29-3-2025 YALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - COMMON IORA (Aegithina tiphia)

The common iora (Aegithina tiphia) is a small passerine bird found across the tropical Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, with populations showing plumage variations, some of which are designated as subspecies. A species found in scrub and forest, it is easily detected from its loud whistles and the bright colours. During the breeding season, males display by fluffing up their feathers and spiral in the air appearing like a green, black, yellow, and white ball.

Ioras have a pointed and notched beak with a culmen that is straight. The common iora is sexually dimorphic, males in the breeding season have a black cap and back adding to a black wing and tail at all seasons. Females have greenish wings and an olive tail. The undersides of both are yellow and the two white bars on the wings of the male are particularly prominent in their breeding plumage. The males in breeding plumage have a very variable distribution of the black on the upperparts and can be confused with Marshall's iora, however, the latter always has white tips to the tail. The nominate subspecies is found along the Himalayas and males of this population are very similar to females or have only a small amount of black on the crown. In northwestern India, septentrionalis is brighter yellow than others and in the northern plains of India humei males in breeding plumage have a black cap and olive on the upper mantle. In southwestern India and Sri Lanka multicolor has the breeding males with a jet black cap and mantle. The forms in the rest of southern India are intermediate between multicolor and humei with more grey-green on the rump (formerly considered as deignani but now used for the Burmese population).

Ioras forage in trees in small groups, gleaning among the branches for insects. They sometimes join mixed species feeding flocks. The call is a mixture of churrs, chattering and whistles, and the song is a trilled wheeeee-tee. They may sometimes imitate the calls of other birds such as drongos.

During the breeding season, mainly after the monsoons, the male performs an acrobatic courtship display, darting up into the air fluffing up all his feathers, especially those on the pale green rump, then spiralling down to the original perch. Once he lands, he spreads his tail and droops his wings. Two to four greenish white eggs are laid in a small and compact cup-shaped nest made out of grass and bound with cobwebs and placed in the fork of a tree. Both male and female incubate and eggs hatch after about 14 days. Nests predators include snakes, lizards, crow-pheasant and crows. Nests may also be brood-parasitized by the banded bay cuckoo.

Ioras moult twice in a year and the plumage variation makes them somewhat complicated for plumage based separation of the populations.

29-3-2025 YALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - MUGGER CROCODILE (Crocodylus palustris)

The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a medium-sized broad-snouted crocodile, also known as mugger and marsh crocodile. It is native to freshwater habitats from south-eastern Iran to the Indian subcontinent, where it inhabits marshes, lakes, rivers and artificial ponds. It rarely reaches a body length of 5 m (16 ft 5 in) and is a powerful swimmer, but also walks on land in search of suitable waterbodies during the hot season. Both young and adult mugger crocodiles dig burrows to which they retreat when the ambient temperature drops below 5 °C (41 °F) or exceeds 38 °C (100 °F). Females dig holes in the sand as nesting sites and lay up to 46 eggs during the dry season. The sex of hatchlings depends on temperature during incubation. Both parents protect the young for up to one year. They feed on insects, and adults prey on fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.

29-3-2025 YALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - SRI LANKAN SWALLOW (Cecropis hyperythra)

This bird has been  recently recognized as a distinct species and added to the Sri Lankan endemic list. Sparrow sized and stockier than our other swallows, it is unmistakable with purple-blue glossed upperparts and rusty underparts and rump. Both sexes are alike. Young are duller.

The species is well distributed throughout the island up to about 1500 metres elevation. The birds associate in pairs or more often in scattered groups and spend their time flying after the insect prey they feed on. The usual habitat is open areas such as paddy fields, roadsides, grasslands, grass covered hillsides etc. The flight is typical swallow type with the wings being open and shut at the wrist joint. The birds flutter the wings rapidly and then glide gracefully before fluttering the wings again. The flight is however not as fast as the other swallows’. This species commonly associates with other swallows as well as swifts. They fly high as well as within a few feet from ground level. When not flying the birds sit in an open perch like a bare twig or power cable and preen themselves. The call is a pleasant muffled t’lee easily recognized when once heard. The birds also utter a loud twitter accompanied by a shuffling of wings. 

29-3-2025 YALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - SRI LANKAN CHITAL (SPOTTED DEER) (FEMALE) (Axis axis ssp. ceylonensis)

The Sri Lankan axis deer (Axis axis ceylonensis) or Ceylon spotted deer is a subspecies of axis deer (Axis axis) that inhabits only Sri Lanka. The name chital is not used in Sri Lanka. Its validity is disputed, and some maintain that the axis deer is monotypic (i.e., has no subspecies).[1]

Sri Lankan axis deer are active primarily during early morning and again during the evening, but they are commonly observed near waterholes anytime. The Sri Lankan axis deer eats primarily grasses, but it also eats fallen fruits and leaves. The Sri Lankan axis deer graze closely with langur, peacock, wild buffalo, and sambar deer. They usually live in groups of between 10 and 60 animals, though herds may include up to 100 animals.

Axis deer are important prey for the Sri Lankan leopard. It is also prey for sloth bears, jackals, and crocodiles.

29-3-2025 YALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - CHANGEABLE HAWK EAGLE (Nisaetus cirrhatus)

The Changeable Hawk-Eagle, scientifically known as Nisaetus cirrhatus, is a large bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. This raptor is characterized by its slender build and a notable crest of feathers that can vary in presence and size among individuals. The species exhibits a wide range of plumage variation, from pale to dark, which changes with age and moult, hence the name "changeable."

Adult Changeable Hawk-Eagles are typically dark brown above with bold streaking below. They possess a strong bill and a crest that can be prominent or nearly absent. Their wings are relatively short, and their tail is long and thinly barred. Juveniles are generally darker with more conspicuous white edges on the mantle and wings. The eyes of adults are yellow to orange-yellow, while juveniles have grey-brown to pale greenish eyes.

This species is found in a variety of habitats, including savannah woodland, forest villages, and even suburban areas. They are also present in open or less dense parts of evergreen or deciduous forests, as well as second growth and wetlands.

The Changeable Hawk-Eagle is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, the Himalayan foothills, and various islands such as Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and the Philippines.

Changeable Hawk-Eagles are known for their agile flight, which includes powerful shallow beats interspersed with glides. They are primarily ambush predators, using concealing foliage to still-hunt from hidden branches, pouncing quickly to capture prey on the ground.

During the breeding season, the Changeable Hawk-Eagle may call frequently, emitting a high-pitched scream that varies in pattern depending on the region. Calls can range from a shrill ringing "yeep-yip-yip-yip" to a penetrating "klee-leeuw."

Breeding season varies by region, with nests built in large trees and lined with green leaves. The species typically lays a single egg, which is incubated by the female for an estimated 40 days. Nestlings are brooded intensively for about 25 days and fledge at around 60-68 days of age.

The diet of the Changeable Hawk-Eagle is varied and includes birds, mammals, reptiles, and other vertebrates. They are opportunistic hunters and may take prey ranging from small lizards to large mammals and birds.

30-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - PALE BILLED FLOWERPECKER (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos)

The Pale-billed Flowerpecker, also known as Tickell's Flowerpecker, is a diminutive avian species, measuring a mere 8 cm in length. It is one of the smallest birds found across southern India and Sri Lanka. Exhibiting a rather unassuming plumage, the bird is cloaked in shades of brownish to olive green, with the underside presenting a buff olive hue that seamlessly blends with the upperparts.

Distinguishing this species from its congeners can be done by noting its pinkish, curved beak, which is a unique feature within its range. Unlike the Nilgiri Flowerpecker, it lacks a pale supercilium and is not streaked like the Thick-billed Flowerpecker. The Sri Lankan subspecies, known as ceylonense, is slightly greyer and smaller than the nominate race found in peninsular India.

The Pale-billed Flowerpecker is a versatile inhabitant, thriving in both forested areas and urban gardens, particularly those that are adorned with berry-bearing trees.

This species is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and western Myanmar. It is a common sight, especially in urban settings where it has adapted remarkably well.

8-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Charissa mucidaria)

Charissa mucidaria, the coppery taupe, is a moth of the family Geometridae. It was described by Jacob Hübner in 1799. It is found in southern Europe and North Africa (including Morocco).

The wingspan is 20–30 mm. Adults are on wing from March to May and again from July to September.

The larvae feed on Sedum, Anagallis, Polygonum and Rumex species.

8-5-2025 GANDIA SERPIS, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This small bird typically measures around 16 cm (6.3 in) in length and weighs between 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females and young birds displaying pale brown and grey plumage, while males are characterized by more vibrant black, white, and brown markings.

Males can be identified by their bright black, white, and brown markings, with a distinctive black bib, white cheeks, and a grey crown. Females lack the striking head patterns of males and are predominantly buffish with softer coloration. Juveniles resemble adult females but are generally paler with less defined markings.

The house sparrow is highly adaptable and can thrive in both urban and rural environments. It is commonly found in close association with human habitation and avoids dense forests, grasslands, polar regions, and deserts far from human development.

8-5-2025 GANDIA SERPIS, VALENCIA - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (MALE) (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.

8-5-2025 GANDIA SERPIS, VALENCIA - 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.

30-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - ARROW LEAFED MORNING GLORY (Ipomoea sagittifolia)

Ipomoea sagittifolia is a species of morning glory in the genus Ipomoea. It is native to Africa, India, the Malay Archipelago, and Australia. It was erroneously reported to occur in Taiwan.

It is used in traditional Indian medicine because its seeds contains the indole alkaloids ipobscurine A, B, and C.

30-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - WHITE BROWED BULBUL (Pycnonotus luteolus)

The White-browed Bulbul, known scientifically as Pycnonotus luteolus, is a small bird with a distinctive appearance. It measures approximately 20 cm in length and is adorned with olive-grey upperparts contrasted by whitish underparts. A striking feature is its pale supercilium, which gives the bird its name, accompanied by a white crescent below the eye. The eyestripe and moustachial stripe are dark, providing a sharp contrast. A touch of yellow graces the vent and chin, while the throat remains predominantly whitish. Both sexes share similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.

When attempting to identify the White-browed Bulbul, look for the characteristic white eyebrow stripe and the yellowish vent. The bird's song, a rich and spluttering warble, is often a giveaway to its presence. It is known to perch atop a bush to vocalize before diving back into the vegetation, making visual identification challenging.

This species thrives in dense scrub habitats, preferring the security of thick vegetation. It is also commonly found in gardens and woodlands with ample shrubbery, where it can easily remain concealed.

The White-browed Bulbul is endemic to Sri Lanka and peninsular India. Its range extends from central and southern India to the island of Sri Lanka, with its northernmost boundary reaching across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and western West Bengal.

White-browed Bulbuls are typically observed alone or in pairs, actively foraging within bushes for fruit, nectar, and insects. They exhibit a skulking behavior, often remaining hidden among the foliage.

The bird's vocalizations are a distinctive feature, with a song described as a rich, spluttering warble. It is more often heard than seen, using its voice to communicate within its dense habitat.

The breeding season for the White-browed Bulbul is quite extended, ranging from March to September, with possible variations in different regions. They may breed twice a year, with peaks in February and September. The nest is a loosely constructed cup of twigs, cobwebs, and hair, typically situated low in a thick bush. A typical clutch consists of two eggs.

These bulbuls forage for fruit, nectar, and insects within the shelter of bushes, displaying a preference for a varied diet.

The IUCN Red List has classified the White-browed Bulbul as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.

7-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LARGE YELLOW UNDERWING MOTH (Noctua pronuba)

The large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba) is a moth, the type species for the family Noctuidae. It is an abundant species throughout the Palearctic realm, one of the most common and most familiar moths of the region. In some years the species is highly migratory with large numbers appearing suddenly in marginal parts of the range.

It is also present in Europe, North Africa, Canary Islands, Middle East, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, northwest India, Russia, Novosibirsk Oblast, Caucasus, Transcaucasia and Central Asia. It was introduced into North America at Nova Scotia. Since then it has increased its range considerably and has been recorded for Maine since 1985, and then spread throughout the northeast from Vermont and Massachusetts (1989) to New Hampshire (1990), New York, Maryland (1992), and Connecticut (1993). It was first recorded in Pennsylvania in 1998, North Carolina (1997) and west to Colorado (1999), Wyoming (2000), Washington (2000), California (2001), British Columbia (2002) and Alaska (2005).

This is a quite large and heavy moth with a wingspan of 50–60 mm. The forewings are quite variable from light brown to almost black. The darker individuals often have a pale streak along the costa. The hindwings are bright orange-yellow with a black sub-terminal band. As with other Noctua species (and numerous other insects), this contrast of bland-on-land and bright-in-flight is used to confuse potential predators. This species flies at night from July to September  and is attracted to light, sometimes in huge numbers. It will also visit flowers such as Buddleia, ragwort, and red valerian.

The larva is green or brown with two rows of black dashes along the back. This is one of the notorious "cutworms", causing fatal damage at the base of virtually any herbaceous plant (some examples listed below), sometimes severing it completely. This ubiquitous species is considered as a garden pest. The species overwinters as a larva and feeds on mild days throughout the winter.

A. pronuba, L. 48-56 mm. Antennae in male ciliated. Forewings ochreous-brown to dark fuscous, sometimes reddish tinged, sometimes partly irrorated with grey-whitish, especially towards costa anteriorly; lines often paler, dark-edged, sometimes faint, subterminal preceded on costa by a blackish mark orbicular and reniform more or less pale-edged, outlined with darker, reniform partly marked with dark grey. Hindwings ochreous-orange; a blackish terminal band. Larva pale green to dull brown; dorsal line pale; subdorsal series of blackish longitudinal marks on 5-12; a pale line beneath these; subspiracular pale; head light brown, dark-marked. See Noctua orbona, the lunar yellow underwing and Noctua comes, lesser yellow underwing for differences between these species and pronuba.

30-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - SMALL MINIVET (FEMALE) (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus)

The small minivet (Pericrocotus cinnamomeus) is a small passerine bird. This minivet is found in tropical southern Asia from the Indian subcontinent east to Indonesia.

The small minivet is 16 cm long with a strong dark beak and long wings. The male differs from most other common minivets by having grey, not glossy black, upperparts and head, and orange underparts, fading to yellow on the belly, orange tail edges, rump and wing patches.

The female is grey above, with yellow underparts (including the face), tail edges, rump and wing patches.

There is much racial variation. The male P. c. pallidus of the northwest Indian subcontinent is pale grey above, with the underparts whitish except on the throat and flanks, whereas the male P. c. malabaricus of peninsular and southern India is darker above, has more extensive scarlet below. The female of the southern race is also brighter yellow below.

30-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - LESSER WHISTLING DUCK (Dendrocygna javanica)

The Lesser Whistling Duck, also known as the Indian Whistling Duck or Lesser Whistling Teal, is a charming species with a distinctive chestnut brown plumage and a long neck. This bird is easily recognized by its broad wings, which are particularly visible during flight, and its chestnut rump, which sets it apart from its larger relative, the Fulvous Whistling Duck, with its creamy white rump.

When observing the Lesser Whistling Duck, look for the orange to yellow ring around the eye and the dark crown, which are key features for identification. Both sexes share similar plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field. In flight, they hold their heads below the body level, a characteristic posture of the Dendrocygna genus.

These ducks favor freshwater wetlands with ample vegetation cover. They are often seen resting during the day on the banks or even on the open sea in coastal areas.

The Lesser Whistling Duck has a wide distribution across the lowland wetlands of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including islands such as the Andamans, Nicobars, and Maldives. They exhibit local movements in response to weather and water availability, with northern birds wintering further south.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis)

The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a striking water kingfisher, known for its black and white plumage and distinctive crest. It is a medium-sized bird, approximately 25 cm in length, with a white face featuring a black mask and a white supercilium. The male is characterized by a double band across the breast, while the female sports a single, often broken, breast band.

When identifying the pied kingfisher, look for its unique black and white barred pattern and prominent crest. The male's double breast band and the female's single broken band are key differentiators between the sexes. The subspecies vary slightly in size and coloration, with some having larger bills or reduced white in their plumage.

This kingfisher is commonly found perched along the edges of clear lakes and rivers, where it can easily spot and dive for fish.

The pied kingfisher is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, from Turkey to India and China. It is a resident species, with most populations not engaging in long migrations.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a migratory passerine bird, recognized as the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail, known for its graceful flight and agile maneuvers. The adult male of the nominate subspecies is 17–19 cm in length, including elongated outer tail feathers, and has a wingspan of 32–34.5 cm. It is adorned with a rufous forehead, chin, and throat, which are set apart from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated, contributing to the iconic "swallow tail."

The barn swallow can be identified by its steel blue upperparts, a rufous face, and a dark blue breast band that separates the rufous from the off-white underparts. The deeply forked tail is a key characteristic, with a line of white spots across the upper tail's outer end. Females resemble males but have shorter tail streamers and less glossy blue coloring. Juveniles are browner with paler rufous faces and whiter underparts, lacking the adult's long tail streamers.

The barn swallow favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It avoids heavily wooded or steep areas and densely built-up locations. The species typically nests in man-made structures like barns and stables, or under bridges and wharves.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - TUFTED GREY LANGUR (Semnopithecus priam)

The tufted gray langur (Semnopithecus priam), also known as Madras gray langur, and Coromandel sacred langur, is an Old World monkey, one of the species of langurs. This, like other gray langurs, is mainly a leaf-eating monkey. It is found in southeast India and Sri Lanka. It is one of three Semnopithecus species named after characters from The Iliad, S. hector and S. ajax being the others. In Sinhala it is known as හැලි වදුරා (Heli wandura).

Males are larger than females. The average adult weighs 12.8 kg (28 lb) with a head-to-body length of 61.1 cm (24.1 in). The Indian subspecies is somewhat larger bodied than the Sri Lankan which typically weigh between 6.8 and 13.4 kg (15 and 30 lb).[6] Despite its somewhat slighter size there, the tufted gray langur is the largest native primate on Sri Lanka based on average sizes.

In Sri Lankan subspecies, dorsal area gray to brownish gray in color, getting darker with the age. Underparts are light grayish. Short whitish beard and sideburns present. The hairs of the crown form a distinct pointed tuft or crest, that meets at a central point, hence the name. Black eyebrows project outward. Head scarcely paler or not paler than back. Hands and feet are same color as limbs.

In Sri Lanka, tufted gray langurs are abundant in dry zone forests and also within human dwellings. Many numerous troops are found at archeologically important areas, such as Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Sigiriya. The animal is also found in southward of the island, such as Hambantota, Yala National Park, and Tissamaharama.

5-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FLEA BEETLE (Podagrica fuscicornis)

Podagrica fuscicornis is a tiny beetle belonging to the large Chrysomelidae family. It is recognized by its light mahogany head, thorax, and limbs, while the elytra are a dark violet, almost black. The antennae are a combination of both shades; they are initially light mahogany and end in dark violet, as indicated by its specific adjective fusicornis . It lives on plants of the mallow family, such as the marshmallow ( Althaea cannabina ) .

Chrysomelids are a large family of beetles, most of which are small, rounded, and attractively colored with bright metallic hues. Many chrysomelid species specialize in feeding on one or a few closely related plant species, making them easy pests of their host plants. 

Its size is 6 mm

Habitat is Low scrubland, clearings, forests, roadsides, cultivated areas, and on plants of the mallow family, which they damage.

Life cycle from April to September.

Distribution is Mediterranean, Europe, North Africa.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - COMMON POCHARD (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.

The Common Pochard favors marshes and lakes with at least a meter of water depth for breeding. These habitats provide the necessary cover and food resources for the species.

This species has a widespread distribution across the Palearctic. It breeds mainly in the steppe regions of Scandinavia and Siberia and winters in the south and west of Europe. In the British Isles, it breeds in eastern England and lowland Scotland, with increasing numbers in Northern Ireland and sporadically in the Republic of Ireland.

28-3-2025 BUNDALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - PHEASANT TAILED JACANA (Hydrophasianus chirurgus)

The pheasant-tailed jacana, a member of the jacana family, is a distinctive bird with elongated toes and nails that allow it to gracefully traverse floating vegetation in shallow lakes. This species is notable for its seasonal plumage changes and is the only jacana known to undertake long migrations.

In breeding plumage, the pheasant-tailed jacana is easily recognized by its elongated central tail feathers, chocolate brown body, white face, and silky golden nape. The wings are predominantly white, with a black border visible in flight. Non-breeding plumage sees the bird in a more subdued brown with a dark eyestripe and a necklace-like pattern on a white front. Both sexes possess sharp white carpal spurs, with females typically larger than males.

The pheasant-tailed jacana favors shallow lakes rich in floating vegetation, which is essential for its foraging and breeding.

This species is widespread across tropical Asia, from Yemen to the Philippines. It exhibits migratory behavior in parts of its range, with northern populations moving southward during the non-breeding season.

The pheasant-tailed jacana is known for its foraging strategy, which includes both swimming and walking on aquatic vegetation. It is a polyandrous species, with females laying several clutches of eggs that are incubated and raised by different males within their harem.

The bird's vocalizations include a mewing call and a nasal tone among winter flocks. During the breeding season, males and females have distinct calls, with young birds emitting a low cheep.

Breeding occurs on floating vegetation during the rainy season. The female is polyandrous and may lay up to ten clutches, leaving the male to incubate the eggs and raise the young. The eggs are dark olive-brown with glossy black markings. 

The pheasant-tailed jacana can be confused with the bronze-winged jacana, especially in immature birds. However, the presence of white wings and a black stripe on the neck helps distinguish the pheasant-tailed jacana.

Its diet primarily consists of insects, molluscs, and other invertebrates, which it picks from the water's surface or floating vegetation.

The pheasant-tailed jacana is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - RED KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata)

The Red-knobbed Coot, also known as the Crested Coot, is a striking waterbird with a predominantly black plumage contrasted by a distinctive white frontal shield. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring 35–42 cm in length with a wingspan of 75–85 cm. The males, slightly larger than the females, weigh between 770 and 910 grams, while females range from 455 to 790 grams. Both sexes appear similar in plumage. The species is characterized by its long, strong toes with partial webbing, an adaptation to its aquatic lifestyle.

To distinguish the Red-knobbed Coot from its close relative, the Eurasian Coot, one must look for the two small red knobs atop the facial shield, which are only present during the breeding season and are not visible from afar. The black feathering between the shield and the bill is rounded, as opposed to the pointed feature in the Eurasian Coot. Additionally, the bill of the Red-knobbed Coot has a subtle bluish-grey hue. In flight, unlike the Eurasian Coot, it lacks the white trailing edge on its secondaries.

This coot favors freshwater lakes and ponds as its primary habitat, where it can be seen swimming or walking along the water's edge.

The Red-knobbed Coot is a resident breeder across much of Africa and can also be found in the southernmost parts of Spain.

The Red-knobbed Coot is known for its bold and less secretive nature compared to other members of the rail family. It exhibits strong territorial behavior during the breeding season and is known to be quite aggressive, even towards larger birds. It swims with a characteristic bobbing of the head and is capable of short dives. When taking off for flight, it runs across the water surface, creating a noticeable commotion.

Both sexes contribute to building a bulky platform nest of reeds and plant stems, often situated in shallow water. The female lays a clutch of 5–7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 18–25 days. The precocial chicks are mobile shortly after hatching and receive parental care for about 55–60 days.

An omnivorous bird, the Red-knobbed Coot feeds on a variety of small live prey, including the eggs of other water birds. It predominantly consumes waterweeds, such as Potamogeton species, for which it will dive.

The Red-knobbed Coot is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.

During mating, the Red-knobbed Coot is quite vocal, emitting a variety of sounds including a fast "kerrre" similar to the Little Crake, a harsh "ka-haa," and a grunting "oot oot" hoot. These vocalizations are distinct from those of the Eurasian Coot.

30-4-2025 EL HONDO, ALICANTE - 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.

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

2-5-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED FOOTMAN MOTH (Coscinia cribraria)

Coscinia cribraria, the speckled footman, is a species of moth belonging to the subfamily Arctiinae within the large family Erebidae. This moth has a widespread distribution in the Palearctic.

Coscinia cribraria has a forewing which has a background colour of dirty white marked with black streaks along the wings and crossbands made up of dark dots, both of which vary in extent. The subspecies arenaria has an almost pure white forewing. The speckled footman has a wingspan of between 30 and 35 mm (1.2 and 1.4 in).

Coscinia cribraria has a wide Palearctic distribution being found from Northwestern Africa Iberia and southern Great Britain east to China and Mongolia. In Europe, north of the Alps, the speckled footman is typically found on sandy heaths and open sandy pine forests. To the south of the Alps, it inhabits on dry mountain meadows with stony or rocky areas and around the Mediterranean this species can be found in habitats like maquis and in open forests.

4-5-2025 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - SQUACCO HERON (MALE) (Ardeola ralloides)

The Squacco Heron, Ardeola ralloides, is a diminutive member of the heron family, measuring a mere 44–47 cm in length, with a compact body of 20–23 cm and a wingspan stretching 80–92 cm. This species is adorned with a buff-brown back and, during the summer months, adults boast elongated neck feathers that add to their allure.

In the field, one may identify the Squacco Heron by its stocky build, abbreviated neck, and stout bill. Its back is cloaked in a buff-brown hue. When in flight, the heron undergoes a remarkable transformation, revealing a predominantly white plumage that contrasts starkly with its resting appearance.

The Squacco Heron favors marshy wetlands in temperate regions for its habitat, where the water is warm and inviting.

Originating from the Old World, the Squacco Heron breeds in the southern reaches of Europe and extends into the Greater Middle East. When not breeding, it migrates to winter in the African continent.

This species is migratory by nature, seeking the warmer climates of Africa to spend the winter. It is seldom seen north of its breeding grounds. The Squacco Heron has been observed as a vagrant in the Fernando de Noronha islands and, on rarer occasions, in mainland South America. It nests in modest colonies, often in the company of other wading birds, and constructs its nests from sticks on platforms in trees or shrubs.

The Squacco Heron selects freshwater locales across Europe and the Middle East to breed, later migrating southward to the Sub-Saharan African region. During the breeding season, they lay a clutch of three to four eggs.

Adept at foraging, the Squacco Heron feeds on a diet consisting of fish, frogs, and insects, making the most of its wetland environment.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the Squacco Heron as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

Non-breeding Squacco Herons share certain physical characteristics with other heron species such as the Indian Pond Heron and the Malagasy Pond Heron, including tawny plumage, lighter streaking, a smaller bill, and narrower wing tips.