Friday, 22 May 2020
Thursday, 21 May 2020
21-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)
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Spotted flycatchers are one of our summer migrants that spend the winter in Africa. They are one of the latest migrants to reach us, with a few trickling into the country from late April and most arriving from mid-May.
Despite arriving relatively late, spotted flycatchers manage to rear two broods of young before departing at the end of August. The success of the second clutch is increased by fewer eggs being laid, meaning less mouths to fill. They will nest in gardens but the nest is usually well hidden on ledges or behind climbing plants.
Spotted flycatchers prefer large flying insects, including flies and butterflies. However, if the weather is cool and insects aren’t flying, they will take smaller invertebrates from leaves and branches. If poor weather persists, many nests fail as these smaller invertebrates tend to be eaten by the parents rather than fed to the young.
21-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WALCKENAER'S FEATHER LEGGED SPIDER (Uloborus walckenaerius)
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Uloborus walckenaerius, also known as the feather-legged spider, is a cribellate spider in the family Uloboridae. Like all spiders in this family, they do not have venom glands and immobilize their prey with over 140 m of thread. They are named in honor of Charles Athanase Walckenaer.
It is commonly known as the fluffy hackled orb-web spider.
Adult females have a body length of 3.5–6 mm (0.14–0.24 in), males 3–4 mm (0.12–0.17 in). They have a dark grey prosoma, covered with white hairs, leaving some dark bands uncovered. They have eight eyes, arranged in two almost parallel rows of four, with the anterior lateral eyes on the front corners of the head.
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The abdomen is greyish-white in colour, with a continuation of the pattern on the carapace. It bears a brown median line, with alternating white and brown bands on either side. There are fluffy white tufts of hair on the white bands, which are very distinct from the side. The legs range from dark grey-brown to reddish-brown, with faint, white annulations. The front two pairs of legs are significantly longer than the rear pairs.
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Uloborus walckenaerius has a widespread distribution throughout the Palearctic region and has been introduced to Cape Verde, Saint Helena, and South Africa.
The spider lives in warm, open terrain, like heathland, and weaves horizontal cribellate orb webs close to the ground. A stabilimentum is sometimes present, and the spider hangs beneath the hub.
21-5-2020 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - SMALL WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pieris rapae)
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In appearance it looks like a smaller version of the large white (Pieris brassicae). The upperside is creamy white with black tips on the forewings. Females also have two black spots in the center of the forewings. Its underwings are yellowish with black speckles. It is sometimes mistaken for a moth due to its plain appearance. The wingspan of adults is roughly 32–47 mm (1.3–1.9 in).
Pieris rapae has a wingbeat frequency averaging 12.8 flaps per second.
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The small white will readily lay eggs on both cultivated and wild members of the cabbage family, such as charlock (Sinapis arvensis) and hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale). P. rapae is known to lay eggs singularly on the host plant. The egg is characterized by a yellowish color and 12 longitudinal ridges. The egg production peaks about a week after adulthood in lab and the female can live up to 3 weeks.
Females tend to lay fewer eggs on plants in clumps than on isolated plants. It has been suggested that isothiocyanate compounds in the family Brassicaceae may have been evolved to reduce herbivory by caterpillars of the small white.cepted because the small white has later been shown to be immune to the isothiocyanate forming reaction due to a specific biochemical adaptation. In contrast, the small white and relatives seem to have evolved as a consequence of this biochemical adaptation to the isothiocyanate-forming glucosinolates.
Wednesday, 20 May 2020
Tuesday, 19 May 2020
19-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)
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The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.
Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.
These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.
Monday, 18 May 2020
18-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)
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.
18-5-2020 KERULA, INDIA - INDIAN RED ADMIRAL (Vanessa indica)
Vanessa indica, called the Indian red admiral or the Asian admiral in the United States, is a butterfly found in the higher altitude regions of India, primarily the Himalayas and the Nilgiri Hills. It is also found in Sri Lanka and Myanmar, China, Korea, SE Russia, Japan. It is a close relative of the painted lady.
V. indica is found in the higher altitude regions (above 2,000 feet (610 m)) of India including the Nilgiri Hills in southern India. It also occurs on smaller hill ranges in Peninsular India such as the Nandi Hills near Bangalore.
These are fast flying butterflies. Mainly found in open areas near the river in the mountainous jungle, they are also often seen on grass near roads or in the soil around the plant flowers sucking, honey, or they sitting on the ground basking in the sun.[6] Both male and female Indian red admiral can be seen around the hill nettle plant species. The male Indian red admiral encircles the female while the female goes around to lay eggs on leaves that are suitable. The male butterflies are territorial and they choose the places best suitable for mating. After selecting they fly around the place keeping a watch on the movements of the female. The males are generally aggressive and often seen fighting with other males. They show acrobatic techniques to attract the female's attention.
Sunday, 17 May 2020
17-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)
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The European goldfinch, or simply goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), is a small, vibrant passerine bird belonging to the finch family. This charming avian species is adorned with a striking red face, encircled by black markings near the eyes, and a black-and-white head. The back and flanks exhibit a warm buff or chestnut brown, while the wings are black with a prominent yellow bar. The tail is black, and the rump is a contrasting white. Males and females are similar in appearance, though the male boasts a slightly more extensive red mask.
Upon closer inspection, one can discern the male goldfinch by its larger, more vivid red mask that extends just beyond the eye. The female's red face does not reach past the eye, and her shoulder feathers are brown, as opposed to the male's black. The bill is ivory-colored, long, and pointed, and the tail is forked. Juveniles can be identified by their plain heads and greyer backs, but the yellow wing stripe is a clear indicator of their species.
The European goldfinch favors open, partially wooded lowlands and is a resident in the milder western parts of its range. In colder regions, it migrates to escape the harsh weather.
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Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, the European goldfinch has also been introduced to various regions across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay.
The European goldfinch is known for its sociable nature, often forming flocks in the winter. It is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, particularly in the colder months.
The goldfinch's song is a delightful, silvery twittering, while its call is a melodic tickeLIT. Its song comprises a tinkling medley of trills and twitters, always including the tri-syllabic call phrase.
The female goldfinch solely constructs the nest, which is often situated several meters above ground, camouflaged by leaves. The nest is made of mosses and lichens, lined with plant down, and secured with spider silk. Eggs are laid at daily intervals, typically resulting in a clutch of 4-6 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-13 days, with the female being fed by the male. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge 13-18 days after hatching.
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Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, the European goldfinch has also been introduced to various regions across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay.
The European goldfinch is known for its sociable nature, often forming flocks in the winter. It is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, particularly in the colder months.
The goldfinch's song is a delightful, silvery twittering, while its call is a melodic tickeLIT. Its song comprises a tinkling medley of trills and twitters, always including the tri-syllabic call phrase.
The female goldfinch solely constructs the nest, which is often situated several meters above ground, camouflaged by leaves. The nest is made of mosses and lichens, lined with plant down, and secured with spider silk. Eggs are laid at daily intervals, typically resulting in a clutch of 4-6 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-13 days, with the female being fed by the male. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge 13-18 days after hatching.
Goldfinches have a preference for small seeds, such as those from thistles and teasels, but will also consume insects when feeding young. They are particularly drawn to bird feeders offering niger seed.
The European goldfinch is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population.
The European goldfinch has a long history of being kept and bred in captivity due to its attractive plumage and pleasant song. It has also been featured in various works of art and literature, symbolizing different cultural and religious themes.
17-5-2020 VILLALONGA CAMPO, VALENCIA - LARGE PSAMMODROMUS LIZARD (Psammodromus algirus)
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Psammodromus algirus, known commonly as the Algerian psammodromus or the large psammodromus, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa.
Psammodromus algirus is found in North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) and in Southwestern Europe (Iberian Peninsula: Portugal, Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar; southernmost France, and Italy near Lampedusa).
The IUCN assessment from 2009 treats Psammodromus algirus nollii and Psammodromus algirus ketamensis as full species and restricts Psammodromus algirus to North Africa.
P. algirus typically occurs in dense bushy vegetation, but it can also venture to more open areas. It can be found at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft) above sea level, but it is more common at lower elevations.
Psammodromus algirus mainly feeds on terrestrial arthropods, specifically Orthoptera, Formicidae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Araneae.
P. algirus is threatened by habitat loss.
P. algirus commonly reaches a snout–vent length of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in), occasionally 9 cm (3.5 in). The tail is 2–3 times the body length. Dorsal colouration is usually metallic brownish with a pair of conspicuous white or yellowish stripes on both sides.
Saturday, 16 May 2020
16-5-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (FEMALE) (Monticola solitarius)
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The blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius) is a chat species, reminiscent of a thrush, with a starling-like stature, measuring 21–23 cm in length. The male of the nominate subspecies is predominantly blue-grey, save for darker wings, presenting a striking appearance. Females and immature birds are less vivid, with dark brown upperparts and paler, scaly brown underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis is distinguished by rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast to the undertail, a feature absent in both sexes of the rock thrush.
To identify the blue rock thrush, look for the male's unmistakable blue-grey plumage and the female's less conspicuous brown tones. The male M. s. philippensis can be recognized by its rufous-chestnut lower half. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers seen in rock thrushes.
This bird favors open, mountainous regions where it can nest in rock cavities and walls.
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The blue rock thrush breeds across southern Europe, northwest Africa, and from Central Asia to northern China and Malaysia. It is a resident bird in Europe, north Africa, and southeast Asia, with some populations exhibiting altitudinal migration. Other Asian populations are migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and southeast Asia. It is a rare visitor to northern and western Europe.
The blue rock thrush is an omnivore, consuming a varied diet of insects, small reptiles, berries, and seeds. It breeds in its preferred mountainous habitats, laying 3-5 eggs per clutch.
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The male's song is a clear and melodious call, louder than that of the rock thrush, which can be heard echoing through its mountainous domain.
As an omnivore, the blue rock thrush has a diverse diet that includes insects, small reptiles, berries, and seeds.
The blue rock thrush is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.
12-4-1998 ACCABA, JORDAN - DROMEDARY CAMEL (Camelus dromedarius)
The dromedary (Camelus dromedarius UK: /ˈdrʌmɪdəri, ˈdrɒm-/ or US: /-ˌdɛri/;[2][3]), also known as the dromedary camel, Arabian camel, or one-humped camel, is a large even-toed ungulate, of the genus Camelus, with one hump on its back.
It is the tallest of the three species of camel; adult males stand 2.2–3.6 m (7 ft 3 in – 11 ft 10 in) at the shoulder, while females are 1.7–1.9 m (5 ft 7 in – 6 ft 3 in) tall. Males typically weigh between 400 and 690 kg (880 and 1,520 lb), and females weigh between 300 and 540 kg (660 and 1,190 lb).
The species' distinctive features include its long, curved neck, narrow chest, a single hump (compared with two on the Bactrian camel and wild Bactrian camel), and long hairs on the throat, shoulders and hump. The coat is generally a shade of brown. The hump, 20 cm (7+7⁄8 in) tall or more, is made of fat bound together by fibrous tissue.
Dromedaries are mainly active during daylight hours. They form herds of about 20 individuals, which are led by a dominant male. They feed on foliage and desert vegetation; several adaptations, such as the ability to tolerate losing more than 30% of its total water content, allow it to thrive in its desert habitat. Mating occurs annually and peaks in the rainy season; females bear a single calf after a gestation of 15 months.
The dromedary has not occurred naturally in the wild for nearly 2,000 years. It was probably first domesticated in the Arabian Peninsula about 4,000 years ago, or in Somalia where there are paintings in Laas Geel that figure it from 5,000 to 9,000 years ago. In the wild, the dromedary inhabited arid regions, including the Sahara Desert. The domesticated dromedary is generally found in the semi-arid to arid regions of the Old World, mainly in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and a significant feral population occurs in Australia. Products of the dromedary, including its meat and milk, support several North African tribes; it is also commonly used for riding and as a pack animal.
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