3-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - GRANITE GHOST DRAGONFLY (Bradinopyga geminata)

Bradinopyga geminata is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae known commonly as the granite ghost. It is native to India, Sri Lanka and Thailand, where it is a common and widespread species.

It is a medium sized dragonfly with brown-capped grey eyes. Its thorax is cinereous, marbled and peppered with black in a very irregular manner. Wings are transparent with dual color pterostigma, black at centre and pure white at distal and proximal ends. Abdomen is coloured very similarly to thorax; black marbled with yellow, but with a more definite plan. Segments 3 to 8 have pale basal annules interrupted on dorsum, and formed by two elongate parallel spots. There is a triangular apical sub-dorsal spot and a pale mid-dorsal spot. Anal appendages are creamy-white. Female is similar to the male.

Taking advantage of its cryptic coloration, it always rests flat on slab rock or cement-plastered walls, where it almost invisible. Adults occupy habitat near water bodies, such as pools, irrigation channels, wells, and containers with standing water. It breeds in rainy hollows in the rocks or in wells and small cemented tanks.

The species has been studied as a predator of the disease-carrying yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti). The larvae of the dragonfly consume the larvae of the mosquito in the standing-water habitat types that both occupy.

29-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EGYPTIAN BIRD GRASSHOPPER (Anacridium aegyptium)

Anacridium aegyptium, the Egyptian grasshopper or Egyptian locust, is a species of insect belonging to the subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae.

A fairly common species, the Egyptian grasshopper is present in most of Europe, the Afrotropical realm, eastern Palearctic realm, the Near East, and North Africa, and has recently been observed in Cape Town, South Africa.

These grasshoppers inhabit trees and shrubs, scrub land, maquis, and orchards in warm and bright environments, at an elevation from sea level to 1,500 m.

Anacridium aegyptium is one of the largest European grasshoppers. Adult males grow up to 30–56 mm (1.2–2.2 in) long, while females reach 46–70 mm (1.8–2.8 in) in length. Their bodies are usually gray, brown, or olive-coloured, and their antennae are relatively short and robust. The tibiae of the hind legs are blue, while the femora are orange. The hind femora have characteristic dark marks. They are also easily identified by their characteristic eyes, which have vertical black and white stripes. Their pronota show a dorsal orange stripe and several small white spots. The wings are clear with dark marks.

This species is a folivore, essentially feeding on leaves of various plants. It is a solitary species, harmless to crops. Adults are mainly seen in August and September, but they are active throughout the year. After mating, these grasshoppers overwinter as adults. Spawning occurs in spring just under the soil surface and the nymphs appear in April. These grasshoppers undergo several molts.  Nymphs differ from adults in appearance; their color varies from yellow to bright green and ocher and the wings are absent or small, as they are gradually developed after each molt.

29-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ORANIAN GIANT CENTIPEDE (Scolopendra oraniensis)

Scolopendra oraniensis (commonly known as the Oranian Giant Centipede or Algerian Centipede) is a species of, predominantly Mediterranean, scolopendrid centipede. It is known for its high variability in color, ranging from pale cream to dark green or brown. 

Scolopendra oraniensis (Oranian Giant Centipede) is an agile, voracious invertebrate predator endemic to the Mediterranean basin, particularly prominent in Spain and Portugal. It actively uses modified legs called forcipules to inject paralyzing venom into its prey.

Physical Characteristics

Size: They are relatively small compared to other members of the Scolopendra genus, usually reaching a length of 40–65 mm (up to 6.5 cm).

Appearance: They have highly variable coloration, with legs and antennae ranging from pale yellow to green, blue, or red.

Identification: They are often confused with S. canidens or juvenile S. cingulata, but are distinct from S. cingulata by lacking the characteristic dark "belt" or "cingulum" on their tergites. 

3-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SWAMPWATCHER DRAGONFLY (Potamarcha congener)

Potamarcha congener is  also known as the yellow-tailed ashy skimmer, common chaser, or swampwatcher. It is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae, and was first described by Jules Pierre Rambur in 1842, almost fifty years before Ferdinand Karsch described its genus. Potamarcha congener is one of two species making up the genus Potamarcha, together with Potamarcha puella.

Potamarcha congener is common through much of its range, which stretches through parts of South Asia, South-East Asia, and Oceania, including in countries such as India, Indonesia, China, Australia, and Vietnam. Owing to its wide distribution, the species has been classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Potamarcha congener is a medium-sized dragonfly with a bluish black thorax and yellow tail with black markings. Face is olivaceous yellow to steel black or brown. Eyes are reddish brown above and bluish grey below. In male adults, the thorax and first four segments of the abdomen are covered with bluish pruinescence. In young adults, yellow markings are visible through the pruinescence. The rest of the abdomen is black with orange markings, with the last two segments entirely black. The female thorax has yellow and black stripes on the sides. The abdomen is black with dull orange markings, and has prominent flaps on each side of segment eight. The flaps may serve to hold the eggs in place during oviposition.

This dragonfly is found in terrestrial areas with standing water. This can include near small ponds, rice fields or marshes where it breeds.

2-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - RED SILK COTTON TREE (Bombax ceiba)

Bombax ceiba, like other trees of the genus Bombax, is commonly known as cotton tree. More specifically, it is sometimes known as Malabar silk-cotton tree; red silk-cotton; red cotton tree; or ambiguously as silk-cotton or kapok, both of which may also refer to Ceiba pentandra.

This Asian tropical tree has a straight tall trunk and its leaves are deciduous in winter. Red flowers with 5 petals appear in the spring before the new foliage. It produces a capsule which, when ripe, contains white fibres like cotton. Its trunk bears spikes to deter attacks by animals. Although its stout trunk suggests that it is useful for timber, its wood is too soft to be very useful.

Bombax ceiba grows to an average of 20 meters, with old trees up to 60 meters in wet tropical regions. The trunk and limb bear numerous conical spines particularly when young, but get eroded when older. The leaves are palmate with about 6 leaflets radiating from a central point (tip of petiole), an average of 7–10 centimetres (2+5⁄6–4 in) wide, 13–15 centimetres (5+1⁄6–5+5⁄6 in) in length. The leaf's long flexible petiole is up to 20 centimetres (8 in) long.

Cup-shaped flowers solitary or clustered, axillary or sub-terminal, fascicles at or near the ends of the branches, when the tree is bare of leaves, an average of 7–11 centimetres (2+5⁄6–4+1⁄3 in) wide, 14 centimetres (5+1⁄2 in) in width, petals up to 12 centimetres (4+2⁄3 in) in length, calyx is cup-shaped usually 3 lobed, an average of 3–5 centimetres (1+1⁄6–2 in) in diameter. Staminal tube is short, more than 60 in 5 bundles. The stigma is light red, up to 9 centimetres (3+1⁄2 in) in length, ovary is pink, 1.5–2 centimetres (2⁄3–5⁄6 in) in length, with the skin of the ovary covered in white silky hair at 1mm long. Seeds are numerous, long, ovoid, black or gray in colour and packed in white cotton.

The fruit, which reaches an average of 13 centimetres (5 in) in length, is light-green in color in immature fruits, brown in mature fruits.

29-2-2020 SAN CARLOS PARQUE, MADRID - 29-2-2020 SAN CARLOS PARQUE, MADRID - INTERMEDIATE PERIWINKLE (Vinca difformis)

Vinca difformis, commonly called the intermediate periwinkle, is an evergreen, flowering subshrub.

It grows to about 0.5 metres (1+1⁄2 ft) tall, and forms mats over 1 m (3+1⁄2 ft) across. Its whitish-blue flowers have a blooming season from late winter to early spring.

It is native to Western Europe, including the Iberian Peninsula, France, the Italian Peninsula and Sardinia.

29-2-2020 SAN CARLOS PARQUE, MADRID - WILD DAFFODIL (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)

Narcissus pseudonarcissus, commonly named the wild daffodil or Lent lily (Welsh: Cennin Pedr), is a perennial flowering plant.

This species has pale yellow tepals, with a darker central trumpet. The long, narrow leaves are slightly greyish green in colour and rise from the base of the stem. The plant grows from a bulb. The flowers produce seeds which, when germinated, take five to seven years to produce a flowering plant. (Sexual seed reproduction mixes the traits of both parent flowers, so if garden hybrid cultivars are planted close to wild populations of Narcissus pseudonarcissus, there is a danger that the new seedlings, having hybrid vigour, could out-compete the wild plants.

The species is native to Western Europe from Spain and Portugal east to Germany and north to England and Wales. It is commonly grown in gardens and populations have become established in the Balkans, Australia, New Zealand, the Caucasus, Madeira, British Columbia, Ontario, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Oregon, Washington state, much of the eastern United States, and the Falkland Islands. Wild plants grow in woods, grassland and on rocky ground. In Britain native populations have decreased substantially since the 19th century due to intensification of agriculture, clearance of woodland and uprooting of the bulbs for use in gardens. In Germany it was a subject of a national awareness campaign for the protection of wildflowers in 1981.

2-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - WHITE THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis)

The White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis, also known as the White-breasted Kingfisher, is a vibrant tree kingfisher. It boasts a striking blue back, wings, and tail, while its head, shoulders, flanks, and lower belly are a rich chestnut. The throat and breast are a contrasting white, and the large bill and legs are a vivid red. This robust bird measures 27–28 cm in length and exhibits a rapid and direct flight, revealing large white patches on its blue and black wings during flight. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles present a more subdued version of the adult's plumage.

When identifying the White-throated Kingfisher, look for its bright blue upperparts and chestnut head and body. The white throat and breast are distinctive, as is the red bill and legs. In flight, the white wing patches are a key identification feature. Juveniles may be less colorful but retain the same general pattern.

This kingfisher is adaptable and can be found in a variety of open habitats, from plains with trees and wires to urban areas. It is also seen at elevations up to 7500 feet in the Himalayas.

The White-throated Kingfisher has a wide distribution across Asia, from the Sinai in the west, through the Indian subcontinent, to China and Indonesia. It is a resident species over much of its range, with some populations making short-distance movements.

This kingfisher is known for its conspicuous perching on wires or other exposed perches within its territory. It is a common sight in South Asia and is known to be attracted to lights at night during the monsoon season, suggesting partial migratory behavior.

During the breeding season, the White-throated Kingfisher is vocal, with loud calls in the mornings from prominent perches. The male's courtship display includes stiffly flicking open wings to expose the white wing mirrors, while the female invites with a rapid kit-kit-kit call.

Breeding coincides with the onset of the Monsoons. The nest is a tunnel in an earth bank, and a clutch typically consists of 4-7 round white eggs. Incubation takes 20-22 days, and fledging occurs in 19 days.

The diet is varied, including large crustaceans, insects, earthworms, rodents, lizards, snakes, fish, frogs, and occasionally small birds. It is noted for rarely drinking water but regularly bathing.

The White-throated Kingfisher is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an expanding range and no immediate threats to its population. It is also the state bird of West Bengal.

2-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - RED NAPED IBIS (Pseudibis papillosa)

The Red-naped Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa), also known as the Indian black ibis, is a large, distinctive bird found across the plains of the Indian Subcontinent. It is easily recognized by its glossy black plumage, a stark white shoulder patch, and a bright red, warty patch of skin on its crown and nape.

Physical Characteristics: Adults are 60–68 cm long with a wingspan of 90–115 cm and a long, downcurved bill used for probing the ground. Immatures are browner and initially lack the bare red head patch.

Habitat Preferences: Unlike many other ibis species, they are highly terrestrial and less dependent on water. They prefer dry agricultural fields, open country, and scrublands, often foraging far from waterbodies.Diet: Omnivorous and highly opportunistic. They feed on insects (especially crop-damaging crickets), frogs, reptiles, small vertebrates, and grains.

Behavior & Reproduction: Highly adaptable and often seen in small groups. They are known to mate for life and construct nests on large trees or even artificial structures.

Conservation Status: Listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, but populations face threats from agricultural conversion, habitat loss, and hunting.

28-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COAL TIT (Periparus ater)

The Coal Tit, scientifically known as Periparus ater, is a diminutive passerine bird belonging to the tit family, Paridae. It is easily recognized by its large white nape spot set against a black head. The adult's glossy blue-black head, throat, and neck contrast with the off-white face and brilliant white nape. The underparts range from whitish to rufous on the flanks, and the bird's bill is a stark black.

To identify the Coal Tit, look for the distinctive white nape spot on its black head. The sides of the face may have a grey to yellow tinge, depending on the subspecies. The white tips of the wing coverts are visible as two wingbars. Juveniles are duller, lacking the glossy black head, and their white nape and cheeks are tinged with yellow.

The Coal Tit is not particularly habitat-specific but is typically found in temperate humid conifer forests. It can also be seen in a variety of wooded areas, including mixed forests and gardens.

This species is a widespread and common resident breeder throughout the temperate to subtropical Palearctic, including North Africa. It is mostly sedentary, with only local movements in response to severe weather.

Coal Tits are known for their acrobatic skills and restless activity. They often form small flocks with other tits during winter. Their foraging behavior is influenced by risk, and they are known to increase body mass in response to predator calls and adjust their mass gain based on food availability.

The Coal Tit's calls are short "dee" or "see-see" sounds, while its song is a strident "if-he, if-he, if-he," which is most frequently heard from January to June and in autumn. The song is similar to that of the Great Tit but is much faster and higher in pitch.

28-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria, Pararge aegeria tircis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula. The color of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline. 

The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream, or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species. The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling. The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions. The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.

3-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - JUNGLE OWLET (Glaucidium radiatum)

This small owlet has a rounded head and is finely barred all over. There is no clear facial disk and the wings are brownish and the tail is narrowly barred in white. There are two subspecies, the nominate form is found in the plains of India and Sri Lanka, while G. r. malabaricum of the Western Ghats is shorter tailed and shows more brown on the head. It has been suggested that the latter may warrant full species status.

The plumage on the upper parts is dark black-brown barred with white. The wing coverts have white and rufous patches. The primaries and secondaries are dark brown and barred with pale chestnut. The lower side is whitish or pale rufous barred with black. There is a whitish patch on the chin, upper breast and centre of the abdomen. The iris is yellow, the bill and tarsi are greenish with black claws.

In Sri Lanka, the chestnut-backed owlet (Glaucidium castanonotum) was once included as a subspecies but this is elevated to full species. It is found in the wet zone ,whereas G. radiatum is found in drier forests.

They are found in habitats ranging from scrub forest to deciduous and moist deciduous forests. They are found south of the Himalayas and in some parts of the Himalayas up to an elevation of 2,000 m (6,600 ft), extending from Dalhousie in the west, east to Bhutan.

3-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - RUSSET PERCHER DRAGONFLY (Neurothemis fulvia)

Neurothemis fulvia, the fulvous forest skimmer, is a species of dragonfly found in Asia.

It is a medium-sized rusty dragonfly with transparent wing tips. Male has a reddish-brown face with eyes which are dark reddish brown above, golden brown below. Thorax, abdomen and legs are reddish brown. Wings are dark reddish brown with an irregular triangular transparent area at the tip of the wing. The wing spots are dark reddish brown. Many forms of females are found. Color of head, thorax and abdomen paler than males or rusty brown. Wings are clear amber yellow with a dark ray extending to the tip in fore wing. Many of them have an irregular triangular transparent area at the tip of the wing. The wings vary in size, shape, width and coloration. The clear uncoloured apices of wings will help to distinguish it from other red Asian dragonflies.

The Russet Percher (Neurothemis fulvia), also known as the Fulvous Forest Skimmer, is a medium-sized Asian dragonfly famous for its vibrant, rusty-red coloration and transparent wingtips. Highly adaptable, these dragonflies are common to wet forests, canopy gaps, and human-modified environments like parks and gardens across India, China, and Southeast Asia.

Key Identification Features

Size: Total body length of 35–45 mm with a wingspan stretching up to 60 mm.

Males: Feature a vibrant, reddish-brown body, face, and legs. Their wings are a dark, rusty-red with a distinctive irregular, transparent triangular area at the very tips. Eyes are reddish-brown on top and golden-brown on the bottom.

Females: Paler and more yellowish-brown in color. Their wings are a clear amber-yellow with darker rays extending to the tips, which can have an irregular transparent apex. Females are polymorphic, meaning color variations exist between individuals.

2-3-2020 KANHA NAT PARK, INDIA - SOUTHERN SWAMP DEER (Rucervus duvaucelii ssp. branderi)

The Hard-ground Barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii branderi), or swamp deer, is an endangered subspecies endemic to Central India, notably Kanha National Park. Unlike other swamp deer, they have hard, non-splayed hooves for grazing on dry, hard ground rather than wet, marshy areas. They are large herbivores with 12–14 tined antlers and are currently threatened by habitat fragmentation.

Key Facts about Rucervus duvaucelii branderi:

Distinct Physical Features: This subspecies features unique hard, black hooves, unlike the soft, splayed hooves of Northern subspecies that live in wetlands.

Habitat: Unlike others of its species, this variant lives in dry, hard-ground habitats, primarily open woodlands and tall grasslands in Central India.

Diet: They are dedicated grazers, relying heavily on tall grass species such as Saccharum, Imperata, and Narenga.

Social Structure: They are social animals, often forming large herds, sometimes reaching up to 60 individuals in the central Indian plains.

Breeding: Breeding peaks between September and October in Kanha National Park, with a gestation period of approximately 240–250 days, usually resulting in a single calf.

Conservation Status: They are listed as vulnerable to extinction, with their population largely restricted to a few protected reserves.

Reintroduction: They have been successfully reintroduced into sites like Satpura Tiger Reserve to expand their habitat, where second and third-generation fawns have been born.

Appearance: They have dark, woolly, brownish coats in winter, shifting to a brighter, light brown-orange in the summer.Name: "Barasingha" translates to "twelve-tined," referring to their extensive antler branching.

Barasingha is the colloquial Indian term for The Swamp Deer. It means “the twelve tined one.” Their antlers are a spectacle to behold. An adult male can have somewhere between 12 to 15 tines in his antlers. The heavy branches make them look prettiest. 

If you notice a chital, aka spotted deer, you would see that they have only about three tines. But this one has twelve, and that is the whole beauty of it. Central India was once the ground for these hard ground swamp deer. However, somewhere in the 1970s, the number fell drastically to double digits, making Barasingha an endangered species. This drew a nation-wide concern.

Around the same time, a conservation project for tigers was initiated. It facilitated suitable grounds for the Barasingha to thrive as well. A win-win!The success story of the increasing number of swamp deers in Kanha National Park is India’s one of the best conservation projects.

The Barasingha, also called swamp deer, is a special kind of deer found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh! 🦌They are known for their unique antlers, which can have up to 12 points, and their beautiful golden-brown fur. The name "Barasingha" comes from the Hindi words "bāra," meaning "twelve," and "singh," meaning "antler." This species is very social and lives in herds. They love marshy areas where they can find food and stay safe. You'll usually find them near lakes, rivers, and grasslands! 

2-3-2020 KANJA NAT PARK, INDIA - SAMBAR (FEMALE) (Rusa unicolor)

The sambar (Rusa unicolor) is a large deer native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The name "sambar" is also sometimes used to refer to the Philippine deer called the "Philippine sambar", and the Javan rusa called the "Sunda sambar".

Sambar deer are light brown or dark with a grayish or yellowish tinge. The underparts are paler. Old sambars turn very dark brown, almost the color black. Their coat of dark short hair is coarse, and their undersides have creamy white to light brown hair. The color of the coat is usually consistent around the body, but it can vary from almost dark gray to yellowish-brown.

 Males have unique stout, rugged antlers with three points, or tines. Their tail is quite long for deer, generally black on top and dirty white or whitish underneath. Sambars have long, strong legs, the upper color being dark brown, with the inner parts of the legs a paler or dirty white. Their brownish-gray ears are long. Adult males and pregnant or lactating females possess an unusual hairless, blood-red spot located about halfway down the underside of their throats. This sometimes oozes a white liquid and is apparently glandular in nature.

Sambar deer are native in India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Sri Lanka, Burma, the Philippines, southern China, Taiwan, Borneo, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Java. They inhabit both the gentle slopes and the steeper parts of forested hillsides. Sambar prefer to live in tropical dry forests, open scrub, tropical seasonal forests, subtropical mixed forests with stands of conifers and montane grasslands, broadleaved deciduous and broadleaved evergreen trees, to tropical rainforests, and seldom move far from water sources. These deer can also be found near cultivated areas like gardens and plantations, where they can find food.

2-3-2020 KANJA NAT PARK, INDIA - CHOCOLATE PANSY BUTTERFLY (Junonia hedonia ssp. ida)

The Chocolate Pansy (Junonia hedonia ssp. ida) is a small, highly territorial brush-footed butterfly recognized by its reddish-brown upperwings and distinct leaf-mimicking underwings. Native to Southeast Asia and Australasia, it frequently inhabits both urban gardens and forested edges, where it is often seen sunbathing near the ground.

Key facts about the Chocolate Pansy include:

Appearance: It has a wingspan of roughly \(50 \text{ mm}\) to \(60 \text{ mm}\). The upperside features dark orange-brown wings with faint darker bands and prominent, reddish-brown eyespots on the hindwings.

Camouflage: When the wings are folded at rest, the underside reveals duller brown shades and distinct striations that resemble a dead leaf, helping it hide among fallen leaf litter.

Behavior: They are skittish but notoriously territorial. Males establish specific perches and will aggressively "attack" and chase away any other intruding butterflies. They love sunny days and frequently sunbathe with their wings spread completely open.

Life Cycle: The complete life cycle is quite rapid. Eggs are typically laid near the ground or on dry twigs near host plants. The caterpillars primarily feed on plants from the Acanthaceae family, such as Ruellia repens and Hemigraphis reptans.

Subspecies: The subspecies J. h. ida is particularly common in regions like the Philippines and Singapore, and is easily confused with the Junonia iphita (Chocolate Soldier).

2-3-2020 KANJA NAT PARK, INDIA - COMMON CROW BUTTERFLY (Euploea core)

Euploea core, also known as the common crow, is a common butterfly found in South Asia to Australia. In India it is also sometimes referred to as the common Indian crow, and in Australia as the Australian crow. It belongs to the crows and tigers subfamily Danainae (tribe Danaini).

E. core is a glossy-black, medium-sized 85–95 mm (3.3–3.7 in) butterfly with rows of white spots on the margins of its wings. E. core is a slow, steady flier. Due to its unpalatability it is usually observed gliding through the air with a minimum of effort. As caterpillars, this species sequesters toxins from its food plant which are passed on from larva to pupa to the adult. While feeding, it is a very bold butterfly, taking a long time at each bunch of flowers. It can also be found mud-puddling with others of its species and often in mixed groups. The males of this species visit plants like Crotalaria and Heliotropium to replenish pheromone stocks which are used to attract a female during courtship.

The common crow is the most common representative of its genus, Euploea. Like the tigers (genus Danaus), the crows are inedible and thus mimicked by other Indian butterflies (see Batesian mimicry). In addition, the Indian species of the genus Euploea show another kind of mimicry, Müllerian mimicry. Accordingly, this species has been studied in greater detail than other members of its genus in India.

2-3-2020 KANJA NAT PARK, INDIA - WHITE RUMPED SHAMA (Copsychus malabaricus

The white-rumped shama (Copsychus malabaricus ) is a small passerine bird of the family Muscicapidae. Native to densely vegetated habitats in the Indiani subcontinent and Southeast Asia, its popularity as a cage-bird and songster has led to it being introduced elsewhere.

They typically weigh between 28 and 34 g (1.0 and 1.2 oz) and are around 23–28 cm (9–11 in) in length. Males are glossy black with a chestnut belly and white feathers on the rump and outer tail. Females are more greyish-brown, and are typically shorter than males. Both sexes have a black bill and pink feet. Juveniles have a greyish-brown colouration, similar to that of the females, with a blotchy or spotted chest.

They are native across scrub and secondary forests in South and Southeast Asia, but have been introduced to Kauai, Hawaii, in early 1931 from Malaysia (by Alexander Isenberger), and to Oahu in 1940 (by the Hui Manu Society). Their popularity as a cage bird has led to many escaped birds establishing themselves. They have been introduced to Taiwan where they are considered an invasive species, eating native insect species and showing aggression towards native bird species.

In Asia, their habitat is dense undergrowth especially in bamboo forests. In Hawaii, they are common in valley forests or on the ridges of the southern Koolaus, and tend to nest in undergrowth or low trees of lowland broadleaf forests.

They feed on insects in the wild but in captivity they may be fed on a diet of boiled, dried legumes with egg.

The white-rumped shama is shy and somewhat crepuscular but very territorial. The territories include a male and female during the breeding season with the males defending the territory averaging 0.09 ha in size, but each sex may have different territories when they are not breeding.

In South Asia, they breed from January to September but mainly in April to June laying a clutch of four or five eggs in a nest placed in the hollow of a tree. During courtship, males pursue the female, alight above the female, give a shrill call, and then flick and fan out their tail feathers. This is followed by a rising and falling flight pattern by both sexes. If the male is unsuccessful, the female will threaten the male, gesturing with the mouth open.

The nest is built by the female alone while the male stands guard. The nests are mainly made of roots, leaves, ferns, and stems, and incubation lasts between 12 and 15 days and the nestling period averaged 12.4 days. Both adults feed the young although only the female incubates and broods. The eggs are white to light aqua, with variable shades of brown blotching, with dimensions of about 18 and 23 mm (0.7 and 0.9 in).

They typically weigh between 28 and 34 g (1.0 and 1.2 oz) and are around 23–28 cm (9–11 in) in length. Males are glossy black with a chestnut belly and white feathers on the rump and outer tail. Females are more greyish-brown, and are typically shorter than males. Both sexes have a black bill and pink feet. Juveniles have a greyish-brown colouration, similar to that of the females, with a blotchy or spotted chest.

They are native across scrub and secondary forests in South and Southeast Asia, but have been introduced to Kauai, Hawaii, in early 1931 from Malaysia (by Alexander Isenberger), and to Oahu in 1940 (by the Hui Manu Society). Their popularity as a cage bird has led to many escaped birds establishing themselves. They have been introduced to Taiwan where they are considered an invasive species, eating native insect species and showing aggression towards native bird species.

26-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The great tit (Parus major) is a small passerine bird, easily recognized by its black head and neck, striking white cheeks, olive upperparts, and vibrant yellow underparts. This bird is the most widespread species in the genus Parus, found across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa.

Males are characterized by their bright plumage, with a black bib that extends down the belly, bordered by a lemon-yellow breast. Females and juveniles are similar but have duller coloration. The black line down the belly is also narrower and sometimes broken in these birds.

Great tits favor a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, and even urban parks and gardens. They are also found in riverine woodlands and, in some regions, boreal taiga.

This species is resident throughout its range, which extends from the Iberian Peninsula to the Amur Valley, and from Scandinavia to the Middle East. It is generally non-migratory, except in harsh winters when it may move to more temperate areas.

Great tits are known for their intelligence and adaptability. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors and can solve problems with insight learning. They are also cavity nesters and are monogamous, with both parents involved in raising the chicks.

The great tit has a repertoire of up to 40 calls and songs, with the male being particularly vocal. A common call resembles the phrase "teacher, teacher," which is used to proclaim territory.

Breeding occurs once a year, with the female laying up to 12 eggs in a cavity nest. The female incubates the eggs alone, but both parents feed the chicks. In most years, the pair will raise two broods.

In summer, the diet is predominantly insectivorous, while in winter, it expands to include seeds and berries. Great tits are adept at handling large food items and are known to visit bird feeders in urban areas.

26-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (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.

26-3-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

Podarcis liolepis, the Columbretes wall lizard or Catalan wall lizard, is very similar to the other lizards in the genus Podarcis. This species was formerly described as a subspecies of the Iberian wall lizard, but has now been elevated to species status. These are slender lizards with long tails, narrow tapered heads and long thin toes, and stout legs. Colours are variable, although generally grey-brown. Often very subtle spots and stripes along the back and flanks can be seen and these can be more distinguished in the female. The underside is a much lighter cream or beige with sometimes a reddish tint. Adults grow 15–20 cm in length from the nose to tip of the tail. Body length can be a little as one third of the total body length, the tail making up the other two thirds.

Physical characteristics Size: Adults grow to about \(15-20\) cm long, with the tail making up two-thirds of the total length.Body shape: They are slender with a long tail, a narrow head, and long, thin toes.Color: Dorsal colors are typically grey-brown with varied patterns. Females tend to have more prominent longitudinal stripes, while males are often smaller. Some individuals also have ventral color variations, including yellow, orange/red, and white morphs. 

Habitat and behavior Habitat: The species is adaptable and can be found in various environments, including rocky areas, shrubby vegetation, and even human settlements.Distribution: Its range extends from the Rhône Valley in France to the Sierra Nevada in Spain.

Activity: They are diurnal and active, often seen basking, foraging, and hiding in vegetation.Diet: They feed on small invertebrates and sometimes fruit.Reproduction: As an oviparous (egg-laying) species, females lay an average of 2.80 eggs per clutch in continental populations. 

2-3-2020 KANJA NAT PARK, INDIA - ORANGE HEADED THRUSH (Geokichla citrina)

The Orange-headed Thrush (Geokichla citrina) is a bird of striking plumage, with the male sporting a vivid orange head and underparts contrasted against uniform grey upperparts. Females and juveniles are more subdued, with browner upper parts and a less vibrant orange hue.

Adult males are distinguished by their entirely orange head and underparts, and grey upperparts. Females and juveniles are similar but have browner or more olive upperparts. The species is characterized by a distinctive underwing pattern with a strong white band, aiding in identification.

This species thrives in well-wooded areas, showing a preference for shady, damp environments. It can be found in moist broadleaved evergreen woodlands with medium-density undergrowth, as well as bamboo forests and secondary growth.

The Orange-headed Thrush is a common resident across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, extending to southern China. Some subspecies are migratory, wintering at lower altitudes within the region.

Typically solitary or in pairs, the Orange-headed Thrush is a shy and secretive bird. It is more easily observed than other thrushes in its genus, especially when foraging for food on the forest floor at dawn and dusk.

The vocal repertoire includes a soft "chuk" or "tchuk," a screeching "teer-teer-teer," and a thin "tsee" or "dzef" in flight. Its song is a melodious series of sweet notes, often incorporating imitations of other bird species.

Nests are built by both sexes, comprising a shallow cup of twigs and leaves, situated in trees or bushes. The species lays cream or pale-tinted eggs with lilac blotches and reddish-brown spots, which are incubated for about two weeks.

An omnivorous bird, the Orange-headed Thrush consumes a variety of insects, earthworms, and fruit. It is particularly active at dawn and dusk, foraging in the leaf litter for food.

Classified as Least Concern, the Orange-headed Thrush has a large population size and extensive range. However, it faces threats from trapping for the cage-bird trade in some areas, and habitat loss in Southeast Asia.