2-1-2015 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

You can find House Sparrows most places where there are houses (or other buildings), and few places where there aren’t. Along with two other introduced species, the European Starling and the Rock Pigeon, these are some of our most common birds. Their constant presence outside our doors makes them easy to overlook, and their tendency to displace native birds from nest boxes causes some people to resent them. But House Sparrows, with their capacity to live so intimately with us, are just beneficiaries of our own success.

The best way to find a House Sparrow is to visit an urban area and watch for a conspicuous, tame sparrow hopping on the ground (it might help to bring a sandwich or some birdseed). You can easily attract them with food and they may feed out of your hand. In the countryside, look out for bright, clean versions of the city House Sparrow around barns, stables, and storehouses.

1-11-2006 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN MANTIS (FEMALE) (Iris oratoria)

28-8-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLOOD SPOTTED SUGAR ANT (Camponotus cruentatus)

Camponotus cruentatus, commonly known as the red carpenter ant, is a species of large ant belonging to the genus Camponotus. These ants are typically reddish-brown in color and can grow up to 1.5 cm in length. They are known for their ability to excavate wood and create extensive galleries, making them important decomposers in forest ecosystems. Camponotus cruentatus colonies are typically found in dead or decaying wood, where they forage for food and tend to aphids for their honeydew.

18-2-2020 BIOPARQUE AMARU - CARUNCULATED CARACARA (Phalcoboenus carunculatus) CAM

The carunculated caracara (Daptrius carunculatus) is a species of bird of prey in the family Falconidae, the falcons and caracaras. It is found in Colombia and Ecuador.

The carunculated caracara was formerly placed in the genus Phalcoboenus. Molecular genetic studies found that the genus Milvago was polyphyletic with the chimango caracara sister to the genus Phalcoboenus and the yellow-headed caracara sister to the genus Daptrius. As the genetic divergence was relatively shallow, the polyphyly was resolved by expanding the genus Daptrius to include the species formerly placed in the genera Milvago and Phalcoboenus.

The carunculated caracara is 50 to 56 cm (20 to 22 in) long with a wingspan of 112 to 119 cm (44 to 47 in). The sexes' plumages are alike. Adults are mostly glossy black with a bold pattern of white streaks on their breast. Their lower belly, undertail coverts, underside of the wing, and tips of the flight and tail feathers are pure unmarked white. Their cere and the bare skin on their face and throat are bright orange to deep red, and wrinkles ("caruncles") in the throat skin give the species its English name and specific epithet. Their iris is hazel to blackish gray and their legs and feet bright yellow. Juveniles are tawny to dark brown with some white mottling on the head, rump, and underparts. Their legs and feet are dusky.

The carunculated caracara is found in the Andes from southwestern Colombia to southern Ecuador. It inhabits the temperate zone above treeline, where the landscape is páramo or grassy pastures with scattered bushes. In elevation it mostly ranges between 3,000 and 4,000 m (9,800 and 13,100 ft) but has been recorded as high as 4,700 m (15,400 ft).

As far as is known the carunculated caracara is a year-round resident, but is somewhat nomadic within its range, gathering in flocks that may number 

The carunculated caracara is omnivorous and highly opportunistic. Its diet includes worms, insects and their larvae, other invertebrates, amphibians, small lizards and mammals, nestling birds, carrion, and vegetable matter like grain. It usually forages by walking or running on the ground but will do so in low-level flight. In often feeds in small groups among cattle or llamas.

The carunculated caracara usually lays eggs during September and October, though there are records from later. It usually builds a stick nest on a cliff ledge but one has been recorded in a tree. The clutch size usually is two eggs. The incubation period, time to fledging, and details of parental care are not known.

21-9-20I3 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LIXUS BEETLE (Family Curculionidae)

15-1-2020 SUECA, VALENCIA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

16-1-2020 CANAL LES FONTS OLIVA, VALENCIA- COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild)

The Common Waxbill, known scientifically as Estrilda astrild and colloquially as the St Helena Waxbill, is a diminutive passerine bird of the estrildid finch family. This species is adorned with a bright red bill reminiscent of sealing wax, which is the origin of its name. The adult Common Waxbill measures approximately 4 to 5 inches in length, with a wingspan of 4.5 inches, and weighs between 3/5 to 3/4 ounce. Its plumage is primarily grey-brown, intricately barred with dark brown, and it possesses a distinctive red stripe through the eye. The cheeks and throat are whitish, and the underparts may exhibit a pinkish hue with a reddish stripe along the belly's center, varying by subspecies. The rump is brown, while the tail and vent are dark. Females are similar to males but are paler with less red on the belly. Juveniles are duller with little or no red on the belly, fainter dark barring, and a black bill.

To distinguish the Common Waxbill from similar species, observe the rump and vent colors. The black-rumped waxbill has a black rump and pale vent, while the crimson-rumped waxbill features a dark bill, red rump, and some red on the wings and tail. The black-lored waxbill, restricted to the Democratic Republic of Congo, has a black stripe through the eye instead of red.

Common Waxbills favor open landscapes with long grass and rank vegetation. They are often found near water in marshes and among reeds. These birds are known to be quite tame, venturing into gardens, parks, and farmland.

Native range

The Common Waxbill is native to sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 17 subspecies distributed across East, Central, and Southern Africa, avoiding desert or dense forest regions. In West Africa, they are more localized, with populations centered around Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Ivory Coast.

Introduced range

The species has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including islands around Africa, parts of Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific. In Europe, it has become widespread in Portugal and is expanding through Spain.

Common Waxbills are gregarious, often foraging in flocks that can number in the hundreds or thousands. They typically feed by clinging to grass stems and picking seeds from flower heads but will also forage for fallen seeds on the ground. Regular drinking is necessary, as their seed diet contains little water.

The Common Waxbill produces a variety of twittering and buzzing calls, along with a distinctive high-pitched flight call. Its simple song is harsh and nasal, descending on the last note.

The nest of the Common Waxbill is a large ball of grass stems with a long entrance tube, usually situated low amongst dense vegetation. A second "cock's nest" may be built atop the main nest. They lay four to seven white eggs, incubated for 11 to 13 days, with fledging occurring 17 to 21 days post-hatching. Both parents are involved in incubation and chick feeding. Breeding seasons vary globally, and nests may be parasitized by the pin-tailed whydah.

The Common Waxbill's diet is predominantly grass and millet seeds, with insects consumed occasionally, especially during the breeding season. Guinea grasses, crabgrass, and Echinochloa species are significant dietary components.

The Common Waxbill is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable global population.

16-1-2020 OLIVA PLAYA, VALENCIA - GREYLAG GOOSE (Anser anser)

The greylag goose or graylag goose (Anser anser) is a species of large goose in the waterfowl family Anatidae and the type species of the genus Anser. It has mottled and barred grey and white plumage and an orange beak and pink legs. A large bird, it measures between 74 and 91 centimetres (29 and 36 in) in length, with an average weight of 3.3 kilograms (7 lb 4 oz).

Its distribution is widespread, with birds from the north of its range in Europe and Asia migrating southwards to spend the winter in warmer places. It is the ancestor of most breeds of domestic goose, having been domesticated at least as early as 1360 BC. 

16-1-2020 OLIVA PLAYA, VALENCIA - 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.

16-1-2020 OLIVA PLAYA, VALENCIA - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

16-1-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

15-1-2020 SUECA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)

The great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), a robust seabird, is cloaked in predominantly black plumage. It is a member of the cormorant family, with a widespread distribution. The species exhibits considerable size variation across its range, with males generally larger than females. Notable features include a longish tail and a distinctive yellow throat-patch. During the breeding season, adults boast white patches on their thighs and throat.

To identify the great cormorant, look for its large size, heavy build, and thick bill. It lacks a crest and its plumage does not have a green tinge, distinguishing it from the common shag. In North America, it is bulkier than the double-crested cormorant and has less yellow on the throat and bill. The white thigh patches are a key identifier.

Great cormorants are found in a variety of aquatic environments including seas, estuaries, freshwater lakes, and rivers. They often nest in colonies close to these water bodies.

This species has a broad distribution, breeding across the Old World, Australia, and the Atlantic coast of North America. Northern populations tend to migrate southward in winter, seeking coasts rich in fish.

15-1-2020 SUECA, VALENCIA - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a small, nimble gull with a wingspan ranging from 94 to 110 cm and a body length of 37 to 44 cm. It weighs between 190 and 400 grams. Despite its name, the adult's summer plumage features a chocolate-brown head, which can appear black from a distance. The body is pale grey, and the primary wing feathers are tipped with black. The bill and legs are a striking red. In winter, the brown head is replaced by a white one with dark spots. Juveniles are mottled with brown spots and have a black band on the tail. There is no sexual dimorphism in plumage.

In flight, the white leading edge of the wing is a distinctive field mark. The summer adult's brown head, red bill, and legs are key identifiers, while the winter plumage features two dark spots on the head. Juveniles can be recognized by their mottled brown pattern and black tail band.

This species nests in colonies on the ground in large reed beds, marshes, or islands within lakes. It is not pelagic and is seldom seen far from coasts.

The black-headed gull breeds across much of the Palearctic, including Europe and coastal eastern Canada. It is migratory, wintering further south, but some remain in the milder westernmost areas of Europe. It is also present in northeastern North America and occasionally seen as far south as Virginia and some Caribbean islands.

Highly gregarious in winter, the black-headed gull is an opportunistic feeder, consuming a wide range of food from insects to carrion. It is known for its "kree-ar" call and displays various behaviors such as eggshell removal from the nest, which is believed to reduce predation risk.

The black-headed gull is a vocal species, particularly in colonies. Its call is a familiar "kree-ar," and its scientific name suggests a laughing sound.

This gull takes two years to reach maturity. First-year birds can be distinguished by a black terminal tail band and a less developed dark hood in summer. Breeding occurs in colonies, and the species is known for its complex social behaviors, including begging coordination between siblings and conspecific brood parasitism. 

The diet includes insects, fish, seeds, worms, scraps, carrion, and invertebrates in ploughed fields. It feeds in towns and agricultural areas with equal relish.

The black-headed gull is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

Individuals synchronize their vigilance activities with nearby conspecifics, depending on the distance between them.

15-1-2020 MUNTANYETA DEL SANS, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (FEMALE) (Ardea cinerea)

15-1-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - BLACK REDSTART (MALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)

15-1-2020 EL PERELLONET, VALENCIA - AUDOUIN'S GULL (Ichthyaetus audouinii)

15-1-2020 EL PERELLONET, VALENCIA - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

The Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a common, adaptable Eurasian gull known for its dark brown summer hood (not truly black) that disappears in winter, leaving white heads with dark ear spots. 

These sociable birds live near freshwater and coastal wetlands, feed on insects, worms, fish, and human scraps, nest on the ground in colonies, and get their Latin name, "ridibundus" (laughing), from their distinctive calls. 

15-1-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - WATER PIPIT (Anthus spinoletta)

The water pipit (Anthus spinoletta) is a small passerine bird which breeds in the mountains of Southern Europe and the Palearctic eastwards to China. It is a short-distance migrant; many birds move to lower altitudes or wet open lowlands in winter.

The water pipit in breeding plumage has greyish-brown upperparts, weakly streaked with darker brown, and pale pink-buff underparts fading to whitish on the lower belly. The head is grey with a broad white supercilium ("eyebrow"), and the outer tail feathers are white. In winter, the head is grey-brown, the supercilium is duller, the upperparts are more streaked, and the underparts are white, streaked lightly with brown on the breast and flanks. There are only minor differences among the three subspecies, the sexes are almost identical, and young birds resemble adults. The water pipit's song is delivered from a perch or in flight, and consists of four or five blocks, each consisting of about six repetitions of a different short note.

15-1-2020 ALFAFAR, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

The Grey Heron exhibits a slow, deliberate flight with its neck retracted in an S-shape. It is known for its solitary foraging habits, often standing motionless or stalking prey through shallow waters. It is also a communal rooster, often found in trees or cliffs at night.

The primary call of the Grey Heron is a loud croaking "fraaank." At breeding colonies, a variety of guttural and raucous noises can be heard, including greeting calls between mates and alarm calls when predators are nearby.

Breeding takes place in colonies, or heronries, typically in high trees near water. Nests are reused and added to each year. The breeding season sees a clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs laid, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks old.

The Grey Heron can be confused with the larger North American Great Blue Heron or the South American Cocoi Heron. However, it can be distinguished by its size and the coloration of its flanks and thighs.

Grey Herons are apex predators within their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of aquatic creatures such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. They have also been known to consume small mammals and juvenile birds.

The Grey Heron is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable and widespread population.

15-1-2020 EL PERELLONET, VALENCIA - BIRDS FOOT TREFOIL (Lotus corniculatus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/47435-Lotus-corniculatus

15-1-2020 CREU DE LONGA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

15-1-2020 ALFAFAR, VALENCIA - EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus)

15-1-2020 ALFAFAR, VALENCIA - COMMON CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita)

The Common Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita, is a diminutive and sprightly leaf warbler known for its distinctive, onomatopoeic song. This small, migratory passerine is characterized by its greenish-brown upperparts and off-white underparts, with a weight ranging from 6 to 8 grams and a length of 10-12 centimeters.

In the field, look for the Common Chiffchaff's short whitish supercilium, fine dark bill, and dark legs. Its primary projection is short, and the plumage may appear duller and browner as it wears. Juveniles are browner above with yellow-white underparts, but they soon acquire brighter plumage after their first moult.

The Common Chiffchaff breeds in open woodlands with a mix of taller trees and ground cover across northern and temperate Europe, Asia, and parts of north Africa. It prefers woodland with trees at least 5 meters high and an undergrowth of grasses and nettles.

This species has a vast breeding range, extending from Europe to eastern Siberia and northward to about 70 N. It winters in southern and western Europe, southern Asia, and north Africa. The Common Chiffchaff is one of the earliest spring migrants to return to its breeding grounds and one of the last to depart in autumn.

The male Common Chiffchaff is fiercely territorial during the breeding season, defending its core territory against rivals. It exhibits a fearless nature, even attacking predators that threaten its nest. Outside the breeding season, these birds may form small flocks with other warblers.

The song is a cheerful "chiff-chaff," which heralds the arrival of spring. Calls include a "hweet" sound, less disyllabic than the calls of closely related warblers. The song is a key distinguishing feature from similar species, such as the Iberian Chiffchaff.

The female constructs a domed nest on or near the ground, lined with feathers. Clutches typically consist of 2-7 cream-colored eggs, which hatch after 13-14 days. The female assumes most of the responsibility for brooding and feeding the chicks, with the male playing a minimal role.

The Willow Warbler and Bonelli's Warbler are similar species but can be differentiated by their longer primary projection, sleeker appearance, and different vocalizations. The Iberian Chiffchaff, once considered a subspecies, is now treated as a separate species due to differences in song, morphology, and genetics.

The Common Chiffchaff is insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. It is known to be an active forager, often seen flitting through foliage or hovering briefly to snatch prey.

The Common Chiffchaff is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN, with an extensive range and large population. While one subspecies is likely extinct, the overall species does not face significant threats at present, and populations in some areas are increasing.

14-1-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN ROBIN (Erithacus rubecula)

European robins occur in Eurasia east to Western Siberia, south to Algeria, and on the Atlantic islands as far west as the Central Group of the Azores and Madeira. Irish and British robins are largely resident but a small minority, usually female, migrate to southern Europe during winter, a few as far as Spain. Scandinavian and Russian robins migrate to Britain and western Europe to escape the harsher winters. European robins prefer spruce woods in northern Europe, contrasting with their preference for parks and gardens in Ireland and Great Britain. These may also be found in grasslands, shrubby vegetation, hedgerows with some tall trees, orchards, and farmlands.

European robins are active during the day, however, they may also hunt insects on moonlit nights or near artificial light at night. These are generally solitary and territorial birds, and males are noted for their highly aggressive territorial behavior. They will fiercely attack other males and competitors that stray into their territories and may even attack other small birds without apparent provocation. 

European robins communicate using a variety of calls, including a ticking note that usually indicates anxiety or mild alarm. During the breeding season, robins produce a fluting, warbling song. Both the male and female sing during the winter, when they hold separate territories; the song then sounds more plaintive than the summer version. 

The female typically moves a short distance from the summer nesting territory to a nearby area that is more suitable for winter feeding. The male keeps the same territory throughout the year. During the breeding season, males usually initiate their morning song an hour before civil sunrise and usually terminate their daily singing around thirty minutes after sunset. They may also sing at night, especially in urban areas that are artificially lit during the night.

14-1-2020 OLIVA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKCAP (MALE) (Sylvia atricapilla)

The Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla, is a common and widespread typical warbler known for its distinctive cap and melodious song. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism with males sporting a black cap and females a chestnut one. The upperparts are generally olive-grey, while the underparts are pale grey. This bird is small and agile, measuring around 13 cm in length with a wingspan of 7–8 cm.

Males can be identified by their black caps and light grey underparts, while females have a reddish-brown cap and a slightly browner hue to their grey upperparts. Juveniles resemble females but have a rufous tinge to their upperparts and a more olive tone on the breast and flanks. The blackcap's tail is dark grey with an olive edge to each feather, and it has a grey bill and legs with a reddish-brown iris.

The blackcap favors mature deciduous woodlands with a well-developed understory. It also occupies parks, large gardens, and overgrown hedges, provided there are tall trees for songposts and dense shrubs for nesting.

This warbler breeds across much of Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. It is a partial migrant, with northern populations wintering in northwestern Europe, around the Mediterranean, and in tropical Africa. Some have adapted to wintering in British and Irish gardens.

Blackcaps are territorial during the breeding season, with males establishing and defending their territories through song and display. They are mainly monogamous and may raise one to two broods per season. The species is known for its leap-frog migration pattern, where northern populations migrate further south than those from the Mediterranean.

Despite extensive hunting in Mediterranean countries and the natural hazards of predation and disease, the blackcap has been extending its range for several decades, and is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as least concern. Its rich and varied song has led to it being described as the "mock nightingale" and it has featured in literature, films and music. In Messiaen's opera Saint François d'Assise, the saint is represented by themes based on the blackcap's song.