7-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SIERRA NEVADA OCELLATED LIZARD (Timon nevadensis)

Timon nevadensis, the Sierra Nevada lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Spain. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the ocellated lizard.

Formerly, Timon nevadensis had been regarded as subspecies of Timon lepidus but it has been put into species rank in 2013. Its distribution range is limited to the Sierra Nevada and the Spanish east coast, reaching the Alicante Province in the north.

The Sierra Nevada Ocellated Lizard is an impressive but terribly shy Lacertid. In particular, adult specimens may have flight distances of more than 20 meters. These lizards occur in high altitude mountain areas as well as in coastal dunes and agricultural land.

 Adult specimens differ from Timon lepidus by the grey or brown basic coloration with no or reduced black markings.

Juveniles and subadults of Timon nevadensis frequently show dark edges on the labial scales which lack in juvenile Timon lepidus. However, there seem to exist populations with intermediate characteristics.

Within its distribution range, Timon nevadensis cannot be confused with other lizards, due to its big size of adults and the distinct white spot pattern of the juveniles.

These lizards were a regular visitor to our garden but since the large fire in the area we have not seen them for several years. They are sorely missed.

27-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTEMADURA - EURASIAN JACKDAW (Corvus monedula)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/8000-Corvus-monedula

 

6-6-2021 POTRIES, VALENCIA - SHIELD BUG (Carpocoris mediterraneus ssp. atlanticus)

Carpocoris mediterraneus ssp. atlanticus is a subspecies of shield bug (stink bug) in the family Pentatomidae, commonly found across the Iberian Peninsula, the Maghreb, and southern France.

Key Characteristics

• Size: Approximately 11 to 13 mm in length with a shield-like body.

• Coloration: Variable yellow, orange, or pale reddish tones marked with dark spots and stripes.

• Pronotum: Wider than the nominal subspecies (Carpocoris mediterraneus mediterraneus), featuring prominent, sharp, dark-tipped side angles (giving a "broad-shouldered" appearance).

• Antennae: 5-segmented, with the first segment often reddish.

 

Habitat and Diet

• Diet: Polyphagous plant-feeder (herbivore) that feeds on plant sap, particularly favoring umbellifers (Apiaceae like parsley and wild carrot) and Asteraceae.

• Behavior: Frequently seen during summer resting or feeding on the upper parts, flowers, and seeds of herbaceous plants.

• Distribution: Prevalent in Spain and Portugal, the Maghreb region, and parts of southern France, whereas the other subspecies (C. m. mediterraneus) populates the eastern and central Mediterranean basin.

6-6-2021 LA FONT EN CARROS, VALENCIA - CIRL BUNTING (Emberiza cirlus)

The cirl bunting, Emberiza cirlus, is a passerine bird of modest size, akin to the familiar yellowhammer. It measures approximately 15.5 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 22 to 25.5 cm. The species is characterized by a robust bill, well-suited for seed consumption.

Males are distinguished by their vivid yellow heads, contrasted by a black crown, eyestripe, and throat. A greenish breast band adorns their yellow underparts, while their backs are cloaked in heavy brown streaks. Females, however, bear a closer resemblance to the yellowhammer, with streaked grey-brown rumps and chestnut shoulders.

Cirl buntings thrive in open areas with a smattering of scrub or trees, showing a particular fondness for sun-drenched slopes.

This bird is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean islands, and north Africa. It is a year-round resident in these regions, eschewing migration during the winter months. Notably, a population was introduced to New Zealand's South Island in the 19th century, where it persists.

Cirl buntings are sedentary creatures, often venturing a mere 250 meters from their nests to forage in the summer, and up to 2 kilometers in winter in search of stubble.

The male's song is a monotonous, rattling trill, reminiscent of the Arctic warbler or the terminal rattle of the lesser whitethroat.

27-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTEMADURA - EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

The European greenfinch, or simply greenfinch, is a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae. Exhibiting a predominantly green plumage with yellow accents on the wings and tail, the male is a vibrant sight, while the female and juveniles are more subdued with brownish tones. This bird measures approximately 15 cm in length with a wingspan ranging from 24.5 to 27.5 cm, resembling the size and shape of a house sparrow.

To identify the European greenfinch, look for its thick and conical bill, a characteristic of seed-eating birds. The male's plumage is a striking green with yellow flashes on the wings and tail, whereas the female and young birds are more muted with brownish backs. The male's display flight is akin to a butterfly, a dance to charm its mate.

The greenfinch favors woodland edges, farmland hedges, and gardens with dense vegetation for breeding. It nests in trees or bushes within these habitats.

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia)

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a majestic bird, notable for its predominantly white plumage with contrasting black flight feathers. Adults boast impressive red legs and long, pointed red beaks. They average a length of 100–115 cm from beak to tail and have a wingspan ranging from 155 to 215 cm.

To identify the White Stork, look for its white body, black wingtips, and distinctive red legs and beak. In flight, they extend their necks and legs, presenting a stretched-out appearance. Juveniles have duller beaks and legs, which become brighter as they mature.

White Storks favor open farmlands, grassy meadows, and shallow wetlands. They avoid dense vegetation, preferring areas where they can easily spot and access their prey.

The White Stork breeds across Europe, northwestern Africa, southwestern Asia, and southern Africa. It is a long-distance migrant, wintering as far south as South Africa and on the Indian subcontinent.

These social birds can be seen in flocks, especially during migration. They are monogamous breeders, with both parents involved in nest building and care of the young. They walk with a slow, steady gait and rest with their heads hunched between their shoulders.

 The White Stork is largely silent, but it is known for its bill-clattering display, which resonates from its throat pouch and serves as a form of communication.

White Storks build large stick nests, often reused for several years. Females lay clutches of usually four eggs, with both parents sharing incubation duties. The young fledge after about two months but remain dependent on their parents for a short while thereafter.

The White Stork can be confused with the yellow-billed stork, great white pelican, and Egyptian vulture when seen at a distance in flight. However, differences in beak shape, leg length, and flight posture can help distinguish these species.

As carnivores, White Storks consume a variety of prey, including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and occasionally small birds. They forage on the ground and in shallow waters.

Least Concern by the IUCN. Its populations have benefited from conservation efforts, leading to reintroduction in areas where it had previously disappeared due to changes in land use and industrialization.

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)

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

 

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - SPOTLESS STARLING (Sturnus unicolor)

The Spotless Starling, known scientifically as Sturnus unicolor, is a member of the starling family, Sturnidae. It bears a striking resemblance to its cousin, the Common Starling, but is distinguished by its slightly larger size, measuring 21-23 cm in length and weighing between 70-100 grams. Its plumage is a glossy, oily black, which may exhibit purple or green iridescence under bright light. Notably, during the spring and summer, its feathers are completely devoid of spots, while in winter, it sports only minuscule pale spots.

To identify the Spotless Starling, look for its longer throat feathers, which are double the length of those on the Common Starling, creating a pronounced "beard" especially visible when the bird vocalizes. Its legs are a vivid pink, and the bill color changes with the seasons: yellow with a bluish or pinkish base in summer, and a duller, often blackish hue in winter. Juveniles present a dull brown plumage, darker than their common counterparts, with a black bill and brown legs.

The Spotless Starling is quite adaptable, inhabiting a variety of open environments from farmlands and olive groves to urban areas. It thrives particularly well in open grazed holm oak woods and in cities like Gibraltar, where it is a common sight.

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/201282-Gallinula-chloropus

 

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (Turdus merula)

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

 

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)

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

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba)

The White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) is a small, elegant passerine bird, a member of the family Motacillidae, which includes pipits and longclaws. This slender bird measures between 16.5 to 19 cm in length, with East Asian subspecies reaching up to 21 cm. It is characterized by its long, constantly wagging tail, a behavior that has become synonymous with the genus. Weighing an average of 25 g, the White Wagtail can live up to 12 years in the wild.

Adult White Wagtails exhibit a distinctive plumage with a combination of grey, black, and white. The bird's upper parts are generally grey, with a white face, belly, and breast. Males during the breeding season may show a darker back, and the species is known for its sharp, brisk call and more melodious song during courtship.

The White Wagtail is commonly found in open country, often in close proximity to human habitation and water sources. It shows a preference for bare areas which facilitate the sighting and pursuit of prey. This bird has adapted well to urban environments, utilizing paved areas such as parking lots for foraging.

 This species has a vast breeding range across Europe, the Asian Palearctic, parts of North Africa, and has a presence in Alaska. It is a migratory bird, with populations moving to Africa and parts of Asia during the winter. In Great Britain and Ireland, the darker subspecies known as the Pied Wagtail is more prevalent.

The White Wagtail is known for its perpetual tail wagging, a behavior that remains somewhat enigmatic but is thought to be a signal of vigilance to predators. It is a monogamous bird that defends its breeding territory with determination.

The call of the White Wagtail is a sharp "chisick," softer than that of the Pied Wagtail. Its song is more structured and is used by males to attract females rather than to mark territory.

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - EUROPEAN GREENFINCH (Chloris chloris)

The European greenfinch (Chloris chloris) is a small passerine bird widespread throughout Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia. It has also been introduced into Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay, and Argentina.

The European greenfinch is similar in size and shape to a House sparrow, but is mainly green, with yellow in the wings and tail. The female and young birds are duller and have brown tones on the back. The bill is thick and conical. The song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes, and the male has a "butterfly" display flight.

European greenfinches are widespread throughout Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. They are mainly residents, but some northernmost populations migrate further south. Greenfinches inhabit forests, woodland edges, farmland hedges, plantations, gardens with relatively thick vegetation, and parks.

European greenfinches are social and can form large flocks outside the breeding season, sometimes mixing with other finches and buntings. They are active during the daylight hours spending their time flying and hopping among tree branches in search of food. During the flight they often produce 'djururu' call and make soft 'tsooeet' and a brief 'chup'. Their song contains a lot of trilling twitters interspersed with wheezes.

 European greenfinches breed in spring, starting in the second half of March and until June. Males perform their "butterfly" display flights and sing in order to attract females. Pairs nest in trees or bushes, laying 3 to 6 eggs. Incubation lasts about 13-14 days, by the female. The male feeds her at the nest during this period. Chicks are covered with thick, long, greyish-white down at hatching. They are fed on insect larvae by both parents during the first days, and later, by a frequently regurgitated yellowish paste made of seeds. They leave the nest about 13 days later, but they are not able to fly. Usually, the chicks fledge 16-18 days after hatching. Each pair typically raises two or three broods per year.

European greenfinches are not globally threatened; however, they suffer from changes in agriculture practices and are often trapped in some parts of their range.

26-5-2021 MERIDA, ESTREMADURA - ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)

The Rock Dove, commonly known as the Rock Pigeon or simply "pigeon," is a familiar bird that graces our cityscapes with its presence. This bird, with its robust body, rounded head, and stout bill, is a member of the Columbidae family. The wild form of the pigeon, Columba livia, is the progenitor of the domesticated varieties that are well-known to many. The wild Rock Dove sports a pale grey plumage adorned with two striking black bars on each wing, while domestic and feral pigeons exhibit a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns.

Originally hailing from Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, Rock Doves have spread to cities worldwide. Their population is abundant, with millions of feral and wild birds established across the globe.

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - YELLOW SALSIFY (Tragopogon dubius)

Tragopogon dubius (yellow salsify, western salsify, western goat's-beard, wild oysterplant, yellow goat's beard, goat's beard, goatsbeard, common salsify, salsify) is a species of salsify native to southern and central Europe and western Asia and found as far north and west as northern France. Although it has been reported from Kashmir and India, recent evidence[citation needed] suggests that specimens from these areas may be a different species. Western salsify has been introduced into North America where it has become widespread, being reported from all the continental United States except for a few in the far south-east, and all provinces of Canada except Newfoundland and the northern territories.

Like most salsifies, the western salsify grows as an annual or occasionally biennial forb, reaching a height of typically 20–60 cm but sometimes almost a metre. It grows typically in warm, sheltered spots with moist soil. Its yellow flower head is 4–6 cm in diameter and is likely to be seen in late spring or early summer. Buds are blue-green, tall, and tapered. The inflorescence opens early in the morning and often closes up by late afternoon. Later the plant forms a seed head that resembles that of the dandelions but is distinctly larger. The seeds themselves (known as achenes) are 2–4 cm long but featherweight, weighing about 8 mg each on average. There is some natural variation between the central and peripheral achenes in the seedhead, with the peripheral ones being generally darker and heavier, and having a higher concentration of phenolic compounds; this may enhance their survival potential.

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - FIELD BINDWEED (Convolvulus arvensis)

Convolvulus arvensis, or field bindweed, is a species of bindweed in the Convolvulaceae native to Europe and Asia. It is a rhizomatous and climbing or creeping herbaceous perennial plant with stems growing to 0.5–2 metres (1.6–6.6 ft) in length. It is usually found at ground level with small white and pink flowers.

Other common names, mostly obsolete, include lesser bindweed, European bindweed, withy wind (in basket willow crops), perennial morning glory, small-flowered morning glory, creeping jenny, and possession vine.

Field bindweed was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus in the Species Plantarum. In the following centuries, many subspecies, varieties, and synonymous taxa were discovered and described as purportedly new species in places including China, Russia, Egypt, and Morocco.[citation needed] New species and forms were described as far as Chile, Mexico, and the state of California when botanists encountered the plant there, although it is not native to these areas.

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN SERIN (MALE) (Serinus serinus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/9236-Serinus-serinus

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)

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

 

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - COMMON MALLOW (Malva sylvestris)

Malva sylvestris is a species of the mallow genus Malva, of which it the type species. Known as common mallow to English-speaking Europeans, it acquired the common names of cheeses, high mallow and tall mallow (mauve des bois by the French as it migrated from its native home in Western Europe, North Africa and Asia through the English-speaking world.

M. sylvestris is a vigorous plant with showy flowers of bright mauve-purple, with dark veins, standing 0.91–1.22 metres (3–4 ft) high and growing freely in meadows, hedgerows and in fallow fields.

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN COOT (FEMALE AND JUVENILE) (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.

1-6-2021 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FALSE BLISTER BEETLE (Family Oedemeridae)

False blister beetles, sometimes known also as pollen feeding beetles, are unique in that adults of all the approximately 1,000 species in the world are obligate pollen feeders. They obtain their common name because many species cause blisters when pinched or squashed against the skin. Being pollen feeders, they are often common on flowers. They are also attracted to lights, and their numbers can be vast at night, especially on the Florida Keys. Oxycopis mcdonaldi (Arnett) causes skin blistering and makes itself a nuisance at resort areas where the beetles are attracted by night lights around swimming pools, tennis courts, and open air restaurants. Yet another species, Nacerdes melanura (L.), the wharf borer, is common around wood pilings where its larvae bore into and weaken the wood of docks and adjacent buildings.

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EURASIAN COOT (JUVENILE) (Fulica atra)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/482-Fulica-atra

 

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - GREAT REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)

The great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus ) is a Eurasian passerine in the genus Acrocephalus.

The genus name Acrocephalus is from Ancient Greek akros, "highest", and kephale, "head". It is possible that Naumann and Naumann thought akros meant "sharp-pointed". The specific arundinaceus is from Latin and means "like a reed", from arundo, arundinis, "reed".

It used to be placed in the Old World warbler assemblage, but is now recognized as part of the marsh and tree-warbler family (Acrocephalidae). Great reed warblers are medium-sized birds and are the largest of the European warblers. They breed throughout mainland Europe and the west Palearctic and migrate to sub-Saharan Africa in the winter. Great reed warblers favour reed beds as their habitat during breeding months, while living in reed beds, bush thickets, rice fields, and forest clearings during the winter. Great reed warblers exhibit relatively low sexual dimorphism, and both genders of the species are similar in appearance. This species mates both polygynously and monogamously.

The thrush-sized warbler is one of the largest species of the former family, the Old World warblers and it stands as one of the largest species in the family Acrocephalidae. It measures 16–21 cm (6.3–8.3 in) in length, 25 to 30 cm (9.8 to 11.8 in) in wingspan and weighs 22 to 38 g (0.78 to 1.34 oz). The adult has unstreaked brown upperparts and dull buffish-white chin and underparts. The forehead is flattened, and the bill is strong and pointed. It looks very much like a giant Eurasian reed warbler (A. scirpaceus ), but with a stronger supercilium.

The sexes are identical, as with most old world warblers, but young birds are richer buff below.

The warbler's song is very loud and far-carrying. The song's main phrase is a chattering and creaking carr-carr-cree-cree-cree-jet-jet, to which the whistles and vocal mimicry typical of marsh warblers are added.

The great reed warbler undergoes marked long-term population fluctuations, and it is able to expand its range quickly when new habitat becomes available. This common and widespread bird is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN. Population size can be calculated with a suitability model, but direct counts of territorial males in suitable habitat and sampling the population sex-ratio can be a proper alternative to inference-rich predictive modeling based on imperfect habitat-extrapolation of densities of reed warblers at large spatial scales.

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (JUVENILE) (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.

25-5-2021 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - COMMON POCHARD (MALE) (Aythya ferina)

The Common Pochard (Aythya ferina) is a medium-sized diving duck, belonging to the family Anatidae. It is a bird of robust build, with a sloping forehead and a relatively long bill. The male is distinguished by its chestnut head and neck, black breast and tail, and pale grey body with fine vermiculations. The female is more subdued in coloration, with a brownish body and a less vibrant head and neck.

Males can be identified by their striking chestnut head and neck, black breast, and pale grey body. They have a dark grey bill with a blue-grey band and yellow-orange to red irises, which intensify during the breeding season. Females and juveniles are less colorful, with brownish tones and grey legs and feet. The female's iris is brown, sometimes with a yellowish tinge, while juveniles have a yellow-olive iris that darkens with age.