18-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori)

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) stands as the largest flying bird native to Africa, a member of the bustard family Otididae. Males are particularly hefty, possibly the heaviest living animal capable of flight. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males significantly outweighing females. Their plumage is cryptically colored, blending into their savanna habitats with a mottled pattern of grey, brown, black, and white.

Adult kori bustards are distinguished by their large size, heavy build, and a distinctive black crest on their heads. Their eyes are ringed with white, and they possess a black collar at the base of the hind-neck that extends onto the sides of the breast. The legs are long and yellowish, and the bill is light greenish horn-colored. Juveniles resemble females but are browner with more spotting on the mantle.

Kori bustards favor open grassy areas with sandy soil, short grass, and occasional trees or bushes for cover. They are found in plains, arid plateaus, grasslands, lightly wooded savannas, and semi-deserts, avoiding densely wooded areas.

This species is widespread across southern Africa, with populations extending from Botswana and Namibia to South Africa, Mozambique, and parts of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Kori bustards are primarily terrestrial, spending much of their time foraging on foot. They exhibit cautious behavior, often fleeing on foot before resorting to flight. They are known for their slow, deliberate walk and can be solitary or found in groups, especially around abundant food sources.

The kori bustard is generally quiet but can produce a deep, booming mating call, a loud growling bark when alarmed, and a snapping bill sound during close encounters.

Breeding is influenced by rainfall, with males engaging in lek mating, displaying at regular sites to attract females. Females lay eggs on the ground in shallow hollows, often near trees or shrubs, and raise the young without male assistance.

The kori bustard can be confused with other large bustards like Denham's and Ludwig's bustards but can be differentiated by its greyer appearance and lack of white upperwing markings in flight.

An opportunistic omnivore, the kori bustard's diet includes insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. They forage by walking slowly and picking at the ground, often following herds of ungulates to catch prey disturbed by their movement.

The kori bustard is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting, and collisions with power lines. While they can be locally common in protected areas, their populations are generally scarce outside these regions.

19-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo)

The Banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) is a mongoose species native from the Sahel to Southern Africa. While most mongoose species live solitary lives, the Banded mongoose lives in colonies with a complex social structure and forages in groups.

The Banded mongoose is a sturdy mongoose with a large head, small ears, short, muscular limbs, and a long tail, almost as long as the rest of the body. Animals of wetter areas are larger and darker colored than animals in dryer regions. The abdominal part of the body is higher and rounder than the breast area. The rough fur is grayish brown and black, and there are several dark brown to black horizontal bars across the back. The limbs and snout are darker, while the underparts are lighter than the rest of the body. Banded mongooses have long strong claws that allow them to dig in the soil. The nose color of banded mongoose varies from gray-brown to orange-red.

The Banded mongoose lives in sub-Saharan Africa as far north as Somalia and Sudan. Although it does occur in Gambia and Senegal, it is generally considered as rare in West Africa. It occupies a variety of habitats, including brush-land and grassland, but prefers wooded areas. It is not found in drier areas, such as semi-desert and desert habitats.

The Banded mongoose is gregarious and diurnal, living in packs with 10 to 20 members. Packs usually remain together in a group in the same area, but forage individually. They may hunt together to kill larger prey, such as sand snakes. Their home range can measure 0.8 to 4 sq km, and they prefer to use an old termite mound as a den. A pack’s social organization seems to be matriarchal. Packs care for their young and also look after invalids and elderly, for example, by warning them about danger, grooming them, and giving them access to food. These animals are somewhat nomadic and will not inhabit one particular sheltering area or den for long, usually no more than several days or weeks. At a preferred location they may remain a little longer, and often will return to a favorite shelter site or den to re-use it repeatedly.

18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax)

14-11-2018 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

14-11-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN KATYDID (Phaneroptera nana)

14-11-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea filicata)

Idaea filicata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is found in Southern Europe and the Near East.

The species has a wingspan of 12–21 mm. The adults fly at night from May to September in two to three generations.

Idaea filicata is a moth of the Geometridae family with a wingspan of about 15 mm, ivory white with brown spots on the wings and abdomen. With its wings spread out, the image is that of a white fan with a dark brown circular segment in the centre that reaches halfway and, beyond, a concentric arc of the same brown. The concordance between the front and back wings to form this geometric image is remarkable. On the edge of the wings it has a fringe of white hairs. These white hairs are also found on the back of the thorax, although the specimen in the image has lost them. The legs and antennae are also white.

The image of the adult was obtained in a building, attracted by the light.

The caterpillar is of an indistinct dark colour, between grey and reddish brown, with the segments wrinkled in an apparent second-order segmentation. It appears to feed on numerous herbs when they begin to decay.

In the Iberian Peninsula, Idaea filicata is distributed throughout the Mediterranean lands from Murcia to the north and in the Ebro depression; however, it is absent in the western half.

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 - BROWN SNAKE EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus)

The Brown Snake Eagle, with its scientific name Circaetus cinereus, is a robust bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It is characterized by its predominantly dark brown plumage, which may exhibit a purplish sheen under certain lighting conditions. The wings are similarly colored, save for the contrasting whitish-grey unmarked flight feathers. A relatively short tail displays brown and grayish cream bars, visible during flight.

This medium-sized eagle is distinguished by its large head and bare legs, setting it apart from other brownish eagles in Africa. Juveniles resemble adults but may show sparse white feather bases, with southern individuals displaying more pronounced white speckling. The species can be confused with a juvenile Bateleur in poor light, but the Bateleur has more varied coloration, brown eyes, a shorter tail, and shorter legs.

The Brown Snake Eagle inhabits open woods and wooded savanna, often favoring areas with gulleys or wooded hillocks that interrupt flat terrain. It shows a preference for more densely wooded areas compared to related snake eagles and can be found from sea level up to elevations of 2,000 meters.

Widely distributed across Africa, this species is found from southeastern Mauritania and Senegal to Guinea, Sierra Leone, and across to southern Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, and into southern Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, and the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its range extends down through southern Africa to parts of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northeastern and eastern South Africa.

The Brown Snake Eagle is a solitary bird, with breeding pairs rarely seen together. It exhibits territorial display flights, which can escalate to erratic butterfly-like movements and, in intense situations, talon interlocking and cartwheeling. This species is not migratory but may exhibit nomadic tendencies.

Its vocalizations include a hoarse, guttural "hok-hok-hok-hok," often used in territorial displays, and a softer "kwee-oo" likely serving as a contact call at the nest.

Breeding occurs from November to July in the northern part of its range and mainly from December to July in Zimbabwe and February to October in Kenya. Nests are relatively small and placed in flat-topped trees or on electric pylons. A single egg is laid and incubated primarily by the female for about 50 days. The juvenile remains in the nest for 60-100 days before fledging.

The Brown Snake Eagle may be confused with the juvenile Bateleur or other medium-sized brown eagles, but its large head, bare legs, and specific tail barring help differentiate it.

This eagle preys predominantly on snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, using its thick-skinned legs as protection against bites. It hunts from perches or hillocks, often decapitating large snakes before bringing them to the nest. Alternate prey includes monitor lizards, toads, francolins, guineafowl, chickens, rats, and possibly other mammals.

The Brown Snake Eagle is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad range and a presence over 23.3 thousand square kilometers. Although it may be naturally scarce and potentially declining, it does not currently require immediate conservation attention.

18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - WESTERN LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta ssp. garzetta)

18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - NILE CROCODILE (Crocodylus niloticus)

12-11-2018 BENIARRES, ALICANTE - ERICA MULTIFLORA (Subfamily Ericoideaeea)

12-11-2018 BENIARRES, ALICANTE - COMMON MORNING GLORY (Ipomoea purpurea)

28-5-2018 QUATRETONDA, VALENCIA - STINK BUG (Holcogaster fibulata)

7-11-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREEN LACEWING (Chrysoperla carnea)

12-11-2018 BENIARRES, ALICANTE - COMMON EARTH WORM (Lumbricus terrestris)

Lumbricus terrestris is a large, reddish worm species thought to be native to Western Europe, now widely distributed around the world (along with several other lumbricids). In some areas where it is an introduced species, some people consider it to be a significant pest for out-competing native worms.

Through much of Europe, it is the largest naturally occurring species of earthworm, typically reaching 20 to 25 cm in length when extended.

Although this is not the most abundant earthworm, even in its native range, it is a very conspicuous and familiar earthworm species in garden and agricultural soils of the temperate zone, and is frequently seen on the surface, unlike most other earthworms. It is also used as the example earthworm for millions of biology students around the world, even in areas where the species does not exist. However, 'earthworm' can be a source of confusion since, in most of the world, other species are more typical. For example, through much of the unirrigated temperate areas of the world, the "common earthworm" is actually Aporrectodea (=Allolobophora) trapezoides, which in those areas is a similar size and dark colour to L. terrestris.

12-11-2018 BENIARRES, ALICANTE - WHITE WALL ROCKET (Diplotaxis erucoides)

12-11-2018 BENIARRES, ALICANTE - RED ADMIRAL BUTTERFLY (Vanessa atalanta)

The Red Admiral butterfly is generally perceived and can be tracked down in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its wings are particularly dark, decorated with orange-red groups and white spots along the edges. On the underside of the wings, you will track down dull-colored tints with lighter-marbled designs. The wingspan of the Red Admiral Butterfly normally goes from 2.75 to 3 inches. In specific areas, this butterfly is known for its transitory way of behaving.

The dynamic shades of the Red Admiral butterfly go about as a sort of preventative tinge for likely hunters, flagging that it might be harmful or unsavory to consume. This fills in as an example of Müllerian mimicry, where different destructive species take on tantamount advance notice signs.

Vanessa atalanta, the red admiral or, previously, the red admirable, is a well-characterized, medium-sized butterfly with black wings, red bands, and white spots. It has a wingspan of about 2 inches (5 cm). It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae. The red admiral is widely distributed across temperate regions of North Africa, the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. It resides in warmer areas, but migrates north in spring and sometimes again in autumn. Typically found in moist woodlands, the red admiral caterpillar's primary host plant is the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica); it can also be found on the false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica). The adult butterfly drinks from flowering plants like Buddleia and overripe fruit. Red admirals are territorial; females will only mate with males that hold territory. Males with superior flight abilities are more likely to successfully court females. It is known as an unusually calm butterfly, often allowing observation at a very close distance before flying away, also landing on and using humans as perches.

The red admiral is found in temperate regions of North Africa, North and Central America, Europe, Asia, and island regions of Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

In northern Europe, it is one of the last butterflies to be seen before winter sets in, often feeding on the flowers of ivy on sunny days. The red admiral is also known to hibernate, re-emerging individuals showing prominently darker colors than the first brood. The butterfly also flies on sunny winter days, especially in southern Europe.

In North America, the red admiral generally has two broods from March through October. Most of North America must be recolonized each spring by southern migrants, but the species overwinters in south Texas.

7-11-2018 SOLLANA, VALENCIA - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

7-11-2018 TANCAT DE PIPA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREY SHRIKE (Lanius meridionalis)

The Iberian grey shrike, Lanius meridionalis, is a captivating bird, a member of the shrike family. It bears a resemblance to its relative, the great grey shrike, Lanius excubitor, yet it presents subtle distinctions in plumage. This bird is slightly smaller and darker than its great grey counterpart.

When observing the Iberian grey shrike, look for a bird that is somewhat diminutive and darker compared to the great grey shrike. Its plumage is generally similar, but keen birdwatchers will note the differences that set it apart.

The Iberian grey shrike is a bird of preference for dry, open country. It thrives in the southern European landscapes where it resides year-round.

This species is a resident bird of southern Europe, where it can be found throughout the year, gracing the open habitats with its presence.

7-11-2018 TANCAT DE PIPA, VALENCIA - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

The Meadow Pipit, Anthus pratensis, is a small, unassuming bird of the 

passerine family. It measures between 14.5 to 15 cm in length and weighs a mere 15 to 22 grams. Its plumage is predominantly brown above and buff below, with darker streaks adorning most of its body. The tail is brown with narrow white edges, and it stands on pale pinkish-yellow legs. A distinctive feature is its notably long hind claw, surpassing the length of its other hind toes.

When identifying the Meadow Pipit, look for its streaked appearance and listen for its weak "tsi-tsi" call. In flight, observe its song, which is a simple, repetitive tune that increases in pace towards the end. The bird's small size and long hind claw are also key identification markers.

The Meadow Pipit favors open spaces such as pastures, bogs, and moorlands. It can also be found in low-intensity agricultural areas and, during winter, in saltmarshes and occasionally open woodlands.

This species breeds across the Palearctic, from Greenland and Iceland to the Ural Mountains, and south to central France and Romania. An isolated population resides in the Caucasus Mountains. While migratory over most of its range, wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, it remains resident year-round in western Europe.

The Meadow Pipit is a terrestrial bird, feeding on the ground and using elevated perches to scan for predators. It is known to move to the coast or lowlands during winter, even in areas where it is considered resident.

The call of the Meadow Pipit is a soft "tsi-tsi." Its song, delivered during a short song flight, is a simple melody that quickens as it progresses.

Nests are well-concealed on the ground in dense vegetation. Clutches typically contain two to seven eggs, which hatch after 11 to 15 days. Fledging occurs 10 to 14 days post-hatching, and the species often raises two broods per year. The Meadow Pipit is a frequent host for the cuckoo's parasitic breeding strategy.

The Meadow Pipit can be confused with the Red-throated Pipit, which has more pronounced streaking and an orange-red throat in summer, and the Tree Pipit, which is larger, less streaked, and has stronger facial markings and a shorter hind claw.

Its diet consists mainly of insects and other invertebrates, favoring prey less than 5 mm in length. During winter, it also consumes seeds from grasses, sedges, rushes, heather, and crowberry berries.

The Meadow Pipit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, there has been a noted decline in populations, particularly in French farmland, where numbers have dropped by 68% over the past 17 years.

7-11-2018 TANCAT DE PIPA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN KESTREL (FEMALE) (Falco tinnunculus)

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

This species occurs over a large range. It is widespread in Europe, Asia, and Africa, as well as occasionally reaching the east coast of North America. It has colonized a few oceanic islands, but vagrant individuals are generally rare; in the whole of Micronesia for example, the species was only recorded twice each on Guam and Saipan in the Marianas.

7-11-2018 TANCAT DE PIPA, VALENCIA - WHITE SPOTTED BLUETHROAT (FEMALE) (Luscinia svecica ssp. cyanecula)

The Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) is a small and enchanting passerine, reminiscent of the European robin in stature, measuring 13-14 cm in length. The males are particularly striking with their vibrant throat plumage, which boasts a rich blue central patch framed by black and rust-colored borders, evoking the hues of the Swedish flag. Above, they are a modest brown, save for the black tail adorned with red side patches, and they possess a pronounced white supercilium that stands out against their plumage.

To identify the Bluethroat, look for the male's resplendent throat, which is its most distinguishing feature. Females and juveniles are more subdued, with the females typically displaying a blackish crescent on a cream throat and breast. Juveniles are freckled and spotted with dark brown above. All share the characteristic white supercilium and black tail with red side patches.

The Bluethroat favors wet birch woods or bushy swamps for breeding, finding solace in the dense undergrowth where it can nest in tussocks or low bushes.

This migratory bird breeds across the Palearctic and has a foothold in western Alaska. When the cold season approaches, it retreats to warmer climes, wintering in the Iberian Peninsula, northern Africa, and southern Asia, including the Indian subcontinent.

The Bluethroat is a bird of secretive nature, often found flitting through dense vegetation. It is migratory, with moulting beginning in July after breeding and completed in 40-45 days before the birds embark on their long journey to wintering grounds.

7-11-2018 TANCAT DE PIPA, VALENCIA - WESTERN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio)

6-11-2018 ADOR CAMPO, VALENCIA - MEADOW PIPIT (Anthus pratensis)

The Meadow Pipit, Anthus pratensis, is a small, unassuming bird of the 

passerine family. It measures between 14.5 to 15 cm in length and weighs a mere 15 to 22 grams. Its plumage is predominantly brown above and buff below, with darker streaks adorning most of its body. The tail is brown with narrow white edges, and it stands on pale pinkish-yellow legs. A distinctive feature is its notably long hind claw, surpassing the length of its other hind toes.

When identifying the Meadow Pipit, look for its streaked appearance and listen for its weak "tsi-tsi" call. In flight, observe its song, which is a simple, repetitive tune that increases in pace towards the end. The bird's small size and long hind claw are also key identification markers.

The Meadow Pipit favors open spaces such as pastures, bogs, and moorlands. It can also be found in low-intensity agricultural areas and, during winter, in saltmarshes and occasionally open woodlands.

This species breeds across the Palearctic, from Greenland and Iceland to the Ural Mountains, and south to central France and Romania. An isolated population resides in the Caucasus Mountains. While migratory over most of its range, wintering in southern Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, it remains resident year-round in western Europe.

The Meadow Pipit is a terrestrial bird, feeding on the ground and using elevated perches to scan for predators. It is known to move to the coast or lowlands during winter, even in areas where it is considered resident.

The call of the Meadow Pipit is a soft "tsi-tsi." Its song, delivered during a short song flight, is a simple melody that quickens as it progresses.

Nests are well-concealed on the ground in dense vegetation. Clutches typically contain two to seven eggs, which hatch after 11 to 15 days. Fledging occurs 10 to 14 days post-hatching, and the species often raises two broods per year. The Meadow Pipit is a frequent host for the cuckoo's parasitic breeding strategy.