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Friday, 6 January 2017

6-1-2017 MONTE CORONA, 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.

The male blackcap's song is a rich musical warble, often ending in a high-pitched crescendo. In isolated areas, a simpler song may be heard. Calls include a hard "tac-tac" and various squeaks and trills. The song is sometimes confused with that of the garden warbler but is slightly higher-pitched and more broken.

Blackcaps typically build a neat cup-shaped nest in brambles or scrub, laying a clutch of 4–6 buff eggs with grey and brown markings. Both parents incubate the eggs and care for the altricial chicks, which fledge in about 11–12 days.

The blackcap can be confused with other dark-headed Sylvia species, such as the Sardinian and Orphean warblers, but these have more extensive black on the head and are larger with white tail edges.

During the breeding season, blackcaps feed mainly on insects, switching to fruit in late summer. In winter, they consume small fruits and may rely on food provided in gardens, such as bread, fat, and peanuts.

Despite pressures from hunting in the Mediterranean and natural predation, the blackcap has been expanding its range for decades and is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Least Concern. Its population is estimated to be between 101 and 161 million individuals globally.

6-1-2017 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 to its invertebrate prey.

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.


The European robin is unique among the Erithacus genus, with its closest relatives being the Japanese robin and the Ryukyu robin, which are now placed in a different genus.

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.

Conservation Status
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.

6-1-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)


The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

6-1-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - 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.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

Thursday, 5 January 2017

28-4-2014 MARXUQUERA, VALENCIA - RED STRIPED OIL BEETLE (Berberomeloe majalis)


28-4-2014 MOROS MARSHES, SAGUNTO - QUEEN OF SPAIN FRITILLARY BUTTERFLY (Issoria lathonia)


The Queen of Spain Fritillary is a large and distinctive butterfly with a wingspan of 3.8 to 4.5cm. Its hindwings are more sharply angular than most other fritillaries, and the upperwings have regular rows of rounded spots.

The undersides of the hindwings are decorated with large pearly spots - visible in the pictures immediately above and below.

The Queen of Spain Fritillary is a very rare migrant to southern Britain. Its native range covers most of mainland Europe, however, except for the far north of Scandinavia, and extends southwards into northern Africa and eastwards through Asia as far as eastern China.

This migrant species is found in a variety of mainly dryish habitats including heathland and herb-rich meadows, but also in fields with arable crops, on rocky hill slopes, and on woodland edges.


7-1-2017 ADOR CAMPO, 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.

This owl favors open countryside and thrives in a variety of habitats, including agricultural lands with hedgerows and trees, orchards, woodland edges, parks, gardens, steppes, and semi-deserts. It can also be found in treeless areas such as dunes, and near human-made structures like ruins and quarries.


The Little Owl's range spans much of temperate and warmer parts of Europe, the Palearctic east to Korea, and North Africa. It has been introduced to Britain and the South Island of New Zealand, where it has established populations.

The Little Owl is known for its territorial nature, with males defending their territories from intruders. It is partly diurnal and can often be seen perched in prominent positions during the day. Its diet consists of insects, earthworms, other invertebrates, and small vertebrates. The owl is adept at swooping down on prey from its perch and is known to cache surplus food.

The Little Owl's call is a querulous "kiew, kiew," and it also produces various whistling or trilling sounds. During the breeding season, it may emit more modulated calls, and pairs can engage in duets. Near the nest, the owl may make yelping, chattering, or barking noises.

Breeding season sees increased vocal activity at night in late spring. Nests are located in a variety of places, including tree holes, cliffs, and old buildings. The female lays a clutch of about four eggs, which she incubates. The male provides food during this period, and both parents feed the chicks once hatched. Young owls fledge at about seven weeks of age.

Wednesday, 4 January 2017

4-1-2017 MOROS MARSHES, SAGUNTO - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Fringilla coelebs)


The Chiffchaff is a small, olive-brown warbler with a pale eye stripe and faint wing bars. Its underparts are typically pale with a yellowish tinge, while the upperparts are olive-green to brown. The bird has short, rounded wings and a slightly forked tail.

Males and females are virtually identical in appearance, with females being slightly smaller on average. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may appear slightly duller and more yellow-tinged overall.

Chiffchaffs inhabit many wooded habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, parks, gardens, and hedgerows. They are widespread across Europe and Asia, with populations extending from Western Europe to Eastern Siberia.

In the UK, Chiffchaffs are common summer visitors and increasingly year-round residents in southern areas. Some populations migrate to the Mediterranean and North Africa for winter, while others have begun overwintering in their breeding grounds, likely due to climate change.


Chiffchaffs are primarily insectivorous, feeding on various small insects and spiders. They glean prey from leaves and branches, often hovering to snatch insects in mid-air, as well as on the ground.

They may supplement their diet in autumn with small berries and fruits, especially during migration. Their normal daily intake of flies will usually be equal to a third of their body weight.

Chiffchaffs are restless and active birds, constantly flitting through foliage in search of insects. They often hover while foraging, a distinctive behaviour among warblers.

During the breeding season, males become highly territorial, vigorously defending their areas with persistent singing and occasional aerial displays.


The Chiffchaff's name is onomatopoeic, derived from its distinctive song: a repetitive 'chiff-chaff' or 'zilp-zalp'. This simple yet persistent call is often the first sign of spring in many European woodlands. They also have a soft 'hweet' call that is used for contact and alarm.

Chiffchaffs typically form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which runs from April to July in most of Europe. Males establish territories and attract females with persistent singing.

The nest is a domed structure made of grass, leaves, and moss, usually located close to the ground in low vegetation or brambles. Females lay 5-6 white eggs with dark speckles.

Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, and the female primarily performs it. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 12-15 days. Pairs often raise two broods per season in favourable conditions.


The Chiffchaff typically lives for 2 to 3 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 8 years.

Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.

While the Chiffchaff is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces threats from habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on preserving woodland habitats and monitoring population trends across its range.

It benefits from protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act in the UK.

4-1-2017 MOROS MARSHES, SAGUNTO - NORTHERN SHOVELER (FEMALE) (Spatula clypeata)


The Northern Shoveler, known in Britain simply as the shoveler, is a distinctive species with a broad, spatulate bill that sets it apart from other ducks. The male, or drake, in breeding plumage boasts an iridescent dark green head, a white chest, and chestnut flanks and belly. When in flight, one can observe the pale blue feathers on the forewing, edged with white and set against a green speculum. The female is more subdued in color, mottled brown akin to other dabblers, but her large, gray bill with orange hints is a clear identifier.

To identify the Northern Shoveler, look for the following characteristics:

Large, spatulate bill
Males: Iridescent dark green head, white chest, chestnut belly and flanks
Females: Mottled brown, similar to a female mallard but with a distinctive bill
In flight: Pale blue forewing feathers with a white border and green speculum
Size: Length of 48 cm (19 in), wingspan of 76 cm (30 in), and weight of 600 g (1.3 lb)
 
The Northern Shoveler frequents open wetlands such as wet grasslands or marshes with emergent vegetation. They prefer mud-bottomed marshes rich in invertebrate life.

This species has a broad breeding range across northern Europe, the Palearctic, and most of North America. It winters in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It is a rare vagrant to Australia.

Northern Shovelers are known for their unique foraging behavior, swimming rapidly in circles to create a funnel effect that brings food to the surface. They feed by dabbling for plant food and straining aquatic invertebrates from the water with their specialized bills. During the breeding season, males are territorial and perform elaborate courtship displays. They are fairly quiet, with males emitting a clunking call and females quacking like a mallard.

4-1-2017 MOROS MARSHES, SAGUNTO - NORTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus vanellus)


The Northern Lapwing, known scientifically as Vanellus vanellus, is a distinctive bird with a notable crest on its head. It measures 28–33 cm in length, with a wingspan of 67–87 cm and a body mass ranging from 128–330 g. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism; males have a pronounced crest and a stark black crown, throat, and breast, which contrasts sharply with their white face. Females and juveniles have shorter crests and less defined head markings, but their overall plumage is similar to that of the males, with a black and white coloration and a greenish tint on the back.

When identifying the Northern Lapwing, look for its rounded wings, short legs, and the characteristic crest that adorns its head. The male's long crest and contrasting black and white facial patterns are particularly striking during the breeding season. In flight, the species can be recognized by its slow wingbeats and the rounded shape of its wings.

The Northern Lapwing is a ground-nesting bird that favors open landscapes such as cultivated fields, grasslands, and wetlands. It is adaptable and can be found in a variety of temperate environments across Eurosiberia.

This bird is a widespread resident throughout temperate regions of Eurosiberia. It is highly migratory, wintering in regions as far south as North Africa and parts of Asia. Western European populations are more sedentary, while vagrants have been known to appear in North America following storms.

4-1-2017 MOROS MARSHES, SAGUNTO - EURASIAN TEAL (MALE) (Anas crecca ssp. crecca)


The Eurasian teal, also known as the common teal or Eurasian green-winged teal, is a diminutive and charming dabbling duck. It is the smallest extant member of its family, with a compact body and a swift, agile flight. The male, in its breeding finery, is particularly striking with its chestnut head, iridescent green eye-patch, and the distinctive white stripe that runs along its body, which has lent its name to the color teal.

The drake Eurasian teal, in its nuptial plumage, can be identified by its grey appearance from a distance, with a dark head, a yellowish posterior, and a prominent white stripe along the flank. The hen is more subdued in color, with a mottled brown appearance similar to a miniature mallard hen. In flight, look for the iridescent green speculum bordered with white and the fast, twisting flocks that can resemble waders.


During the breeding season, the Eurasian teal favors sheltered freshwater wetlands with tall vegetation, such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reed beds. In winter, it can often be found in brackish waters and even sheltered inlets along the seashore.

The Eurasian teal breeds across temperate Eurosiberia and migrates southward in winter. Its range overlaps in temperate Europe, where it can be found year-round in some regions. Significant wintering populations are found around the Mediterranean, in Japan, South Asia, and isolated locations such as Lake Victoria and the Nile Valley.


Outside of the breeding season, the Eurasian teal is highly sociable, forming large flocks. It is nimble on the ground and in flight, often feeding by dabbling, upending, or grazing. It may even dive to reach food. The species is known for its clear, far-carrying whistle and is diurnal during the breeding season, shifting to crepuscular or nocturnal feeding in winter.

The male Eurasian teal emits a clear whistling "cryc" or "creelycc," while the female's call is a softer "keh" or "neeh" quack. These vocalizations are not particularly loud but are distinctive and carry well over distances.

Breeding pairs form in winter quarters and arrive at breeding grounds together. Nesting occurs on the ground, concealed near water. The female lays a clutch of 5-16 eggs, which she incubates for 21-23 days. Ducklings are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, with the mother tending to them for about 25-30 days until they fledge.


The Eurasian teal can be confused with the North American green-winged teal, but the former can be distinguished by the horizontal white stripe on the drake's body and the lack of a vertical white bar at the breast sides.

The diet of the Eurasian teal varies seasonally. During the breeding season, it primarily consumes aquatic invertebrates. In winter, it shifts to seeds of aquatic plants and grasses. The teal is adaptable in its foraging, taking advantage of various food sources depending on availability.

The Eurasian teal is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. While its population is experiencing a slow decline, possibly due to habitat loss, it is not currently considered threatened. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, particularly in wintering grounds.

4-1-2017 MOROS MARSHES, SAGUNTO - EURASIAN TEAL (FEMALE) (Anas crecca ssp. crecca)


The Eurasian teal, also known as the common teal or Eurasian green-winged teal, is a diminutive and charming dabbling duck. It is the smallest extant member of its family, with a compact body and a swift, agile flight. The male, in its breeding finery, is particularly striking with its chestnut head, iridescent green eye-patch, and the distinctive white stripe that runs along its body, which has lent its name to the color teal.

The drake Eurasian teal, in its nuptial plumage, can be identified by its grey appearance from a distance, with a dark head, a yellowish posterior, and a prominent white stripe along the flank. The hen is more subdued in color, with a mottled brown appearance similar to a miniature mallard hen. In flight, look for the iridescent green speculum bordered with white and the fast, twisting flocks that can resemble waders.


During the breeding season, the Eurasian teal favors sheltered freshwater wetlands with tall vegetation, such as taiga bogs or small lakes and ponds with extensive reed beds. In winter, it can often be found in brackish waters and even sheltered inlets along the seashore.

The Eurasian teal breeds across temperate Eurosiberia and migrates southward in winter. Its range overlaps in temperate Europe, where it can be found year-round in some regions. Significant wintering populations are found around the Mediterranean, in Japan, South Asia, and isolated locations such as Lake Victoria and the Nile Valley.


Outside of the breeding season, the Eurasian teal is highly sociable, forming large flocks. It is nimble on the ground and in flight, often feeding by dabbling, upending, or grazing. It may even dive to reach food. The species is known for its clear, far-carrying whistle and is diurnal during the breeding season, shifting to crepuscular or nocturnal feeding in winter.

The male Eurasian teal emits a clear whistling "cryc" or "creelycc," while the female's call is a softer "keh" or "neeh" quack. These vocalizations are not particularly loud but are distinctive and carry well over distances.

Breeding pairs form in winter quarters and arrive at breeding grounds together. Nesting occurs on the ground, concealed near water. The female lays a clutch of 5-16 eggs, which she incubates for 21-23 days. Ducklings are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching, with the mother tending to them for about 25-30 days until they fledge.


The Eurasian teal can be confused with the North American green-winged teal, but the former can be distinguished by the horizontal white stripe on the drake's body and the lack of a vertical white bar at the breast sides.

The diet of the Eurasian teal varies seasonally. During the breeding season, it primarily consumes aquatic invertebrates. In winter, it shifts to seeds of aquatic plants and grasses. The teal is adaptable in its foraging, taking advantage of various food sources depending on availability.

The Eurasian teal is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. While its population is experiencing a slow decline, possibly due to habitat loss, it is not currently considered threatened. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, particularly in wintering grounds.

4-1-2017 MOROS MARSHES, SAGUNTO - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)


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

This species occurs over a large native 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.


In the cool-temperate parts of its range, the common kestrel migrates south in winter; otherwise it is sedentary, though juveniles may wander around in search for a good place to settle down as they become mature. It is a diurnal animal of the lowlands and prefers open habitat such as fields, heaths, shrubland and marshland. It does not require woodland to be present as long as there are alternative perching and nesting sites like rocks or buildings. It will thrive in treeless steppe where there are abundant herbaceous plants and shrubs to support a population of prey animals. The common kestrel readily adapts to human settlement, as long as sufficient swathes of vegetation are available, and may even be found in wetlands, moorlands and arid savanna. It is found from the sea to the lower mountain ranges, reaching elevations up to 4,500 m (14,800 ft) ASL in the hottest tropical parts of its range but only to about 1,750 m (5,740 ft) in the subtropical climate of the Himalayan foothills.

Tuesday, 3 January 2017

9-6-2014 PEGO MARSHES, ALICANTE - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)








9-6-2014 PEGO MARSHES, ALICANTE - PURPLE HERON AND LITTLE EGRET


17-9-2015 ALCALA DE JUCAR - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)


Distinctive but variable: all plumages are some bold combination of black, white, and gray. Shows considerable variation in plumage across the world, but never has a clear, thin and contrasting eye-brow like White-browed or Japanese Wagtail. Occurs in varied open habitats, from wild grassy areas and wetlands to paved car parks and grassy lawns. Usually seen as singles, pairs, or small groups walking and running around, pumping the long, white-sided tail up and down. Identified easily in flight by its loud, thick and distinctive “tsee-tsee’ call.

17-9-2015 ALCALA DE JUCAR - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)


The mallard (/ˈmælɑːrd, ˈmælərd/) or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. This duck belongs to the subfamily Anatinae of the waterfowl family Anatidae. Males have green heads, while the females (hens or ducks) have mainly brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes have an area of white-bordered black or iridescent purple or blue feathers called a speculum on their wings; males especially tend to have blue speculum feathers. The mallard is 50–65 cm (20–26 in) long, of which the body makes up around two-thirds the length. The wingspan is 81–98 cm (32–39 in) and the bill is 4.4 to 6.1 cm (1.7 to 2.4 in) long. It is often slightly heavier than most other dabbling ducks, weighing 0.7–1.6 kg (1.5–3.5 lb). Mallards live in wetlands, eat water plants and small animals, and are social animals preferring to congregate in groups or flocks of varying sizes.


The female lays 8 to 13 creamy white to greenish-buff spotless eggs, on alternate days. Incubation takes 27 to 28 days and fledging takes 50 to 60 days. The ducklings are precocial and fully capable of swimming as soon as they hatch.

The mallard is considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Unlike many waterfowl, mallards are considered an invasive species in some regions. It is a very adaptable species, being able to live and even thrive in urban areas which may have supported more localised, sensitive species of waterfowl before development. The non-migratory mallard interbreeds with indigenous wild ducks of closely related species through genetic pollution by producing fertile offspring. Complete hybridisation of various species of wild duck gene pools could result in the extinction of many indigenous waterfowl. This species is the main ancestor of most breeds of domestic duck, and its naturally evolved wild gene pool has been genetically polluted by the domestic and feral mallard populations.

2-6-2015 MOROS MARSH, SAGUNTO - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)


The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed, very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. Its scientific name, Himantopus himantopus, is sometimes used to generalize a single, almost cosmopolitan species. Alternatively, it is restricted to the form that is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa, which equals the nominate group of H. himantopus sensu lato. Meanwhile, the black-necked (H. mexicanus) and white-backed stilts (H. melanurus) both inhabit the Americas; the pied stilt (H. leucocephalus) ranges from Australasia and New Zealand. Today, most sources accept between one and four actual species. The taxonomic name Himantopus comes from Greek, meaning "strap-foot" or "thong-foot".


Adults are 33–36 cm (13–14 in) long, with long, pink legs, and a long, rather thin black bill. The birds are generally black above and white below, with a white head and neck (with a varying amount of black, species-dependent). Males have a black back, often with a greenish gloss or sheen. Females' backs have a brownish hue, contrasting with the black remiges. In populations where the top of the head is normally white (at least in winter), females tend to have less black on the head and neck the entire year-round, while males often have much more black, particularly in summer. This difference is not clear-cut, however, and males usually grow all-white head feathers in winter.

Immature birds are grey, instead of black, and have a markedly sandy hue on their wings, with light feather fringes appearing as a whitish line in flight.


2-6-2015 MOROS MARSH, SAGUNTO - BLACK WINGED STILT (FEMALE) (Himantopus himantopus)


Adults are 33–36 cm (13–14 in) long, with long, pink legs, and a long, rather thin black bill. The birds are generally black above and white below, with a white head and neck (with a varying amount of black, species-dependent). Males have a black back, often with a greenish gloss or sheen. Females' backs have a brownish hue, contrasting with the black remiges. In populations where the top of the head is normally white (at least in winter), females tend to have less black on the head and neck the entire year-round, while males often have much more black, particularly in summer. This difference is not clear-cut, however, and males usually grow all-white head feathers in winter.

2-7-2017 DENIA RAILWAY, ALICANTE - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)


The common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus, is a bird of prey from the kestrel group within the falcon family Falconidae. It is also known as the European kestrel, Eurasian kestrel, or Old World kestrel. In the United Kingdom, it is often simply referred to as the "kestrel." This raptor is small compared to other birds of prey but larger than most songbirds, with long wings and a distinctive long tail.

Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism in their plumage. The male has a blue-grey cap and tail with a black tip bordered by a narrow white rim. Its back is chestnut with black spots, and the underside is buff with black streaks. The female is larger and lacks the blue-grey coloring, having a brown back with black bars and a similar underside to the male. Both sexes have a prominent black malar stripe, bright yellow cere, feet, and eye-ring, with dark toenails, bill, and iris.


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.


The lesser kestrel and American kestrel are similar but not closely related. The lesser kestrel lacks black on the upperside except for wing and tail tips, while the American kestrel has much grey in the wings of males.

The common kestrel's diet consists almost exclusively of mouse-sized mammals, such as voles, shrews, and true mice. It may also consume small birds, particularly during the summer when fledglings are abundant. Invertebrates and arthropods can be significant food sources seasonally.

The IUCN lists the common kestrel as Least Concern. Its population has fluctuated but remains generally stable, with an estimated 1-2 million pairs globally. Some subspecies, such as those in the Canary Islands, are rarer and number less than 1000 adult birds.

2-7-2017 DENIA RAILWAY, ALICANTE - SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)


The spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor ) is a passerine bird in the starling family, Sturnidae. It is closely related to the common starling (S. vulgaris ), but has a much more restricted range, confined to the Iberian Peninsula, Northwest Africa, southernmost France, and the islands of Sicily, Corsica and Sardinia. It is largely non-migratory.

The adult spotless starling is very similar to the common starling, but marginally larger (21–23 cm length; 70–100 g weight), and has darker, oily-looking black plumage, slightly purple- or green-glossed in bright light, which is entirely spotless in spring and summer, and only with very small pale spots in winter plumage, formed by the pale tips of the feathers. It also differs in having conspicuously longer throat feathers (twice the length of those on common starlings), forming a shaggy "beard" which is particularly obvious when the bird is singing. Its legs are bright pink. In summer, the bill is yellow with a bluish base in males and a pinkish base in females; in winter, it is duller, often blackish. Young birds are dull brown, darker than young common starlings, and have a black bill and brown legs. Confusion with the common starling is particularly easy during the winter, when common starlings are abundant throughout the spotless starling's range, but also in summer where their breeding ranges overlap in northeastern Spain and the far south of France. It can also be confused with the common blackbird (Turdus merula ), which differs most obviously in its longer tail and lack of plumage gloss.

Like the common starling, it walks rather than hops, and has a strong direct flight, looking triangular-winged and short-tailed. It is a noisy bird and a good mimic; its calls are similar to the common starling's, but louder.

2-7-2017 DENIA RAILWAY, ALICANTE - IBERIAN GREY SHRIKE (Lanius meridionalis)






Monday, 2 January 2017

3-1-2017 SWITZERLAND (WEBCAM) - MIDDLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dendrocoptes medius)


The middle spotted woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius) is a European woodpecker belonging to the genus Dendrocoptes.

The middle spotted woodpecker occurs only in Europe in the Palearctic, from northern Spain and France east to Poland and Ukraine, and south to central Italy (where local), the Balkan Peninsula, Lithuania, Latvia, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Iran. The species is common in Estonia, but virtually nonexistent in Finland. This species used to breed in Sweden but became extirpated in the '80s. However, middle spotted woodpeckers have been seen again in Sweden in their breeding habitat in recent years, suggesting a recolonization of the country. Due to its sedentary nature it has never been recorded in the British Isles. It prefers deciduous forest regions, especially areas with old oak, hornbeam and elm, and a patchwork of clearings, pasture and dense woodland.