10-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler, Curruca melanocephala, presents itself as a charming and distinctive bird of the Mediterranean. The males are adorned with a sleek grey back and pristine whitish underparts, crowned with a striking black head, a pure white throat, and captivating red eyes. The females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette, with brown upperparts and buff underparts, complemented by a subtle grey head.

When attempting to identify the Sardinian warbler, look for the male's black head and red eyes, which contrast with the white throat and grey back. Females can be recognized by their brown and buff coloration with a greyish head. The variability in plumage, including the presence or absence of a reddish hue, can be a helpful clue in distinguishing between subspecies.

This typical warbler favors open landscapes and cultivated areas, where it can find bushes suitable for nesting. Its preference for such environments makes it a familiar sight in the Mediterranean countryside.

The Sardinian warbler is a resident of the southernmost regions of Europe, extending its range into Asia in Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean. While not extensively migratory, some individuals do venture to North Africa for the winter, and the species has been known to appear as a vagrant as far as Great Britain.

8-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)

The Common tern (Sterna hirundo) is a seabird that has a circumpolar distribution. it has four subspecies breeding in temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Its large population and huge breeding range mean that this species is classed as being of least concern, although numbers in North America have declined sharply in recent decades.

Known for its attractive plumage and graceful flight, Common terns have a slender body and a smoothly rounded head, and long pointed wings. Their breeding plumage is light silvery-gray upperparts and clear black outer primaries on its wingtips. Outside the breeding season, the birds keep some of their distinguishable black cap, but their forehead and face turn white. Their legs and bill turn black, losing their orange-red coloration. Male and female are similar in appearance throughout the year. Juvenile Common terns have pale grey upper wings with a dark carpal bar. The crown and nape are brown, and the forehead is ginger, wearing to white by autumn. The upper parts are ginger with brown and white scaling, and the tail lacks the adult's long outer feathers. Birds in their first post-juvenile plumage, which normally remain in their wintering areas, resemble the non-breeding adult but have a duskier crown, dark carpal bar, and often very worn plumage. By their second year, most young terns are either indistinguishable from adults, or show only minor differences such as a darker bill or white forehead.

Common terns occur from northern Canada to the Caribbean Sea in the south, throughout Europe, Northern Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Outside of the mating season, these birds winter along the coasts of South America and Central America, along Africa’s coast and the Arabian Peninsula, as well as on islands in the Indian Ocean and throughout Australasia and much of Southeast Asia. They breed on sand spits, beaches and low-lying inshore islands. They also nest inland near slow-flowing rivers, and lakes in open country. This species favors areas that have close shallow waters where they can fish. During migration, they are mainly seen along coasts, at freshwater inland lakes and in estuaries. During winter, they are mostly coastal, in warm tropical and subtropical waters.

Common terns are diurnal birds and they live in colonies with no clear hierarchy among them, with all seeming to be equal. Although Common terns all migrate and live together, the family unit is responsible to feed and care for its own eggs and chicks, and individuals will often defend feeding territories. This species forages by flying above water and hovering, often plunge-diving to catch prey under the surface. It will also swim as it picks up food from the surface of the water or just below it. A highly migratory bird, it leaves the breeding grounds for the wintering sites typically from August to October, soon after all the chicks fledge. These birds communicate mostly by means of their unusual, hoarse voices, having three different and distinct calls. Communication during mating is mainly visual and/or tactile.

8-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - COMMON SHELDUCK (FEMALE) (Tadorna tadorna)

The common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, is a waterfowl species that graces the Euro-Siberian region with its presence. It is a medium-sized bird, akin to a small, short-necked goose, and is quite the sight with its white plumage contrasted by chestnut patches and a black underbelly. The head and neck are a dark, iridescent green, and the bill is a reddish-pink, with the male sporting a conspicuous knob on the forehead during the breeding season. Pink feet complete the ensemble, making this bird a striking figure in its habitat.

To identify the common shelduck, look for the distinctive reddish-pink bill and pink feet. The male, especially in breeding plumage, has a bright red bill with a prominent knob. The female is slightly smaller and has white facial markings. Both sexes have a white body with chestnut patches, a black belly, and a dark green head and neck. In flight, the green and chestnut secondary feathers become visible, contrasting with the predominantly white underwings.

The common shelduck is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including temperate lakes and rivers, as well as estuaries and tidal mudflats in winter. It has a particular fondness for salt marshes and estuaries and is known to breed in rabbit burrows, tree holes, and even haystacks.

This species is widespread across temperate Eurasia. It breeds in temperate regions and migrates to subtropical areas for wintering. Some populations remain resident in the westernmost parts of Europe, while others undertake movements to moulting grounds like the Wadden Sea.

The common shelduck is a sociable bird, often seen in large moulting flocks that can number up to 100,000 individuals. It is known for leaving its young in crèches supervised by a few adults. The species is also covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), highlighting its ecological importance.

The vocalization of the common shelduck is a loud, unmistakable honk, which can be heard over considerable distances.

During the breeding season, the male's bill becomes particularly vibrant, and the species is known to nest in a variety of locations, from rabbit burrows to tree holes.

While the common shelduck is quite distinctive, it could potentially be confused with other shelduck species. However, its unique coloration and size generally make it easy to distinguish.

The common shelduck feeds on a variety of items, including mollusks and small aquatic creatures, which it often forages for in the mudflats during low tide.

The IUCN Red List classifies the common shelduck as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers on a global scale.

8-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.

Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.

Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.

This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.

Greater flamingos are social birds, often found in large flocks. They feed with their heads down, filtering out sustenance from the water with their specially adapted bills. During the breeding season, these birds engage in a fascinating display of spreading uropygial secretions over their feathers to enhance their color, a behavior likened to applying "make-up."

The vocalization of the greater flamingo is a distinctive honking, similar to that of a goose, which can be heard over considerable distances.

The species lays a single chalky-white egg on a mud mound, a typical breeding behavior for flamingos.

Greater flamingos feed on a diet that includes small shrimp, seeds, blue-green algae, microscopic organisms, and mollusks. They filter their food from the water with their downward-facing heads and movable upper jaws.

8-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (JUVENILE) (Himantopus himantopus)

Black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus) are very long-legged wading birds. They are found in both warm and hot climates, feed on small aquatic creatures, and nest on the ground surface in small colonies.

Adult Black-winged stilts have long, pink legs, and a long, rather thin black bill. They are generally black above and white below, with a white head and neck. Males have a black back, often with a greenish gloss or sheen. Females' backs have a brownish hue, contrasting with the black remiges. In populations where the top of the head is normally white (at least in winter), females tend to have less black on the head and neck the entire year round, while males often have much more black, particularly in summer. This difference is not clear-cut, however, and males usually grow all-white head feathers in winter. Immature birds are grey, instead of black, and have a markedly sandy hue on their wings, with light feather fringes appearing as a whitish line in flight.

Black-winged stilts are found across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North, Central and South Americas. Some populations are migratory and move to the ocean coasts in winter; those in warmer regions are generally resident or short-range vagrants. Black-winged stilts breed in freshwater and brackish marshes, shallow lakes, ponds, and flooded fields. They can also be found in mountainous areas near lakes, river deltas, estuaries, coastal lagoons and marshes, salt meadows, and mudflats.

Black-winged stilts are very gregarious birds. They often gather in groups of around 20 individuals and may migrate or roost in large flocks of several thousand birds. Black-winged tilts are mainly diurnal; however, they are also adapted to nocturnal vision and may also forage even on moonless nights. Black-winged stilts feed in shallow water, wading slowly picking up their food from the water surface or sand.

The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a widely distributed, very long-legged wader in the avocet and stilt family Recurvirostridae. Its scientific name, Himantopus himantopus, is sometimes used to generalize a single, almost cosmopolitan species. Alternatively, it is restricted to the form that is widespread in Europe, Asia and Africa, which equals the nominate group of H. himantopus sensu lato. Meanwhile, the black-necked (H. mexicanus) and white-backed stilts (H. melanurus) both inhabit the Americas; the pied stilt (H. leucocephalus) ranges from Australasia and New Zealand. Today, most sources accept between one and four actual species. The taxonomic name Himantopus comes from Greek, meaning "strap-foot" or "thong-foot".

Black-winged stilts are serially monogamous; they form pairs and maintain their bonds only during one breeding season. These birds may nest singly or in loose colonies and each pair defends vigorously their nest site and territory around it. The nest is a bare spot on the ground located near water. The female lays up to 4 eggs which are then incubated for about 3-4 weeks by both parents. Chicks hatch well-developed and can leave the nest within 24 hours. They fledge around 1 month after hatching and become independent 2-4 weeks later. Young Black-winged tilts become reproductively mature and start to breed when they are 1 or 2 years old.

There are no known major threats facing Black-winged stilts at present.

8-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus, is a slender wader known for its strikingly long, pink legs and contrasting black-and-white plumage. This elegant bird is a member of the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae.

Adult Black-winged Stilts measure 33–36 cm in length. They possess a long, thin black bill and display a distinctive black and white coloration. The head and neck are predominantly white, with variable black markings depending on the sex and subspecies. Males typically have a glossy or greenish sheen on their black backs, while females exhibit a more brownish tinge. During flight, their long legs trail behind, and their wingbeats are steady.

These birds favor marshes, shallow lakes, and ponds as their breeding grounds. They are also known to inhabit coastal areas during migration and in the winter months.

The Black-winged Stilt has a wide range, extending across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some populations migrate to coastal regions in winter, while others in milder climates may remain resident or engage in short-range movements.

Black-winged Stilts are often seen foraging in shallow waters, gracefully picking insects and crustaceans from the surface. They are known to nest in small groups, sometimes alongside avocets, and exhibit a variety of courtship behaviors, including intricate displays and duets.

The flight call of the Black-winged Stilt is a sharp and clear kleek, typically heard during its aerial maneuvers.

Nests are simple bare spots on the ground near water. These birds are communal nesters and may breed in loose colonies. They have been known to breed as far north as Britain, with recent successful breeding events recorded in Southern and Northern England.

The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.

Their diet consists mainly of insects and crustaceans, which they deftly pick from the water's surface or from wet sand.

The IUCN lists the Black-winged Stilt as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population. However, they are protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in their conservation.

8-7-2020 L'ESTANY DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

The main threats to this species include hunting, poisoning, pollution, and loss of habitat.

Population number

According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Eurasian coot is around 7,950,000-9,750,000 individuals or 5,300,000-6,500,000 mature individuals. The European population is estimated at 945,000-1,550,000 pairs or 1,890,000-3,090,000 mature individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing.

8-7-2020 L'ESTANY DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - MALLARD X MUSKOVY DUCK (Anas platyrhynchos × cairina moschata)

The cross between a Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and a Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) produces a unique hybrid often called a Mulard or Mule Duck. Because these two species belong to different genera, their offspring are almost always sterile, meaning they cannot reproduce.Quick Comparison & Hybrid Types

Mule Duck: Produced when the father is a Muscovy and the mother is a Mallard (or Mallard-derived breed like a Pekin). These are typically larger and used in the commercial meat industry.

Hinny: Produced when the father is a Mallard and the mother is a Muscovy. These are less common and generally smaller than Mule Ducks.

Key Facts & CharacteristicsAppearance: 

Hybrids often exhibit a "mixed" look. They may have the iridescent green sheen of a Mallard head but with the larger body and slight red or black caruncles (fleshy growths) around the bill typical of a Muscovy.

Voice: They are generally quieter than Mallards. While female Mallards are famous for their loud quack, these hybrids may only produce soft hisses, trills, or muffled quacks.

Behavior: They often display a blend of habits. They may prefer terrestrial foraging like a Muscovy but are also capable swimmers like a Mallard.

Commercial Use: In agriculture, Mulards are highly valued for their meat and foie gras production. They are considered hardier and grow faster than many purebred ducks.

Commonality: While rare in the wild, they are frequently seen in urban parks and lakes where domestic ducks of both species are often abandoned and interbreed.

8-7-2020 L'ESTANY DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - MALLARD (MALE) (Anas platyrhynchos)

The Mallard, or wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos), is a familiar and widespread dabbling duck with a presence across temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of the Southern Hemisphere. The male is renowned for its iridescent green head and white collar, while the female sports a brown-speckled plumage. Both sexes boast a speculum—a patch of feathers with iridescent purple or blue hues bordered by white. The Mallard's length ranges from 50 to 65 cm, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm, and it typically weighs between 0.7 and 1.6 kg.

Males during the breeding season are unmistakable with their glossy green heads, white collars, and purple-tinged brown breasts. Females are mottled brown with buff cheeks and an eye-stripe. Both sexes have the distinctive speculum on their wings. The male's bill is yellowish-orange tipped with black, while the female's is darker, ranging from black to mottled orange and brown.

Mallards are found in a variety of wetlands, including parks, small ponds, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. They prefer water depths less than 0.9 meters and are drawn to areas with aquatic vegetation.

8-7-2020 L'ESTANY DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COOT (JUVENILE) (Fulica atra)

Juvenile Eurasian Coots (Fulica atra) are easily distinguished by their smoky-grey plumage, pale whitish-grey breasts, and dark bills. Unlike adults, they lack the prominent white frontal shield on their foreheads. Youngsters have brown eyes, and they do not fully develop their stark black feathers and stark white facial features until they reach about 12 months of age.These precocial birds are remarkably distinct immediately after hatching—they boast fluffy black down, a bright orange-red head, and a red bill. Despite being able to swim shortly after birth, they rely on extended parental care:

Diet & Feeding: Young coots learn to dive and forage for submerged aquatic vegetation, pondweeds, and small invertebrates. They typically become completely independent at around 30 days of age.

Fledging: Juveniles achieve the ability to fly (fledge) roughly 55 to 60 days after hatching.

Plumage Transition: The distinct juvenile brownish-grey feathers start transitioning into the adult slate-black plumage when the bird is roughly three to four months old.

Vulnerability: Youngsters are highly energetic but somewhat clumsy foragers. They frequently have their hard-earned food snatched by opportunistic ducks (such as the Gadwall) before they can surface.

The Eurasian coot, Fulica atra, also known as the common coot or Australian coot, is a distinctive waterbird with a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a striking white bill topped with a white frontal shield. This bird is a member of the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Adult Eurasian coots measure 36–38 cm in length with a wingspan of 70–80 cm. Males are slightly heavier than females, weighing around 890 g compared to the females' 750 g. The species is characterized by its white bill and frontal shield, which contrast sharply with its all-black body. Juveniles are paler with a whitish breast and lack the facial shield, which develops fully by one year of age.

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

8-7-2020 L'ESTANY DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - EURASIAN COOT (FEMALE AND JUVENILE) (Fulica atra)

The Eurasian coot is found on freshwater lakes and ponds and has adapted well to urban environments, often seen in city parks and gardens with water bodies.

This bird has a broad range across the Old World, including Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of North Africa. It is a resident in milder regions but migrates south and west from much of Asia during winter.

The Eurasian coot is less secretive than many rails, often visible on open water or grasslands. It is territorial and aggressive during the breeding season, with both parents defending their territory. In non-breeding seasons, coots may form large flocks. They are reluctant flyers, preferring to run across water surfaces, and are known for bobbing their heads while swimming.

This species is known for its noisy demeanor, producing a variety of crackling, explosive, or trumpeting calls, which are often heard at night.

Coots build bulky, sometimes floating nests, concealed in vegetation or in the open. Both sexes construct the nest, with the male gathering materials. Clutches typically contain 6-10 buff-colored eggs speckled with black or dark brown. Both parents incubate the eggs, which hatch after 21-24 days. Chicks are precocial and nidifugous, with distinctive orange-red tips on their down.

8-7-2020 L'ESTANY DE CULLERA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

The common moorhen, known scientifically as Gallinula chloropus, is a bird of the rail family, Rallidae. It is a bird of striking appearance, with a mix of black and brown plumage, a white under-tail, and white streaks along its flanks. Its legs are a vibrant yellow, and it sports a distinctive red frontal shield. The bill is a matching red with a yellow tip. Juveniles are a duller brown and do not have the red shield.

Adult moorhens can be identified by their red frontal shield, which has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides. The tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is smoothly curved. Their yellow legs and the combination of their black and brown plumage with white markings make them quite distinctive. The young are browner and lack the red shield, making them less conspicuous.

The common moorhen is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, ponds, canals, and lakes that are rich in vegetation. It is also known to inhabit city parks with suitable water bodies.

The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), also known as the waterhen or swamp chicken, is a bird species in the rail family (Rallidae). It is distributed across many parts of the Old World.

The common moorhen lives around well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals and other wetlands. The species is not found in the polar regions or many tropical rainforests. Elsewhere it is likely the most common rail species, except for the Eurasian coot in some regions.

The closely related common gallinule of the New World has been recognized as a separate species by most authorities, starting with the American Ornithologists' Union and the International Ornithological Committee in 2011.

The moorhen is a distinctive species, with predominantly black and brown plumage, with the exception of a white under-tail, white streaks on the flanks, yellow legs and a red frontal shield. The bill is red with a yellow tip. The young are browner and lack the red shield. The frontal shield of the adult has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides; the tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is a smooth waving line. In the related common gallinule (Gallinula galeata) of the Americas, the frontal shield has a fairly straight top and is less wide towards the bill, giving a marked indentation to the back margin of the red area.

8-7-2020 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

The Little Grebe, or Tachybaptus ruficollis, known colloquially as the dabchick, is the smallest European member of the grebe family. This diminutive water bird measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters in length and is a common sight in open bodies of water across its range.

In the summer, the adult Little Grebe is a sight to behold with its dark upper parts and a striking rufous coloration on the neck, cheeks, and flanks, complemented by a bright yellow gape. Outside of the breeding season, the plumage turns to a more subdued brownish-grey. Juveniles can be identified by their yellow bills tipped with black and streaked cheeks. In winter, the species is recognizable by its buff plumage, darker back and cap, and distinctive rear end.

8-7-2020 EL PALMAR, VALENCIA - ATLANTIC BLUE CRAB (Callinectes sapidus)

Callinectes sapidus, commonly known as the blue crab, Atlantic blue crab, or, regionally, the Maryland blue crab, is a species of crab native to the waters of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, and introduced internationally.

C. sapidus is of considerable culinary and economic importance in the United States, particularly in Louisiana, the Carolinas, the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware, and New Jersey. It is Maryland's largest commercial fishery and has been designated its state crustacean. Due to overfishing and environmental pressures some of the fisheries have seen declining yields, especially in the Chesapeake Bay fishery.

Unlike the other fisheries affected by climate change, blue crab is expected to do well; warming causes better breeding conditions, more survivable winters, and a greater range of habitable areas on the Atlantic coast. Whether this will have negative effects on the surrounding ecosystems from an increased crab population is still unclear.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - ROCK BUNTING (FEMALE) (Emberiza cia)

The rock bunting (Emberiza cia) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae.

The genus name Emberiza is from Old German Embritz, a bunting. The specific cia is from a local Italian name for this bird, from zirlare, "to chirp".

It breeds in northwest Africa, southern Europe east to central Asia, and the Himalayas. It also breeds locally in central Europe. It is partially migratory, with northern populations wintering further south, mainly within the breeding range of the resident southern populations. It is a rare wanderer to western Europe.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - ROCK GRAYLING BUTTERFLY (Hipparchia alcyone)

The Rock Grayling (Hipparchia alcyone or H. semele) is a master-camouflage butterfly found in dry, rocky, and woodland habitats across Europe, particularly in the south and Finland. It rarely shows its dark brown and orange-spotted upper wings, preferring to keep them closed to blend into stones or bark.

Key Facts about the Rock Grayling Butterfly

Camouflage Specialist: Their wings have an intricate grey-and-black pattern underneath (cryptic coloring) that mimics bark or stone, making them nearly invisible when resting.

Behavior: They almost never open their wings, preferring to sit in sunny spots to regulate body temperature.Habitat: They favor warm, dry environments, particularly pine woods, oak groves, and rocky areas, often seen in southern Europe and mountainous regions (up to 1900 m).

Diet: Caterpillars feed on grasses such as Festuca and Arrhenatherum.

Life Cycle: They are univoltine, meaning they produce one generation per year, flying from June to August.

Identification: They have a large wingspan (\(4.6 - 6\text{ cm}\)) and feature prominent black "eyespots" with white centers on their forewings, used to startle predators.

Conservation: While not immediately threatened globally, their populations are experiencing declines, particularly in northern Europe.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - GREAT BANDED GRAYLING BUTTERFLY (Brintesia circe)

The Great Banded Grayling (Brintesia circe) is a large, distinctive Nymphalidae butterfly found in Central/Southern Europe and Western Asia, recognized by its white-banded, dark wings. Active from June to October in dry, sunny grasslands, it often rests with closed wings, using cryptic coloration for camouflage.

These butterflies fly in one generation from June to September feeding on nectar of flowers. Larvae feed on various herbaceous plants (mainly on Anthoxanthum, Bromus, Festuca and Sesleria species). The young larvae overwinter.

The species can be found in central and southern Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Greece, southern Germany and Poland), in Anatolia and the Caucasus up to Iran.

These butterflies prefer light woodland, grasslands bordering forest edges and generally dry and bushy environments, at an altitude of 0–1,600 metres (0–5,249 ft) above sea level.

Key Facts about the Great Banded Grayling:

Appearance: Large wingspan (\(65–80\text{ mm}\)), with females generally larger. The wings are dark brown/black with a prominent, broad white band across both wings and a black, white-ringed eyespot on the forewing.

Habitat: Prefers sunny, dry, and shrubby areas, including light woodlands, rocky hillsides, and flower-rich grasslands at altitudes from \(0\) to \(1,600\) meters.

Behavior: Known for a strong, rapid flight. They rarely open their wings while resting, camouflaging against rocky or dry ground. Males frequently consume mineralized moisture from damp patches.

Flight Period: Generally flies in one generation from late June to mid-October.

Lifecycle & Diet: The larva feeds on various grasses, including Festuca, Bromus, and Lolium. The species overwinters as a caterpillar.Adaptation: As a response to hot, dry summers, some populations, particularly females, may undergo a period of aestivation, reducing activity during peak heat.

Distribution: Found across Southern and Central Europe (e.g., France, Italy, Spain, Croatia) and Western Asia (Turkey, Caucasus, Iran).

Appearance Note: It is frequently mistaken for other graylings like the Woodland Grayling (Hipparchia fagi) or Rock Grayling (Hipparchia hermione), but the white band is a key identifier.

2-7-2020 ROSSELL, CASTELLON - MEADOW BROWN BUTTERFLY (Maniola jurtina)

The meadow brown (Maniola jurtina) is a butterfly found in the Palearctic realm. Its range includes Europe south of 62°N, Russia eastwards to the Urals, Asia Minor, Iraq, Iran, North Africa and the Canary Islands. The larvae feed on grasses.

There is marked sexual dimorphism in this species. The upperside of the male is uniformly light brown with a black ocellus centered white at the apex of the forewing, while the female has a tawny patch more or less extended around this ocella. The underside forewing is ochre-colored bordered with dark beige with the same ocelli at the apex in the male, while the hindwing is greyish to brown with a more or less orange band in the female. The males are also much more active and range far about, while females fly less and often may not move away from the area where they grew up.

3-7-2020 ALDEAROQUETA, CASTELLON - COMMON HOUSE MARTIN (Delichon urbicum)

The Western House Martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes known as the Common House Martin, is a migratory passerine bird belonging to the swallow family. It is characterized by a blue head and upperparts, a distinctive white rump, and pure white underparts. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with both sexes appearing similar, and juveniles displaying a sooty black coloration with white-tipped wing coverts and quills.

Adults measure approximately 13 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 26 to 29 cm and an average weight of 18.3 grams. They possess brown eyes, a small black bill, and pink toes and exposed leg parts. The white rump and underparts are particularly noticeable in flight, aiding in distinguishing them from other swallows.

The Western House Martin favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It is also found in urban areas and can nest in city centers if air quality permits.

This bird breeds across Europe, North Africa, and the Palearctic, migrating to sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia for the winter. It is a broad-front migrant, traveling during daylight and feeding on insects in flight.

The Western House Martin is a social bird, often breeding colonially with nests built in close proximity. It is known for its aerial agility, which it uses to evade predators such as the Eurasian Hobby.

The male's song is a soft twitter of melodious chirps, while the contact call is a hard "chirrrp." The alarm call is a shrill "tseep."

Nests are constructed from mud pellets under eaves or similar overhangs on buildings, usually in colonies. The species is known to produce two broods per year, with four to five white eggs per brood. Juveniles fledge after 22 to 32 days and are fed by parents for about a week thereafter.

The Western House Martin can be confused with the Asian House Martin (D. dasypus) and the Nepal House Martin (D. nipalense), but it is the only one with a pure white rump and underparts.

The diet consists primarily of insects caught in flight, with a preference for flies and aphids. Hunting typically occurs within 450 meters of the nest and often near open ground or water.

The Western House Martin is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with an extensive range and large population. However, there are indications of population fluctuations and declines in certain regions, attributed to factors such as weather, pesticides, and competition for nesting sites.

30-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN PALE GLOW-WORM (Nyctophila reichii)

Nyctophila reichii (Mediterranean firefly/glow-worm) is a common Lampyrid beetle found in the Mediterranean region (Iberia, France, Italy, Balkans). Known for, sexual dimorphism, females are flightless, larger, and glow green to attract flying males in summer. Larvae are predatory, feeding on snails and slugs, and can emit light. 

Key Facts about Nyctophila reichii:

Appearance & Dimorphism: Females are roughly 4 cm long, larvae-like (larviform), and wingless, while males are smaller and winged.

Luminescence: Both larvae and adult females glow to attract mates, producing a cold green light from the last abdominal segments.

Habitat: Commonly found in Mediterranean, mountainous, and semi-arid regions.

Diet: Larvae are specialized predators of snails and slugs.

Activity Period: Adults are active from the second half of June to the second half of August.

Defense: They possess eversible organs that help protect them against predators.

Commonality: They are among the most common glow-worms in Catalonia and the southern/eastern Iberian Peninsula.

Interaction: They are non-toxic to humans. 

30-6-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Scopula minorata)

Scopula minorata is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1833. It is found in Africa south of the Sahara, the Arabian Peninsula and on the islands of the Indian Ocean.Furthermore, it is found in southern Europe. It can be distinguished from Scopula lactaria only by examination of its genitalia.

The wingspan is 15–20 millimetres (0.59–0.79 in).