15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN CARMINE BEE-EATER (Merops nubicoides)

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater, known scientifically as Merops nubicoides, is a vibrant avian spectacle. Its plumage is predominantly a rich carmine, with a contrasting blue crown and undertail, creating a striking visual display.

To identify this species, look for its vivid carmine red coloring, which is complemented by a blue crown and undertail. The bird's slender and streamlined body, typical of bee-eaters, aids in its agile flight.

These birds are commonly found in low-altitude river valleys and floodplains. They show a preference for vertical banks, which are essential for their breeding habits, as they tunnel into these banks to create their nests.

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater graces the skies from KwaZulu-Natal and Namibia to Gabon, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya. It is a migratory bird, breeding in Zimbabwe and Zambia from August to November, then moving to South Africa during the summer months, and finally migrating to Equatorial Africa from March to August.

 

This species is highly sociable, often seen in large flocks. They roost communally in trees or reedbeds and disperse widely during the day. Their agility is showcased as they hawk flying insects from perches or even while following large animals or vehicles to catch prey disturbed by these moving entities.

Breeding occurs at the end of a 1 to 2-meter long burrow in an earthen bank, where they lay a clutch of 2 to 5 eggs. These birds are known for their communal nesting habits, often seen digging vertical burrows in the level surface of small salt islands.

Their diet primarily consists of bees and other flying insects. They employ a hunting strategy known as hawking, where they catch insects in flight from a perch. They are also known to follow wildfires and larger animals to feed on insects that are flushed out in such scenarios.

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - BLACKSMITH LAPWING (Vanellus armatus)

The Blacksmith Lapwing, known scientifically as Vanellus armatus, is a striking bird with a bold pattern of black, grey, and white, which may serve as a warning to predators. Its red eyes are a distinctive feature, shared with only four other lapwing species across the globe. Adorning the wrist joint is a carpal spur, a sharp black protrusion used in defense of their young, with aggressive aerial dives often aimed at the heads of intruders.

When identifying the Blacksmith Lapwing, look for its red eyes and the contrasting pied plumage. The bill and portions of the legs are black, with the legs sometimes showing a white-grey mottling. The sexes appear similar, though females tend to be slightly larger and heavier.

This lapwing species is commonly found in association with wetlands of varying sizes, from expansive marshes to the smallest damp areas caused by spilling water troughs. In South Africa, they are particularly abundant in mesic grassland regions.

The Blacksmith Lapwing is a common sight from Kenya through central Tanzania to southern and southwestern Africa. They have expanded their range in the 20th century, notably establishing a presence in the western Cape region of South Africa since the 1930s.

Partially migratory, the Blacksmith Lapwing does not engage in large-scale, regular migrations. They are known to be aggressive during the breeding season, particularly towards other lapwings or African jacanas entering their territory.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - 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.

A colony of the herons has regularly summered at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. for more than a century. The birds also prominently live year-round in the shores around the San Francisco Bay, with the largest rookery in Oakland. Their ever presence at Oakland's Lake Merritt and throughout the city's downtown area, as well as their resilience to the urban environment and displacement efforts, have led to them being named Oakland's official city bird.

There are two archaeological specimens of the black-crowned night-heron in Great Britain. The oldest is from the Roman London Wall and the more recent from the Royal Navy's late medieval victualling yards in Greenwich. It appears in the London poulterers' price lists as the Brewe, a bird which was thought to have been the Eurasian whimbrel or glossy ibis, which has now been shown to refer to the black-crowned night-heron, derived from the medieval French Bihoreau. Black-crowned night-heron may have bred in the far wetter and wider landscape of pre-modern Britain. They were certainly imported for the table so the bone specimens themselves do not prove they were part of the British avifauna. In modern times the black-crowned night-heron is a vagrant and feral breeding colonies were established at Edinburgh Zoo from 1950 into the 21st century and at Great Witchingham in Norfolk, where there were 8 pairs in 2003 but breeding was not repeated in 2004 or 2005. A pair of adults were seen with two recently fledged juveniles in Somerset in 2017, which is the first proven breeding record of wild black-crowned night-herons in Great Britain.

These birds stand still at the water's edge and wait to ambush prey, mainly at night or early morning. They primarily eat small fish, leeches, earthworms, mussels, squid, crustaceans (such as crayfish), frogs, other amphibians, aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, lizards, snakes, small mammals (such as rodents), small birds, eggs, carrion, plant material, and garbage and refuse at landfills. They are among the seven heron species observed to engage in bait fishing; luring or distracting fish by tossing edible or inedible buoyant objects into water within their striking range – a rare example of tool use among birds. During the day they rest in trees or bushes. N. n. hoactli is more gregarious outside the breeding season than the nominate race.

Black-crowned Night Herons nest in groups that often include other species, including herons, egrets, and ibises. A breeding Black-crowned Night Heron will brood any chick that is placed in its nest. The herons apparently don't distinguish between their own offspring and nestlings from other parents.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a migratory passerine bird, recognized as the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail, known for its graceful flight and agile maneuvers. The adult male of the nominate subspecies is 17–19 cm in length, including elongated outer tail feathers, and has a wingspan of 32–34.5 cm. It is adorned with a rufous forehead, chin, and throat, which are set apart from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated, contributing to the iconic "swallow tail."

The barn swallow can be identified by its steel blue upperparts, a rufous face, and a dark blue breast band that separates the rufous from the off-white underparts. The deeply forked tail is a key characteristic, with a line of white spots across the upper tail's outer end. Females resemble males but have shorter tail streamers and less glossy blue coloring. Juveniles are browner with paler rufous faces and whiter underparts, lacking the adult's long tail streamers.

The barn swallow favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It avoids heavily wooded or steep areas and densely built-up locations. The species typically nests in man-made structures like barns and stables, or under bridges and wharves.

This bird has a vast global range, breeding across the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Its distribution spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Barn swallows are semi-colonial and may settle in groups. They exhibit site fidelity, often returning to the same location annually for breeding. The species is known for its aerial insectivory, catching insects in flight with remarkable agility.

The barn swallow communicates with a variety of calls, including a "witt or witt-witt" and a loud "splee-plink" when excited or deterring intruders. Alarm calls include a sharp "siflitt" for terrestrial predators and a "flitt-flitt" for avian predators. The male's song, used for territory defense and mate attraction, consists of a twittering warble followed by a series of musical notes.

Barn swallows are monogamous and often mate for life, with the male arriving first at the breeding grounds to select a nest site. They build cup-shaped mud nests lined with soft materials, frequently in colonies where each pair defends a territory. The female typically lays two to seven spotted white eggs, with the clutch size varying by latitude.

The barn swallow can be confused with other Hirundo species and the welcome swallow in overlapping ranges. However, its red face and blue breast band distinguish it from African species, and it differs from the welcome swallow by its deeply forked tail and white tail spots.

The diet consists mainly of flying insects, which the barn swallow captures in open areas or follows animals and humans to catch disturbed prey. It may also pick insects from water surfaces, walls, and plants. The species drinks and bathes by skimming over water bodies.

The barn swallow is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an extensive range and large global population. While not endangered, local declines may occur due to specific threats, such as habitat loss or pesticide use. However, the species has benefited from human expansion and the availability of nesting sites.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius)

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the Pygmy hippopotamus. Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse".

Aside from elephants and rhinos, the hippopotamus is the largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the Hippopotamidae are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in the world due to their highly aggressive and unpredictable nature.

Hippos are recognizable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and large size. The eyes, ears, and nostrils of hippos are placed high on the roof of their skulls. This allows these organs to remain above the surface while the rest of the body is submerged. The hippo's jaw is powered by huge masseter and digastric muscles which give them large, droopy cheeks.  The jaw hinge allows the animal to open its mouth at almost 180°. The canines and incisors are used mainly for combat instead of feeding. 

Hippos rely on their flattened, horny lips to grasp and pull grasses which are then ground by the molars. Hippo skin is 6 cm (2 in) thick across much of its body with little hair.  The animal is mostly purplish-grey or blue-black, but brownish-pink on the underside and around the eyes and ears. Their skin secretes a natural, red-colored sunscreen substance that is sometimes referred to as "blood sweat" but is neither blood nor sweat. This secretion is initially colorless and turns red-orange within minutes, eventually becoming brown. This natural sunscreen cannot prevent the animal's skin from cracking if it stays out of water too long.

15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana)

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of three extant elephant species and, along with the African forest elephant, one of two extant species of African elephant. It is the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 metres (10.0–11.0 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 tonnes (11,000–15,000 lb); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (23,000 lb). The African bush elephant is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a convex back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. The skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water.

The African bush elephant inhabits a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and agricultural land. It is a mixed herbivore feeding mostly on grasses, creepers, herbs, leaves, and bark. The average adult consumes about 150 kg (330 lb) of vegetation and 230 L (51 imp gal; 61 US gal) of water each day. A social animal, the African bush elephant often travels in herds composed of cows and their offspring. Adult bulls usually live alone or in small bachelor groups. During the mating season, males go through a process called musth; a period of high testosterone levels and heightened aggression. For females, the menstrual cycle lasts three to four months, and gestation around 22 months, the longest of any mammal.  

14-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - NILE CROCODILE (Crocodylus niloticus)

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a large crocodilian native to freshwater habitats in Africa, where it is present in 26 countries. It is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, occurring mostly in the eastern, southern, and central regions of the continent, and lives in different types of aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, swamps and marshlands. It occasionally inhabits deltas, brackish lakes and rarely also saltwater. Its range once stretched from the Nile Delta throughout the Nile River. Lake Turkana in Kenya has one of the largest undisturbed Nile crocodile populations.

Generally, the adult male Nile crocodile is between 3.5 and 5 m (11 ft 6 in and 16 ft 5 in) in length and weighs 225 to 750 kg (496 to 1,653 lb).[5][6] However, specimens exceeding 6.1 m (20 ft) in length and 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) in weight have been recorded. It is the largest predator in Africa, and may be considered the second-largest extant reptile in the world, after the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).[8][9] Size is sexually dimorphic, with females usually about 30% smaller than males. The crocodile has thick, scaly, heavily armoured skin.

Nile crocodiles are opportunistic apex predators; a very aggressive crocodile, they are capable of taking almost any animal within their range. They are generalists, taking a variety of prey, with a diet consisting mostly of different species of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. As ambush predators, they can wait for hours, days, and even weeks for the suitable moment to attack. They are agile predators and wait for the opportunity for a prey item to come well within attack range. Even swift prey are not immune to attack. Like other crocodiles, Nile crocodiles have a powerful bite that is unique among all animals, and sharp, conical teeth that sink into flesh, allowing a grip that is almost impossible to loosen. They can apply high force for extended periods of time, a great advantage for holding down large prey underwater to drown.

Nile crocodiles are relatively social. They share basking spots and large food sources, such as schools of fish and big carcasses. Their strict hierarchy is determined by size. Large, old males are at the top of this hierarchy and have first access to food and the best basking spots. Crocodiles tend to respect this order; when it is infringed, the results are often violent and sometimes fatal. Like most other reptiles, Nile crocodiles lay eggs; these are guarded by the females but also males, making the Nile crocodiles one of few reptile species whose males contribute to parental care. The hatchlings are also protected for a period of time, but hunt by themselves and are not fed by the parents.

The Nile crocodile is one of the most dangerous species of crocodile and is responsible for hundreds of human deaths every year. It is common and is not endangered, despite some regional declines or extirpations in the Maghreb.

The Nile crocodile's current distribution extends from the regional tributaries of the Nile in Sudan and Lake Nasser in Egypt to the Cunene river in Angola, the Okavango Delta of Botswana, and the Olifants River in South Africa.[64] It is the most common crocodilian in Africa and occurs in Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Gabon, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sudan, South Sudan and Cameroon.[25] Its historic range extended to the Mediterranean coast in Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and across the Red Sea in the Palestine region and Syria. Herodotus sighted it in Lake Moeris in Egypt. It is thought to have become extinct in the Seychelles in the early 19th century. It has rarely been spotted in Zanzibar and the Comoros.

An isolated population also exists in western and southern Madagascar from Sambirano River to Tôlanaro. It likely colonized the island after the extinction of the endemic crocodile Voay within the last 2000 years. In 2022, a skull of Crocodylus from Madagascar was found to be around 7,500 years old based on radiocarbon dating, suggesting that the extinction of Voay post-dates the arrival of Nile crocodiles on Madagascar.

The Nile crocodile was previously thought to also occur in West and Central Africa, but these populations are now typically recognized as a distinct species, the West African (or desert) crocodile. The West African crocodile occurs throughout much of West and Central Africa, ranging east to South Sudan and Uganda where it may come into contact with the Nile crocodile. The Nile crocodile is absent from most of West and Central Africa, but range into the latter region in eastern and southern Democratic Republic of Congo, and along the Central African coastal Atlantic region north to Cameroon. Likely a level of habitat segregation occurs between the two species, but this remains to be confirmed.

Nile crocodiles may be able to tolerate an extremely broad range of habitat types, including small brackish streams, fast-flowing rivers, swamps, dams, and tidal lakes and estuaries.  In East Africa, they are found mostly in rivers, lakes, marshes, and dams, favoring open, broad bodies of water over smaller ones. They are often found in waters adjacent to various open habitats such as savanna or even semi-desert but can also acclimate to well-wooded swamps, extensively wooded riparian zones, waterways of other woodlands and the perimeter of forests. In Madagascar, the remnant population of Nile crocodiles has adapted to living within caves. Nile crocodiles may make use of ephemeral watering holes on occasion. The Nile crocodile possesses salt glands like all true crocodiles and does on occasion enter coastal and even marine waters. They have been known to enter the sea in some areas, with one specimen having been recorded 11 km (6.8 mi) off St. Lucia Bay in 1917.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis ssp rudis)

The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a striking water kingfisher, known for its black and white plumage and distinctive crest. It is a medium-sized bird, approximately 25 cm in length, with a white face featuring a black mask and a white supercilium. The male is characterized by a double band across the breast, while the female sports a single, often broken, breast band.

When identifying the pied kingfisher, look for its unique black and white barred pattern and prominent crest. The male's double breast band and the female's single broken band are key differentiators between the sexes. The subspecies vary slightly in size and coloration, with some having larger bills or reduced white in their plumage.

This kingfisher is commonly found perched along the edges of clear lakes and rivers, where it can easily spot and dive for fish.

The pied kingfisher is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, from Turkey to India and China. It is a resident species, with most populations not engaging in long migrations.

The pied kingfisher is often seen bobbing its head and flicking its tail while perched. It is a sociable bird, known to form large roosts at night. Its flight is direct and rapid, sometimes reaching speeds close to 50 km/h.

This species is quite vocal, emitting sharp "chirruk chirruk" notes that contribute to its presence being easily detected.

Breeding season for the pied kingfisher typically occurs from February to April in India. They nest in holes excavated in vertical mud banks above water. The nests are tunnel-like, leading to a chamber where a clutch of three to six white eggs is laid. Cooperative breeding is observed in this species, with non-breeding offspring from previous broods assisting in raising the young.

The pied kingfisher can be confused with other black and white kingfishers, but its size, habitat preference, and behavior make it distinctive.

Boldly marked black-and-white kingfisher with short, bushy crest and glossy all-dark bill. Superficially similar to Crested Kingfisher, but smaller, with a much more distinctly patterned head and breast and less erect crest. Frequently seen perched in pairs or small groups. Often hovers over water when seeking prey. Inhabits a wide range of waterside habitats, from lakes to estuaries to mangroves. Gives a variety of sharp notes, as well as dry trilling and rattling calls.

Primarily piscivorous, the pied kingfisher feeds on fish, crustaceans, and large aquatic insects. It employs a unique hunting technique of hovering over water before diving headfirst to catch prey. It is capable of consuming its catch mid-flight, allowing it to hunt over large bodies of water.

The pied kingfisher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Corythornis cristatus)

The Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) is a diminutive and vibrant river kingfisher, with a length of approximately 13 cm. It boasts a striking metallic blue on its upper parts and a rufous underbelly, with a distinctive black and blue crest adorning its head. The bird's bill transitions from black in its youth to a reddish-orange hue in adulthood, and it stands on bright red legs. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles present a more subdued version of the adult's plumage.

When identifying the Malachite Kingfisher, look for its short crest and the contrast between the rufous face and underparts against the bright blue upper parts. The white throat patch and the red bill and legs are also key features. The bird's rapid, low flight over water, with wings a blur, is characteristic.

This species is commonly found amongst reeds and aquatic vegetation adjacent to slow-moving waters or ponds. It thrives in a variety of wetland habitats across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Malachite Kingfisher is widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa, with its range extending from Senegal to South Africa. It is largely sedentary, with movements influenced by seasonal changes in climate.

The Malachite Kingfisher is known for its rapid flight, often skimming low over the surface of the water. It typically perches close to the water's edge, ready to dive for its prey.

The vocalizations of the Malachite Kingfisher include a variety of high-pitched, piercing calls, often heard during its undulating flight or when perched.

Nesting occurs in tunnels excavated within sandy banks, often positioned above water. Both parents partake in burrow construction, which tends to slope upward before reaching the nesting chamber. The species may lay three to six round, white eggs per clutch, with up to four clutches per breeding season. The eggs rest on a bed of fish bones and regurgitated pellets.

The Malachite Kingfisher is an adept hunter, often seen perched before plunging into the water to catch fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. It may beat larger prey on a branch before consumption, while smaller catches are swallowed whole.

 

The IUCN Red List classifies the Malachite Kingfisher as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.

29-4-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EURASIAN GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

The Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) is a widespread member of the cormorant family of seabirds. Many fishermen see in the Great cormorant a competitor for fish. Because of this, it was hunted nearly to extinction in the past but luckily due to conservation efforts, its numbers increased.

The Great cormorant is a large black bird, but there is a wide variation in size in the species' wide range. Males are typically larger and heavier than females. It has a longish tail and yellow throat patch. Adults have white patches on the thighs and on the throat in the breeding season. In European waters, the Great cormorant can be distinguished from the Common shag by its larger size, heavier build, thicker bill, lack of a crest, and plumage without any green tinge. In eastern North America, it is similarly larger and bulkier than the Double-crested cormorant, and the latter species has more yellow on the throat and bill and lack the white thigh patches frequently seen on great cormorants.

29-4-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - BOAR THISTLE (Galactites tomentosus)

Galactites tomentosus, the purple milk thistle, is a biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the genus Galactites of the Asteraceae family.

Galactites tomentosus is a hemicryptophyte plant up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall. The stem is erect and pubescent, branched at the top. The leaves are green, long and pinnatisect, lanceolate, mottled with white markings, while the underside is whitish and covered with matted woolly hairs. The margins of the leaves bear strong thorns.

The flower heads are quite large – about 3 centimetres (1.2 in) in diameter. The involucre of the flower head is covered by hairy scales ending with a single grooved thorn. The central flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects, while external flowers are sterile; their color varies from white or pink to lilac-purple.

The flowering period extends from April through July and the seeds ripen from August through September[citation needed]. The fruits are achenes with whitish hairy appendages (pappus).

 

The genus name derives from the Greek γάλα (= "milk"), referring to the dense white hairs covering the stems and leaves of this species, the species name tomentosus means hairy in Latin.

This plant is distributed around the Mediterranean Basin, from Greece to the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco and Madeira and Canary Islands. It has been introduced to the Azores.

This plant prefers sunny places and usually grows on the uncultivated or barren grounds, waste places, well-drained soils, pastures and roadsides.[3]

It is an edible plant.

29-4-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LARGE BINDWEED (Calystegia silvatica)

Calystegia silvatica (large bindweed) is the largest species of bindweed and is a strong rampant climber. It is native to southern Europe but has been introduced to many other areas because it is an attractive garden plant. Calystegia silvatica subsp. fraterniflora (Mack. & Bush) Brummitt (short-stalked false bindweed) is native to North America.

It has large, arrow-shaped leaves and showy white trumpet-shaped flowers up to 9 centimeters in diameter. It is considered a weed in some areas where it has escaped cultivation and now grows wild. It spreads easily via hardy rhizomes. There are several subspecies.

Large bindweed is a glabrous herbaceous perennial that twines in a counter-clockwise direction to a height of up to 5 m. The leaves are arranged alternately on the spiralling stem on petioles up to 15 cm. The leaves are dull green above and paler below, simple and sagittate (arrowhead shaped), up to 15 cm long and up to 9 cm wide.

The flowers are white, sometimes narrowly pink on the outside only, produced from late spring to the end of summer (between July and September in northern Europe). The buds are enclosed by large (4.8 cm long), ovate, green bracteoles pouched at the base; during anthesis they strongly overlap. The open flowers are trumpet-shaped and 6–9 cm diameter. After flowering, the fruit develops as an almost spherical capsule, which is hidden by the bracts. It is 1 cm in diameter, containing two to four large, dark brown or black seeds that are shaped like quartered oranges.

27-4-2018 CAMI LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA - PINK SORREL (oxalis articulata)

Oxalis articulata, known as pink-sorrel, pink wood sorrel, windowbox wood-sorrel, chari amilo (Nepal), sourgrass, netho (khatta) saag (India) is a perennial plant species in the genus Oxalis native to temperate South America. It has been introduced in Europe in gardens and is now naturalized in these areas.

The plant is susceptible to rust (disease due to the fungus Puccinia oxalidis).

As the name would imply, this species of Oxalis typically has pink to violet flowers with petals 10–15 mm long. This species has "Plants arising from a thick, woody, irregularly nodulate-segmented rhizome often with persistent, thickened, and lignescent petiole bases; flowers 3–12 in umbelliform cymes, less commonly in irregular cymes".[9] The plant is a perennial and typically grows up to 45 cm tall and 2 cm in diameter.[5] It spreads by rhizomes (up to 15 cm) to form colonies. It is hermaphrodite and also infrequently produces seeds in long, cylindrical capsules.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)

The Common Sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos, is a small wader of the Palearctic region, easily recognized by its greyish-brown upperparts and pristine white underparts. Adults typically measure between 18-20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 32-35 cm. They possess short, dark-yellowish legs and feet, and a bill that is pale at the base with a dark tip.

In the field, look for the Common Sandpiper's distinctive stiff-winged flight pattern, just above the water's surface. During the non-breeding season, they appear duller and exhibit more noticeable barring on the wings, which is most visible at close range. Juveniles display heavier barring above and buff edges to their wing feathers. The species can be differentiated from the similar Spotted Sandpiper by its darker legs and feet and the crisper wing pattern, especially in flight.

These birds are often found near freshwater sources, where they nest on the ground in close proximity to the water's edge.

The Common Sandpiper breeds across much of temperate and subtropical Europe and Asia. It is a migratory bird, wintering in Africa, southern Asia, and Australia. During migration, large numbers may congregate in stop-over locations such as Palau in Micronesia.

Common Sandpipers are typically solitary or found in small groups. They may form larger flocks during migration or at breeding season roosts but seldom join multispecies flocks.

When breeding, these birds nest on the ground near freshwater. A notable behavior is the young's ability to cling to a parent's body, being flown to safety when threatened.

The Spotted Sandpiper (A. macularia) is the most similar species, especially in non-breeding plumage. However, the Common Sandpiper's darker legs and more defined wing pattern in flight help distinguish it.

The Common Sandpiper forages by sight, picking up small food items such as insects, crustaceans, and other invertebrates from the ground or shallow water. It is also known to catch insects in flight.

The species is widespread and common, thus classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, it is considered vulnerable in some Australian states. The Common Sandpiper is protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - WHITE HEADED LAPWING (Vanellus albiceps)

The White-crowned Lapwing, also known as the White-headed Lapwing, White-headed Plover, or White-crowned Plover, is a medium-sized wader that presents a striking appearance. Its upper body is adorned with a brown back, while the wings and tail exhibit a bold black and white pattern. The underparts are a clean white. The head is particularly distinctive with a grey base, a brilliant white crown, and a white foreneck. Adding to its unique visage are the yellow eyering, facial wattles, and legs. Both sexes and juveniles share a similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

When attempting to identify the White-crowned Lapwing, look for the unmistakable combination of its white crown, grey head, and the contrasting black and white patterns on its wings and tail. The yellow eyering and wattles are also key features that aid in its identification.

This species is typically found in tropical Africa, favoring habitats near large rivers. It thrives in areas where sand or shingle is exposed, providing suitable breeding grounds.

The White-crowned Lapwing is a resident bird throughout tropical Africa, maintaining a presence year-round near its preferred riverine environments.

The White-crowned Lapwing is known for its breeding behavior, where it lays 2-3 eggs in a ground scrape near rivers. It is fiercely protective of its nest and young, defending them with vigor against any potential threats, regardless of size. Outside of breeding season, it is common to see these birds feeding in small flocks, where they forage for insects and other small invertebrates.

A diet primarily composed of insects and small invertebrates sustains the White-crowned Lapwing. It often feeds in small groups, especially when not engaged in breeding activities.

The White-crowned Lapwing is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. It is also a species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), ensuring international efforts are made to safeguard its future.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp)

The African pied wagtail, or African wagtail, (Motacilla aguimp) is a species of bird in the family Motacillidae.

A striking black and white wagtail with black upperparts contrasting with white underparts, it has a white supercilium and a white patch in the folded wing. Juvenile birds are greyer, while birds of the nominate subspecies show grey flanks. They are 20 cm (7.9 in) long.

The African pied wagtail is found in sub-Saharan Africa from the Eastern Cape north to extreme southern Egypt and from Guinea to western Eritrea and Somalia. It is a vagrant to Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mauritania, and the Western Cape.

The African pied wagtail inhabits subtropical or tropical, seasonally wet or flooded, lowland grassland, rivers, and sometimes freshwater marshes. In some areas, it is commensal with humans in towns and villages.

In Malawi, African pied wagtails start breeding before the rains and continue to breed into the rainy season; they breed during six months, peaking in March and October. Both the males and females participate in nest building, but only the females incubate, and both sexes feed the young. The mean clutch in Malawi was found to be 3.9 eggs.

The African pied wagtail is monogamous; the cup-shaped nest is lined with grass and feathers and is usually situated near water in a convenient tangle of sticks. In settlements, the nest may be located on buildings. The nests of the African pied wagtail are parasitised by the red-chested cuckoo Cuculus solitarius and the diderick cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius. The chicks have been recorded as prey of Burchell's coucal Centropus burchellii.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus)

The African Jacana, Actophilornis africanus, is a distinctive wader known for its remarkable ability to traverse floating vegetation with its elongated toes and claws. This bird exhibits a striking chestnut plumage on its upperparts, complemented by black wingtips, rear neck, and an eyestripe. Adults boast a chestnut underpart, while juveniles display a white underpart with a chestnut belly patch. A blue bill, extending into a coot-like head shield, and grey legs and toes complete its unique appearance.

To identify the African Jacana, look for its long toes and claws, which are adapted for walking on lily pads and other floating vegetation. The adult's chestnut underparts contrast with the juveniles' white underparts and chestnut belly patch. The blue bill with a frontal shield and the bird's size, ranging from 23 to 31 cm in length, are also key identification features.

The African Jacana thrives in shallow lakes, where it can be seen gracefully walking on floating vegetation, a habitat it prefers and is uniquely adapted to inhabit.

This species enjoys a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, where it is commonly found in suitable wetland habitats.

The African Jacana is sedentary, with some seasonal dispersion. It exhibits a polyandrous mating system, where a dominant female mates with multiple males. The males are solely responsible for incubating the eggs and rearing the chicks, showcasing remarkable adaptations for parental care, such as the ability to carry chicks under their wings.

Breeding occurs throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The African Jacana lays four brown eggs marked with black, in a nest that floats amidst the vegetation. The male takes on the role of incubating the eggs and caring for the young, a testament to the species' unique breeding system.

The African Jacana might be confused with the Madagascar Jacana, which is similar in size. However, the latter is geographically isolated to Madagascar, reducing the likelihood of confusion within the African Jacana's range.

The diet consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates, which the African Jacana deftly picks from the water's surface or from the floating vegetation it frequents.

The IUCN Red List classifies the African Jacana as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - SAVANNAH ELEPHANT (Loxodonta Africana)

The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of three extant elephant species and, along with the African forest elephant, one of two extant species of African elephant. It is the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 metres (10.0–11.0 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 tonnes (11,000–15,000 lb); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (23,000 lb). The African bush elephant is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a convex back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. The skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water.

The African bush elephant inhabits a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and agricultural land. It is a mixed herbivore feeding mostly on grasses, creepers, herbs, leaves, and bark. The average adult consumes about 150 kg (330 lb) of vegetation and 230 L (51 imp gal; 61 US gal) of water each day. A social animal, the African bush elephant often travels in herds composed of cows and their offspring. Adult bulls usually live alone or in small bachelor groups. During the mating season, males go through a process called musth; a period of high testosterone levels and heightened aggression. For females, the menstrual cycle lasts three to four months, and gestation around 22 months, the longest of any mammal.