30-9-2019 ALFAUIR, VALENCIA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The nomad dragonfly (Sympetrum fonscolombii), also known as the red-veined darter, is a common and widespread species known for its migratory habits and rapid life cycle. 

Key Facts

Nomadic Behavior: The dragonfly is named "nomad" because it can travel long distances, often migrating northward to central and northwest Europe from its typical southern range (Africa, Southern Europe, Middle East, Asia) in specific years.

Rapid Development: Unlike most other European dragonflies, the nomad can have more than one generation per year due to its fast-developing eggs and larvae, which can grow from egg to adult in just a few months.

Appearance (Females): Females are different, featuring an ochre-yellow or yellowish-brown abdomen with two black lines along each side. Their wing veins are yellow, not red, at the leading edge and base.

Size: This is a medium-sized dragonfly, typically reaching a body length of about 38 to 40 millimeters (1.5 to 1.6 inches).

30-9-2019 ALFAUIR, VALENCIA - CONVOLVULUS HAWKMOTH (Agrius convolvuli) CATERPILLAR

Agrius convolvuli, the convolvulus hawk-moth, is a large hawk-moth. It is common throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, partly as a migrant. In New Zealand, it is also known as the kumara moth, and in the Māori language as hīhue.

The wingspan is 80–105 millimetres (3.1–4.1 in). This hawkmoth's basic coloration is in grayish tones, but the abdomen has a broad gray dorsal stripe and pink and black bands edged with white on the sides. The hindwings are light gray with darker broad crosslines.

Its favourite time is around sunset and during the twilight, when it is seen in gardens hovering over the flowers. This moth is very attracted to light, so it is often killed by cars on highways. Its caterpillars eat the leaves of the Convolvulus, hence its Latin name "convolvuli". Other recorded food plants include a wide range of plants in the families Araceae, Convolvulaceae, Leguminosae and Malvaceae. It can be a pest of cultivated Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato or kūmara) in New Zealand and the Pacific. The adult feeds on the wing and has a very long proboscis (longer than its body) that enables it to feed on long trumpet-like flowers such as Nicotiana sylvestris.

The caterpillars can be in a number of different colours. As well as brown (pictured below) they have been seen in bright green and black.

A. convolvuli is unmistakable in the eastern area of distribution, in the western area of distribution it can be mistaken for Agrius cingulata. This species, found mainly in South and Central America, is repeatedly detected on the western shores of Europe. Agrius cingulata can be distinguished on the basis of the clearly stronger pink colouring of the abdominal segments and a similarly coloured rear wing base. In addition, Agrius convolvuli form pseudoconvolvuli Schaufuss, 1870 has some resemblance with North American species in the genus Manduca, for instance Manduca sexta.

29-9-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis)

The Zitting Cisticola, or Streaked Fantail Warbler, is a diminutive bird, measuring a mere 10 to 12 centimeters in length. Its upper parts are adorned with a brown plumage, intricately streaked with black, while its underparts remain a modest whitish hue. The tail is a noteworthy feature, broad and tipped with white, and is frequently flicked—a behavior that has inspired one of the bird's colloquial names.

To identify the Zitting Cisticola, look for its rufous rump and the absence of gold on the collar. The tail, brownish with white tips, is another distinguishing characteristic. Males, during the breeding season, exhibit less crown streaking and more pronounced back markings than females, though differences between sexes are generally subtle.

The Zitting Cisticola favors grasslands as its primary habitat, often found in proximity to bodies of water.

This species boasts a broad range, encompassing southern Europe, Africa (excluding deserts and rainforests), and southern Asia, extending to northern Australia. It is largely sedentary, though certain East Asian populations undertake migrations to warmer climes in winter.

These birds are predominantly insectivorous and may be observed in small flocks. The breeding season is timed with the rains, and in many regions, the Zitting Cisticola is known to produce two broods annually. Males display polygynous tendencies, though monogamous pairings are not uncommon. The male initiates nest construction within the grasses and performs a specialized display to attract females, who then complete the nest.

The male's breeding season is marked by a distinctive flight display, punctuated by a series of "zitting" calls reminiscent of the sound of scissors snipping.

Nests are artfully constructed with living leaves woven into a soft matrix of plant down, cobwebs, and grass. The structure is cup-shaped with an overhead canopy for camouflage. Females lay 3 to 6 eggs and are solely responsible for incubation, which lasts approximately 10 days. Multiple broods may be raised in a single season.

The Zitting Cisticola can be differentiated from the Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis) by the absence of a nuchal collar.

Their diet consists primarily of insects, which they forage for within their grassland habitats.

The Zitting Cisticola is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

28-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - TUSSOCK MOTH (Ocneria rubea)

Ocneria rubea is a species of tussock moth found in Southern Europe and Northwest Africa. There are notable differences in appearance between the male and female moths, as well as distinct features of their life cycle and diet. 

Key Facts and Figures

Classification: It belongs to the family Erebidae, commonly known as tussock moths.

Geographic Range: Occurs across Southern Europe (up to central France, the southern Alps, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic) and Northwest Africa.

Habitat: Inhabits maquis, open oak scrub, and oak woodlands. 

Physical Appearance

Male Ocneria rubea moths have a wingspan of approximately 3-4 cm and are grey-brown with dark wing markings and a slender body. Female moths are larger, with a wingspan of about 4-7 cm, and are mostly white with wavy, black bands on the forewing and a distended abdomen containing an egg mass, covered in yellowish hairs. 

Ocneria rubea caterpillars are hairy and exhibit a range of colors including black, yellow, blue, and red patterns. The head of the caterpillar is typically yellow in the later stages of development. 

Life Cycle and Diet

Generations: The moths usually have one or two generations annually, active from June to early October.

Hibernation: The larvae spend the winter in old oak leaf litter.

Diet: The primary food source for the larvae is oak (Quercus) species, but they also consume other shrubs like Cistus, Rubus, and Arbutus. Younger larvae tend to feed on the tender, low-lying parts of the host plants. 

27-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (idaea cervantaria)

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.

27-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - PUG MOTH (Section Eupithecia semigraphata)

Eupithecia semigraphata, known as the Dost-Blütenspanner (German) or L'Eupithécie des Labiées (French), is a small, nocturnal pug moth (Geometridae family) found across much of Europe, the Caucasus, Armenia, the Canary Islands, and North Africa, characterized by its plain, muted colors, and often difficult identification, relying on genital features. Like many Eupithecia species, its larvae feed on flowers and seeds, not foliage, and it hibernates as a pupa, sometimes for two years, with adults flying in summer. 

Key Facts:

Classification: A species within the large Eupithecia genus, known as "pug moths".

Appearance: Small (12-35mm), with muted colors and a distinct resting pose with forewings flat at right angles to the body.

Distribution: Widespread in Europe (excluding some northern/western areas), extending to the Caucasus, Armenia, Canaries, and North Africa.

Behavior: Nocturnal, adults are attracted to light; larvae feed on flowers/seeds of specific plants, not leaves.

Life Cycle: Hibernates as a pupa, sometimes for two years.

Identification: Difficult to distinguish from other Eupithecia species, often requiring dissection of genitalia for certainty. 

25-9-2019 EL OSO, AVILA - FALSE MEADOW SAFFRON (Colchicum montanum)

False meadow saffron is an autumnal crocus adored for its thin, pointy purple petals with striking white centers and yellow filaments. The plant's leaves, seeds, and underground storage organ are poisonous. Despite this, false meadow saffron is a popular ornamental plant, often featuring in garden displays.

False meadow saffron is a perennial herb.

False meadow saffron is a plant native to the mountainous regions of Southwestern Europe. Over time, it has maintained its presence within its indigenous range, without notable introduction to regions beyond its original habitat. The essence of false meadow saffron's distribution remains tightly bound to this specific and confined locale, without significant cultivation or naturalization elsewhere. False Meadow saffron blooms in autumn.

25-9-2019 SEGOVIA, ESPANA - EURASIAN MAGPIE (Pica pica)

The Eurasian magpie, or common magpie (Pica pica), is a striking bird that graces the northern reaches of the Eurasian continent. It is a member of the crow family, known as corvids, and is part of the "monochrome" magpie group within the Holarctic radiation. The bird is easily recognized by its black and white plumage and long, iridescent tail.

Adult Eurasian magpies measure 44–46 cm in length, with over half of this being the tail. They have a wingspan of 52–62 cm. The head, neck, and breast are glossy black with a metallic sheen of green and violet, while the belly and scapulars are pure white. The wings are black with green or purple gloss, and the primaries have white inner webs. The tail is black with green and reddish-purple gloss. Both sexes have similar plumage, though females are slightly smaller. 

25-9-2019 EL OSO, AVILA - GREYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser)

The Greylag Goose (Anser anser) is a large and robust member of the waterfowl family Anatidae, easily recognized by its mottled and barred grey and white plumage. It boasts an orange beak, pink legs, and a sizeable stature, measuring between 74 and 91 centimeters in length and weighing an average of 3.3 kilograms. This species is the progenitor of most domestic goose breeds and exhibits a wide distribution across Europe and Asia.

Adult Greylag Geese have a rotund body, a thick and long neck, and a large head and bill. Their legs and feet are pink, and their bill is orange or pink with a white or brown nail. The wingspan ranges from 147 to 180 centimeters. Males are typically larger than females, and the eastern subspecies rubirostris is larger than the nominate subspecies. The plumage is greyish brown with a darker head and paler underparts, with black spotting that varies among individuals. Juveniles can be identified by their lack of black speckling and greyish legs.

Greylag Geese breed in a variety of wetland habitats, including moorlands, marshes, lakes, and coastal islands. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for cover. In winter, they occupy semi-aquatic habitats such as estuaries, marshes, flooded fields, and agricultural lands.

The Greylag Goose has a Palearctic distribution, with the western subspecies breeding from Iceland to central Europe and the eastern subspecies from Romania to northeastern China. Northern populations often migrate southwards to spend the winter in warmer regions, while many populations are resident year-round.

Greylag Geese are known for their lifelong monogamous pair bonds. They are gregarious and form flocks, which provides safety in numbers. Family groups stay together, migrating southwards in autumn and separating the following year. They are herbivorous, feeding mainly on grasses, and can cause damage to agricultural crops.

The call of the Greylag Goose is a loud cackling, similar to that of domestic geese. They use various calls for different situations and can recognize individual geese by voice. Flocks produce a sound reminiscent of baying hounds.

Greylag Geese mate for life and nest on the ground among vegetation. They lay a clutch of three to five eggs, which the female incubates. Both parents defend and rear the young, who are precocial and leave the nest shortly after hatching.

The diet consists mainly of grasses, but also includes grains, tubers, and occasionally small aquatic animals. They have adapted to feed on agricultural crops, which has led to conflicts with farmers.

23-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - GUADARRAMA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis guadarramae ssp. guadarramae)

The Guadarrama Wall Lizard (Podarcis guadarramae) is a medium-sized lizard endemic to the granite rocks of the Sistema Central mountain range in Spain and Portugal. It is characterized by a flattened head and slender body, with a coloration that ranges from brown to green and can include dark spots. This species is known for living on rocks and scree, but also occupies sandy areas, and is an egg-laying omnivore that eats insects, fruit, and berries.

Physical characteristics Size: A medium-sized lizard with adult males averaging around \(53.8\) mm in snout-vent length (SVL) and females around \(51.6\) mm.

Coloration: Can range from brown to bright green with dark spots, often with a contrasting pale dorsolateral stripe in males. The belly is typically white, pink, or orange.

Head: Has a distinctively flattened head and an elongated snout. Habitat and distribution Location: Found in the mountain ranges of the Sistema Central, including the Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de Gredos, and Peña de Francia.Habitat: Primarily inhabits granite rock substrates, scree, and rocky areas, but also lives in sandy areas within pine forests. Behavior and diet Diet: An omnivore that feeds on invertebrates, fruits, and berries.Arboreal activity: While often found on rocks, recent observations show it also climbs trees and shrubs to significant heights, a behavior that is not fully understood.Territoriality: Males are highly territorial.

 Reproduction Reproduction: Egg-laying (oviparous).Eggs: Females lay between 3 and 11 eggs, one or two times a year, depending on the summer's duration.

Hatchlings: Growth rates of hatchlings are influenced by the environment they are in, with those in higher altitude, colder, more humid conditions growing faster.

High-altitude populations: Higher altitude populations tend to have a larger clutch size (average 3.5 eggs) compared to lower altitude populations (average 2.5 eggs). 

22-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SCARLET DARTER DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Crocothemis erythraea)

The scarlet dragonfly (Crocothemis erythraea) is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. Its common names include broad scarlet, common scarlet-darter, and scarlet darter.

The scarlet dragonfly is a common species in southern Europe and throughout Africa. It also occurs across western Asia as far as southern China. It is a very rare vagrant in Britain. Its first record in the country was at Hayle Kimbro Pool, The Lizard, Cornwall, on 7 August 1995. Since then there have been a few further records at scattered locations throughout Britain.

A wide range of both running and standing waters, except those that are shaded. Adults may be found some distance from water in habitats ranging from desert to open woodland; absent from dense forest.

Crocothemis erythraea can reach a length of 33–44 millimetres (1.3–1.7 in). These dragonflies haves a flattened and rather broad abdomen. The adult male scarlet dragonfly has a bright scarlet red, widened abdomen, with small amber patches at the bases of the hindwings. Also the veins on the leading edges of the wings are red. Females and immatures are yellow-brown and have a conspicuous pale stripe along the top of the thorax.

22-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN STRAW GRASSHOPPER (Euchorthippus chopardi)

The Iberian straw grasshopper refers to species like Euchorthippus chopardi and Truxalis nasuta, known for their straw-like camouflage in dry Iberian grasslands, featuring herbivorous diets, cryptic behavior, and notable for being slant-faced grasshoppers that are harmless and often spotted near Mediterranean coasts, with Truxalis nasuta being large and camouflaged by color and shape in dry vegetation. 

Key Facts

Scientific Names: Common examples are Euchorthippus chopardi (Iberian straw grasshopper) and Truxalis nasuta (nosey cone-headed grasshopper).

Appearance: They are typically straw-colored, sometimes with reddish or green tinges, blending perfectly with dry, grassy environments.

Habitat: Found in the drier parts of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly near the Mediterranean, in dried grasslands with scrub.

Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on vegetation, especially grasses.

Behavior: They use their body shape and camouflage for concealment, making them hard to spot.

Classification: They belong to the family Acrididae (slant-faced grasshoppers).

Conservation: Euchorthippus chopardi is listed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN, indicating no immediate threat. 

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERAS - NORTHERN WHEATEAR (FEMALE) (Oenanthe oenanthe)

The Northern Wheatear, or Oenanthe oenanthe, is a small, charismatic passerine bird. It is the most widespread member of the wheatear genus Oenanthe in Europe, North and Central Asia, with populations also in northeastern Canada, Greenland, northwestern Canada, and Alaska. This bird is notable for its migratory habits, breeding in open stony country and wintering in Africa.

Adult Northern Wheatears measure 14.5–16 cm in length, with a wingspan of 26–32 cm and a weight range of 17-30 g. Both sexes boast a distinctive white rump and tail, marked by a contrasting black T-pattern. The summer male is adorned with grey upperparts, a buff throat, and a striking black face mask and wings. Come autumn, the male's plumage softens to resemble the female's, which is generally paler with brown upperparts and buff underparts. The male's song is a whistling, crackly melody, while its call is a sharp "chack," and the flight call mirrors this sound.

The Northern Wheatear favors open, stony terrain for breeding. It often nests in rock crevices and abandoned rabbit burrows, demonstrating a preference for environments that offer both shelter and open ground.

This bird's breeding range spans Europe, across the Palearctic to east Siberia, and into northwest North America. Remarkably, all Northern Wheatears migrate to spend the winter in Africa, regardless of their vast breeding distribution.

The Northern Wheatear is known for its impressive migratory behavior, undertaking one of the longest journeys of any small bird. It crosses oceans, ice, and deserts to migrate between its breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere and wintering grounds in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Northern Wheatears reach sexual maturity at one year of age. The female is solely responsible for nest construction, often in cavities like rabbit burrows or rock crevices. Clutches typically consist of 4-7 pale blue eggs, which are incubated predominantly by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after about 15 days and gain independence at around 28-32 days old. Usually, only one brood is raised per year.

The Northern Wheatear can be confused with other wheatear species, but its distinctive white rump and black T-pattern on the tail are key differentiators.

As an insectivorous species, the Northern Wheatear feeds on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates, foraging on the ground in its open habitat.

With an extensive range and a large population estimated at 2.9 million individuals, the Northern Wheatear is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. There is no current indication of significant population decline that would threaten the species.

Historically, the Northern Wheatear was trapped and sold as a delicacy in England, known as "the English ortolan." This practice has since ceased, and the bird now primarily holds interest for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERAS - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat, Saxicola rubicola, is a small, charming passerine bird, once thought to be a member of the thrush family but now placed within the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism, with males donning a black plumage with vibrant orange throats and females wearing a more subdued brown.

Males in their summer plumage are unmistakable with their black heads, orange throats, and white bellies. They also sport a distinctive white half-collar and small white patches on the wings and rump. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly brown with less pronounced white wing patches. Both sexes have notably short wings, which are shorter than those of their migratory relatives.

The European stonechat favors heathlands, coastal dunes, and open grasslands dotted with shrubs, brambles, and heather. These habitats provide the perfect backdrop for their active foraging and breeding behaviors.

This species is widely distributed across Europe, reaching as far east as Ukraine and the South Caucasus, and can also be found in parts of North Africa.

Stonechats are known for their lively presence, often perching conspicuously as they keep a vigilant eye on their surroundings. They exhibit a partial migratory pattern, with some populations moving southward to escape the colder winters.

The male stonechat's song is a delightful, high-pitched twitter, reminiscent of a dunnock's melody. Both sexes communicate with a distinctive call that evokes the sound of two stones being tapped together.

European stonechats are monogamous during the breeding season and commence their reproductive efforts at one year of age. They raise two to three broods per season, with the female constructing the nest and both parents tending to the young.

The European stonechat can be confused with the Siberian stonechat and the African stonechat, but genetic evidence supports their distinction as separate species.

These birds are adept insectivores, gleaning a variety of invertebrates from their environment to sustain themselves and their offspring.

The European stonechat does not currently face any significant conservation threats and enjoys a stable population across its range.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERAS - CRESTED LARK (Galerida cristata)

The Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) is a small, robust passerine bird, approximately 17 cm in height with a wingspan ranging from 29 to 38 cm. It weighs between 37 and 55 grams. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with a brown plumage that is paler on the underparts and a distinctive crest on the head, which is raised prominently during displays. The tail is short with light brown outer feathers, and the underwings exhibit a reddish hue in flight.

Adult Crested Larks are characterized by their brown, streaky plumage with a paler underside. The young birds can be identified by the additional spots on their backs. The species' most notable feature is its crest, which can be seen at all times but is particularly prominent during territorial or courtship displays. In flight, the reddish underwings are a key identification marker.

The Crested Lark is found in dry, open landscapes such as fields, roadsides, and wastelands. It has adapted well to human-altered environments and can often be seen in areas with sparse vegetation, such as sandy patches near railways, docks, and airfields.

This lark has a wide range across temperate Eurasia, from Portugal to northeastern China and eastern India, and in Africa down to Niger. It is a resident bird, meaning it does not migrate seasonally. However, it is a rare vagrant to Great Britain.

The Crested Lark is known for its undulating flight pattern and its melodious, warbling song, which can be heard from high in the sky or at ground level. It is a territorial bird that sings to establish its presence, often from a height of 30 to 60 meters.

The song of the Crested Lark is a liquid series of notes, often transcribed as "whee-whee-wheeoo" or "twee-tee-too." It is a characteristic sound of open country in its range.

The Crested Lark nests on the ground in shallow depressions, using dead grasses and roots to construct its nest. It typically lays three to five brown, finely speckled eggs, which hatch after about 11 to 12 days. The young are precocial and leave the nest early, becoming fully fledged at around 15 to 16 days old. The species often raises two broods per year.

Primarily vegetarian, the Crested Lark feeds on grains and seeds such as oats, wheat, and barley. It also consumes insects, particularly beetles. Juveniles are fed by both parents and start foraging on their own shortly before they are capable of flight.

The Crested Lark is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently at risk of extinction. The global population is estimated to be between 22 million and 91.2 million mature individuals, with a noted decline in Europe since 1982.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE (Helianthus tuberosus)

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus), also called sunroot, sunchoke, wild sunflower, topinambur, or earth apple, is a species of sunflower native to central North America. It is cultivated widely across the temperate zone for its tuber, which is used as a root vegetable.

Helianthus tuberosus is a herbaceous perennial plant growing to 1.5–3 m (4 ft 11 in – 9 ft 10 in) tall with opposite leaves on the lower part of the stem but alternate towards the top. The leaves have a rough, hairy texture. Larger leaves on the lower stem are broad ovoid-acute and can be up to 30 cm (12 in) long. Leaves higher on the stem are smaller and narrower.

The flowers are yellow and produced in capitate flowerheads, which are 5–10 cm (2–4 in) in diameter, with 10–20 ray florets and 60 or more small disc florets. The flowers are briefly fragrant, giving off a light, vanilla-chocolate perfume.

The tubers are often elongated and uneven, typically 7.5–10 cm (3–3+7⁄8 in) long and 3–5 cm (1–2 in) thick, and vaguely resembling a ginger root in appearance, with a crisp and crunchy texture when raw. They vary in color from pale brown to white, red, or purple.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - AMERICAN POKEWEED (Phytolacca americana)

Pokeweed is a member of the family Phytolaccaceae, and is a large herbaceous perennial plant, growing up to 2.5 metres (8 feet) in height over the course of a summer. One to several branches grow from the crown of a thick, white, fleshy taproot; Michael D. K. Owen describes the branches as "stout, smooth, [and] green to somewhat purplish". Simple, entire leaves with long petioles are alternately arranged along the stem.

Pokeweeds reproduce only by their large, glossy black, lens-shaped seeds, which are contained in a fleshy, 10-celled, purple-to-near-black berry that has crimson juice. The flowers are perfect, radially symmetric, white or green, with 4–5 sepals and no petals. The flowers develop in elongated clusters termed racemes. The seeds have long viability, able to germinate after many years in the soil.

Plant Type: Perennial herbaceous plant which can reach a height of 3 m (10 ft) but is usually 1.2 to 2 m (4 to 6+1⁄2 ft). The plant must be a few years old before the root grows large enough to support this size. The stem is usually red late in the season. There is an upright, erect central stem early in the season, which changes to a spreading, horizontal form later with the weight of the berries. The plant dies back to the roots each winter. The stem has a chambered pith.

Leaves: The leaves are alternate with coarse texture with moderate porosity. Leaves can reach 41 centimetres (16 inches) in length. Each leaf is entire. Leaves are medium green and smooth, with a distinct odor that many characterize as unpleasant.

Flowers: The flowers have 5 regular parts with upright stamens and are up to 5 millimetres (1⁄4 in) wide. They have white petal-like sepals without true petals, on white pedicels and peduncles in an upright or drooping raceme, which darken as the plant fruits. Blooms first appear in early summer and continue into early fall.

Fruit: A shiny dark purple berry held in racemose clusters on pink pedicels with a pink peduncle. Pedicels without berries have a distinctive rounded five part calyx. Fruits are round with a flat indented top and bottom. Immature berries are green, turning white and then blackish purple.

Root: Thick central taproot which grows deep and spreads horizontally. Rapid growth. Tan cortex, white pulp, moderate number of rootlets. Transversely cut root slices show concentric rings. No nitrogen fixation ability.

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - EUROPEAN STONECHAT (FEMALE) (Saxicola rubicola)

The European stonechat is a small passerine bird with a distinctive "stone-tapping" call. Males have a black head, brown back, white half-collar, and orange-red breast, while females are duller brown. They inhabit open areas with low vegetation like heathland, feed on invertebrates and seeds, and often perch on gorse bushes. 

Appearance

Males: Black head, brown back, a white half-collar on the neck, and an orange-red breast.

Females and juveniles: Paler and more mottled brown than males.

Size: Roughly robin-sized, about 13 cm (5 inches) long, with a large head and short tail. 

Behavior

Call: Makes a sharp, loud call that sounds like two small stones being tapped together, which is where its name comes from.

Posture: Often seen sitting upright on top of bushes, frequently flicking its wings.

Migration: Some northern populations migrate south for winter, while others are resident, especially in warmer climates. 

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - 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.

The Iberian grey shrike is known for its unique feeding habits. It hunts large insects, small birds, and rodents from prominent perches. In a rather macabre display, it is known to impale its prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating a "larder" for later consumption.

The breeding habits of the Iberian grey shrike include the laying of eggs, as evidenced by the specimens collected and preserved in natural history museums.

The Iberian grey shrike is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the survival of this species.

The diet of the Iberian grey shrike consists of large insects, small birds, and rodents. Its method of feeding involves hunting from vantage points and storing food in a grisly fashion, skewering its catch on sharp points for later consumption.

24-9-2019 PLASENCIA, ESPANA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of 16 cm (6.3 in) and a mass of 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, and males have brighter black, white, and brown markings. One of about 25 species in the genus Passer, the house sparrow is native to most of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and a large part of Asia. Its intentional or accidental introductions to many regions, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, make it the most widely distributed wild bird.

The house sparrow is strongly associated with human habitation, and can live in urban or rural settings. Though found in widely varied habitats and climates, it typically avoids extensive woodlands, grasslands, polar regions, and hot, dry deserts far away from human development. For sustenance, the house sparrow routinely feeds at home and public bird feeding stations, but naturally feeds on the seeds of grains, flowering plants and weeds. However, it is an opportunistic, omnivorous eater, and commonly catches insects, their larvae, caterpillars, invertebrates and many other natural foods.

24-9-2019 PLASENCIA, ESPANA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

The European Goldfinch is a small, 12 cm bird with a striking red, white, and black face, a brown back, and black wings with a bright yellow band. They primarily eat seeds, using their pointed bill to access them from plants like thistles and burdocks, but also consume insects and buds. Known for their melodic song and social, flocking behavior, they inhabit open woodlands, parks, gardens, and fields across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. 

Identification

Adult: Features a bright red face mask, a black and white head, a brown back, and black wings with a vibrant yellow stripe. Males often have a larger red mask.

Juvenile: Has a plain brown head but is identifiable by the bold yellow-and-black wing pattern.

Size: Roughly 12 cm (4.7 inches) long with a wingspan of 21–25 cm (8.3–9.8 inches). 

Diet

Primarily feeds on seeds from plants like thistles, sunflowers, and burdocks.

Also eats buds, flowers, and fruits.

Consumes small insects, especially to feed their young during the breeding season. 

Habitat and behavior

Habitat: Prefers open habitats like woodland edges, orchards, parks, gardens, and grasslands with scattered trees. They avoid dense forests and completely treeless areas.

Flocking: Are highly social and often form large flocks, particularly in winter, to feed in weedy fields.

Flight: Flies in an undulating pattern and frequently calls while in flight.

Vocalization: Known for their pleasant, tinkling, and bubbling songs and calls.

Migration: Some populations are migratory, moving south for the winter. 

Breeding and lifespan

Breeding: Breeds in April, and can have two or three clutches per year, with each clutch containing 4 to 6 eggs.

Incubation: The hen incubates the eggs for about 12–14 days.

Fledging: The young fledge when they are around 14 days old.

Lifespan: Can live for around 2 years on average in the wild, with the oldest recorded individual living for over 10 years. 

24-9-2019 GALISTEO, CACERES - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

Native to Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia, the house sparrow has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, making it one of the most widely distributed wild birds.

House sparrows are social birds, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a range of behaviors, including dust or water bathing and communal roosting. Males are known to be territorial around their nesting sites.

The house sparrow's vocalizations are predominantly variations of a simple chirping call. Males may sing or give an "ecstatic call" during the breeding season, and the species uses a variety of calls for different social interactions.

House sparrows are generally monogamous and may mate for life. They can breed in the season following their hatching and often produce multiple clutches per year, with each clutch containing up to five eggs. Nest sites are varied, with a preference for cavities.

The house sparrow can be confused with other seed-eating birds, such as the Eurasian tree sparrow, which has a chestnut crown and a black cheek patch.

An opportunistic feeder, the house sparrow's diet consists mainly of seeds from grains and weeds, but it also consumes insects and other invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when feeding young.

Despite its widespread distribution and abundance, the house sparrow has experienced declines in some areas. However, it is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.