Wednesday, 26 September 2018
22-9-2018 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - GEOMETER MOTH (Genus Charissa)
The geometer moths are moths belonging to the family Geometridae of the insect order Lepidoptera, the moths and butterflies. Their scientific name derives from the Ancient Greek geo γεω (derivative form of γῆ or γαῖα "the earth"), and metron μέτρον "measure" in reference to the way their larvae, or inchworms, appear to measure the earth as they move along in a looping fashion. Geometridae is a very large family, containing around 23,000 described species; over 1400 species from six subfamilies are indigenous to North America alone. A well-known member is the peppered moth, Biston betularia, which has been the subject of numerous studies in population genetics. Several other geometer moths are notorious pests.
Many geometrids have slender abdomens and broad wings which are usually held flat with the hindwings visible. As such, they appear rather butterfly-like, but in most respects they are typical moths. The majority fly at night. They possess a frenulum to link the wings, and the antennae of the males are often feathered. They tend to blend into the background, often with intricate, wavy patterns on their wings. In some species, females have reduced wings (e.g. winter moth and fall cankerworm). Most are of moderate size, about 3 cm (1.2 in) in wingspan, but a range of sizes occur, from 10–50 mm (0.39–1.97 in), and a few (e.g., Dysphania species) reach an even larger size. They have distinctive paired tympanal organs at the base of the abdomen (these are absent in flightless females).
22-9-2018 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - COMMON HIBISCUS (Hibiscus syriacus)
Hibiscus syriacus is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is native to areas of east Asia, but widely introduced elsewhere, including much of Europe and North America. It was given the epithet syriacus because it had been collected from gardens in Syria. Common names include the rose of Sharon, (especially in North America), Syrian ketmia, shrub althea (or simply althea, and rose mallow (in the United Kingdom). It is the national flower of South Korea and is mentioned in the South Korean national anthem.
Hibiscus syriacus is a hardy deciduous shrub. It is upright and vase-shaped, reaching 2–4 m (7–13 feet) in height, bearing large trumpet-shaped flowers with prominent yellow-tipped white stamens. The flowers are often pink in color, but can also be dark pink (almost purple), light pink or white. Individual flowers are short-lived, lasting only a day. However, numerous buds produced on the shrub's new growth provide prolific flowering over a long summer blooming period. The soil in which the Hibiscus thrives is moist but well-drained, and organically rich. Hibiscus syriacus is highly tolerant of air pollution, heat, humidity, poor soil and drought. The species has naturalized very well in many suburban areas and might even be termed slightly invasive, so frequently does it seed.
22-9-2018 GANDIA GRAU, VALENCIA - AUDOUIN'S GULL (JUVENILE) (Ichthyaetus audouinii)
The Audouin's gull, Ichthyaetus audouinii, presents itself as a large gull species, predominantly inhabiting the Mediterranean, the western coast of Saharan Africa, and the Iberian Peninsula. Its name pays homage to the French naturalist Jean Victoire Audouin. Resembling a small European herring gull, the adult Audouin's gull is distinguished by its short, stubby red bill and the unique "string of pearls" white wing primary tips. The legs of this bird are a subtle grey-green, and it takes a full four years for the gull to don its adult plumage.
When observing the Audouin's gull, one should note the red bill and the distinctive pattern of white spots along the wingtips, which contrast with the larger "mirrors" seen in other gull species. These features are key to distinguishing it from its relatives.
This gull favors coastal and pelagic environments, strictly adhering to regions where it can pursue its specialized diet.
The Audouin's gull is found in the Mediterranean, along the western Saharan African coast, and on the Iberian Peninsula. It breeds on small islands, either colonially or in solitude.
Once considered one of the world's rarest gulls, the Audouin's gull has established new colonies but remains a rare sight with a population of around 10,000 pairs. This bird is not known to wander far from its breeding grounds, though occasional records exist of it appearing as far afield as the Netherlands, England, and even Trinidad.
Unlike many of its kin, the Audouin's gull does not scavenge but is a specialist fish eater. It feeds at night, often far out to sea, and also patrols beaches, occasionally dipping its legs into the water to create drag, aiding in its hunting technique.
The Audouin's gull breeds on small islands, laying 2-3 eggs in a ground nest. It has been known to breed both in colonies and as solitary pairs.
The Audouin's gull is currently classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List. It is also one of the species protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
18-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - WHITE HEADED DUCK (FEMALE) (Oxyura leucocephala)
The White-headed Duck, Oxyura leucocephala, presents a striking figure with its distinctive plumage and stout build. Males are adorned with a white head contrasted by a black crown, a blue bill, and a body cloaked in shades of reddish-grey. Females, on the other hand, exhibit a more subdued palette with a dark bill and less vibrant colouring.
Upon encountering this species, one can identify the male by its white head, black cap, and neck, and a blue bill, while the female can be recognized by her grey-brown body, white face, and darker bill and cap. These ducks measure between 43–48 cm in length and weigh approximately 580–750 g.
The White-headed Duck favors lakes with open water and dense vegetation along the margins, which provide essential cover and nesting sites. These habitats include natural lakes and ponds as well as man-made water bodies.
This species has a breeding range that spans from Spain and North Africa to western and central Asia. Sightings have been reported north of their typical range, though the status of these observations is often uncertain due to the potential for escapees from captivity.
The White-headed Duck is an adept diver and swimmer, often opting to escape threats by swimming rather than taking flight. It exhibits a preference for aquatic environments where it can forage and seek refuge.
An omnivorous diet characterizes this species, with a strong inclination towards vegetable matter. They forage by diving and swimming underwater, and display a notable reluctance to fly.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the White-headed Duck as "Endangered." Populations have seen a significant decline over the past decade, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. Additionally, the Spanish population faces genetic dilution from interbreeding with the introduced Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis), prompting conservation efforts to eradicate the non-native species from western Europe. The species is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
Tuesday, 25 September 2018
19-9-2018 PARADOR ALMAGRO, LA MANCHA - EUROPEAN PIED FLYCATCHER (MALE) (Ficedula hypoleuca)
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The European pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca, is a diminutive passerine, a member of the Old World flycatcher family. This bird is characterized by its contrasting plumage, with males donning a striking black and white during the breeding season, while females and juveniles exhibit a more subdued brown and white. The species is known for its agility in the air as it pursues its insect prey.
Breeding males are predominantly black above with a white underbelly. Notable features include a large white patch on the wings, white sides on the tail, and a small patch on the forehead. The Iberian subspecies, iberiae, is distinguished by a larger forehead patch and a pale rump. Outside of the breeding season, males, females, and juveniles are more challenging to identify, with black replaced by pale brown, and can be easily confused with other Ficedula species.
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These birds are denizens of deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, showing a preference for oak trees. They are adept at utilizing tree holes for nesting and can adapt to open-fronted nest boxes provided by conservation efforts.
The European pied flycatcher boasts a broad range, extending across Europe and the Western Palearctic. It is a migratory species, wintering in tropical Africa. Subspecies are distributed across various regions, from the UK and Scandinavia to the Iberian Peninsula and Russia.
The species exhibits a mixed mating system of monogamy and polygyny, with males often seeking a second mate after the primary female lays eggs. Males may assist with child-rearing duties for the primary mate, and occasionally for the secondary mate if proximity allows.
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The male's song is a distinctive feature of oak woodlands in spring, described as loud, rhythmic, and melodious. It serves as a beacon during the breeding season, attracting mates and asserting territory.
Breeding takes place from June to August, with the species producing one brood per season. Nesting occurs in tree holes, and clutch size can range from 4 to 10 eggs.
The Atlas pied flycatcher, found in the mountains of northwest Africa, was once considered a subspecies but is now classified separately. The collared flycatcher is a similar species with which the European pied flycatcher may hybridize to a limited extent.
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Insectivorous by nature, the European pied flycatcher's diet includes a variety of arthropods, with a particular fondness for ants, bees, and beetles. It captures its prey both in flight and from foliage.
The species is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its extensive range and population size. However, there have been noted declines in certain regions, attributed to factors such as climate change and habitat loss.
The European pied flycatcher spends the non-breeding season in sub-Saharan Africa, migrating to breeding grounds in Europe from mid-April to late May. After the breeding season, from August to mid-September, it returns to Africa.
The species thrives in upland broadleaf woodlands, particularly mature oak forests. Conservation efforts include managing grazing to maintain an open understory and providing nest boxes to compensate for the loss of natural tree holes. Grant funding for conservation is available through schemes like England's Woodland Improvement Grant and Natural England's Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - GREATER FLAMINGO (JUVENILE) (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.
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.
Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.
Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.
This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.
This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.
The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.
Greater flamingos are social birds, often found in large flocks. They feed with their heads down, filtering out sustenance from the water with their specially adapted bills. During the breeding season, these birds engage in a fascinating display of spreading uropygial secretions over their feathers to enhance their color, a behavior likened to applying "make-up."
The vocalization of the greater flamingo is a distinctive honking, similar to that of a goose, which can be heard over considerable distances.
The species lays a single chalky-white egg on a mud mound, a typical breeding behavior for flamingos.
While similar to the American flamingo, the greater flamingo can be distinguished by differences in head, neck, body, and bill coloration.
Greater flamingos feed on a diet that includes small shrimp, seeds, blue-green algae, microscopic organisms, and mollusks. They filter their food from the water with their downward-facing heads and movable upper jaws.
Monday, 24 September 2018
20-9-2018 ALARCOS, LA MANCHA - BLACK WHEATEAR (Oenanthe leucura)
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The Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura) presents itself as a strikingly plumaged bird, with males donning an almost entirely black garb, save for a white rump and a predominantly white tail. Females share a similar pattern but are cloaked in dark brown rather than the stark black of their male counterparts. This robust wheatear measures a length of 16–18 cm, making it a rather large member of its genus.
When observing the Black Wheatear, look for the distinctive white rump and the white tail with a contrasting black inverted "T" pattern. This feature is key in distinguishing it from similar species. The male's black plumage and the female's dark brown coloration are also notable identification markers.
The Black Wheatear is a bird of rugged landscapes, favoring cliffs and rocky slopes where it can be seen perched or darting about in search of sustenance.
This bird graces the southern reaches of Spain and the western expanses of North Africa with its presence. It once bred in southern France, though it no longer does so.
The Black Wheatear is known to be largely sedentary, showing a strong fidelity to its chosen rocky habitats. It breeds in the crevices of rocks, where it lays a clutch of 3-6 eggs, and its diet consists mainly of insects.
19-9-2018 TABLAS DE DAIMIEL, LA MANCHA - GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus)
The greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus, stands as the most widespread and largest member of the flamingo family. This majestic bird is adorned with pinkish-white plumage, save for the red wing coverts and contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bill is a striking pink with a black tip, and the legs are a uniform pink, completing the iconic look of this species.
Adult greater flamingos can be identified by their height, ranging from 110 to 150 cm, and their weight between 2 and 4 kg. The largest males can reach up to 187 cm tall and weigh 4.5 kg. Observers should note the distinctive coloration, with the majority of the body being pinkish-white, red wing coverts, and black flight feathers. The pink bill with a black tip and entirely pink legs are also key identification features. The call of the greater flamingo is reminiscent of a goose-like honking.
Greater flamingos favor mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with saline water, where they can be seen stirring the mud with their feet in search of food.
This species is common in the Old World, with a range that includes Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, and Southern Europe. Notably, they are found in coastal regions and along water bodies such as the Nile River, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean.
Greater flamingos are social birds, often found in large flocks. They feed with their heads down, filtering out sustenance from the water with their specially adapted bills. During the breeding season, these birds engage in a fascinating display of spreading uropygial secretions over their feathers to enhance their color, a behavior likened to applying "make-up."
The vocalization of the greater flamingo is a distinctive honking, similar to that of a goose, which can be heard over considerable distances.
The species lays a single chalky-white egg on a mud mound, a typical breeding behavior for flamingos.
While similar to the American flamingo, the greater flamingo can be distinguished by differences in head, neck, body, and bill coloration.
Greater flamingos feed on a diet that includes small shrimp, seeds, blue-green algae, microscopic organisms, and mollusks. They filter their food from the water with their downward-facing heads and movable upper jaws.
The IUCN Red List classifies the greater flamingo as Least Concern, indicating a stable population. However, they face threats from habitat encroachment and pollution in their water supplies.
In the voice of David Attenborough, one might say: "The greater flamingo, with its elegant stature and vibrant hues, is a testament to the wonders of the avian world. As it sifts through the shallows, one cannot help but be captivated by its grace and the delicate balance it maintains within its ecosystem."
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