Tuesday, 23 October 2018
Monday, 22 October 2018
14-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN RED BISHOP (Euplectes orix)
The southern red bishop or red bishop (Euplectes orix) is a small passerine bird belonging to the bishop and widowbird genus Euplectes in the weaver family, the Ploceidae. It is common in wetlands and grassland in Africa south of the Equator. North of the Equator, it is replaced by the northern red bishop or orange bishop (E. franciscanus) which was formerly regarded as a subspecies of this species.
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It occurs from South Africa north to Angola, southern and eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Zambia southern Uganda north-east Nigeria and south-west Kenya. It is largely absent from the Namib Desert and Kalahari.
In the breeding season it is found near water among grass, reeds, sedges or crops such as sugar cane. Outside the breeding season it will venture into drier grassland and savanna habitats.
17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - BLUE CHEEKED BEE-EATER (Merops persicus)
The blue-cheeked bee-eater, Merops persicus, is a near passerine bird belonging to the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This slender and richly coloured species is predominantly green, with distinctive blue cheeks framed by a black eye stripe. A yellow and brown throat complements its striking face, and a black beak punctuates its elegant profile. Adults can reach a length of 31 cm (12 inches), with elongated central tail feathers adding an extra 7 cm (2.8 inches). Both sexes are similar in appearance, though females have slightly shorter tail streamers.
When identifying the blue-cheeked bee-eater, look for its vibrant green plumage and the characteristic blue on the sides of its face. The black eye stripe and contrasting yellow and brown throat are also key features. In flight, observe for the long central tail feathers that trail behind.
22-10-2018 TURIA GARDENS, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)
The Common blackbird (Turdus merula) is a species of true thrush. It is also called the Eurasian blackbird (especially in North America, to distinguish it from the unrelated New World blackbirds), or simply the blackbird where this does not lead to confusion with a similar-looking local species. This common and conspicuous species has given rise to a number of literary and cultural references, frequently related to its song.
The adult male has glossy black plumage, blackish-brown legs, a yellow eye ring, and an orange-yellow bill. The bill darkens somewhat in winter. The adult female is sooty-brown with a dull yellowish-brownish bill, a brownish-white throat, and some weak mottling on the breast.
The juvenile is similar to the female but has pale spots on the upperparts, and the very young juvenile also has a speckled breast. Young birds vary in the shade of brown, with darker birds presumably males. The first-year male resembles the adult male but has a dark bill and weaker eye ring, and its folded wing is brown, rather than black like the body plumage.
Common blackbirds breed in Europe, North Africa, India, and southern China. Populations in the north and east migrate to winter in Egypt and the west and southeast of Asia. Depending on latitude, Common blackbirds may be resident, partially migratory, or fully migratory. These birds live in very varied habitats, including mountainous regions and big city centers, where they inhabit open forests and forest edges, woodlands, cultivated areas, gardens, and parks if the cover is dense enough for hiding.
Common blackbirds are diurnal and eat mainly on the ground, turning the leaf litter to find the invertebrates hidden below. The bird runs for a short distance and stops suddenly to turn its head sideways to detect its prey and hops while it digs the ground with its bill to attract worms. It will feed in trees and bushes on the fruits and berries that it prefers. These birds will often take sunbaths, while flattened on grass or warm ground, with their beak open and their head inclined, and wings and tails spread. Common blackbirds are territorial, strongly defending their territory, mostly in urban areas where each pair does not have much space. Females may also fight, in defense of a good nest site. While winter food is available, Common blackbirds will stay within their territory for the year, although they will occupy different areas. Migrating birds are more gregarious, flying in small flocks and eating in loose groups at the wintering grounds.
22-10-2018 TURIA GARDENS, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)
The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata ) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to Siberia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia. It is declining in parts of its range.This is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with a streaked crown and breast, giving rise to the bird's common name. The legs are short and black, and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. Juveniles are browner than adults and have spots on the upperparts.The spotted flycatcher (Muscicapa striata ) is a small passerine bird in the Old World flycatcher family. It breeds in most of Europe and in the Palearctic to Siberia, and is migratory, wintering in Africa and south western Asia. It is declining in parts of its range.This is an undistinguished looking bird with long wings and tail. The adults have grey-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, with a streaked crown and breast, giving rise to the bird's common name. The legs are short and black, and the bill is black and has the broad but pointed shape typical of aerial insectivores. Juveniles are browner than adults and have spots on the upperparts.
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2-10-2018 TURIA GARDENS, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (JUVENILE) (Serinus serinus)
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The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.
When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.
The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.
Sunday, 21 October 2018
15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - RED EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata)
The red-eyed dove, Streptopelia semitorquata, presents itself as a largish and stocky pigeon, measuring around 30 cm in length. Its plumage is a tapestry of pale brown across the back, wings, and tail, with a striking contrast of dark vinous-pink on the head and underparts, fading into a pale grey facade on the face. A distinctive black hind neck patch, neatly framed with white, adorns its nape, while the legs and a patch of bare skin encircling the eye boast a vivid red hue.
When observing the red-eyed dove, look for the characteristic blackish flight feathers displayed during flight. Both sexes mirror each other in appearance, but the juveniles can be distinguished by their duller coloration and the scalloped pattern adorning their body feathers.
This species is quite adaptable, making its home in a variety of habitats, save for deserts. It shows a preference for forests near rivers, where it can be seen foraging or resting.
The red-eyed dove is a common sight throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, where it has established a widespread presence, avoiding only the arid expanses of the desert.
The red-eyed dove is known for its solitary or paired foraging habits, as opposed to forming large flocks. It constructs a simple stick nest within the branches of a tree, where it lays a clutch of two white eggs. In flight, it exhibits the typical pigeon pattern of regular beats interspersed with occasional sharp wing flicks.
Its vocal repertoire consists of a loud and distinctive "doo-doo-du-du," a call that resonates through its habitat.
A diet of grass seeds, grains, and other vegetation sustains the red-eyed dove, with much of its foraging taking place on the ground.
Conservation status
The red-eyed dove enjoys a status of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its stable population numbers since 2004.
While similar in appearance to the Eurasian collared dove, the red-eyed dove can be differentiated by its unique coloration and the red patch of skin around its eye.
17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - MAINLAND AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa ssp. rufa)
The African darter (Anhinga rufa ), sometimes called the snakebird, is a water bird of sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq.
The male is mainly glossy black with white streaking, but females and immature birds are browner. The African darter differs in appearance from the American darter most recognisably by its thin white lateral neck stripe against a rufous background colour. The pointed bill should prevent confusion with cormorants.
It is an 80 cm (31 in) long cormorant-like fish-eating species with a very long neck, like other anhingas.
The African darter is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of water occur; overall the species remains widespread and common.
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The only non-African subspecies, the Levant darter (Anhinga rufa chantrei ), occurred at Lake Amik (Amik Gölü) in south-central Turkey, in Hula valley lake and marshes in northern Israel and in the Mesopotamian Marshes of the lower Euphrat and Tigris rivers in southern Iraq. The Turkish population disappeared during the 1930s and the Israeli population during Hula drainage in the 1950s. In spite of 110 birds being counted in Khuzestan in 1990 alone, the subspecies was feared extinct as a result of oil spillages in southern Iraq during the Gulf War and the drainage of the Mesopotamian Marshes that followed it. However, a small but threatened population was documented in the Hawizeh Marshes in 2007, along with other waters birds like little grebe, pygmy cormorant, marbled teal and sacred ibis. The drainage of the marshes was interrupted and reversed after the Iraq War.
This species builds a stick nest in a tree and lays 3–6 eggs. It often nests with herons, egrets and cormorants.
It often swims with only the neck above water, hence the common name snakebird. This, too, is a habit shared with the other anhingas.
Unlike many other waterbirds the feathers of the African darter do not contain any oil and are therefore not waterproof. Because of this, the bird is less positively buoyant and its diving capabilities are enhanced. After diving for fish, the feathers can become waterlogged. In order to be able to fly and maintain heat insulation, it needs to dry its feathers. Thus the African darter is often seen sitting along the waterside spreading its wings and drying its feathers in the wind and the sun along with cormorants which may share its habitat.
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 - VIOLET DROPWING DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Trithemis annulata)
Trithemis annulata, commonly known as the violet dropwing, violet-marked darter, purple-blushed darter, or plum-coloured dropwing, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in most of Africa, the Middle East, the Arabian Peninsula, and southern Europe. These dragonflies are called dropwings because of their habit of immediately lowering their wings after landing on a perch. Males of this species are violet-red with red veins in the wings, while females are yellow and brown. Both sexes have red eyes.
Trithemis annulata is a robust medium-sized species with a wingspan of 60 mm (2.4 in). The mature male has a dark red head and a yellow labium with a brown central spot. The eyes are red with white spots on the rear edge, and the frons is dark metallic purplish-red. The prothorax is violet with slightly darker longitudinal stripes. The membranous wings have distinctive red veins, the pterostigma is orange-brown, and there is a large orange-brown splash at the base of the hind wings. The abdomen is fairly broad and is pinkish-violet, with purple markings on the top of each segment and blackish markings on the terminal three segments. Females are a similar size to males, but the thorax is brownish, and the abdomen is yellow with dark brown markings. The wings of females lack the red veins of males but have similar orange-brown patches. It is very similar in appearance to the red-veined dropwing (Trithemis arteriosa), but that species has a more slender abdomen and a wedge-shaped black area on either side of the tip of the abdomen.
Saturday, 20 October 2018
14-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - GREY GO AWAY BIRD (Crinifer concolor)
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The grey go-away-bird, also known as the grey lourie, grey loerie, or kwêvoël, is a distinctive bird of the southern Afrotropics. With a smoky-grey plumage, a long tail, and a wispy crest that can be raised in excitement, this bird is a sight to behold. The strong, decurved beak is black, contrasting with the pink gape and tongue, and the plumage varies slightly in shade across different parts of the body.
Adults of both sexes are similar in appearance, measuring 47–51 cm from bill to tail tip and weighing between 200 to 300 grams. The crest, reaching 6 to 7 cm in length, is a key feature for identification. The darkest grey can be found on the chin and throat, while the area around the eyes and belly is paler. The breast plumage may have a slight olive wash, reminiscent of its relative, the bare-faced go-away-bird.
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The grey go-away-bird is found in arid to moist, open savanna woodlands, particularly where Acacia trees abound. It is also a common sight in miombo woodlands, along watercourses, dry riparian forests, and in Acacia woodlands on alluvium. These birds are also comfortable in human-altered landscapes such as farms, gardens, and parks.
This species is native to a range of southern African countries, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini.
Despite their somewhat slow and laboured flight, grey go-away-birds are capable of covering considerable distances. They exhibit agility when navigating the treetops, running along limbs and hopping from branch to branch. They are sociable birds, often forming groups of up to 30 individuals that forage together in the canopy.
The grey go-away-bird is vocal, especially when disturbed, making loud and nasal "kweh" or "go-way" calls. The last syllable is typically a descending drawl, which is quite distinctive and memorable.
Breeding involves the construction of a flimsy nest platform made from thin, sometimes thorny sticks, resembling a substantial dove's nest. The nest, often containing three white eggs, is placed at the center of an isolated tree. Both parents share in all aspects of chick rearing, from incubation to feeding the down-covered chicks with regurgitated food.
The diet of the grey go-away-bird is predominantly fruit-based, including wild figs, berries, flowers, buds, leaves, termites, and snails. They feed on a variety of plant genera and also consume fruit from exotic invasive species, playing a role in seed dispersal.
Friday, 19 October 2018
15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - AFRICAN STONECHAT (Saxicola torquatus)
The African stonechat or common stonechat (Saxicola torquatus) is a species of the Old World flycatcher family (Muscicapidae), inhabiting sub-Saharan Africa and adjacent regions. Like the other chats, it was long assigned to the thrush family (Turdidae), to which the chats are convergent. Its scientific name refer to its appearance and habitat and means "collared rock-dweller": Saxicola from Latin saxum ("rock") + incola ("one who dwells in a place"), torquatus, Latin for "collared".
In the past S. torquatus usually referred to the entire "common stonechat" superspecies and some sources still keep it that way, but all available evidence strongly supports full species status for the European (S. rubicola) and the Siberian stonechat (S. maurus) of temperate Eurasia, in addition to the island-endemics Fuerteventura chat (S. dacotiae) and Réunion stonechat (S. tectes) which were never unequivocally accepted into S. torquatus. The Madagascar stonechat is also considered distinct. In addition, the well-marked populations of the Horn of Africa uplands may well qualify for an additional species.
14-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - 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.
Since 2021, the African bush elephant has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened foremost by habitat destruction, and in parts of its range also by poaching for meat and ivory. Between 2003 and 2015, the illegal killing of 14,606 African bush elephants was reported by rangers across 29 range countries. Chad is a major transit country for smuggling of ivory in West Africa. This trend was curtailed by raising penalties for poaching and improving law enforcement. Poaching of the elephant has dated back to the 1970s and 80s, which were considered the largest killings in history. In human culture, elephants have been extensively featured in literature, folklore and media, and are most valued for their large tusks in many places.
15-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - EGYPTIAN WHITE WATER LILY (Nymphaea lotus)
Nymphaea lotus, the white Egyptian lotus, tiger lotus, white lotus, or Egyptian water-lily, is a flowering plant of the family Nymphaeaceae.
It grows in various parts of East Africa and Southeast Asia. Nymphaea lotus var. thermalis was believed to be a Tertiary relict variety endemic to the thermal waters of Europe, for example, the Peţa River in Romania. DNA analysis has concluded that Nymphaea lotus var. thermalis lacks distinctiveness from Nymphaea lotus and therefore cannot be classified as a relic population.
Thursday, 18 October 2018
17-10-2018 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - NORTHERN SHOVELER (FEMALE) (Spatula clypeata)
The Northern Shoveler, known in Britain simply as the shoveler, is a distinctive species with a broad, spatulate bill that sets it apart from other ducks. The male, or drake, in breeding plumage boasts an iridescent dark green head, a white chest, and chestnut flanks and belly. When in flight, one can observe the pale blue feathers on the forewing, edged with white and set against a green speculum. The female is more subdued in color, mottled brown akin to other dabblers, but her large, gray bill with orange hints is a clear identifier.
To identify the Northern Shoveler, look for the following characteristics:
Large, spatulate bill
Males: Iridescent dark green head, white chest, chestnut belly and flanks
Females: Mottled brown, similar to a female mallard but with a distinctive bill
In flight: Pale blue forewing feathers with a white border and green speculum
Size: Length of 48 cm (19 in), wingspan of 76 cm (30 in), and weight of 600 g (1.3 lb)
Habitat
The Northern Shoveler frequents open wetlands such as wet grasslands or marshes with emergent vegetation. They prefer mud-bottomed marshes rich in invertebrate life.
This species has a broad breeding range across northern Europe, the Palearctic, and most of North America. It winters in southern Europe, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It is a rare vagrant to Australia.
17-10-2018 - ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)
With its yellow feet, which are used to flush prey when feeding in shallow water, the Little Egret is a distinctive member of the heron family. Little Egrets first bred in Britain in 1996 and since then have successfully colonised much of southern Britain and Ireland.
Little Egrets first bred in Britain in 1996 and since then have successfully colonised much of southern Britain and Ireland. Most of the breeding colonies have been established within existing Grey Heron colonies, the two species nesting alongside one another.
The winter distribution is also currently restricted to the southern half of Britain & Ireland, despite the fact that young birds are known to move some distance from their natal site.
The little egret, a captivating member of the heron family, Ardeidae, has long enchanted observers with its elegant appearance. Boasting a slender body, pristine white plumage, and long black legs, this bird is the epitome of grace and poise. Found throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, and even as far as Australia, the little egret has a wide distribution, allowing it to grace numerous landscapes and ecosystems with its beauty.
The little egret is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 55 to 65 cm in length and weighing 350 to 550 grams. Some of its most distinctive features include:
White feathers that give the bird its elegant appearance
A black bill that contrasts with its bright plumage
Black legs with distinctive yellow feet
During the breeding season, the little egret adorns itself with lacy plumes on its head, neck, and back, further enhancing its already enchanting appearance.
Little egrets favor wetland environments such as marshes, swamps, rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various climates, from temperate to tropical regions. In some parts of the world, these birds are migratory, while in other regions, they maintain a more sedentary lifestyle.
An anecdote that illustrates the adaptability of the little egret can be found in the United Kingdom. Once a rare visitor, this bird has expanded its range and now breeds regularly across southern England, delighting local birdwatchers with its elegant presence.
The little egret’s diet primarily consists of fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. They employ various feeding techniques, such as:
Walking through shallow water and using their yellow feet to stir up prey
Employing a “stand and wait” strategy to ambush prey
As opportunistic feeders, little egrets are known to adapt their diet based on available food sources. In one fascinating instance, a little egret was observed using a piece of bread as bait to catch fish in an urban park, demonstrating their intelligence and resourcefulness.
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