24-3-2017 TROGON LODGE, COSTA RICA - BANDED MAPWING BUTTERFLY (Hypanartia dione ssp. arcaei)

Hypanartia, commonly called mapwings, is a butterfly genus in the family Nymphalidae found from Mexico to South America.

Morphological data, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA reveal that Hypanartia is a possible sister clade a genera including: Polygonia, Aglais, Nymphalis, and more.

24-3-2018 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - SOOTY CAPPED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus pileatus)

21-1-2018 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

21-1-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONG TAILED TIT (Aegithalos caudatus)

The long-tailed tit, or Aegithalos caudatus, is a diminutive bird, notable for its distinctive tail that exceeds the length of its body. This charming avian measures a mere 13–15 cm from beak to tail tip, with the tail accounting for 7–9 cm of this length. Both sexes are similar in appearance, and juveniles don a complete adult plumage after their first moult. The bird's plumage is a delightful mix of black, white, grey, and pink hues.

When attempting to identify the long-tailed tit, look for its round body, short bill, and the remarkably elongated tail that gives this species its name. The plumage is predominantly black and white, with varying degrees of grey and pink depending on the individual.

The long-tailed tit thrives in a variety of environments, including deciduous and mixed woodlands with a rich undergrowth, edges of forests, and scrublands. It is also a common sight in heathlands with scattered trees, farmlands with hedges, and riverine woodlands, as well as parks and gardens.

This species enjoys a broad range across temperate Northern Europe and extends into the Palearctic, reaching into boreal Scandinavia and dipping south into the Mediterranean zone.

The long-tailed tit is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks outside the breeding season. These flocks are family-based, with parents and offspring from the previous breeding season banding together, sometimes joined by additional adults. They defend territories against other flocks and exhibit a strong preference for roosting communally, which aids in survival during cold nights.

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - GREY HEADED CHACHALACA (Ortalis cinereiceps)

The grey-headed chachalaca is a medium-sized bird, similar in general appearance to turkeys, with a small head, long strong legs, and a long broad tail. They are 48 to 58 cm (1.6 to 1.9 ft) long and weigh 490 to 540 g (1.1 to 1.2 lb). They have fairly dull plumage, grayish brown above and paler below. The head is dark grey with a red dewlap and the blackish tail is tipped with buff. Their primary flight feathers are bright chestnut. Juveniles are browner overall, especially on the head.

The grey-headed chachalaca is found from Mosquitia in eastern Honduras through eastern Nicaragua and most of Costa Rica and Panama into Colombia's Chocó Department. In addition to mainland Panama it occurs on Isla del Rey, where it might have been introduced by native Americans. It inhabits a variety of humid landscapes characterized by dense vegetation such as thickets, secondary forest, brushy abandoned fields, and thinned forests. It shuns the interior of dense forest though it can occur in their edges. In elevation it ranges from sea level to 1,700 m (5,600 ft).

The grey-headed chachalaca forages typically in groups of six to 12 but sometimes up to 20, usually in the vegetation but sometimes on the ground. Its diet is about 75% fruit, 17% leaves, and 8% invertebrates. In the dry season it visits rivers to drink in the morning and evening.

25-3-2017 TUIS CARTAGO, COSTA RICA - BRONZED COWBIRD (Molothrus aeneus)

The bronzed cowbird (once known as the red-eyed cowbird, Molothrus aeneus ) is a small icterid.

They breed from the U.S. states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana south through Central America to Panama. They tend to be found in farmland, brush, and feedlots. Outside the breeding season, they are found in very open habitats, and roost in thick woods. These birds forage in open areas, often near cattle in pastures. Their diet mostly consists of seeds and insects, along with snails during breeding season for a calcium source.There are three subspecies:

M. a. loyei Parkes & Blake, 1965 is found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

M. a. assimilis (Nelson, 1900) is found in southwestern Mexico.

M. a. aeneus (Wagler, 1829), the nominate subspecies, is found in South Texas and from eastern Mexico to central Panama

The bronze-brown cowbird, which is restricted to the Caribbean coast of Colombia, was formerly considered to be an isolated population of this species.

The male bronzed cowbird is 20 cm (7.9 in) long and weighs 68 g (2.4 oz), with green-bronze, gloss-black plumage. His eyes are red in breeding season and brown otherwise. The female is 18.5 cm (7.3 in) long and weighs 56 g (2.0 oz). She is a dull black with a brown underbelly, and has brown eyes. Young birds have coloring similar to the females, with the exception of grey feather fringes.

Like all cowbirds, this bird is an obligate brood parasite; it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds. The young cowbird is fed by the host parents at the expense of their own young. Hosts include Prevost's ground-sparrows and white-naped brush finches. They develop rapidly, leaving the nest after 10–12 days.

25-3-2017 TUIS CARTAGO, COSTA RICA - ATTA LEAFCUTTER ANT (Genus Atta)

Atta is a genus of New World ants of the subfamily Myrmicinae. It contains at least 17 known species.

Atta leafcutter ants are relatively large, rusty red or brown in colour, and have a spiny body and long legs. The three main castes within a nest are the queen, worker, and soldier. Only the queens and males have wings (alate), and these ants are also known as reproductives or swarmers. Although most of the ants in the nest are female, only the queens produce eggs. Queens are usually over 20 millimetres (25⁄32 in) long.

Ants of the genus Atta are leafcutter ants that comprise one of the two genera of leafcutting ants within the tribe Attini, along with Acromyrmex. They have no sting, thus inject no venom, although they are known as strong biters.

Atta spp. exhibit a high degree of polymorphism, with four castes being present in established colonies: minims (or garden ants), minors, mediae, and majors (also called soldiers or dinergates).[citation needed] Their immature development undergoes four larval stages, regardless of the ultimate caste, wherein larvae are also associated with fungal hyphae.

25-3-2017 TUIS CARTAGO, COSTA RICA - SUN BITTERN (Eurypyga helias)

The sunbittern (Eurypyga helias) is a bittern-like bird of tropical regions of the Americas, and the sole member of the family Eurypygidae (sometimes spelled Eurypigidae) and genus Eurypyga. It is found in Central and South America, and has three subspecies. The sunbittern shows both morphological and molecular similarities with the kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) of New Caledonia, indicating a Gondwanan origin, both species being placed in the clade Eurypygiformes.

The sunbittern's range extends from Guatemala to Brazil. The nominate race, E. h. helias, is found east of the Andes in lowland tropical South America, from the Orinoco basin, through the Amazon basin and Pantanal. The subspecies E. h. meridionalis, has a more restricted distribution, being found along the East Andean slope in south-central Peru, in the lower subtropical zone at altitudes of 800–1,830 m (2,620–6,000 ft). The final subspecies, E. h. major, is found at various altitudes ranging from southern Guatemala, through Central America and the Chocó to western Ecuador. This subspecies may also be present in southern Mexico. It has been traditionally reported from the Atlantic slope of Chiapas, but no specimens are known and there have been no recent records.

The species is found in the humid Neotropical forests, generally with an open understorey and near rivers, streams, ponds or lagoons.

25-3-2017 TUIS CARTAGO, COSTA RICA - BANDED PEACOCK BUTTERFLY (Anartia fatima)

Anartia fatima, the banded peacock, is a butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is commonly found in south Texas, Mexico, and Central America but most studied in Costa Rica. This butterfly prefers subtropical climates and moist areas, such as near rivers. It spends much of its time in second-growth woodlands.

Its larvae feed on plants in the family Acanthaceae, while adults primarily feed on flower nectar from Acanthus species. The species is diurnal. These butterflies face interspecies competition for nectar with other butterflies and must also compete with hummingbirds, who will chase them away.

The eggs are laid in low-lying host plant leaves and flower bracts. Several hundred are laid by a single female within the span of a few days, with only a small percentage of the eggs surviving to adulthood. Eggs take five days to hatch and the larvae complete six instar phases before pupation. After pupation is complete, adults emerge and fly off within 1–2 hours.

This butterfly is not toxic to predators. It is the victim of predation by many bird, lizard, frog, and arthropod species. However, this butterfly is so ubiquitous that losses from predation do not endanger the species.

25-3-2017 TUIS CARTAGO, COSTA RICA - GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

The great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus, is a vibrant and robust member of the tyrant flycatcher family, Tyrannidae. It is the sole representative of its genus, easily recognized by its size, which ranges from 25 to 28 cm in length, and its weight between 53 to 71.5 grams. The species exhibits a striking head pattern with a black crown, a bold white supercilium, and a hidden yellow crown stripe. The upperparts are a warm brown, while the wings and tail display rufous fringes. Its bill is notably short, thick, and black.

To identify the great kiskadee, look for the distinctive head pattern, the strong white supercilium, and the concealed yellow crown stripe. The brown upperparts, rufous fringes on the wings and tail, and the stout black bill are key characteristics. It can be distinguished from the similar boat-billed flycatcher by the latter's more massive bill and olive-brown back.

The great kiskadee is quite adaptable, inhabiting open woodlands with tall trees, areas of human habitation, and even urban environments. It thrives in a variety of settings, from grasslands to cultivated lands.

This species has a broad range, found from the Lower Rio Grande Valley in southern Texas through Central America, and down to southern Argentina. It has been introduced to Bermuda and Tobago, where it has established populations.

25-3-2017 TUIS CARTAGO, COSTA RICA - RED BILLED PIGEON (Patagioenas flavirostris)

The Red-billed Pigeon, Patagioenas flavirostris, is a robust bird, cloaked in slate-gray plumage. Its head and neck shimmer with a maroon hue, sometimes perceived as purple, while the wing coverts share this rich coloration. The species is characterized by pale red eyes encircled by an orange ring and a distinctive red bill tipped with yellow. Unlike its relatives, this pigeon lacks the iridescent collar plumage, setting it apart visually. A blue-gray underbelly and tail coverts, along with a less brown back, provide further distinction from similar species.

Adults are identified by their dark gray bodies, maroon to purple head and neck, and the red bill with a yellow tip. Females may appear slightly duller than males, while juveniles present a more subdued color palette with dusky shoulders and a brownish mantle and wings. The species ranges in size from 30 to 37 cm in length, weighing between 230 and 425 grams.

The Red-billed Pigeon favors dry forests and is often found along riverside wetlands, thriving in these habitats throughout coastal Mexico and Central America.

This pigeon's breeding range spans from southern Texas to Costa Rica. It is prevalent in coastal and lowland areas, particularly in the Rio Grande region. Sightings in Southern Texas are less frequent, and the bird is considered rare during the winter months.

19-1-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (MALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

19-1-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LONG TAILED TIT (Aegithalos caudatus)

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA - CLAY COLOURED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)

The Clay-colored Thrush, Turdus grayi, is a bird of modest plumage, its feathers a subtle palette of brown hues, lighter on the flanks and faintly streaked on the throat. This bird, similar in size to the American Robin, measures approximately 23 to 27 centimeters in length and weighs between 74 to 76 grams. The young are distinguished by a faint mottling on their backs and underparts. Notable identification features include a greenish-yellow bill with a dark base, pinkish or flesh-colored legs, and reddish irises.

The song of the Clay-colored Thrush is a series of slurred musical phrases, often repeated irregularly at a slow, steady tempo. Its flight call is a harsher version of the American Robin's "tock." During the dry season, its mating call varies significantly across regions.

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - WHITE NECKED JACOBIN (MALE) (Florisuga mellivora)

The White-necked Jacobin, scientifically known as Florisuga mellivora, is a medium-sized hummingbird adorned with a striking plumage. The male is particularly distinctive, boasting a dark blue head and chest, contrasted by a pure white belly and tail, the latter tipped with black. A white band graces the nape, setting apart the blue head from the vibrant green back and elongated uppertail coverts. Females exhibit a more variable appearance, often showing green upperparts and a blue-green throat, with white "scales" and a white belly. Their tails are mostly green with a blue terminal band.

Males are unmistakable with their contrasting blue and white plumage. Females and immatures can be more challenging to identify due to their variability, but typically females have less white in the tail and a bronzy hue on the throat and chest.

This species is found in the canopy and edges of humid forests, as well as in semi-open areas like tall secondary forests, gallery forests, and plantations of coffee and cacao. It tends to stay high in the trees but may descend to lower levels at forest edges and clearings.

The White-necked Jacobin ranges from Mexico through Central America and into northern South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. It is also present in Trinidad & Tobago. The nominate subspecies, F. m. mellivora, is widespread, while F. m. flabellifera is endemic to the island of Tobago.

This hummingbird's movement patterns are not fully understood, but it seems to shift seasonally in response to flowering patterns. It is known to be aggressive towards conspecifics when feeding but is not typically territorial.

The White-necked Jacobin is not a particularly vocal species. Its song consists of a series of high-pitched notes, while its calls include a short 'tsik', a high-pitched 'sweet', and a descending 'swee-swee-swee-swee' during antagonistic interactions.

Breeding occurs during the dry to early wet seasons, with timing varying across its range. The nest is a shallow cup made of plant down and cobwebs, often situated on a leaf and sheltered by another leaf overhead. Males engage in display flights and chases, while females perform fluttering flights to distract predators.

The diet consists primarily of nectar from flowers of tall trees, epiphytes, shrubs, and Heliconia plants. They are also insectivorous, hawking small insects through various aerial maneuvers.

The IUCN has classified the White-necked Jacobin as Least Concern due to its extremely large range. While the population size is not quantified, and trends are unknown, the species is considered uncommon to common throughout its range and is able to adapt to human-modified habitats.

26-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA - GREEN BREASTED MANGO (Anthracothorax prevostii)

The Green-breasted Mango, known scientifically as Anthracothorax prevostii, is a hummingbird of striking poise. This species, with its iridescent plumage, measures between 10.3 to 12.1 cm in length and tips the scales at a delicate 5.7 to 7.0 grams.

Adult males of the Green-breasted Mango boast a metallic bronze-green crown and upperparts, with a velvety black stripe running down their chin and chest, flanked by metallic bluish-green. Their tail feathers shimmer with purple hues. Females, while similar, have less metallic green and their tail feathers are blue-black with a purple base and white tips. Both sexes have a slightly decurved dull black bill.

This species thrives in a variety of lowland tropical landscapes, from semi-open to open environments. These include shrublands, savannas, secondary forests, and mangroves, as well as human-altered areas such as parks and gardens.

The Green-breasted Mango is found from eastern Mexico through Central America, and into Colombia and Venezuela. It has also been recorded as a vagrant in the United States.

The Green-breasted Mango is mostly sedentary, though some northern populations migrate to the Pacific slope during the non-breeding season. It is known to forage at all levels of its habitat, from understory to canopy.

This species is not overly vocal, but its song is a distinctive buzzy repetition of "tsi si-si-si si-si-si," while its calls range from sharp "sip" or "sik" sounds to harsh "chik chik chik" and high, shrill twittering during confrontations.

Breeding seasons vary geographically, with some regions seeing nesting year-round. The female constructs a cup nest on a horizontal branch or even on man-made structures. Clutch size is typically two eggs, with the female solely responsible for incubation and chick rearing.

The Green-breasted Mango may be confused with other hummingbirds, but its distinctive coloration and vocalizations aid in its identification.

Nectar and arthropods make up the diet of this hummingbird. It feeds on a variety of flowering plants and is also known to visit sugar water feeders.

The IUCN lists the Green-breasted Mango as Least Concern, with a large range and no immediate threats identified. It is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S.

26-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA - BUFF THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)

This is a species of dense vegetation. The buff-throated saltator feeds on fruit (e.g. of Cymbopetalum mayanum (Annonaceae), Trophis racemosa (Moraceae), and gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba)), buds, nectar and slow-moving insects. It forages at low and mid levels, sometimes with mixed species flocks.

The two pale blue eggs per clutch measure some 22–32 mm (0.87–1.26 in) long by about 16.5–21.5 mm (0.65–0.85 in) wide and weigh about 4.8–6.1 g (0.17–0.22 oz) each, which is large among Saltator eggs. They are laid in a bulky cup nest up to 2 m (6.6 ft) high in a tree or bush.

26-3-2017 CATIE CENTER, COSTA RICA - GREAT TAILED GRACKLE (FEMALE) (Quiscalus mexicanus)

The great-tailed grackle, or Mexican grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus), is a medium-sized, highly social passerine bird. Males are striking with iridescent black plumage and a purple-blue sheen on their head and upper body, while females are more subdued in brown with darker wings and tail. Both sexes boast long tails and bright yellow eyes, although juveniles have brown eyes and plumage similar to females, with streaks on the breast.

Adult males are unmistakable with their glossy black feathers and keel-shaped tails, which they can fold vertically. Females and juveniles can be identified by their brown coloration and long tails. The species is larger than starlings but smaller than crows, with a wingspan ranging from 18.9 to 22.8 inches.

Great-tailed grackles are found in a variety of clear areas for foraging, including pastures, wetlands, mangroves, and chaparral. They have adapted well to agricultural and urban environments.

Originally from the tropical lowlands of Central and South America, the great-tailed grackle has expanded its range significantly, now found from northwestern Venezuela and western Colombia to as far north as Minnesota, and from Oregon to Florida in the United States.

26-3-2017 CATIE CENTER, COSTA RICA - ANHINGA (MALE) (Anhinga anhinga)

The anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) is a water bird related to cormorants and pelicans. The word anhinga comes from the Brazilian Tupi language and means "devil bird" or "snake bird". Anhingas are skillful swimmers with unique characteristics that help them when hunting for fish. Their feathers provide less buoyancy than ducks, so they are able to dive under the water, and swim with just their thin necks above the water, earning them the nickname of the "snake bird".

The anhinga is a large bird. Its bill is relatively long (about twice the length of the head), sharply pointed, and yellow, and the webbed feet are yellow as well. The male is a glossy black-green with the wings, base of wings, and tail a glossy black-blue. The tip of the tail is white. The back of the head and the neck have elongated feathers that have been described as gray or light purple-white. The upper back of the body and wings is spotted or streaked with white. The female anhinga is similar to the male except that it has a pale gray-buff or light brown head, neck, and upper chest. The lower chest or breast is a chestnut color, and the back is browner than that of the male. The hatchling starts out bald but gains tan down within a few days of hatching. Within two weeks the tan down is replaced by white down. Three weeks after hatching, the first juvenile feathers appear. Juveniles are mostly brown until they first breed usually after the second or third winter.

Anhingas live all year round in southwest coastal areas of the United States, from North Carolina to Texas. They are also found in Central America, Mexico, Panama, and Cuba, and in South America from Colombia to Ecuador, and in the east of the Andes to Argentina. Only birds that live in the extreme north and south of their range migrate and do so based on temperature and available sunlight. Anhingas will migrate towards the equator during winter but this range is "determined by the amount of sunshine to warm the chilled birds". Although not in their usual range, anhingas have been found as far north as the states of Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in the United States. Anhingas live in tropical and subtropical areas. They prefer warm shallow waters that are fresh or brackish and can sometimes be found on coasts. They live near lakes, rivers, marshes, and mangrove swamps with tall trees and thick vegetation, and in shallow lagoons and bays.

26-3-2017 CATIE CENTER, COSTA RICA - WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis ssp. ibis)

The Cattle Egret, a member of the heron family Ardeidae, is a small white bird recognized for its association with grazing animals. It exhibits a stout build, with a wingspan ranging from 88 to 96 cm, and a body length between 46 to 56 cm. The species is relatively light, weighing between 270 to 512 grams. It is characterized by a short, thick neck, a robust bill, and a somewhat hunched posture.

Outside the breeding season, the adult Cattle Egret has predominantly white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs. Come breeding time, the western variety develops striking orange-buff plumes on the back, breast, and crown, while the bill, legs, and irises turn a vivid red. The eastern variety differs slightly with buff coloration extending to the cheeks and throat during breeding, and the plumes taking on a more golden hue. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though males are marginally larger with longer breeding plumes.

Cattle Egrets are adaptable birds that exploit a variety of drier and open habitats more than other heron species. Their preferred environments include seasonally inundated grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands, and rice paddies.

Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, the Cattle Egret has seen a significant expansion in its distribution, colonizing much of the rest of the world over the last century. It is now found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones globally.

17-1-2018 ALBUFERA, 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.

Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, the European goldfinch has also been introduced to various regions across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay.

The European goldfinch is known for its sociable nature, often forming flocks in the winter. It is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, particularly in the colder months.

The goldfinch's song is a delightful, silvery twittering, while its call is a melodic tickeLIT. Its song comprises a tinkling medley of trills and twitters, always including the tri-syllabic call phrase.

The female goldfinch solely constructs the nest, which is often situated several meters above ground, camouflaged by leaves. The nest is made of mosses and lichens, lined with plant down, and secured with spider silk. Eggs are laid at daily intervals, typically resulting in a clutch of 4-6 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-13 days, with the female being fed by the male. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge 13-18 days after hatching.

Goldfinches have a preference for small seeds, such as those from thistles and teasels, but will also consume insects when feeding young. They are particularly drawn to bird feeders offering niger seed.

The European goldfinch is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population.

The European goldfinch has a long history of being kept and bred in captivity due to its attractive plumage and pleasant song. It has also been featured in various works of art and literature, symbolizing different cultural and religious themes.

17-1-2018 ULLAL DE BOLDOVI, VALENCIA - COMMON CHAFFINCH (FEMALE) (Fringilla coelebs)

The Eurasian chaffinch, or simply the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), presents a striking dichotomy in plumage between the sexes. The male is resplendent with a blue-grey cap and rust-red underparts, while the female's attire is more subdued, though both genders boast two white wing bars and white sides to their tails. The male's robust voice is a herald of spring, as he sings from exposed perches to court a mate.

To identify the male chaffinch, look for the black forehead, blue-grey crown, and rust-red breast, which fades to a pale creamy-pink on the belly. The wings feature a white panel on the coverts and a buff-white bar on the secondaries and inner primaries. Females and juveniles are more muted with grey-brown shades above and paler below, but retain the distinctive wing markings.

Chaffinches favor wooded environments, thriving in areas where the July isotherm ranges from 12 to 30°C. They are adaptable, however, and can be found in a variety of forested landscapes across their range.

This small passerine bird is widespread across Europe and parts of Asia, extending to Siberia. It is also an introduced species in some regions, such as New Zealand and South Africa.

The Eurasian chaffinch, or simply the chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), presents a striking dichotomy in plumage between the sexes. The male is resplendent with a blue-grey cap and rust-red underparts, while the female's attire is more subdued, though both genders boast two white wing bars and white sides to their tails. The male's robust voice is a herald of spring, as he sings from exposed perches to court a mate.

To identify the male chaffinch, look for the black forehead, blue-grey crown, and rust-red breast, which fades to a pale creamy-pink on the belly. The wings feature a white panel on the coverts and a buff-white bar on the secondaries and inner primaries. Females and juveniles are more muted with grey-brown shades above and paler below, but retain the distinctive wing markings.

Chaffinches favor wooded environments, thriving in areas where the July isotherm ranges from 12 to 30°C. They are adaptable, however, and can be found in a variety of forested landscapes across their range.

This small passerine bird is widespread across Europe and parts of Asia, extending to Siberia. It is also an introduced species in some regions, such as New Zealand and South Africa.

Chaffinches are gregarious outside the breeding season, forming flocks in open countryside. They exhibit partial migration, with birds in colder regions moving south for the winter, while those in milder areas may remain sedentary.

The male chaffinch's song is a delightful mix of trills and chirps, with regional dialects adding to the chorus. Each male typically has a repertoire of two or three song types.

Monogamous by nature, chaffinches breed once they reach one year of age. The female meticulously constructs a nest in the fork of a tree, laying a clutch of 4-5 eggs that hatch in about 13 days. The fledglings take to the wing approximately 14 days later but continue to receive parental care for several weeks thereafter.

During the breeding season, chaffinches forage in trees for invertebrates, particularly caterpillars, to feed their young. Outside this period, their diet shifts to seeds and plant material found on the ground.

17-1-2018 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

17-1-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail, which lives in open landscapes often in close proximity to humans, is widely distributed across the country. With its conspicuous tail movements it is easy to identify. It forages mainly on vegetation-free or sparsely vegetated cultivated land, on roadsides and on roofs. It belongs to the few bird species that profit by human intervention in agriculture.

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.

17-1-2018 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

The Grey Heron exhibits a slow, deliberate flight with its neck retracted in an S-shape. It is known for its solitary foraging habits, often standing motionless or stalking prey through shallow waters. It is also a communal rooster, often found in trees or cliffs at night.