monday, 27 July 2020
Sunday, 26 July 2020
26-7-2020 SEMPERE, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (ABEJARUCO EUROPEO) (Merops apiaster)
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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.
These birds favor open country in warmer climates, often found in proximity to sandy banks and river shores where they can nest and forage with ease.
The European bee-eater breeds across southern and central Europe, parts of northern and southern Africa, and western Asia. While the southern African population remains resident year-round, others migrate to tropical Africa for the winter. Occasionally, they are seen north of their typical range, with sporadic breeding in northern Europe.
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Gregarious by nature, European bee-eaters nest colonially in sandy banks, with communal tendencies extending to feeding and roosting. Courtship involves the male presenting the female with large prey items, a gesture of both affection and sustenance.
The call of the European bee-eater is a melodious and liquid "prreee" or "prruup," a sound as mellow as the bird's demeanor.
Breeding season sees these birds tunneling into sandy banks to lay their spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and care. The eggs hatch after about three weeks, and the young are raised with communal diligence.
True to their name, European bee-eaters feast primarily on bees, wasps, and hornets. They exhibit remarkable skill in catching these insects mid-flight and have a unique method of removing the sting before consumption. Their diet is predominantly composed of Hymenoptera, particularly the European honey bee.
Saturday, 25 July 2020
Friday, 24 July 2020
4-5-2017 CORDOBA, ANDALUCIA - JEWEL BEETLE (Chalcophora mariana ssp. massiliensis)
Chalcophora massiliensis is a species of beetle in the genus Chalcophora , family Buprestidae . 1 It was scientifically described by Villers in 1789.1
Geographical distribution of this beetle is in the Palearctic region.
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