24-6-2026 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

 The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.

Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.

11-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - LITTLE CORMORANT (Microcarbo niger)

The Little Cormorant, Microcarbo niger, is a dainty member of the cormorant family, measuring about 50 centimeters in length. In its breeding attire, it boasts a sleek, all-black plumage adorned with white spots and delicate filoplumes on its face, and a modest crest on the back of its head. The non-breeding or juvenile birds display a more subdued brownish plumage, with a small, distinct white patch on the throat.

Distinguishable from the slightly larger Indian Cormorant by its shorter beak and absence of a peaked head, the Little Cormorant has dark eyes and facial skin. Males and females appear similar, though males are generally larger. A rare silvery-grey plumage has been noted in some individuals.

13-3-2020 KERALA, INDIA - BLACK HOODED ORIOLE (Oriolus xanthornus)

The Black-hooded oriole (Oriolus xanthornus) is a colorful passerine bird that breeds in tropical southern Asia. These are birds of open woodlands and spend most of their time in the tree canopies.

The male of this species is striking, with the typical oriole black and yellow colouration. The plumage is predominantly yellow, with a solid black hood, and black also in the wings and tail centre. The female black-hooded oriole is a drabber bird with greenish underparts, but still has the black hood. Young birds are like the female, but have dark streaking on the underparts, and their hood is not solidly black, especially on the throat.

24-6-2026 SOLLANA SOUTH, ALBUFERA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt has a wide range, extending across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some populations migrate to coastal regions in winter, while others in milder climates may remain resident or engage in short-range movements.

Black-winged Stilts are often seen foraging in shallow waters, gracefully picking insects and crustaceans from the surface. They are known to nest in small groups, sometimes alongside avocets, and exhibit a variety of courtship behaviors, including intricate displays and duets.

The flight call of the Black-winged Stilt is a sharp and clear kleek, typically heard during its aerial maneuvers.

Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.

The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.

Their diet consists mainly of insects and crustaceans, which they deftly pick from the water's surface or from wet sand.

24-6-2026 SOLLANA SOUTH, ALBUFERA - EURASIAN KESTREL (FEMALE) (Falco tinnunculus)

The common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a bird of prey species belonging to the kestrel group of the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In the United Kingdom, where no other kestrel species commonly occurs, it is generally just called "kestrel".

This species occurs over a large range. It is widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America. It has colonized a few oceanic islands, but vagrant individuals are generally rare; in the whole of Micronesia for example, the species was only recorded twice each on Guam and Saipan in the Marianas.

The common kestrel was formally described in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae under the current binomial name Falco tinnunculus. Linnaeus specified the type location as Europe but restricted this to Sweden in 1761. The genus name is Late Latin from falx, falcis, a sickle, referencing the claws of the bird. The species name tinnunculus is Latin for "kestrel" from "tinnulus", "shrill". The Latin name tinnunculus had been used by the Swiss naturalist Conrad Gessner in 1555. The word "kestrel" is derived from the French crécerelle which is diminutive for crécelle, which also referred to a bell used by lepers. The word is earlier spelt 'c/kastrel', and is evidenced from the 15th century. The kestrel was once used to drive and keep away pigeons. Archaic names for the kestrel include windhover and windfucker, due to its habit of beating the wind (hovering in air).

The common kestrel favors open habitats such as fields, heaths, shrubland, and marshland. It does not require woodland but needs alternative perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It thrives in treeless steppes and can adapt to human settlements and various landscapes, from wetlands to arid savannas.

This species has a vast range, being widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and occasionally reaching the east coast of North America. It has colonized some oceanic islands, though vagrant individuals are generally rare.

The common kestrel is diurnal and can be sedentary or migratory, depending on the region. It is known for its characteristic hunting behavior, hovering 10-20 meters above the ground before diving steeply onto prey. It is also capable of seeing ultraviolet light, which aids in detecting the urine trails of small mammals.

Breeding occurs in spring or the start of the dry season, with the kestrel preferring cavity nests in cliffs, trees, or buildings. Clutches typically consist of 3-7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The young fledge after 4-5 weeks and stay with the family for a short period thereafter.

24-6-2026 EL PALMAR, ALBUFERA - BLACK CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

The black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), or black-capped night-heron, commonly shortened to just night-heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron found throughout a large part of the world, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North and South America. In Australasia it is replaced by the closely related nankeen night-heron (N. caledonicus), with which it has hybridized in the area of contact.

Adults have a black crown and back with the remainder of the body white or grey, red eyes, and short yellow legs. They have pale grey wings and white under parts. Two or three long white plumes, erected in greeting and courtship displays, extend from the back of the head. The sexes are similar in appearance although the males are slightly larger. Black-crowned night-herons do not fit the typical body form of the heron family. They are relatively stocky with shorter bills, legs, and necks than their more familiar cousins, the egrets and "day" herons. Their resting posture is normally somewhat hunched but when hunting they extend their necks and look more like other wading birds.

 Immature birds have dull grey-brown plumage on their heads, wings, and backs, with numerous pale spots. Their underparts are paler and streaked with brown. The young birds have orange eyes and duller yellowish-green legs. They are very noisy birds in their nesting colonies, with calls that are commonly transcribed as quok or woc.

The breeding habitat is fresh and salt-water wetlands throughout much of the world. The subspecies N. n. hoactli breeds in North and South America from Canada as far south as northern Argentina and Chile, N. n. obscurus in southernmost South America, N. n. falklandicus in the Falkland Islands, and the nominate race N. n. nycticorax in Europe, Asia and Africa. Black-crowned night-herons nest in colonies on platforms of sticks in a group of trees, or on the ground in protected locations such as islands or reedbeds. Three to eight eggs are laid.

This heron is migratory in the northernmost part of its range, but otherwise resident (even in the cold Patagonia). The North American population winters in Mexico, the southern United States, Central America, and the West Indies, and the Old World birds winter in tropical Africa and southern Asia.

24-6-2026 LAGUNA DE SILLA, ALBUFERA - EURASIAN COOT (JUVENILE) (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

24-6-2026 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.

24-6-2026 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - COMMON SHELDUCK (JUVENILE) (Tadorna tadorna)

The common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna ) is a waterfowl species of the shelduck genus, Tadorna. It is widespread and common in the Euro-Siberian region of the Palearctic, mainly breeding in temperate and wintering in subtropical regions; in winter, it can also be found in the Maghreb.

Fossil bones from Dorkovo (Bulgaria) described as Balcanas pliocaenica may actually belong to this species. More likely, they are an extinct species of Tadorna (if not a distinct genus) due to their Early Pliocene age; the present species is not unequivocally attested from the fossil record until some 2–3 million years later (Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene).

The common shelduck resembles a small short-necked goose in size and shape. It is a striking bird, with a reddish-pink bill, pink feet, a white body with chestnut patches and a black belly, and a dark green head and neck. The wing coverts are white, the primary remiges black, and the secondaries green (only showing in flight) and chestnut. The underwings are almost entirely white. Sexes are similar, but the female is smaller, with some white facial markings, while the male is particularly crisply coloured in the breeding season, his bill bright red and bearing a prominent knob at the forehead.

23-6-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea minuscularia)

The Wave Moth (Idaea minuscularia) is a small, pale grey moth of the Geometridae family, closely related to the Small Dusty Wave. It is most prevalent in southwestern Europe (including Spain and the Balearic Islands) and northwestern Africa. It adapts well to Mediterranean climates, residing in coastal maquis, villages, and gardens.

Taxonomic, physical, and behavioral facts about this species include:

Appearance: It is a rather nondescript, very small moth with a wingspan averaging about \(20 \text{ mm}\). Its wings are characteristically grey and dusted with indistinct markings, aside from a small, dark discal spot on the forewings.

Life Cycle: These moths exhibit multiple broods each year, and in very warm Mediterranean or coastal climates, they can fly almost year-round.Habitat: You are most likely to spot this moth around houses, walls, and cultivated areas, or near coastal shrubland.

Diet: While its sister species relies primarily on plants like ivy, Idaea minuscularia is highly polyphagous, meaning its larvae feed on a wide variety of ground-level herbs and vegetation.

Behavior: Like many members of the Idaea genus, they are nocturnal, fly actively at night, and are frequently drawn to artificial lights and illuminated surfaces.The Wave Moth (Idaea minuscularia) is a small, pale grey moth of the Geometridae family, closely related to the Small Dusty Wave. It is most prevalent in southwestern Europe (including Spain and the Balearic Islands) and northwestern Africa. It adapts well to Mediterranean climates, residing in coastal maquis, villages, and gardens.

Taxonomic, physical, and behavioral facts about this species include:

Appearance: It is a rather nondescript, very small moth with a wingspan averaging about \(20 \text{ mm}\). Its wings are characteristically grey and dusted with indistinct markings, aside from a small, dark discal spot on the forewings.

Life Cycle: These moths exhibit multiple broods each year, and in very warm Mediterranean or coastal climates, they can fly almost year-round.Habitat: You are most likely to spot this moth around houses, walls, and cultivated areas, or near coastal shrubland.

Diet: While its sister species relies primarily on plants like ivy, Idaea minuscularia is highly polyphagous, meaning its larvae feed on a wide variety of ground-level herbs and vegetation.

Behavior: Like many members of the Idaea genus, they are nocturnal, fly actively at night, and are frequently drawn to artificial lights and illuminated surfaces.

22-6-2026 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - WHITE ITALIAN SNAIL (Theba pisana)

The White Italian Snail (Theba pisana), also known as the white garden snail or sand hill snail, is a highly adaptive, land-dwelling mollusk native to the Mediterranean Basin.

Physical Characteristics

Shell Size: Adult shells typically measure 12 to 15 mm in diameter and 9 to 12 mm in height.

Coloration: The background shell color is usually ivory white.Patterns: Shells often display variable dark brown spiral bands made of dots, dashes, or solid lines.

Texture: Under magnification, the shell surface has distinctive cross-hatched vertical scratches.

Juvenile Trait: Young snails feature a sharp keel around their shell midline, which rounds out as they mature.

Habitat & Behavior

Preferences: They thrive in dry, sandy coastal areas, open scrublands, and dunes.

Aestivation: During hot summer months, they climb vertical structures like fences and tree trunks to escape ground heat.

Mass Clusters: Thousands can aggregate together on a single plant or structure to form dense colonies.

Survival Seal: They seal their shell with a dried mucus wall (epiphragm) to conserve water.

Temperature Limit: This species cannot survive severe winter frosts.

Diet & Agricultural Impact

Food Sources: They are generalist herbivores eating pastures, cereal seedlings, succulent leaves, and decaying matter.

Crop Damage: They can completely defoliate citrus orchards and vineyards when populations surge.

Farming Pest: They pose a severe agricultural threat by clogging harvesting machinery and contaminating grain yields.

Reproduction & Lifecycle

Mating Type: They are cross-fertilizing hermaphrodites that become active and mate after autumn rains.

Egg Laying: Clutches of 40 to 80 eggs are buried several centimeters deep into moist soil.

Incubation: Soft-shelled eggs absorb water and hatch in roughly 20 days.

Lifespan: Their life cycle spans 1 to 2 years depending on local climate conditions.

Global Distribution & Invasion

Invasive Range: They have established aggressive populations across Australia, South Africa, and California.

Spread Method: Due to their habit of climbing cargo, they are the most frequently intercepted land snail in global trade.

Culinary Use: In Italy's Veneto region, they are locally known as "bovoéto" and traditionally boiled with garlic and olive oil.

29-5-2020 GANDIA MARJAL, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

The European goldfinch, or simply goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), is a small, vibrant passerine bird belonging to the finch family. This charming avian species is adorned with a striking red face, encircled by black markings near the eyes, and a black-and-white head. The back and flanks exhibit a warm buff or chestnut brown, while the wings are black with a prominent yellow bar. The tail is black, and the rump is a contrasting white. Males and females are similar in appearance, though the male boasts a slightly more extensive red mask.

Upon closer inspection, one can discern the male goldfinch by its larger, more vivid red mask that extends just beyond the eye. The female's red face does not reach past the eye, and her shoulder feathers are brown, as opposed to the male's black. The bill is ivory-colored, long, and pointed, and the tail is forked. Juveniles can be identified by their plain heads and greyer backs, but the yellow wing stripe is a clear indicator of their species.

The European goldfinch favors open, partially wooded lowlands and is a resident in the milder western parts of its range. In colder regions, it migrates to escape the harsh weather.

22-6-2026 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - AUDOUIN'S GULL (Ichthyaetus audouinii)

The Audouin's gull, Ichthyaetus audouinii, presents itself as a large gull species, predominantly inhabiting the Mediterranean, the western coast of Saharan Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. Its name pays homage to the French naturalist Jean Victoire Audouin. Resembling a small European herring gull, the adult Audouin's gull is distinguished by its short, stubby red bill and the unique "string of pearls" white wing primary tips. The legs of this bird are a subtle grey-green, and it takes a full four years for the gull to don its adult plumage.

When observing the Audouin's gull, one should note the red bill and the distinctive pattern of white spots along the wingtips, which contrast with the larger "mirrors" seen in other gull species. These features are key to distinguishing it from its relatives.

21-6-2026 LLUXTENT, VALENCIA - 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.

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.

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.

21-6-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DELIGHTFUL MARBLED MOTH (Eublemma jucunda)

The Delightful Marbled moth (Odice jucunda, formerly Eublemma jucunda) is a small, beautifully patterned species native to the Mediterranean. Known for its striking purple, pink, and white markings, this species belongs to the family Erebidae and is primarily found in the Iberian Peninsula and southern France.

Key Species Facts

Scientific Name: Odice jucunda (Etymology: The Latin word jucunda means "pleasant" or "delightful").

Family: Erebidae.Appearance: Features highly contrasting and colorful wings—often displaying brilliant purplish-maroon tones combined with creamy, marbled patterns.

Flight Season: Double-brooded, meaning they typically fly in two generations from May to June and again in August to September.

Habitat & Distribution

Geographical Range: Primarily restricted to the warm, dry climates of southern Europe, including Spain and southern France.

Preferred Environment: Dry grasslands, disturbed ground, and areas with scrubby vegetation.

Host Plants: Like many moths in its closely related genera, the caterpillars of the Delightful Marbled moth typically feed on thistles and other closely related Asteraceae family plants. 

21-6-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PETITE WAVE MOTH (Scopula minorata)

Scopula minorata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1833. It is found in Africa south of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula and on the islands of the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, it is found in southern Europe. It can be distinguished from Scopula lactaria only by examination of its genitalia.

The wingspan is 15–20 millimetres (0.59–0.79 in).

Subspecies

Scopula minorata minorata

Scopula minorata corcularia (Rebel, 1894)

Scopula minorata ochroleucaria (Herrich-Schäffer, 1847)

Scopula minorata tripolitana (Sterneck, 1933)

22-6-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TYPICAL GREEN LACEWING (Apertochrysa venosa)

Apertochrysa venosa (formerly known as Pseudomallada venosus or Dichochrysa venosa) is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. Like other lacewings, its larvae are highly effective biological pest controllers, earning the nickname "aphid lions".

Taxonomic Identity

Recent Updates: In 2021, extensive genetic and morphological studies synonymized the large genus Pseudomallada under the older genus name Apertochrysa. Therefore, records under both Apertochrysa and Pseudomallada refer to the same group.

Species Groups: It belongs to the A. venosa group, which is distinctly characterized by the presence of a specific genital structure called gonocristae in males.

21-6-2026 LLUXTENT, VALENCIA - LITTLE OWL (Athene noctua)

The Little Owl, Athene noctua, is a diminutive yet distinctive bird, often associated with the goddess Athena in Greek mythology and Minerva in Roman lore. This bird is characterized by a flat-topped head, a robust, compact body, and a relatively short tail. Its plumage is a mottled greyish-brown, adorned with white spots, streaks, and bars, giving it a cryptic appearance. Both sexes are similar in size, measuring approximately 22 cm in length with a wingspan of 56 cm, and weighing around 180 grams.

The Little Owl possesses a large head, elongated legs, and striking yellow eyes. Its white "eyebrows" lend it a somewhat stern expression. Juvenile birds are somewhat duller than adults and lack the white crown spots. The species is known for its woodpecker-like bounding flight. During the moult, which occurs from July to November, males begin shedding feathers before females.

21-6-2026 LLUXTENT, VALENCIA - PAINTED LADY BUTTERFLY (Vanessa cardui)

Vanessa cardui is the most widespread of all butterfly species. It is commonly called the painted lady, or formerly in North America the cosmopolitan.

V. cardui occurs in any temperate zone, including mountains in the tropics. The species is resident only in warmer areas, but migrates in spring, and sometimes again in autumn. It migrates from North Africa and the Mediterranean to Britain and Europe in May and June, occasionally reaching Iceland, and from the Red Sea basin, via Israel and Cyprus, to Turkey in March and April. The occasional autumn migration made by V. cardui is likely for the inspection of resource changes; it consists of a round trip from Europe to Africa.

21-6-2026 LLUXTENT, VALENCIA - CLOUDED YELLOW BUTTERFLY (Colias croceus)

Colias croceus, clouded yellow, is a small butterfly of the family Pieridae, the yellows and whites.

Colias croceus is one of the most widespread species in Europe. The common clouded yellow's breeding range is North Africa and southern Europe and eastwards through Turkey into the Middle East, but it occurs throughout much of Europe as a summer migrant, in good years individuals reaching Scandinavia. In Asia, its range extends into central Siberia in the north and barely into India in the south; it is not found in Central Asia.

This species is primarily an immigrant to the UK, originating from southern Europe and northern Africa. In the UK they can be seen on the south coast almost every year in varying numbers, and regularly breed there. Occurrence in the rest of the UK varies considerably from year to year, but they are increasingly observed as far north as Dumfries and Galloway. It has also been recorded in Ireland from the Raven, Co. Wexford, to Belfast, Co. Down.