28-3-2017 VILLA LAPAS, COSTA RICA - GLASSY WINGED SKIPPER BUTTERFLY (Xenophanes tryxus)

The Pyrginae is a cosmopolitan subfamily, its members being found in temperate and tropical habitats throughout the world. The 990 neotropical species include 581 which are placed in the tribe Pyrgini, which includes such well known genera as Urbanus, Astraptes, Bolla, Pyrgus, Erynnis, Sostrata, and Mylon.

The genus Xenophanes contains a single species tryxus. It is instantly recognizable, with a pale brown ground color heavily speckled with grayish; and large hyaline windows in the fore and hind wings.

Xenophanes tryxus is found throughout much of central and South America from Mexico to Bolivia and Argentina.

This is a species of open disturbed evergreen and deciduous habitats including pastures, farmland, riverbanks, and roadsides at altitudes between sea level and about 1500m.

The adults are normally encountered singly or in two’s and three’s. They bask on bushes and low herbage with wings fully outspread but rarely spend more than a few seconds in one place. In hot weather they escape the desiccating effects of the sun by sheltering under the leaves of trees and bushes. Both sexes visit flowers, and males also imbibe mineralized moisture from rock faces, pebbles, sandbanks, and the surface of unmetalled roads.

13-5-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus)

The Little Bittern, or Common Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), is a diminutive member of the heron family, Ardeidae. This species is the smallest of the breeding herons in Europe, distinguished by its compact stature, elongated and pointed bill, and robust neck.

Male Little Bitterns exhibit a striking pattern with a black crown, nape, back, tail, and scapulars that may show a subtle green sheen. Their underparts are a soft buff, and the wings feature a distinctive pinkish buff oval panel formed by the inner wing coverts. Females are more subdued in color, with brownish-black upperparts and streaked underparts. Juveniles resemble females but are rufous and heavily streaked.

This species thrives in dense reedbeds, rushes, and bushes that grow above water bodies, providing them with ample cover and feeding opportunities.

The Little Bittern is native to the Old World, with a breeding range that spans Africa, central and southern Europe, western and southern Asia, and Madagascar. Migratory populations from Europe and western Asia winter in Africa and southern Asia, while tropical populations are generally sedentary.

A crepuscular and elusive bird, the Little Bittern is often solitary, hunting fish, amphibians, and insects within or along the edges of reedbeds. Males establish territories in spring, signaling their presence with a deep, barking call. The species is monogamous for the breeding season, with nests built in dense vegetation over water. They typically lay 5-6 eggs, which are incubated for 17-19 days, and chicks fledge after 25-30 days.

The male's territorial call is a deep, barking or croaking sound, used to attract a mate and declare ownership of his breeding area.

Breeding occurs in dense reedbeds, with a single brood per season. The eggs are laid from mid-May, with both parents involved in raising the offspring.

The Little Bittern can be confused with other small herons, but its size, distinctive wing panels, and behavior help differentiate it.

Their diet consists of fish, amphibians, and insects, which they hunt by stealthily stalking their prey in their aquatic habitats.

The Little Bittern is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, populations have declined in some areas, and the species is subject to conservation efforts under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds.

13-5-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. It is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.

Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded north, with stable and self-sustaining populations now present in the United Kingdom.

Little egrets are sociable birds and are often seen in small flocks. They are diurnal birds and feed mainly in the early morning and in the late afternoon. They use a variety of methods to procure their food; they stalk their prey in shallow water, often running with raised wings or shuffling their feet to disturb small fish, or may stand still and wait to ambush prey. Little egrets also make use of opportunities provided by cormorants disturbing fish or humans attracting fish by throwing bread into the water. On land, they walk or run while chasing their prey, feed on creatures disturbed by grazing livestock and ticks on the livestock, and even scavenge occasionally. Little egrets are silent birds in general, however, at their breeding colonies, they make various croaking and bubbling calls. When disturbed, they produce a harsh alarm call.

Little egrets are monogamous. This means that males and females mate only with one partner. They nest in colonies, often with other wading birds. The nests are usually platforms of sticks built in trees or shrubs or in reed beds or bamboo groves. In some locations such as the Cape Verde Islands, these birds nest on cliffs. Pairs defend a small breeding territory, usually extending around 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft) from the nest. The female lays 3 to 5 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 21 to 25 days. The eggs are oval in shape and have a pale, non-glossy, blue-green shell color. Upon hatching the chicks are covered in white down feathers and are cared for by both parents. Around 3 weeks after hatching the chicks start to move around the nest and climb into the close branches. They fledge after 40 to 45 days and are able to follow the adults to learn how to feed themselves.

13-5-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

The yellow-legged gull is a large gull found in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, which has only recently achieved wide recognition as a distinct species. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of either the Caspian gull L. cachinnans, or more broadly as a subspecies of the herring gull L. argentatus.The genus name is from Latin Larus which appears to have referred to a gull or other large seabird, and the species name honours the German zoologist Karl Michahelles.

The yellow-legged gull is a large gull, though the size does vary, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a common gull and the largest males being roughly the size of a great black-backed gull. They range in length from 52 to 68 cm (20 to 27 in) in total length, from 120 to 155 cm (47 to 61 in) in wingspan and from 550 to 1,600 g (1.21 to 3.53 lb) in weight. Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 40.8 to 47.2 cm (16.1 to 18.6 in), the bill is 4.6 to 6 cm (1.8 to 2.4 in) and the tarsus is 5.6 to 7.5 cm (2.2 to 3.0 in). Adults are externally similar to herring gulls but have yellow legs. They have a grey back, slightly darker than herring gulls but lighter than lesser black-backed gulls. They are much whiter-headed in autumn, and have more extensively black wing tips with few white spots, just as lesser black-backed. They have a red spot on the bill as adults, like the entire complex. There is a red ring around the eye like in the lesser black-backed gull but unlike in the herring gull which has a dark yellow ring.

First-year birds have a paler head, rump and underparts than those of the herring gull, more closely resembling first-year great black-backed gulls in plumage. They have a dark bill and eyes, pinkish grey legs, dark flight feathers and a well-defined black band on the tail. They become lighter in the underparts and lose the upperpart pattern subsequently. By their second winter, birds are essentially feathered like adults, save for the patterned feathers remaining on the wing coverts. However, their bill tips are black, their eyes still dark, and the legs are a light yellow flesh colour.

The call is a loud laugh which is deeper and more nasal than the call of the herring gull.

The breeding range is centred on the Mediterranean Sea. In North Africa, it is common in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia and increasing in places. Recent breeding has occurred in Libya and Egypt. In the Middle East, a few breed in Israel and Syria with larger numbers in Cyprus and Turkey. In Europe, there are colonies all along the Mediterranean coast, and also on the Atlantic islands and coasts north to Brittany and west to the Azores. It also breeds on the western side of the Black Sea; here it overlaps with the Caspian gull but there is a difference in habitat, with the yellow-legged gull preferring sea cliffs and the Caspian gull flatter shores. In recent decades birds have spread north into central and western Europe. One to four pairs have attempted to breed in southern England since 1995 (sometimes hybrid pairs with lesser black-backed gulls), though colonisation has been very slow.

Many birds remain in the same area all year round, but others migrate to spend the winter in mild areas of western Europe or head south as far as Senegal, Gambia and the Red Sea. There is also extensive northward post-breeding dispersal in the late summer, with numbers in southern England high from July to October. It is reported as a vagrant to northeastern North America and Nigeria.

Like most Larus gulls, they are omnivores and opportunistic foragers. They will scavenge on rubbish tips and elsewhere, as well as seeking suitable prey in fields or on the coast, or robbing smaller gulls and other seabirds of their catches. Although urban populations are generally opportunistic scavengers, they can shift to a predatory diet if necessary; this was observed during the lockdown of Italy in 2020, when the lack of food scraps led the yellow-legged gulls of Rome to take prey as large as rats and rock doves.

Atlantic gulls in Gibraltar have been observed and photographed picking and eating fruit from olive trees in flight.

Yellow-legged gulls usually breed in colonies. Eggs, usually three, are laid from mid March to early May and are defended vigorously by this large gull. The nest is a sometimes sparse mound of vegetation built on the ground or on cliff ledges. In some places such as Gibraltar they have started nesting on buildings and even on trees. The eggs are incubated for 27–31 days and the young birds fledge after 35–40 days.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - RUSTY TIP PAGE BUTTERFLY (Siproeta epaphus)

Siproeta epaphus, the rusty-tipped page or brown siproeta,[1] is a New World butterfly that lives all year in tropical habitats. It has large wings, averaging 7.0–7.5 cm (2.8–3.0 in),[1] that are black in the inner portion of the top surface and brown throughout the underside. Both surfaces have a bold white transverse stripe continuing across both wings. The outer portion of the forewings, beyond the white stripe, is rusty orange in the widespread subspecies S. epaphus epaphus; it is mostly or entirely black in the other two subspecies. S. epaphus is found throughout Central America, where it is one of the most common butterflies. Its range extends from southern North America to central South America. The range includes (though may not be limited to) south Texas and rarely southern New Mexico south through both eastern and western Mexico to the Guyanas, Brazil, Bolivia and Peru.

Adults can be found nectaring on a variety of flowers including Lantana, Croton, Impatiens and Stachytrapheta. They are also known to feed on rotting fruit.

Siproeta is currently unknown. In Greek mythology Epaphus is the son of Zeus and Io who founded the city of Memphis in Egypt.

The Rusty Tip is found in wet subtropical forests, especially along the forest edge and river banks.

Females patrol the forest edge looking for young plants to oviposit on. Eggs are laid in loose clusters and when the caterpillar hatches out they feed on the fresh leaves until they pupate.

Adult Rusty Tip butterflies can be found all year round in tropical areas.

While they are not considered to be a native of the Unitied States there have been a couple of reports of strays that made their way into the border states. The Malachite (Siprotea stelenes) and the Rusty Tip are closely related and while the adults look fairly different their chrysilides look almost the same.

19-3-2017 BUTTERFLY WORLD, FLORIDA - GRECIAN SHOEMAKER BUTTERFLY (Catonephele numilia)

Catonephele numilia, the blue-frosted banner, blue-frosted Catone, Grecian shoemaker or stoplight Catone, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae found in Central and South America.

This butterfly usually flies along the ground and close to the ripe fruits and flowers. It can live a month. Adults feed on rotten fruits, while caterpillars feed on Alchornea species (family Euphorbiaceae).

Catonephele numilia can be found in most of Central and South America.

Larvae are known to feed on Alchornea costaricensis and A. latifolia; both are woody species known to have medicinal properties.

Estimated Lifespan 26 Days.

Adults use rotting fruit and tree sap as their primary nutrient source.

The origin of the genus and species of Catonephele numilia is currently unknown.

Adults spend the majority of their time in wet forest habitats.

Males perch on vegetation and wait for receptive females to pass. After mating, females spend the warmest parts of the day cruising waterways and paths looking for host plants to lay their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the host plant until they are ready to form their chrysalides.

There are multiple generations each year, making it possible to find adults all year round.

All the species found in the genus Catonephele are sexually dimorphic, which means the males and females of a species look remarkably different from each other.

8-5-2017 ARCOS DE FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA - EURASIAN EAGLE OWL (Bubo bubo)

The Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) is a formidable avian predator and one of the largest owl species. The females, which are larger than the males, can reach a total length of 75 cm (30 in) and boast a wingspan of up to 188 cm (6 ft 2 in). This species is characterized by prominent ear tufts, mottled upper parts with darker blackish and tawny coloring, barred wings and tail, and a buff underpart streaked with darker shades. The facial disc is not sharply defined, and the orange eyes are a striking feature.

To identify the Eurasian eagle-owl, look for its large size, barrel-shaped body, and erect ear tufts. The orange eyes are distinctive, and the plumage is a mix of brown-black to tawny-buff with dense freckling on the forehead and crown, and dark splotches on a pale background on the back and mantle. The underparts are creamy to tawny with fine dark barring.

Eurasian eagle-owls favor a variety of habitats but are predominantly found in mountainous or other rocky regions near woodland edges, shrubby areas, and wetlands. They also inhabit coniferous forests, steppes, and other areas at varied elevations that are typically remote.

The Eurasian eagle-owl has an extensive range across Europe and Asia, from the Iberian Peninsula to Japan. It is also present in the UK, where it is considered non-native.

This species is mostly nocturnal, hunting a variety of prey from small mammals to larger birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. They are sedentary and territorial, with a deep, resonant territorial call.

Song & Calls

The male's territorial call is a deep "ooh-hu," while the female's is higher-pitched. They may also produce a faint laughter-like sound and a harsh "kveck-kveck."

Eurasian eagle-owls typically breed on cliff ledges, in gullies, or among rocks. The female incubates the eggs and broods the young, while the male provides food. Both parents care for the young for about five months

The Eurasian eagle-owl can be distinguished from other large owls like the great grey owl and Ural owl by its ear tufts and orange eyes. It is also larger than the snowy owl.

The diet is mainly small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, but also includes larger mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and large insects.

The IUCN lists the Eurasian eagle-owl as Least Concern, with a decreasing population trend. However, it remains widespread with a large total population.

21-3-2017 HOTEL BOUGANVILLEA, COSTA RICA - TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)

The tropical mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) is a medium-sized bird, with adults measuring between 23 to 25.5 cm in length. It exhibits a predominantly gray plumage on the head and upper parts, while the underparts are an off-white shade. A distinctive whitish supercilium contrasts with a dark stripe through the eye. The wings are blackish, adorned with two white wing bars and white-edged flight feathers. Its long dark tail is tipped with white, and it possesses a slim, slightly curved black bill and long dark legs. Juvenile birds are somewhat browner with dusky streaks on their chest and flanks.

To identify the tropical mockingbird, look for its gray upper parts, white underparts, and the characteristic white wing bars. The white tips on the long tail are also a key feature. The bird's slim, curved bill and long legs are useful identification markers as well.

This species thrives in open habitats such as scrublands, savannas, parks, and farmlands. It tends to avoid dense forests and mangroves, preferring lowlands to middle elevations, up to about 2,500 m in Central America and the northern Andes.

The tropical mockingbird is a resident breeding bird found from southern Mexico to northern and eastern South America, as well as in the Lesser Antilles and other Caribbean islands. It has a wide distribution with several subspecies occupying various regions, including the Yucatán Peninsula, the Lesser Antilles, Trinidad and Tobago, and parts of Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil.

This bird is known for its omnivorous diet, feeding on the ground or low in vegetation, and even capturing flying insects in mid-air. It is also observed to consume a variety of fruits, seeds, arthropods, and occasionally lizards and eggs. The tropical mockingbird is monogamous and may exhibit cooperative breeding, with previous brood offspring acting as helpers.

11-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, 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.

11-5-2017 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.

It is a showy and robust lizard, which can reach 26 cm in head-body length and exceed 70 cm in total length. It has strong and well-developed limbs. They are generally grey or brown in colour, with light green scales on the back, and during mating they can acquire more greenish and bluish tones. Its colour and body design change with age, some males lack ornamentation while others have dorsal ocelli in two or more rows. The scales are granular on the back and slightly keeled, while the ventral ones are wide and overlapping one another. Unlike T. lepidus , T. nevadensis lacks jet-black scales on the back, which in this case are grey or brown. Its head is also narrower and longer, as a result, its occipital plate is narrower than in T. lepidus . In addition, the Betic lizards have a lighter coloration in their blue ocelli. Their hind limbs, the end of the back and tail usually have orange-brown tones that T. lepidus does not have . Juveniles have a much more greyish or darker general coloration than juveniles of T. lepidus .

As for sexual dimorphism, males have a much larger head than females, due in part to the greater development of the masseteric muscles. In contrast, females have a greater relative body length than males, which translates into a greater number of ventral scales and lumbar vertebrae. The development of the femoral pores is also greater in males and the base of the tail is wider to accommodate the hemipenes. In general, females tend to maintain designs similar to those of subadults for longer. Juveniles have ocelli bordered with dark on the back and sides.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - BOAT TAILED GRACKLE (MALE) (Quiscalus major)

The boat-tailed grackle (Quiscalus major ) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae found as a permanent resident on the coasts of the Southeastern United States.

The male boat-tailed grackle is 37–43 cm (15–17 in) long and weighs 165–250 g (5.8–8.8 oz). Adult males have entirely iridescent black plumage, a long dark bill, a pale yellowish or brown iris, and a long keel-shaped tail. The adult female is much smaller at 26–33 cm (10–13 in) long and a weight of 90–115 g (3.2–4.1 oz). She is also distinguished by her shorter tail and tawny-brown coloration, which covers the body apart from the darker wings and tail. The wingspan in adult birds is 39–50 cm (15–20 in). In standard measurements, this species measures 13–20 cm (5.1–7.9 in) along the wing bone, 11–20 cm (4.3–7.9 in) in tail length, 2–4.2 cm (0.79–1.65 in) along the culmen, and 3.6–5.8 cm (1.4–2.3 in) along the tarsus. On average, the boat-tailed grackle weighs about 10% more than the closely related great-tailed grackle, although the male great-tailed grackle has an even longer tail.

Young males are black but lack the adult's iridescence. Immature females are duller versions of the adult female and have blotches or spots on the breast. The eye color of the boat-tailed grackle varies with range. Gulf Coast and inland birds have dark eyes, whereas Atlantic birds have pale eyes.

The boat-tailed grackle is found in coastal saltwater marshes and, in Florida, also on inland waters. Boat-tailed grackles have established significant populations in several United States Gulf Coast cities and towns, where they can be found foraging in trash bins, dumpsters, and parking lots.

They forage on the ground, in shallow water, or in shrubs; they will steal food from other birds. They are omnivorous, eating insects, minnows, frogs, eggs, berries, seeds, grain, and even small birds.

The nest is a well-concealed cup in trees or shrubs near water; three to five eggs are laid.

19-3-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - LONG TAILED FINCH (Poephila acuticauda)

The long-tailed finch (Poephila acuticauda) is a common species of estrildid finch found in northern Australia, from the Kimberley region to the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is a predominantly fawn-coloured bird with a pale grey head and prominent black bib and eyes. It inhabits dry savannah habitats in Australia and adapts readily to aviculture.

Common names for the species have been assigned or arisen from usage in aviculture, these include the long-tailed finch or longtail, blackheart finch, shaft-tail finch, orange-billed finch or grassfinch. Heck's grassfinch or finch, or Heck's longtail is applied to the eastern subspecies Poephila acuticauda hecki with red beaks, and the nominate subspecies with orange or yellow beaks is referred by the common name for the species.

The adult long-tailed finch is around 160 mm in length, the weight range of males is 13.5–16.2 grams and females 11.4–17.6 g. It has a prominent roundish black bib on its throat and upper chest and a long pointed black tail. It has pinkish brown upperparts with paler plumage below its bib over the lower breast and abdomen. It has a grey head, a white ear-patch, and black lores. It has black patches on its upper flanks and its rump and undertail coverts are white. The beak colour of the adult long-tailed finch varies from red through orange to yellow. Males and females are similar, except the females may be slightly duller and may have a slightly smaller bib. Females have shorter wings and tails than males on average, but their measurements, as well as throat bib size, generally lie within the range of male measurements. Furthermore, male and female plumage is indistinguishable in ultraviolet and visible light. A study published in 1999 showed that male long-tailed finches were unable to determine the sex of unfamiliar members of their species unless the latter bird declared its sex by song. Juveniles have black beaks and shorter tail feathers.

25-3-2017 RANCHO NATURALISTA, COSTA RICA - BORDER ANOLE (Anolis limifrons)

Anolis limifrons, also known commonly as the slender anole or the border anole, is a species of lizard in the family Dactyloidae. The species is native to Central America.

Geographic range

A. limifrons is found in Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

Reproduction

A. limifrons is oviparous.

9-5-2017 RONDA, ANDALUSIA - EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)

The European goldfinch, or simply goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), is a small, vibrant passerine bird belonging to the finch family. This charming avian species is adorned with a striking red face, encircled by black markings near the eyes, and a black-and-white head. The back and flanks exhibit a warm buff or chestnut brown, while the wings are black with a prominent yellow bar. The tail is black, and the rump is a contrasting white. Males and females are similar in appearance, though the male boasts a slightly more extensive red mask.

Upon closer inspection, one can discern the male goldfinch by its larger, more vivid red mask that extends just beyond the eye. The female's red face does not reach past the eye, and her shoulder feathers are brown, as opposed to the male's black. The bill is ivory-colored, long, and pointed, and the tail is forked. Juveniles can be identified by their plain heads and greyer backs, but the yellow wing stripe is a clear indicator of their species.

The European goldfinch favors open, partially wooded lowlands and is a resident in the milder western parts of its range. In colder regions, it migrates to escape the harsh weather.

Native to Europe, North Africa, and western and central Asia, the European goldfinch has also been introduced to various regions across the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay.

The European goldfinch is known for its sociable nature, often forming flocks in the winter. It is a frequent visitor to bird feeders, particularly in the colder months.

The goldfinch's song is a delightful, silvery twittering, while its call is a melodic tickeLIT. Its song comprises a tinkling medley of trills and twitters, always including the tri-syllabic call phrase.

The female goldfinch solely constructs the nest, which is often situated several meters above ground, camouflaged by leaves. The nest is made of mosses and lichens, lined with plant down, and secured with spider silk. Eggs are laid at daily intervals, typically resulting in a clutch of 4-6 eggs. Incubation lasts 11-13 days, with the female being fed by the male. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge 13-18 days after hatching.

Goldfinches have a preference for small seeds, such as those from thistles and teasels, but will also consume insects when feeding young. They are particularly drawn to bird feeders offering niger seed.

The European goldfinch has a long history of being kept and bred in captivity due to its attractive plumage and pleasant song. It has also been featured in various works of art and literature, symbolizing different cultural and religious themes.

9-5-2017 RONDA, ANDALUSIA - SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata)

The Spotted Flycatcher, Muscicapa striata, is a modestly adorned yet charming small passerine bird belonging to the Old World flycatcher family. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and the Palearctic as far as Siberia, and spending the winter months in Africa and southwestern Asia. Despite its widespread presence, there is concern over its decline in certain areas.

Adult Spotted Flycatchers possess grey-brown upperparts and a somewhat pallid underbelly. Their crown and breast are streaked, which is the origin of their common name. They have short, black legs and a black bill shaped to suit their insectivorous diet. Juveniles can be distinguished by their browner plumage and the presence of spots on their upperparts.

These birds favor deciduous woodlands, parks, and gardens, particularly those with open spaces amidst trees.

The Spotted Flycatcher has a broad breeding range, extending from Europe to western Siberia and northwest Africa. During the non-breeding season, they migrate to southern Africa.

With an upright posture, these flycatchers are often seen hunting from prominent perches, darting out to snatch flying insects and frequently returning to the same spot.

The call of the Spotted Flycatcher is a soft, high-pitched, and slightly descending 'tssssseeeeeppppp'.

The Spotted Flycatcher constructs an open nest in a recess, often against a wall, and is amenable to using open-fronted nest boxes. Clutches typically consist of 4-6 eggs. Remarkably, they exhibit excellent egg recognition, a likely evolutionary response to past parasitism by the common cuckoo.

The Mediterranean flycatcher, previously considered a subspecies, is similar in appearance but has been recognized as a separate species due to genetic differences.

As aerial insectivores, Spotted Flycatchers feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air from their vantage points.

The IUCN currently lists the Spotted Flycatcher as Least Concern, although there are noted declines in some regions of its range.

9-5-2017 RONDA, ANDALUSIA - 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.

9-5-2017 RONDA, ANDALUSIA - COMMON HOUSE MARTIN (Delichon urbicum)

The western house martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes called the common house martin, northern house martin or, particularly in Europe, just house martin, is a migratory passerine bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and across the Palearctic; and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It feeds on insects which are caught in flight, and it migrates to climates where flying insects are plentiful. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation. It is similar in appearance to the two other martin species of the genus Delichon, which are both endemic to eastern and southern Asia. It has two accepted subspecies.

Both the scientific and colloquial name of the bird are related to its use of human-made structures. It builds a closed cup nest from mud pellets under eaves or similar locations on buildings usually in colonies.

It is hunted by the Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo), and like other birds is affected by internal parasites and external fleas and mites, although its large range and population mean that it is not threatened globally.

The western house martin breeds across temperate Eurosiberia east to central Mongolia and the Yenisei River, and in Morocco, Tunisia and northern Algeria, and migrates on a broad front to winter in sub-Saharan Africa.

The preferred habitat of the western house martin is open country with low vegetation, such as pasture, meadows and farmland, and preferably near water, although it is also found in mountains up to at least 2,200 m (7,200 ft) elevation. It is much more urban than the barn swallow, and will nest even in city centres if the air is clean enough. It is more likely to be found near trees than other Eurasian swallows, since they provide insect food and also roosting sites. This species does not normally use the reed-bed roosts favoured by migrating barn swallows.

It uses similar open habitats on the wintering grounds, but the western house martin is less conspicuous than wintering barn swallows, tending to fly higher and be more nomadic. In the tropical parts of its wintering range, like East Africa, it appears to be mainly found in the higher areas.

9-5-2017 RONDA, ANDALUSIA - ROCK SPARROW (Petronia petronia)

The Rock Sparrow, or Rock Petronia (Petronia petronia), is a small passerine bird, the sole representative of its genus. It is characterized by a robust conical bill and a distinctive yellow throat spot, which is a carotenoid-based trait indicative of attractiveness and social status in both sexes. This bird measures approximately 14 cm in length and sports a strong whitish supercilium, a less pronounced crown stripe, patterned brown back and wings, and streaked underparts.

When attempting to identify the Rock Sparrow, look for its larger bill compared to the House Sparrow, the prominent whitish supercilium, and the subtle crown stripe. The key distinguishing feature is the yellow throat spot, which can be challenging to see but is crucial for accurate identification. The bird's overall plumage is an array of earth tones, providing excellent camouflage against its rocky habitat.

The Rock Sparrow favors barren rocky hills, where it can be found in crevices and walls, a preference that is reflected in its name. It is also known to inhabit human settlements that offer suitable rocky environments.

This species has a wide range, breeding from the Iberian Peninsula and western North Africa, across southern Europe, and extending through the Palearctic to Siberia and north and central China. While it is largely resident in the western part of its range, Asian populations are known to migrate southward or descend from mountainous areas in response to seasonal changes.

Rock Sparrows are gregarious birds, often seen in flocks. They exhibit a variety of mating patterns, with social monogamy being the most common. However, both sequential and simultaneous polyandry have been observed. The size of the male's yellow breast patch has been correlated with parental investment and nestling growth, suggesting a link between ornamentation and reproductive success.

The Rock Sparrow's vocalizations are described as loud and wheezy, contributing to the soundscape of its rocky habitats.

During the breeding season, Rock Sparrows nest in rock crevices or wall gaps, laying four to five eggs. The species demonstrates a preference for mates with larger yellow patches, which influences male brood defense behaviors and parental investment. In alpine colonies, females predominantly provision the young, while in Asian colonies, both parents contribute equally.

The diet of the Rock Sparrow consists mainly of seeds year-round, with the addition of berries in the autumn. Come spring, their diet shifts to include invertebrates such as caterpillars and grasshoppers, which are also fed to their offspring.

9-5-2017 RONDA, ANDALUSIA - 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.

The male's song is a melodious and fluted warble, often heard from elevated perches during the breeding season. The Common Blackbird also has a repertoire of calls including a sharp "seee" when agitated and a "pook-pook-pook" to signal ground predators.

Monogamous by nature, the Common Blackbird builds a neat, cup-shaped nest, often in dense shrubbery. The female lays three to five bluish-green eggs adorned with reddish-brown blotches. Both parents are involved in feeding the altricial chicks until they fledge.

An omnivore, the Common Blackbird forages primarily on the ground for insects, earthworms, seeds, and berries. It is adept at pulling earthworms from the soil and foraging through leaf litter for other invertebrates.