22-7-2020 LA PINET, ALICANTE - BLACK TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa)

The black-tailed godwit (Limosa limosa ) is a large, long-legged, long-billed shorebird first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is a member of the godwit genus, Limosa. There are four subspecies, all with orange head, neck and chest in breeding plumage and dull grey-brown winter coloration, and distinctive bla7ck and white wingbar at all times.

Its breeding range stretches from Iceland through Europe and areas of central Asia. Black-tailed godwits spend (the northern hemisphere) winter in areas as diverse as the Indian subcontinent, Australia, New Zealand, western Europe and west Africa. The species breeds in fens, lake edges, damp meadows, moorlands and bogs and uses estuaries, swamps and floods in (the northern hemisphere) winter; it is more likely to be found inland and on freshwater than the similar bar-tailed godwit. The world population is estimated to be 634,000 to 805,000 birds and is classified as Near Threatened. The black-tailed godwit is the national bird of the Netherlands.

The black-tailed godwit is a large wader with long bill (7.5 to 12 cm (3.0 to 4.7 in) long), neck and legs. During the breeding season, the bill has a yellowish or orange-pink base and dark tip; the base is pink in winter. The legs are dark grey, brown or black. The sexes are similar, but in breeding plumage, they can be separated by the male's brighter, more extensive orange breast, neck and head. In winter, adult black-tailed godwits have a uniform brown-grey breast and upperparts (in contrast to the bar-tailed godwit's streaked back). Juveniles have a pale orange wash to the neck and breast.

In flight, its bold black and white wings and white rump can be seen readily. When on the ground it can be difficult to separate from the similar bar-tailed Godwit, but the black-tailed godwit's longer, straighter bill and longer legs are diagnostic. Black-tailed godwits are similar in body size and shape to bar-taileds, but stand taller.

It measures 42 cm (17 in) from bill to tail with a wingspan of 70–82 cm (28–32 in). Males weight around 280 g (9.9 oz) and females 340 g (12 oz). The female is around 5% larger than the male, with a bill 12–15% longer.

The most common call is a strident weeka weeka weeka.

A study of black-tailed godwits in the Netherlands found a mortality rate of 37.6% in the first year of life, 32% in the second year, and 36.9% thereafter.

20-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LANTANA PLUME MOTH (Lantanophaga pusillidactylus)

Lantanophaga pusillidactyla, the lantana plume moth, is a moth of the family Pterophoridae. It is native to the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.

Other records include Cape Verde, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Réunion, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Nigeria, Seychelles, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, Israel, Morocco, India, Indonesia (Java), New Guinea and Sri Lanka.

The wingspan is 11–14 mm.

Adults feed on flowers and lay eggs in flower heads. The larvae feed on Lantana camara, Lantana montevidensis, Lantana hispida, Lantana peduncularis, Lantana indica, Lantana involucrata, Lippia alba, Phyla nodiflora, Phyla lanceolata, Caperonia palustris, Mentha and Utricularia species.

20-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_serin

20-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - COPPER DEMOISELLE DAMSELFLY (MALE) (Calopteryx haemorrhoidalis)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calopteryx_haemorrhoidalis

20-7-2020 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is a large, robust seabird with a commanding presence. Its size can be quite variable, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a Common Gull, and the largest males approaching the heft of a Great Black-backed Gull. Adults typically exhibit a grey back, a shade lighter than that of the Lesser Black-backed Gull, and their heads are notably whiter in the autumn months. A distinctive feature is their yellow legs, which give this species its common name.

When observing the Yellow-legged Gull, look for the yellow legs that contrast with the grey back and the white head, which becomes even whiter during the autumn. The wing tips are black with limited white spots, and adults have a red spot on the bill. The eye is surrounded by a red ring. Juveniles can be identified by their paler head, rump, and underparts, dark bill and eyes, and a black band on the tail.

This gull favors a variety of coastal environments, often nesting on sea cliffs, islands, and occasionally on buildings within urban settings. It is also known to breed on trees in some regions.

The Yellow-legged Gull has a breeding range centered around the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the Atlantic islands and coasts as far north as Brittany and west to the Azores. Its presence is also noted on the western side of the Black Sea.

The species is known for its adaptability, with many individuals remaining in the same area year-round, while others migrate to milder regions of western Europe or head south to areas such as Senegal and the Red Sea. Post-breeding dispersal can lead to increased numbers in regions like southern England from July to October.

4-5-2017 CORDOBA, ANDALUCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)

The Common Blackbird, Turdus merula, is a true thrush and a familiar sight in gardens and woodlands. The male is distinguished by its all-black plumage, bright yellow eye-ring, and orange-yellow bill, which darkens slightly during winter. Females and juveniles are more demure in their attire, sporting mainly dark brown feathers.

Adult males are entirely black with the exception of the yellow eye-ring and bill. Females are sooty-brown with a duller bill, and juveniles resemble females but have pale spots on their upperparts. The very young may also exhibit a speckled breast.

The Common Blackbird thrives in a variety of habitats including woodlands with dense undergrowth, gardens, parks, and hedgerows. It shows a preference for deciduous trees and areas with thick vegetation.

This species is widespread across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to Australia and New Zealand. Its range varies from resident populations in the milder regions to partially or fully migratory populations in areas with more severe winters.

The Common Blackbird is territorial, especially during breeding season, with males displaying distinctive threat behaviors to ward off rivals. Outside of breeding season, they can be more sociable, often forming small flocks. The species is known for its adaptability to urban environments, where it may overwinter more readily than in rural settings.

19-7-2020 POTRIES, VALENCIA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/113507-Sympetrum-fonscolombii

19-7-2020 BUFALI, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)

The European bee-eater, Merops apiaster, is a bird of arresting beauty and grace. Its plumage is a kaleidoscope of warm hues, with brown and yellow adorning its upper parts, while the wings boast a vibrant green. The beak, a stark black, contrasts sharply with the bird's colorful attire. This slender avian can reach a length of 27–29 cm, including the elongated central tail feathers that add to its elegance. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the female may sport greener shoulder feathers compared to the male's gold.

When identifying the European bee-eater, look for its distinctive coloration and sleek profile. The non-breeding plumage is more subdued, with a blue-green back and the absence of elongated central tail feathers. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but exhibit less variation in feather colors. During the moulting period, adults transition to breeding plumage, which is completed before their winter migration to Africa.

These birds favor open country in warmer climates, often found in proximity to sandy banks and river shores where they can nest and forage with ease.

The European bee-eater breeds across southern and central Europe, parts of northern and southern Africa, and western Asia. While the southern African population remains resident year-round, others migrate to tropical Africa for the winter. Occasionally, they are seen north of their typical range, with sporadic breeding in northern Europe.

Gregarious by nature, European bee-eaters nest colonially in sandy banks, with communal tendencies extending to feeding and roosting. Courtship involves the male presenting the female with large prey items, a gesture of both affection and sustenance.

The call of the European bee-eater is a melodious and liquid "prreee" or "prruup," a sound as mellow as the bird's demeanor.

Breeding season sees these birds tunneling into sandy banks to lay their spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and care. The eggs hatch after about three weeks, and the young are raised with communal diligence.

19-7-2020 BUFALI,, 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. 

17-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - MEDITERRANEAN KATYDID (Phaneroptera nana)

Phaneroptera nana, common name southern sickle bush-cricket, is a species in the family Tettigoniidae and subfamily Phaneropterinae. It has become an invasive species in California where it may be called the Mediterranean katydid.

This bush cricket is native to mainland Europe, the Near East and North Africa. The Indo-Malayan species Phaneropera subcarinata, classified by Bolívar, is morphologically similar to P. nana, and was classified under the P. nana name by Carl Brunner von Wattenwyl. As an invasive species, it has spread to the San Francisco Bay Area and may be widespread in the Los Angeles Basin, with records of its presence in California dating from at least 1952. In addition, it has been recorded in South America and hypothesized in the Annals of Carnegie Museum to have spread via shipping.

It mainly inhabits sunny and dry habitats, especially shrubs and low branches of trees.

The Mediterranean katydid (Phaneroptera nana) female sings in response to the male, prompting the male to move towards the female. This is unique to the species, because in other species of katydids, it is usually the female moving towards the male in response to hearing their chirps. However, because the females stay static while the males move to locate them, the females are at less risk of encountering threats and predators. However, the males will not decide to interact with a female unless they illicit a response within 60 milliseconds, ensuring that the female is close enough to them.

The females are selective of the males they respond to, and generally they prefer longer chirps. At least two chirps from the males are needed for the female to entertain the males and reply to them. However, more chirps than that from the males do not make the females more likely to duet with the males.

The female Mediterranean katydids lay their eggs in the lamina of plants. the female does this by bending her abdomen and chewing on the lamina to create an opening. The eggs she lays around 3mm in size on average. Those eggs usually hatch in summertime but that can vary. The timing means that P. nana is usually easily encountered through the summer and fall seasons. 

15-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROBBERFLY (Genus Machimus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/61617-Machimus

15-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROUND NECKED LONGHORN BEETLE (Stromatium auratum)

Stromatium fulvum is a highly destructive, polyphagous longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) known for boring into dry, dead wood and processed timber throughout the Mediterranean, Near East, and Caucasus. It causes severe structural damage to wooden, furniture, and, with a 2+ year life cycle, acts as a major pest. 

Key Facts About Stromatium fulvum:

Appearance: Adults are 12–32 mm long, characterized by a brownish color, with elytra that are relatively shiny, punctured, and often feature two longitudinal costae.

Damage Profile: As a severe pest of "wood-in-use," larvae tunnel through dry timber, often leaving no visible external traces until adults emerge.

Diet: Extremely polyphagous, attacking various, primarily deciduous, dry wood types.

Life Cycle: The life cycle typically lasts 2 or more years.

Distribution: Primarily found in the Mediterranean region, Near East, Caucasus, and Iran.

16-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BATH WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pontia daplidice)

Pontia daplidice, the Bath white, is a small butterfly of the family Pieridae, the yellows and whites, which occurs in the Palearctic region. It is common in central and southern Europe, migrating northwards every summer, often reaching southern Scandinavia and sometimes southern England.

The Bath white is a small white butterfly with a wingspan of 45 to 50 mm. The underside of the hindwing has a pattern of greenish blotches, which is characteristic of the Bath whites and easily identifies it from other pierids.

Sexes can be differentiated by markings on the forewing. The male is differentiated from the female by the markings on the upperside of the forewing. The apex of the forewing is black with white spots and lines. There is a black spot at the end of the cell. In the case of the female, there is an additional discal spot in 1b. The female also has an obscure row of terminal and marginal spots on the upper hindwing. 

15-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/73222-Phoenicopterus-roseus

15-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta, presents a striking silhouette with its bold black and white plumage. This large wader, belonging to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, is adorned with a distinctive black cap and black markings on its wings and back, contrasting sharply against its otherwise white body. The species is noted for its elegant, upturned bill and elongated, bluish legs, which add to its graceful demeanor.

Adult pied avocets measure approximately 16.5–17.75 inches in length, with a wingspan stretching around 30–31.5 inches. Their long legs and upturned bills, measuring about 2.95–3.35 inches and 3–4 inches respectively, are key features for identification. Both sexes appear similar, while juveniles can be distinguished by their more greyish and sepia tones.

These birds favor shallow lakes with brackish water and exposed mudflats, which provide ideal foraging and breeding grounds.

The pied avocet breeds across temperate Europe and extends across the Palearctic to Central Asia and the Russian Far East. It is a migratory species, with most individuals wintering in Africa or southern Asia. Some, however, remain in the milder parts of their range during winter, such as southern Spain and southern England.

Pied avocets forage in shallow waters or on mudflats, often employing a unique side-to-side scything motion with their bills to capture prey. They primarily consume crustaceans and insects. During the breeding season, they nest on open ground, often forming small groups and sometimes associating with other wader species. Their nests are typically lined scrapes or mounds of vegetation, where they lay three to five eggs.

The avocet's call is a distinctive, melodious "kluit kluit," which carries far across their watery habitats.

Pied avocets establish breeding territories in shallow brackish waters, where they lay their eggs in simple ground nests. These nests may be lined with materials or placed on mounds of vegetation to protect them from flooding.

While the pied avocet's unique plumage and bill shape make it quite distinctive, it could potentially be confused with other avocet species within the genus Recurvirostra. However, its black and white coloration and habitat preferences are usually sufficient for accurate identification.

The diet of the pied avocet consists mainly of crustaceans and insects, which they adeptly capture with their specialized bill.

The IUCN Red List classifies the pied avocet as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, the species does not face any imminent threats to its survival on a global scale.

17-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (MALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler (Curruca melanocephala) is a common and widespread Sylviidae warbler from the Mediterranean region. Like most Curruca species, it has distinct male and female plumages. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. Plumages are somewhat variable even in the same locality, with the intensity of a reddish hue on upper- and/or underside that varies from absent to (in some subspecies) pronounced. The female is mainly brown above and buff below, with a grey head. The Sardinian warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds.

17-7-2020 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GREAT TIT (Parus major)

The Great tit (Parus major) is a widespread and common songbird throughout Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and east across the Palearctic to the Amur River, south to parts of North Africa. It has adapted well to human changes in the environment and is a common and familiar bird in urban parks and gardens. It is also an important study species in ornithology.

The Great tit has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to recognize. The nominate race has a bluish-black crown, black neck, throat, bib, and head, and white cheeks and ear coverts. The breast is bright lemon-yellow and there is a broad black mid-line stripe running from the bib to the vent. There is a dull white spot on the neck turning to greenish yellow on the upper nape. The rest of the nape and back are green-tinged with olive. The wing-coverts are green, and the rest of the wing is bluish-grey with a white wing bar. The tail is bluish-grey with white outer tips. The plumage of the female is similar to that of the male except that the colors are overall duller.

Great tits have a wide distribution across much of Eurasia. They can be found across all of Europe except for Iceland and northern Scandinavia, including numerous Mediterranean islands. In North Africa, they live in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. They also occur across the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia from northern Iran and Afghanistan to Mongolia, as well as across northern Asia from the Urals as far east as northern China and the Amur Valley. Great tits inhabit open deciduous woodland, mixed forests, forest edges, and gardens. In northern Siberia, they live in boreal taiga. In North Africa, they prefer oak forests as well as stands of Atlas cedar and even palm groves. In the east of their range, Great tits favor riverine willow and birch forest, as well as low scrubland and oases. 

15-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - GREATER FLAMINGO (JUVENILE) (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. Common in the Old World, they are found in Northern (coastal) and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent (south of the Himalayas), the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.

It is found in parts of Northern Africa (including coastal areas of northern Algeria, Egypt further inland along the Nile River, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia), portions of Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda), Southern Asia (coastal Bangladesh,India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka), the Western Asia (Bahrain, Cyprus, Iraq, Iran, Oman, Israel, Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) and Southern Europe (including Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, France in the Camargue and Corsica, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, Spain and the Balearic Islands, and Turkey).

15-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - BLACK HEADED GULL (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/144510-Chroicocephalus-ridibundus

15-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius)

The little ringed plover (Thinornis dubius) is a small plover native to the Old World. It has mostly brown upperparts, a black neckband and a black mask around the eye with a noticeable yellow eyering. Its forehead, belly and the rest of the breast are white. A migratory species, it breeds in open gravel areas near freshwater, including gravel pits, islands and river edges. Its diet consists mainly of insects and worms, which it forages for in muddy areas.

The little ringed plover was formally described in 1786 as Chadrius dubius by the Austrian naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli. The specific dubius is Latin meaning "doubtful", "uncertain" or "dubious" since French naturalist Pierre Sonnerat in 1876 had thought this bird might be just a variant of the common ringed plover. The little ringed plover is now one of seven plovers placed in the genus Thinornis that was introduced in 1789 by Johann Friedrich Gmelin. The genus name combines the Ancient Greek this meaning "beach" or "sand" with ornis meaning "bird".

15-7-2020 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - 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.

15-7-2020 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, ALBUFERA - NOMAD DRAGONFLY (FEMALE) (Sympetrum fonscolombii)

The Red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii), commonly known as the nomad, is a highly migratory, 38–40mm dragonfly known for rapid colonization of new water bodies, including temporary ponds. Males are distinguished by bright red abdomens, blue-grey eyes, and red wing veins. They are often found in Europe, Africa, and Asia. 

Key Facts about the Nomad Dragonfly

Migratory Nature: The name "nomad" stems from its ability to travel long distances, migrating from southern, warmer climates to northern Europe, including Britain and Ireland.

Rapid Life Cycle: Sympetrum fonscolombii is capable of having more than one generation per year, with fast-developing larvae that can quickly populate newly formed, temporary habitats.

Distinctive Appearance: Males have a bright red abdomen, red-brown thorax, and blue-grey eyes underneath with brown on top. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of bright red veins on their wings. Females are mostly ochre yellow with black lines along their abdomen.

Habitat and Behavior: They prefer warm, shallow standing water (ponds, lakes) but also inhabit rivers. They are a red-veined darter that flies from early spring into autumn, with males acting highly territorial.

Egg-Laying: Pair mating is common, where the pair stays in tandem for egg-laying, with the female dipping her abdomen into the water to deposit eggs.

Conservation Status: The IUCN lists the species as "Least Concern," as populations are widespread and stable, though they are potentially threatened by climate change. 

15-7-2020 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4450-Sterna-hirundo

15-7-2020 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4954-Ardea-cinerea

15-7-2020 CREU DE LONGA, ALBUFERA - GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/144455-Ardea-alba