20-11-2018 ALCOY, VALENCIA - DUNNOCK (Prunella modularis)

The dunnock (Prunella modularis) is a small passerine, or perching bird, found throughout temperate Europe and into Asian Russia. Dunnocks have also been successfully introduced into New Zealand. It is by far the most widespread member of the accentor family; most other accentors are limited to mountain habitats. Other common names of the dunnock include: hedge accentor, hedge sparrow or hedge warbler.

Dunnocks are native to large areas of Eurasia, inhabiting much of Europe including Lebanon, northern Iran, and the Caucasus. They are the only commonly found accentor in lowland areas; all the others inhabit upland areas.Dunnocks were successfully introduced into New Zealand during the 19th century, and are now widely distributed around the country and some offshore islands. Favoured habitats include woodlands, shrubs, gardens, and hedgerows where they typically feed on the ground, often seeking out detritivores as food.

Dunnocks exhibit a variety of mating systems, with females often engaging in polyandry. Males attempt to ensure paternity by pecking at the female's cloaca to stimulate the ejection of rival sperm. The species is known for its quick copulation, which can occur more than 100 times a day. Parental care is generally proportional to mating success, with both males and females commonly seen provisioning at a single nest.

The dunnock's streaked back and drab coloration may lead to confusion with the house sparrow, but its distinctive behavior and calls can aid in proper identification.

Dunnocks primarily feed on the ground, often targeting detritivores as a food source.

20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN AFRICAN GIRAFFE (Giraffa giraffa ssp. giraffa)

The South African giraffe or Cape giraffe (Giraffa giraffa or Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a species or subspecies of giraffe found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Mozambique. It has rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves.

In 2016, the population was estimated at 31,500 individuals in the wild.

The IUCN currently recognizes only one species of giraffe with nine subspecies. The Cape giraffe, along with the whole species, were first known by the binomen Camelopardalis giraffa as described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in his publication Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen (The Mammals Illustrated from Nature with Descriptions) during his travel in the Cape of Good Hope in 1784. Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert also described it under the binomial name Giraffa giraffa whilst also identifying the nominate specimen of said species under the ternary name Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa in 1785.

The South African giraffe has dark, somewhat rounded patches "with some fine projections" on a tawny background colour. The spots extend down the legs and get smaller. The median lump of males is less developed.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SADDLE BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)

The Saddle-billed Stork, known scientifically as Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis, is a magnificent and large wading bird belonging to the stork family, Ciconiidae. It stands tall, reaching heights of 145 to 150 cm (4 ft 9 in to 4 ft 11 in), with a wingspan stretching an impressive 2.4 to 2.7 m (7 ft 10 in to 8 ft 10 in). The male of the species is typically larger and heavier than the female, with weights ranging from 5.1 to 7.52 kg (11.2 to 16.6 lb).

Distinguishing between the sexes is straightforward; the female boasts golden yellow irises, while the male has brown irises complemented by dangling yellow wattles. Both sexes share a striking plumage, with iridescent black covering the head, neck, back, wings, and tail, and the rest of the body along with primary flight feathers being white. The juvenile birds wear a more subdued brownish-grey attire. The stork's bill is a vivid red adorned with a black band and a distinctive yellow frontal shield, the namesake "saddle." Their legs and feet are black with pink hocks, and a bare red patch of skin can be found on the chest, which intensifies in color during the breeding season.

19-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN GREY HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala ssp pallidiventris)

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.

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.

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."

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.

20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - OKAVANGO MUD TURTLE (Pelusios bechuanicus)

The Okavango mud turtle or Okavango terrapin (Pelusios bechuanicus) is a species of turtle in the family Pelomedusidae endemic to Africa. It is found in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Namibia (Caprivi), Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Found in central Africa, central Angola, northeastern Namibia, northern Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia

The Okavango mud turtle is the largest species of the genus Pelusios. The carapace is oval and elongated, with a pronounced dome, and is evenly rounded at the edges which allows the turtle to appear as a smooth rock. The carapace is very dark, often almost black, and lightens up to yellow or orange only at the sides. The plastron is well developed and can close the shell completely, with a rounded front lobe that comes together to form the hinge that is characteristic of the genus.

The turtle is observed most often in clear, deep, calm waters, in rivers, and in vegetation-choked swamps. It is a semi-aquatic animal that remains in the water most of the year. It is observed outside of the water habitat only when seeking temporary aquatic refuge during the dry season. The breeding season occurs during the southern summer and nests are quite large, between 20 and 50 eggs. The turtle is most frequent prey to the shoe-billed stork and it is characteristically a carnivore, feeding on fish and invertebrates.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN GREATER KUDU (FEMALE) (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros)

The Greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a woodland antelope found in Africa. Despite occupying such widespread territory, Greater kudus are sparsely populated in most areas due to declining habitat, deforestation, and poaching.

The range of Greater kudu extends from the east in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Eritrea, and Kenya into the south where they are found in Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Other regions where they occur are the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, Swaziland, and Uganda. These antelopes live in mixed scrub woodlands and bush on abandoned fields and degraded pastures, mopane bush, and acacia in lowlands, hills, and mountains. They will occasionally venture onto plains only if there is a large abundance of bushes but normally avoid such open areas to avoid becoming an easy target for their predators.

Greater kudus are social animals that live in groups within their home areas. Females usually form small groups of 6-10 with their offspring, but sometimes they can form a herd of up to 20 individuals. Male kudus may form small bachelor groups, but they are more commonly found as solitary and widely dispersed individuals. Solitary males will join the group of females and calves only during the mating season. Home ranges of maternal herds can overlap with other maternal herds while home ranges of adult males generally encompass the ranges of two or three female groups. Greater kudus may be active throughout the 24-hour day. During the day, they normally cease to be active and instead seek cover under woodland, especially during hot days. They feed and drink in the early morning and late afternoon, acquiring water from waterholes or roots and bulbs that have high water content. When a herd is threatened by predators, an adult (usually female) will issue a bark to alert the rest of the herd. Greater kudus communicate using many other vocalizations, including low grunts, clucks, humming, and gasping.

20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - ARID CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus ssp. xerophilus)

Although generally outnumbered by blacksmith lapwings, they are the most widespread and locally the most numerous lapwing species in their area of distribution. Their numbers have increased in the latter part of the 20th century after benefiting from a range of human activities. They live up to 20 years.

The crowned lapwing is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

Their diet consists of a variety of insects, but termites and ants form an important component. These insects are often extracted from the dung of large mammals. They feed mainly by surface pecking as opposed to digging.

 Crowned lapwings and the more localized black-winged lapwings sometimes associate and do not show mutual aggression, even within breeding territories. Different crowned lapwing males do however posture aggressively when nesting territories are established. The loser in an encounter assumes a special posture to signal his defeat.

Bare-part colours of males brighten in the breeding season. Different types of display flights lure the female to the defended territory. A female accepting the male and territory will follow the male during his display flight. Mates may be retained for life. Egg-laying is timed to precede the rainy season and most incubating is done by the female. The male assists only on hot days, when he either incubates or shades the nest.

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.

17-11-2018 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops)

17-11-2018 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.

17-11-2018 GANDIA, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

The Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) is a small, charismatic passerine bird, exhibiting a blend of dark and vibrant plumage. Males are distinguished by their dark grey to black upperparts and breast, with a striking orange-red rump and tail. Females and juveniles are more subdued in color, with grey to grey-brown feathers and the same vivid tail coloration that is the hallmark of the species.

Adult males are easily identified by their dark upperparts and black breast, contrasting with the orange-red lower rump and tail. The belly and undertail may vary from blackish-grey to orange-red, depending on the subspecies. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with overall greyer tones and a distinctive orange-red rump and tail. The presence of pale fringes on the secondaries forms a whitish wing panel in some subspecies.

The Black Redstart has adapted remarkably to urban environments, often found nesting in crevices or holes within buildings. Originally a dweller of stony mountainous regions, it now thrives in industrial areas with similar structural features.

This species is widely distributed across south and central Europe, Asia, and north-west Africa. It is a resident in milder regions, while populations in the northeast migrate to warmer areas during winter.

The Black Redstart is known for its robin-like movements, including quick ducks of the head and body, and frequent tail flicking. Males possess a rattling song and a tick call, adding to their distinctive presence.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - NAMIBIAN GIRAFFE (JUVENILE) (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. angolensis)

20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

16-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - BURCHELL'S SANDGROUSE (Pterocles burchelli)

Burchell's sandgrouse (Pterocles burchelli) is a species of bird in the family Pteroclidae. It is found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa. The name of this bird commemorates the English naturalist William John Burchell.

Burchell's sandgrouse is a plump bird about the size of a pigeon with a small head and short legs. The body is light brown, mottled with darker shades and white speckles. In males, the eye is surrounded by bare yellow skin and the cheeks and throat are pale grey. The male grows to about 25 cm (10 in) long and the female is a little smaller.

Burchell's sandgrouse is found in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It is normally resident but moves about to a limited extent depending on the availability of water and the seeds it mainly eats. It is widespread and common in much of its range. It frequents areas of rough grass and scrub, especially on red Kalahari sand and has been able to extend its range because of the greater availability of water after the sinking of boreholes by farmers.

20-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - DICE MOTH (Genus Rhanidophora)

Rhanidophora is a genus of moths of the family Erebidae. The genus was described by Wallengren in 1858.

Species

Rhanidophora cinctigutta caterpillar on Thunbergia atriplicifolia in KwaZulu-Natal

Rhanidophora aethiops Grünberg, 1907

Rhanidophora agrippa H. Druce, 1899

Rhanidophora albigutta Fawcett, 1915

Rhanidophora aurantiaca Hampson, 1902

Rhanidophora cinctigutta Walker, 1862

Rhanidophora enucleata Mabille, 1900

Rhanidophora flava Bethune-Baker, 1911

Rhanidophora flavigutta Hampson, 1926

Rhanidophora phedonia Stoll, 1782

Rhanidophora odontophora Hampson, 1926

Rhanidophora piguerator Hampson, 1926

Rhanidophora ridens Hampson, 1902

Rhanidophora septipunctata Bethune-Baker, 1909

19-4-2018 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.

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.

16-11-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPINY TOAD (Bufo spinosus)

The spiny toad, spiny common toad, or giant toad (Bufo spinosus) is a species of toad native to the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, extreme northwestern Italy, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). There is an isolated population in Jersey in the Channel Islands. For much of the 20th century, it was considered either a synonym or a subspecies of common toad Bufo bufo, but it is now classified as a separate species.

These toads feed on a number of invertebrates from earthworms to insects and woodlice.

Adult males measure 58.6–112 mm (2.3–4.4 in) and adult females 65–180 mm (2.6–7.1 in) in snout–vent length.

Distribution: Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France (north to about Caen and about Lyon; an isolated population on the Isle of Jersey (United Kingdom); northwestern Africa in the northern mountains of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

A relatively large  toad with a total maximum length of about 21cm, though males are rather smaller at 9-10cm and the average female is 15cm. The head is longer than wide, with a short rounded snout, and the area between the eyes is either flat or concave. The tympanum is barely visible, measuring about half the diameter of the eye. The fingers are short, the third being the longest, followed by the the first and then the second and fourth, these latter two being of equal length. There are two tubercles on the palms. The toes are relatively long and flattened.

16-11-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LEAF BEETLE (Family Chrysomelidae)

Timarcha is a genus of leaf beetles in the family Chrysomelidae, with more than 100 described species in three subgenera. The most widely known species is T. tenebricosa, the bloody-nosed beetle. All species are black, wingless organisms. Timarcha are herbivorous species, living mostly on plants belonging to Rubiaceae and Plumbaginaceae, although a few can feed on Brassicaceae and Rosaceae. Timarcha is the only member of the tribe Timarchini.

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.

15-11-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPINY TOAD (Bufo spinosus)

The spiny toad, spiny common toad, or giant toad (Bufo spinosus) is a species of toad native to the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, extreme northwestern Italy, and North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia). There is an isolated population in Jersey in the Channel Islands. For much of the 20th century, it was considered either a synonym or a subspecies of common toad Bufo bufo, but it is now classified as a separate species.

These toads feed on a number of invertebrates from earthworms to insects and woodlice.

Adult males measure 58.6–112 mm (2.3–4.4 in) and adult females 65–180 mm (2.6–7.1 in) in snout–vent length.

Distribution: Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France (north to about Caen and about Lyon; an isolated population on the Isle of Jersey (United Kingdom); northwestern Africa in the northern mountains of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.

A relatively large  toad with a total maximum length of about 21cm, though males are rather smaller at 9-10cm and the average female is 15cm. The head is longer than wide, with a short rounded snout, and the area between the eyes is either flat or concave. The tympanum is barely visible, measuring about half the diameter of the eye. The fingers are short, the third being the longest, followed by the the first and then the second and fourth, these latter two being of equal length. There are two tubercles on the palms. The toes are relatively long and flattened.

18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family, Coraciidae, resplendent in a panoply of pastel hues. This African bird is a sight to behold, with its lilac throat and breast, olive crown to mantle, and cheeks of lilac-rufous. The species is further adorned with long, black tail streamers, which juveniles lack. Unofficially, it is considered the national bird of Kenya.

In the field, the lilac-breasted roller is almost unmistakable. Adults boast a lilac throat that deepens into a darker lilac breast, with an olive crown and mantle. The cheeks and ear coverts are a lilac-rufous. Juveniles and immatures can be identified by their lack of tail streamers and a throat and breast of rufous-tawny with broad diffuse buffy-white streaks. The species is not sexually dimorphic, though males may be slightly larger.

The lilac-breasted roller favors open woodland and savanna, typically avoiding treeless expanses. They are often seen perched high, surveying the landscape for prey.

This species is widely distributed across Southern and Eastern Africa and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is most abundant in Kenya and can be found from sea level to elevations of 2,000 meters or more.

Lilac-breasted rollers are usually solitary or found in pairs. They are known for their aggressive defense of their nests against raptors and other birds. During the breeding season, males perform acrobatic flights, swooping and diving while emitting harsh cries.

18-4-2018 CHOBE NATIONAL PARK, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus ssp. aethiopicus)

The African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) is a striking wading bird from the family Threskiornithidae. It is characterized by its all-white plumage, save for the dark plumes on its rump. The adult bird measures approximately 68 cm (27 in) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 112 to 124 cm (44 to 49 in), and weighs between 1.35 to 1.5 kg (3.0 to 3.3 lb). Males are generally slightly larger than females. The species is distinguished by its bald head and neck, thick curved bill, and black legs. In flight, the white wings reveal a contrasting black rear border. The eyes are brown, encircled by a dark red orbital ring.

When identifying the African sacred ibis, look for the combination of its white body, black head, neck, and bill. Juveniles can be recognized by their less pristine white plumage, smaller bill, and some feathering on the neck. The presence of greenish-brown scapulars and more black on the primary coverts also helps to distinguish younger birds.

This ibis favors marshy wetlands and mud flats, both inland and along the coast. It is often found nesting in trees near water and is known to frequent very shallow wetlands, wet pastures with soft soil, cultivation areas, and rubbish dumps.

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.