Thursday, 3 May 2018
19-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca)
The Magpie Shrike, also known as the African Long-tailed Shrike, is a striking bird belonging to the family Laniidae. It is characterized by its elongated tail and contrasting black and white plumage, reminiscent of the European magpie, though they are not closely related.
This species can be identified by its long tail, which is almost the length of its body, and its black and white coloration. The bird's back is predominantly black, with white underparts and a white patch on the wing. The head is black with a white belly and flanks, and the eyes are keen and alert.
The Magpie Shrike is native to the grasslands of eastern and southeastern Africa. It thrives in dry savannah, moist savannah, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, preferring open areas with scattered acacia trees, close-grazed turf, and bare ground.
This bird is found across a range of African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is common in places within this range.
The Magpie Shrike is a gregarious and social bird, often found in noisy groups of about a dozen. These groups occupy a home range of several tens of hectares. During the breeding season, they display a variety of behaviors such as bowing, tail flicking, wing raising, and whistling to communicate and establish bonds.
The calls of the Magpie Shrike include a variety of whistles and chatters. During courtship, the male and female may perform duets, which are an integral part of their breeding rituals.
Breeding occurs cooperatively during the rainy season. The birds defend a breeding territory of about three hectares from other groups. The female may call from the nest while the male brings her food, indicating a strong pair bond during this period.
The diet of the Magpie Shrike consists mainly of arthropods, insects, lizards, small mammals, and occasionally fruit. They forage by perching in elevated positions and scanning the ground for prey, adeptly catching most on the ground, though they are also capable of snatching flying insects mid-air.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed the Magpie Shrike as being of "Least Concern," indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.
19-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN GREY HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala ssp pallidiventris)
%2020.jpg)
The Southern Grey-headed Kingfisher, Halcyon leucocephala, presents a striking figure with its pale grey head, black mantle, and a vivid blue rump. Its wings and tail share this blue brilliance, while the chestnut underparts add a warm contrast. The beak, long and sharp, is a notable red. This bird averages 21 cm in length, a size that allows it to maneuver with agility in its preferred habitats.
When identifying the Grey-headed Kingfisher, look for the combination of its grey head and chestnut belly, which distinguishes it from similar species. The subspecies H. l. pallidiventris has a darker grey head and paler chestnut underparts. The bird's bright blue rump, wings, and tail are also key identification features.
This kingfisher favors woodlands, scrub, and cultivated areas, and can be found at altitudes up to 2,200 meters. It is often seen near water, though it does not rely on aquatic environments.
%2021.jpg)
The species is widely distributed across tropical and semi-tropical regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, from the Cape Verde Islands and Mauritania to Ethiopia, Somalia, southern Arabia, and southward to South Africa.
The Grey-headed Kingfisher is typically solitary or found in pairs. It is known for perching motionless on a branch for extended periods, keenly observing the ground for insects or small lizards before striking. It is protective of its nesting sites, often dive-bombing potential threats such as monitor lizards.
The song of the Grey-headed Kingfisher is a series of notes that ascend, descend, and then ascend again, growing increasingly strident. Its warning call is a sharp "tchk, tchk, tchk, tchk."
%2022.jpg)
This kingfisher nests in holes within steep riverbanks and exhibits aggressive behavior in defending its nest.
The Grey-headed Kingfisher may be confused with the Brown-hooded Kingfisher due to its similar size and coloration, but the latter has a red and black bill. It also resembles the Woodland Kingfisher, which lacks the chestnut belly and has more extensive cyan feathers on the back.
It primarily feeds on insects and small lizards, which it hunts by watching from a perch before diving down to capture its prey.
The Grey-headed Kingfisher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.
Wednesday, 2 May 2018
18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - WHITE BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus)
The White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) is a medium-sized vulture, characterized by down feathers on the head and neck, broad wings, and short tail feathers. It boasts a distinctive white neck ruff, with adults displaying a whitish back that contrasts starkly with the rest of their dark plumage. Juveniles present a more uniform dark appearance. This species typically weighs between 4.2 to 7.2 kg, measures 78 to 98 cm in length, and spans a wingspan of 1.96 to 2.25 m.
To identify the white-backed vulture, look for its white neck ruff and the contrasting white back against dark plumage in adults. Juveniles are darker overall. The species has a relatively short tail and broad wings suited for soaring.
The white-backed vulture is found in a variety of habitats across Africa, from the Sahel region to the savannahs of the south. It prefers wooded savannahs where it can find large trees suitable for nesting.
This vulture is widespread across Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, through Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, and down to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa in the south.
White-backed vultures are social creatures, often seen circling the skies in search of carrion. They feed in groups and are typically among the first vultures to arrive at a carcass, asserting dominance over other species. After gorging themselves, they may rest with wings spread to bask in the sun.
19-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - WHITE HEADED VULTURE (Trigonoceps occipitalis)
The White-headed Vulture, Trigonoceps occipitalis, presents a striking figure in the African skies. This medium-sized vulture, measuring 72–85 centimeters in length with a wingspan of 207–230 centimeters, is notable for its distinctive plumage. The females, slightly larger than the males, weigh an average of 4.7 kilograms, while the males tip the scales at less than 4 kilograms. The species exhibits reversed sexual dimorphism, a unique trait among its African counterparts.
This vulture is easily recognized by its contrasting black and white plumage. A white crest adorns its head, and the featherless regions of its face are a pale hue. Its beak is tinged pink, and the dark brown upper parts complement the black tail feathers. From below, the white feathers on its lower parts and legs are unmistakable. Each individual can be identified by a unique pattern in their median wing coverts.
The White-headed Vulture is adapted to mixed, dry woodlands at lower altitudes, avoiding human settlements. It thrives in thorny Acacia-dominated landscapes and can be found at elevations up to 4,000 meters in Ethiopia and around 3,000 meters in Kenya.
18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - RED BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio)
The red-backed shrike (Lanius collurio) is a carnivorous passerine bird and member of the shrike family, Laniidae. Its breeding range stretches from Western Europe east to central Russia. It is migratory and winters in the eastern areas of tropical Africa and southern Africa.
%2020-gigapixel-scale-1_4x.jpg){kind=tracking}
20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - VERVET MONKEY (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)
The Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) is an Old World monkey native to Africa. The term "vervet" is also used to refer to all the members of the genus Chlorocebus. These adorable monkeys live in social groups and involve their communication and alarm calls, specifically in regard to kin and group recognition, and particular predator sightings.
The Vervet monkey is of medium to large size and has a black-tipped tail which is often longer than its body. Its fur is olive or gray, lighter on the underside. Its hands and feet are black, as are its ears and face. Its face has a white band above it, framed with white cheek tufts. Its arms and legs are long, about the same length as each other, to enable the monkey to walk with ease on all fours while on the ground, and this actually makes it quite speedy when running. The males tend to be bigger than the females.
Vervet monkeys live south of the Sahara and across Eastern Africa. They are also found in western and southern Africa from Ghana to Uganda. They inhabit savanna, forests, and woodlands that tend to be near water; their favorite spot is acacia forests lining rivers and lakes.
Vervets are arboreal monkeys, spending most of their time in the trees where they feel safe. Although these monkeys do venture to the ground looking for food and water, they rarely go far from the trees, which serve as protection from predators. These animals are diurnal and spend their days foraging, and then rest at night. They are very sociable animals, forming troops of between 10 and 50. The troops are made up of adult females with their young, while males wander between different troops both to socialize and mate. Females remain in their groups throughout life. Separate dominance hierarchies are found for each sex. Male hierarchies are determined by age, tenure in the group, fighting abilities, and allies, while female hierarchies are dependent on maternal social status. A large proportion of interactions occurs between individuals that are similarly ranked and closely related. Vervet monkeys have four confirmed predators: leopards, eagles, pythons, and baboons. The sighting of each predator elicits an acoustically distinct alarm call. As infants, vervets learn to make a variety of calls from observation alone, without explicit tutelage. Vervet monkeys are thought to have up to 30 different alarm calls. In the wild, they have been seen giving a different call when seeing a human being approaching. Mothers can recognize their offspring by a scream alone.
Vervet monkeys are omnivorous and consume plant matter as well as other animals. Young shoots and leaves comprise most of their diet, as well as tree bark, fruits and flowers, and fruits from the surrounding trees. On the ground, they forage for roots, bulbs, grasses, and seeds, and sometimes supplement their diet with, eggs, rodents, insects, birds, and various small animals.
Vervet monkeys are polygynous, with females typically having few mates during their lifetime, while some males will have numerous mates. From about five years old they are able to reproduce. The mating season is between April and June. The gestation period is about five and a half months, and a single infant is born, whereupon it is cleaned by the mother. The baby clings to the mother’s stomach for about the first week. Vervet monkey babies soon develop strong social connections with other monkeys and begin to interact and play with them by as young as a month old. They suckle until nearly 4 months of age when they begin eating softer vegetation but are not weaned fully until about a year old.
20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LION (FEMALE) (Panthera leo)
The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; a short, rounded head; round ears; and a dark, hairy tuft at the tip of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion's pride consists of a few adult males, related females, and cubs. Groups of female lions usually hunt together, preying mostly on medium-sized and large ungulates. The lion is an apex and keystone predator.
The lion inhabits grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands. It is usually more diurnal than other wild cats, but when persecuted, it adapts to being active at night and at twilight. During the Neolithic period, the lion ranged throughout Africa and Eurasia, from Southeast Europe to India, but it has been reduced to fragmented populations in sub-Saharan Africa and one population in western India. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 because populations in African countries have declined by about 43% since the early 1990s. Lion populations are untenable outside designated protected areas. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are the greatest causes for concern.
One of the most widely recognised animal symbols in human culture, the lion has been extensively depicted in sculptures and paintings, on national flags, and in literature and films. Lions have been kept in menageries since the time of the Roman Empire and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoological gardens across the world since the late 18th century. Cultural depictions of lions have occurred worldwide, particularly has a symbol of power and royalty.
Among felids, the lion is second only to the tiger in size. The size and weight of adult lions vary across its range and habitats.
The lion is a generalist hypercarnivore and is considered to be both an apex and keystone predator due to its wide prey spectrum. Its prey consists mainly of medium-sized to large ungulates, particularly blue wildebeest, plains zebra, African buffalo, gemsbok and giraffe. It also frequently takes common warthog despite it being much smaller. In India, chital and sambar deer are the most common wild prey, while livestock contributes significantly to lion kills outside protected areas. It usually avoids fully grown adult elephants, rhinoceros and hippopotamus and small prey like dik-dik, hyraxes, hares and monkeys. Unusual prey include porcupines and small reptiles. Lions kill other predators but seldom consume them.
30-4-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea cervantaria)
Idaea cervantaria is a species of insects with 1239 observations
Wingspan 1.4 to 2.2 cm. Straw-like in appearance, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or grayish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed dots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are not noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a light wavy stripe. It has a point on each wing but the ones on the front can go unnoticed.
There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for correct and secure identification it is necessary to resort to genital analysis. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.
In the province of Malaga, individuals determined by genital analysis were found in January, February and May, while those suspected of being so can be found in all months of the year.
1.4 to 2.2 cm wingspan. Straw-coloured, with yellowish wings with scattered dark, brown or greyish scales. On each wing it has a wavy line with small pointed spots, pointing backwards. Sometimes these details are barely noticeable. Between these lines and the rear edge, it has dark spots that may have a light wavy stripe. It has a spot on each wing but those on the front wings may go unnoticed.
There are other similar species that are impossible to distinguish externally, so for a correct and safe identification, genital analysis must be used. Several of them have been found in the province of Malaga, although I. cervantaria is currently the most common and the only one that has been observed in urban environments.
The caterpillars feed on dry leaves of herbaceous plants and in captivity on petals of different Asteraceae and sea alder (Lobularia maritima), the latter common in our province, especially in sunny areas of the limestone mountains, and occasionally used in gardening for the showiness of its inflorescences.
18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - COMMON IMPALA (FEMALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus)
The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope that is found in Africa. It was first described to European audiences by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.
Impala is an elegant and magnificent species of antelope. The animal has slender body with the identifying "M"-like marking on the rear. This medium-sized antelope possesses thin, pointed horns with tips, lying far apart from each other. Males of this species are identified by the characteristic "S"-like horns. The elegant limbs of these animals have scent glands behind the ankles. The overall coloration of their fur is red-brown with paler sides. In addition, they have black and white colored areas on their body. Thus, the tail, belly, chin, lips, inside ears as well as the lines above the eyes are colored with white. Meanwhile, black bands cover their thighs, tail, forehead and ear tips.
Impalas are distributed throughout the northeastern part of South Africa, Angola, southern Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. Close proximity to a water source is an important life condition for these animals. Generally, they prefer woodland with little undergrowth as well as low to medium-height grassland.
Impalas have polygynous mating system, where each male mates with a number of females. The period of peak breeding activity is March-May. During this period, pregnant females live in isolation to give birth. The gestation period lasts from 194 to 200 days, yielding a single calf, which weighs about 5kgs (11 lbs). After a few days, the calf and the female rejoin the herd. Then, after a while, the calf joins a crèche of other young impalas. They are weaned at 4-5 months old. Male impalas reach reproductive maturity at 1 year of age, while females are ready to breed when they are between 1 and 2 years old. Becoming reproductively mature, they, however, do not rush to establish territories. They typically start mating only at 4 years old.
These antelopes are both diurnal and nocturnal. They are most active just after sunrise and before sunset, socializing and moving with their herd, whereas, during the nighttime hours, impalas usually lie down and ruminate. Female impalas and their offspring gather into herds, containing from 15 to 100 individuals. The home range of each herd covers a territory, varying from 80 to 180 hectares. During the wet season, females become highly territorial, defending home ranges of their herds. On the other hand, young males form bachelor, non-territorial herds of up to 30 individuals. During the dry season, male and female herds can often be seen mixed together. Home ranges of mature breeding males vary from season to season. Thus, during the breeding season, they usually have smaller home ranges, which they fiercely defend. Males use a wide variety of methods to defend their home range, including fighting, tail-raising, chasing, roaring, erect posture as well as forehead marking and forehead rubbing.
18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - FORK TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis)
The fork-tailed drongo, also known as the common drongo or African drongo, is a member of the Dicruridae family. It is a small bird with a distinctive fork-shaped tail, red-brownish eyes, and an entirely black plumage that exhibits a blue-green iridescence in certain lights. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with the underside of the bird being uniformly black, contrasting with the glossy black-blue upper body.
When identifying the fork-tailed drongo, look for its robust black beak, red eyes, and the deeply forked black tail. Juveniles can be distinguished by their dark brown tone, less pronounced tail fork, and lack of glossy shine on the lower body. During flight, the darker remiges of the D. a. adsimilis subspecies are particularly noticeable.
The fork-tailed drongo inhabits wooded habitats, including woodlands and savannas, and is tolerant of arid climates. It can be found at elevations up to 2200 meters.
This species is widespread across Africa south of the Sahara, with four recognized subspecies varying in range and physical characteristics. It was once thought to range into Asia, but the Asian species is now classified as the black drongo (D. macrocercus).
The fork-tailed drongo is known for its aggressive and fearless nature, often attacking larger animals to protect its nest. It is also a skilled kleptoparasite, using deceptive mimicry of other birds' alarm calls to steal food. These birds are solitary hunters and spend a significant portion of their day feeding.
18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN RED BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus rufirostris)
The Southern red-billed hornbill, Tockus rufirostris, is a distinguished member of the Bucerotidae family, gracing the savannas and drier bushlands of southern Africa with its presence. This bird is characterized by its striking red bill and the streaks of blackish plumage that extend from its ear coverts down the side of its neck.
Upon observing this species, one will note the sexual dimorphism where males are generally larger with slightly longer bills. The male's lower mandible may exhibit varying degrees of black pigmentation. Both sexes boast a yellow iris surrounded by pale orbital skin, ranging from pink to greyish hues. The throat is a pristine white, and the wing coverts are adorned with conspicuous spots.
The Southern red-billed hornbill is a native inhabitant of the savannas and dryer bushlands, thriving in these open environments where it can forage and nest.
This hornbill's range extends from Malawi and Zambia to southern Angola, northeastern Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, eastern Eswatini, and northern South Africa, including Transvaal and northern KZN province. It is also found in the upper Zambezi valley of Mozambique, though it is mostly absent from the eastern lowlands.
A notable behavior of the Southern red-billed hornbill is its unique call, an accelerating series of notes that culminates in a crescendo of double notes. Unlike its congeners, this species does not engage in wing-raising displays.
The vocal repertoire of this hornbill includes a distinctive call that starts with a series of "kuk kuk kuk" notes and ends with a flourish of double notes, "kuk-we kuk-we."
The Southern red-billed hornbill can be confused with other red-billed hornbills, but it can be distinguished by its unique combination of yellow iris, pale orbital skin, and the pattern of blackish streaking on the neck.
The conservation status of the Southern red-billed hornbill is not explicitly mentioned, but given its wide distribution, it may not currently be of significant conservation concern. However, like all wildlife, it would benefit from ongoing habitat protection and monitoring.
18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - BLACK HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala)
The black-headed heron, Ardea melanocephala, is a stately wading bird from the heron family Ardeidae. It stands at an impressive 85 cm in height, with a wingspan stretching to 150 cm. Its plumage is predominantly grey, with a darker shade above and a paler grey below. The bird is named for its striking black head, which contrasts with its grey body. A powerful dusky bill completes its commanding appearance.
When identifying the black-headed heron, look for its large size, nearly matching that of the grey heron. Its black head and neck, along with the grey body, are key distinguishing features. In flight, observe the slow wingbeats and the retracted neck, a common trait among herons. The white underwing coverts are particularly noticeable when the bird is airborne.
This heron is commonly found in a variety of wetland habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It is comfortable in both shallow water and dry grasslands.
The black-headed heron is widespread across much of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It is mainly a resident species, though some individuals from West Africa may migrate northward during the rainy season.
The black-headed heron exhibits typical heron behavior, often seen feeding in shallow waters or stalking prey in grasslands. It is known to stand motionless, waiting for prey, or to slowly stalk its victim with stealth and precision.
The vocalizations of the black-headed heron include a distinctive loud croaking, often heard during dusk at heronries.
Breeding typically occurs in the wet season. The black-headed heron nests in colonies, which can be found in trees, reedbeds, or even on cliffs. It constructs a bulky stick nest and lays a clutch of 2 to 4 eggs.
The grey heron is the species most similar in appearance to the black-headed heron, but it can be differentiated by its size and coloration, particularly the grey heron's lack of a black head.
A versatile predator, the black-headed heron feeds on a diet that includes fish, frogs, large insects, small mammals, and birds. It employs both passive and active hunting strategies, either spearing its prey with its sharp bill or stalking it on land.
The IUCN Red List classifies the black-headed heron as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant threat of extinction.
18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN LION (Panthera leo)
The lion (Panthera leo) is a large cat of the genus Panthera, native to Africa and India. It has a muscular, broad-chested body; a short, rounded head; round ears; and a dark, hairy tuft at the tip of its tail. It is sexually dimorphic; adult male lions are larger than females and have a prominent mane. It is a social species, forming groups called prides. A lion's pride consists of a few adult males, related females, and cubs. Groups of female lions usually hunt together, preying mostly on medium-sized and large ungulates. The lion is an apex and keystone predator.
The lion inhabits grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands. It is usually more diurnal than other wild cats, but when persecuted, it adapts to being active at night and at twilight. During the Neolithic period, the lion ranged throughout Africa and Eurasia, from Southeast Europe to India, but it has been reduced to fragmented populations in sub-Saharan Africa and one population in western India. It has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1996 because populations in African countries have declined by about 43% since the early 1990s. Lion populations are untenable outside designated protected areas. Although the cause of the decline is not fully understood, habitat loss and conflicts with humans are the greatest causes for concern.
One of the most widely recognised animal symbols in human culture, the lion has been extensively depicted in sculptures and paintings, on national flags, and in literature and films. Lions have been kept in menageries since the time of the Roman Empire and have been a key species sought for exhibition in zoological gardens across the world since the late 18th century. Cultural depictions of lions have occurred worldwide, particularly has a symbol of power and royalty.
Among felids, the lion is second only to the tiger in size. The size and weight of adult lions vary across its range and habitats.
African lions live in scattered populations across sub-Saharan Africa. The lion prefers grassy plains and savannahs, scrub bordering rivers, and open woodlands with bushes. It rarely enters closed forests. On Mount Elgon, the lion has been recorded up to an elevation of 3,600 m (11,800 ft) and close to the snow line on Mount Kenya. Savannahs with an annual rainfall of 300 to 1,500 mm (12 to 59 in) make up the majority of lion habitat in Africa, estimated at 3,390,821 km2 (1,309,203 sq mi) at most, but remnant populations are also present in tropical moist forests in West Africa and montane forests in East Africa. The Asiatic lion now survives only in and around Gir National Park in Gujarat, western India. Its habitat is a mixture of dry savannah forest and very dry, deciduous scrub forest.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)