3-4-2021 GANDIA, VALENCIA - IBERIAN GREEN FROG (Pelophylax perezi)

The Perez's frog (Pelophylax perezi), also known as Iberian waterfrog, Iberian green frog or Coruna frog, is a species of frog in the family Ranidae. It is native to southern France, Portugal, Spain, and has been introduced to the Canary and Balearic Islands, Madeira, the United Kingdom, and the Azores. In the Iberian Peninsula it is widespread and common.

Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rivers, intermittent rivers, swamps, freshwater lakes, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, intermittent freshwater marshes, sandy shores, arable land, and urban areas. It is not considered threatened by the IUCN.

The Perez's frog was first described in 1885 by Spanish naturalist Victor López-Seoane, who believed it was a subspecies of the edible frog and gave it the scientific name Rana esculenta perezi in honour of his friend and fellow zoologist Laureano Pérez Arcas. López-Seoane studied multiple specimens collected across northwest Spain and Portugal, but did not designate any as a holotype. Therefore, one of these specimens (an adult female collected in A Coruña, Spain and kept in the Museum of Comparative Zoology under the specimen number MCZ 6832) was designed as the lectotype in 1995. Some later authors considered the Perez's frog to be a subspecies of the marsh frog rather than the edible frog, with German herpetologist Robert Mertens being the first to do so, referring to it as Rana ridibunda perezi in 1925. Mertens would use this name again in a book he coauthored with German zoologist Heinz Wermuth in 1960, though a paper published in 1929 lists it as merely a junior synonym of Rana esculenta perezi.

Scientists would eventually come to realize that the Perez's frog is not a subspecies but a distinct species different from other known frogs. The first to propose this was Swiss herpetologist Hansjürg Hotz, who therefore referred to it as Rana perezi in 1974, and this classification would then be followed in a biochemical study published in 1977. In 1992, French zoologist Alain Dubois divided the genus Rana into 33 subgenera, with the Perez's frog being placed in the subgenus Pelophylax under the name Rana (Pelophylax) perezi. 

A study published in 2005 further divided the species placed in the genus Rana at the time into several different genera, with those of the subgenus Pelophylax being assigned to the genus Hylarana, thus the Perez's frog was considered to be part of this genus under the name Hylarana perezi. In 2006, another publication on amphibian taxonomy elevated the rank of Pelophylax from subgenus to genus, a revision which is further supported by a study published the following year, so the scientific name of the Perez's frog was recombined once again into Pelophylax perezi.

The Perez's frog belongs to the genus Pelophylax, which is widely distributed across Eurasia, and genetic analysis has revealed that it is more closely related to other European members of this genus than to any of the east Asian species. However, its closest living relative is the Sahara frog (P. saharicus) found in northern Africa. 

A study published in 2024 found that the lineages of these two species diverged approximately either 16 million years ago (during the end of the Burdigalian age of the Miocene) or 5.3 million years ago (during the Zanclean age of the Pliocene). The former time estimate coincides with the Betic Crisis (when sea level rise and saline lakes fragmented the Iberian Peninsula), while the latter coincides with the Messinian salinity crisis (when the Mediterranean Sea dried up), suggesting that one of these events triggered the divergence of the two lineages.

3-4-2021 GANDIA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

The Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) is a charming passerine bird, easily recognized by its rich chestnut crown and nape, and a distinctive black patch on each pure white cheek. Both sexes are similarly adorned, and the juveniles mirror the adults, albeit with slightly duller hues. This species is somewhat smaller than the closely related house sparrow, and its size is approximately 12.5–14 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 21 cm.

To identify the Eurasian tree sparrow, look for the kidney-shaped black ear patch on each white cheek, the black chin and throat, and the light brown upperparts streaked with black. The wings bear two narrow white bars, and the legs are pale brown. The bill is lead-blue in summer, darkening almost to black in winter. Unlike the house sparrow, there is no sexual dimorphism in plumage, making both males and females equally easy to identify.

3-4-2021 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

The European serin, or simply the serin (Serinus serinus), is a diminutive member of the finch family, Fringillidae. This sprightly bird is the smallest within its family, closely related to the Atlantic canary. It is characterized by its short tail and a length that spans a mere 11 to 12 centimeters. The serin's plumage is a tapestry of nature's palette, with upper parts dappled in dark-streaked greyish green and a conspicuous yellow rump. The underparts are a canvas of yellow breast and white belly, both adorned with heavy streaks.

When attempting to identify the European serin, look for the male's radiant yellow face and breast, which stand out against the greenish backdrop of its feathers. The male also boasts yellow wing bars and yellow tail sides, which can be quite helpful in distinguishing it from similar species. Both sexes share a buzzing trill of a song that resonates through their Mediterranean habitats.

The European serin is partial to open woodland and cultivated areas, often with a sprinkling of conifers. These environments provide the perfect backdrop for breeding and foraging.

This species has a breeding range that extends across southern and central Europe and into North Africa. Populations along the southern and Atlantic coasts tend to be resident, while those in the north are migratory, seeking warmer climates in southern Europe during the winter months.

Outside of the breeding season, the European serin is a sociable creature, forming flocks that may sometimes mingle with other finch species. It is an active and often conspicuous bird, its presence easily announced by its distinctive trill.

 The serin's song is a distinctive buzzing trill, a sound that becomes part of the ambient music in regions where these birds are common.

The European serin weaves its nest within the shelter of a shrub or tree, where it lays a clutch of 3 to 5 eggs. The chosen breeding habitats are often areas of open woodland and cultivation, with a preference for some conifers.

The diet of the European serin is predominantly seeds, but it does not shy away from including insects during the breeding season, providing essential protein for its young.

The IUCN Red List categorizes the European serin as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any imminent threats to its survival.

3-4-2021 GANDIA, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/9398-Carduelis-carduelis

 

3-4-2021 GANDIA, VALENCIA - BLUE AND YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/19018-Ara-ararauna

 

29-3-2021 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/12716-Turdus-merula

 

29-3-2021 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - KNOB BILLED DUCK (MALE) (Sarkidiornis melanotos)

The knob-billed duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos), also known as the African comb duck, is a large, distinctive waterbird famous for the unique, fleshy black lump or "comb" on the bill of the male. It belongs to the family Anatidae and thrives across the tropical and subtropical wetlands of Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and South Asia.

Physical Characteristics

The Knob: Males possess a large, bulbous black knob on top of their bills, which swells significantly during the breeding season. Females completely lack this feature and have a plain bill.

Plumage: Both sexes exhibit a striking bicolored appearance, with brilliant iridescent purplish-green upperparts and dark wings contrasting against a clean white or buffy breast. Their heads and necks are white with dense black speckles.

Size: They are quite large for ducks, measuring between 56 to 76 cm in length and weighing up to 2.6 kg, with males being substantially larger than females.

Conservation Status

The species is categorized as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though global populations face a localized downward trend due to habitat loss and regional hunting pressures. Note that modern taxonomy separates this Old World species from its South American relative, the American comb duck (Sarkidiornis sylvicola), which features entirely black flanks.

Habitat & Behavior

Wetland Specialists: They primarily inhabit freshwater lakes, marshes, swamps, and slow-moving rivers located in open savannas or lightly wooded grasslands.

Tree Perching: Unlike many waterfowl, they are strong fliers and frequently perch in trees to roost and escape land predators.

Diet: They forage by dabbling and grazing on aquatic plants, seeds, agricultural grain, and small aquatic invertebrates.

Vocalizations: They are remarkably quiet birds and are normally completely silent.

The knob on a knob-billed duck (found mostly on males) acts as a sexual ornament. It grows larger during the breeding season. Biologists believe it helps attract mates, shows good health, and signals power against rival males. 

Knob-billed ducks mostly eat plants by grazing on land or dabbling in shallow water. 

They Eat 

Plants and Grasses: Shoots, stems, and aquatic vegetation.

Seeds and Grains: Grass seeds, sedges, and agricultural crops like rice and wheat. They can sometimes become pests for rice farmers.

Animal Matter: Small fish, aquatic insects, insect larvae, locusts, and small water invertebrates.

29-3-2021 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - KIRK'S DIK DIK (Madoqua kirkii)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42360-Madoqua-kirkii

 

2-4-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RING NECKED PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus)

The common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), ring-necked pheasant, or blue-headed pheasant, is a bird in the pheasant family (Phasianidae). The genus name comes from Latin phasianus 'pheasant'. The species name colchicus is Latin for 'of Colchis' (modern day Georgia), a country on the Black Sea where pheasants became known to Europeans. Although Phasianus was previously thought to be closely related to the genus Gallus, the genus of junglefowl and domesticated chickens, recent studies show that they are in different subfamilies, having diverged over 20 million years ago.

It is native to Asia, where it is widespread, and also to the extreme southeast of Europe in the northern foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. It has been widely introduced elsewhere as a game bird. In parts of its range, mainly in places where none of its relatives occurs such as in Europe, where it is naturalised, it is simply known as the pheasant. 

Ring-necked pheasant is both the collective name for a number of subspecies and their intergrades that have white neck rings and the name used for the species as a whole in North America.

It is a well-known gamebird, among those of more than regional importance perhaps the most widespread and ancient one in the whole world. The common pheasant is one of the world's most hunted birds; it has been introduced for that purpose to many regions and is also common on game farms, where it is commercially bred.

2-4-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CATALONIA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis liolepis)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/35666-Podarliolepiscis-

 

2-4-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

The blue rock thrush is a starling-sized bird, 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) in length with a long slim bill. The breeding male of the nominate subspecies is unmistakable, with all blue-grey plumage apart from its darker wings. Females and immatures are much less striking, with dark brown upperparts, and paler brown scaly underparts. The male of the subspecies M. s. philippensis has rufous-chestnut plumage from the mid-breast down to the undertail. Both sexes lack the reddish outer tail feathers of rock thrush.

The male blue rock thrush sings a clear, melodious call that is similar to, but louder than the call of the rock thrush.

The European, north African and southeast Asian birds are mainly resident, apart from altitudinal movements. Other Asian populations are more migratory, wintering in sub-Saharan Africa, India and southeast Asia. This bird is a very uncommon visitor to northern and western Europe.

29-3-2021 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - GREEN WINGED TEAL (Anas crecca)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/6937-Anas-crecca

 

29-3-2021 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - RED RIVER HOG (Potamochoerus porcus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42139-Potamochoerus-porcus

 

29-3-2021 BIOPARC, VALENCIA - DUMERIL'S BOA (Acrantophis dumerili)

Acrantophis dumerili, commonly known as Dumeril's boa, is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Boidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar. No subspecies are currently recognized.

Adults of A. dumerili usually grow to 6.5 feet (2 m) in total length (including tail) with the maximum reported to be 8 foot, 6 inches (259 cm). Males usually have longer skinnier tails, while females tend to be larger overall.

A. dumerili is found on Madagascar. The type locality given in the original description is "Amérique mérid. ?", which is later given as "?" by Jan (1863).

Along the western coast and southwestern regions of Madagascar, it is found in a semi-arid habitat that gets fairly low amounts of precipitation.

The diet of A. dumerili consists of small animals, such as birds, lizards, and small mammals, including juvenile lemurs. It is also known to prey on other snakes.

In A. dumerili sexual maturity is reached within 3 to 5 years of age. Males have anal spurs, which are used in courtship. The mating season is March through May, and the young are born some 6 to 8 months later. Ovoviviparous, females give birth to a litters of 6-28. Neonates are 12-18 inches (30–46 cm) long.

Once exported from Madagascar in great numbers, trade in A. dumerili has since been heavily restricted. The species is, however, quite prolific in captivity, and captive bred individuals are easy to find in the exotic pet trade. Though its size makes it more suited to someone experienced with large constrictors, it has a typically docile nature, and readily feeds on rats. The main concern is that it is prone to stress, which can sometimes cause it to stop eating or can contribute to other health issues.

1-4-2021 SILLA , VALENCIA - EURASIAN TREE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer montanus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13851-Passer-montanus

 

1-4-2021 SILLA , VALENCIA - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a water bird in the order Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. The scientific name derives from Ancient Greek plegados and Latin, falcis, both meaning "sickle" and referring to the distinctive shape of the bill.

The historical name black curlew was used for the glossy ibis in Norfolk at least until the early 19th century, and this name also appears in Anglo-Saxon literature.[citation needed] Yalden and Albarella do not mention this species as occurring in medieval England.

This is the most widespread ibis species, breeding in scattered sites in warm regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Atlantic and Caribbean regions of the Americas. It is thought to have originated in the Old World and spread naturally from Africa to northern South America in the 19th century, from where it spread to North America. The glossy ibis was first documented in the New World in 1817 (New Jersey). Audubon saw the species just once in Florida in 1832.

It expanded its range substantially northwards in the 1940s and to the west in the 1980s. This species is migratory; most European birds winter in Africa, and in North America birds from north of the Carolinas winter farther south. Though generally suspected to be a migratory species in India, the glossy ibis is resident in western India. Birds from other populations may disperse widely outside the breeding season. 

It is increasing in Europe, after earlier major declines in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to uncontrolled heavy hunting pressure and habitat loss. Birds which arrived in Great Britain and Ireland were routinely shot as trophies until the 1920s, when attitudes started to change. It disappeared as a regular breeding bird in Spain in the early 20th century, but with legal protection re-established itself in 1993 and has since rapidly increased with thousands of pairs in several colonies. It has also established rapidly increasing breeding colonies in France, a country with very few breeding records before the 2000s. 

However, in Italy, where illegal hunting has been a continuing problem despite legal protection since 1977, the increase in the population has been markedly lower with only 10–50 pairs breeding. An increasing number of non-breeding visitors are seen in northwestern Europe, a region where glossy ibis records historically were very rare. For example, there appears to be a growing trend for birds to winter in Britain and Ireland, with at least 22 sightings in 2010. In 2014, a pair attempted to breed in Lincolnshire, the first such attempt in Britain. The first successful breeding in Britain was a pair which fledged one young in Cambridgeshire in 2022. A few birds now spend most summers in Ireland, but there is no present evidence of breeding. In New Zealand, a few birds arrive there annually, mostly in the month of July; recently a pair bred amongst a colony of royal spoonbill. 

1-4-2021 SILLA , VALENCIA - BLACK WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus)

The black-winged stilt is a black and white wading bird with incredibly long legs. They live in a variety of wetlands, from marshes to coastal lagoons. They wade through the water, plucking insects from the surface.

The Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is one of the most fascinating waders seen on the banks of the many water-bodies in our country. Proportionately the longest legged of the waders, with the exception of the flamingo, the tall, lanky, slender-necked, Blackwinged stilt presents a stark visual contrast. Its black wings and white neck and underparts give it the distinctive look of a formally dressed dinner guest! The bright red legs and red iris provide an added dash of colour. In winter both sexes are fairly similar in appearance with dabs of greyish-brown on their heads and necks. The sooty-brown wings of the female are, however, duller than those of the male, which have an added metallic, blue-green sheen. With the onset of summer the adult male sports darker spots on his head extending down to his neck.

Members of the genus Himantopus, are a very variable species, (upto eight are recognised) of which the Black-winged is one. They have an extremely broad breeding range, from temperate to tropical climates and from rain forests to deserts, spreading over Eurasia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. Most members of this family are, however, nomadic, moving as conditions change, with a few northern hemisphere populations migrating over short distances.

The Black-winged stilt is both a resident and a visitor in India. Every winter it makes its way south in small flocks and settles on the edges of marshes, lakes, rivers and tidal areas all over the Indian peninsula. In summer these flocks move northwards again, to nest in the lakes and rivers of northern India, north-west Pakistan and Afghanistan.

1-4-2021 MONTE CORONA , VALENCIA - BLUE ROCK THRUSH (MALE) (Monticola solitarius)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/13141-Monticola-solitarius

 

1-4-2021 EL SALER , VALENCIA - ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)

The rock dove (Columba livia), also sometimes as "rock pigeon" or "common pigeon", is a member of the bird family Columbidae (doves and pigeons).  In common usage, it is often simply referred to as the "pigeon", although the rock dove is the wild form of the bird; the pigeons familiar to most people are the domesticated forms of the wild rock dove.

Wild rock doves are uniformly pale grey with two black bars on each wing, with few differences being seen between males and females; i.e. they are not strongly sexually dimorphic. The domestic pigeon (often, but invalidly, called "Columba livia domestica"), which includes about 1,000 different breeds, is descended from this species. Escaped domestic pigeons are the origin of feral pigeons around the world. Both forms can vary widely in the colour and pattern of their plumage unlike their wild ancestor, being red, brown, checkered, uniformly coloured, or pied.

1-4-2021 EL SALER , VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water, or stalking its prey through the shallows.

Standing up to 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall, adults weigh from 1 to 2 kg (2 to 4 lb). They have a white head and neck with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The body and wings are grey above and the underparts are greyish-white, with some black on the flanks. The long, sharply pointed beak is pinkish-yellow and the legs are brown.

The birds breed colonially in spring in heronries, usually building their nests high in trees. A clutch of usually three to five bluish-green eggs is laid. Both birds incubate the eggs for around 25 days, and then both feed the chicks, which fledge when 7-8 weeks old. Many juveniles do not survive their first winter, but if they do, they can expect to live for about 5 years.

1-4-2021 EL ROMANI , VALENCIA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

The Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. It was described by Peter Simon Pallas in 1811. The Greater flamingo was previously thought to be the same species as the American flamingo, but because of coloring differences of its head, neck, body, and bill, the two flamingos are now most commonly considered separate species.

Greater flamingos have an attractive coloration and appearance. Their feathers are pinkish/white, the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. They have long pink bills with a black tip, yellow eyes and long pink legs. The male is bigger than the female, and juveniles have a gray-brown coloration, with some pink on their underparts, tail and wings, with the legs and beak being mainly brown.

The Greater flamingo inhabits Africa, the Middle East, southern Europe, and the Indian subcontinent. They occur in relatively shallow water bodies, such as saline lagoons, salt pans, large alkaline or saline lakes, and estuaries. Breeding takes place on sandbanks, mudflats, sandy or rocky islands, or open beaches.

Greater flamingos are very social. They travel in groups numbering up to thousands and they communicate by using visual and auditory cues. Greater flamingos are partially dispersive and migratory. They are traveling constantly, seeking areas with enough resources to sustain the whole flock, especially during the mating season. Greater flamingos keep their chicks together in crèches. Adults supervising crèches tend to act in a hostile way toward hatchlings if their own young are not in that crèche. Greater flamingos are diurnal, feeding during the day. Being bottom feeders, they rely on water levels that are low, and they move to new areas to find appropriate feeding conditions. They often bathe in fresh shallow water and preen their feathers to remove salt from them. They are not territorial birds but during breeding season they do defend their nests.

1-4-2021 EL ROMANI , VALENCIA - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

The Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus, is a wading bird of the family Threskiornithidae, known for its striking, sickle-shaped bill. This mid-sized ibis measures 48–66 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80–105 cm. Breeding adults boast reddish-brown bodies and iridescent bottle-green wings, while non-breeders and juveniles display a more subdued coloration. The species is characterized by a brownish bill, dark facial skin with blue-gray to cobalt blue borders, and red-brown legs. In flight, the ibis extends its neck and exhibits a graceful V formation.

When identifying the Glossy Ibis, look for its unique glossy feathers and the distinct shape of its bill. The bird's flight pattern is also a telltale sign, as it flies with its neck outstretched, unlike herons. Listen for its various croaks and grunts, particularly the hoarse grrrr sound during the breeding season.

The Glossy Ibis favors freshwater or brackish wetlands with tall, dense emergent vegetation such as reeds, papyrus, or rushes, and low trees or bushes. It can also be found in lagoons, floodplains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice paddies, and irrigated farmland. Coastal habitats like estuaries and salt marshes are less common for this species.