17-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - HOUSE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer domesticus)

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of 16 cm (6.3 in) and a mass of 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, and males have brighter black, white, and brown markings. One of about 25 species in the genus Passer, the house sparrow is native to most of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and a large part of Asia. Its intentional or accidental introductions to many regions, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, make it the most widely distributed wild bird.

The house sparrow is strongly associated with human habitation, and can live in urban or rural settings. Though found in widely varied habitats and climates, it typically avoids extensive woodlands, grasslands, polar regions, and hot, dry deserts far away from human development. For sustenance, the house sparrow routinely feeds at home and public bird feeding stations, but naturally feeds on the seeds of grains, flowering plants and weeds. However, it is an opportunistic, omnivorous eater, and commonly catches insects, their larvae, caterpillars, invertebrates and many other natural foods.

The house sparrow is strongly associated with human habitation, and can live in urban or rural settings. Though found in widely varied habitats and climates, it typically avoids extensive woodlands, grasslands, polar regions, and hot, dry deserts far away from human development. For sustenance, the house sparrow routinely feeds at home and public bird feeding stations, but naturally feeds on the seeds of grains, flowering plants and weeds. However, it is an opportunistic, omnivorous eater, and commonly catches insects, their larvae, caterpillars, invertebrates and many other natural foods.

Because of its numbers, ubiquity, and association with human settlements, the house sparrow is culturally prominent. It is extensively, and usually unsuccessfully, persecuted as an agricultural pest. It has also often been kept as a pet, as well as being a food item and a symbol of lust, sexual potency, commonness, and vulgarity. Though it is widespread and abundant, its numbers have declined in some areas. The animal's conservation status is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. 

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - WHITE WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)

The White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) is a robust bird, notable for its size among doves, measuring approximately 29 cm from beak to tail with a wingspan ranging from 48 to 58 cm. Its plumage is primarily brownish-gray to gray, with a striking white edge on its wings, visible even when perched. The species is adorned with a blue eyering and possesses red eyes, though juveniles display brown eyes and a duller plumage.

To identify the White-winged Dove, look for the distinctive white wing patch, visible at rest and in flight, which sets it apart from similar species. Adults feature a blue, featherless skin around the eyes and a dark facial mark. Males may exhibit a more iridescent purple hue on the crown, neck, and nape, and a more pronounced ear spot, though these differences are subtle. The species has a short, rounded tail, contrasting with the long, pointed tail of the Mourning Dove.

The White-winged Dove is found in a variety of environments, including deserts, scrubs, urban areas, and agricultural landscapes. It has adapted well to human-altered habitats and can be seen in high concentrations near sources of water and food.

Native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, the White-winged Dove's range has expanded due to human agricultural practices. It is now a year-round resident in places like Texas and has been observed as far north as Canada and Alaska.

This species can form migratory flocks of up to 4,000 individuals, though it is also known to overwinter in certain areas. It has a remarkable ability to fly considerable distances in search of water, but can also rely solely on the moisture found in saguaro cactus fruit.

17-5-2017 ALBUFERA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.

Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

Little Egrets are social yet territorial when feeding. They exhibit a range of foraging behaviors, from active chasing to patient ambush. Their movements are often in response to the presence of other animals, which may stir up prey.

The Little Egret's vocalizations include croaking and bubbling sounds at breeding colonies and a harsh alarm call when disturbed. These calls are similar to those of the Black-crowned Night Heron and the Cattle Egret.

Breeding colonies are often mixed with other water birds. Nests are platforms of sticks located in trees, shrubs, or reed beds. Clutches typically consist of three to five bluish-green eggs, incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at approximately six weeks old.

The Little Egret can be confused with other white egrets, particularly the Snowy Egret, which shares some of its New World range. However, the Little Egret is larger and has more varied foraging strategies.

The diet is diverse, including fish, amphibians, small reptiles, mammals, birds, crustaceans, molluscs, insects, spiders, and worms. The Little Egret employs various hunting techniques, both in water and on land, to capture its prey.

The Little Egret is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN. Conservation measures in the 20th century have allowed populations to recover in Europe, and the species has been expanding its range. It is now successfully colonizing new areas, including the New World.

1-4-2017 MIAMI, FLORIDA - NORTHERN CARDINAL (FEMALE) (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The Northern Cardinal, or Cardinalis cardinalis, is a mid-sized songbird renowned for its striking plumage and melodic song. Males are resplendent in a vibrant crimson with a contrasting black face mask, while females exhibit a more subdued blend of reddish olive with a gray mask. Both sexes boast a distinctive crest atop their heads, adding to their regal appearance.

Adult males are unmistakable with their bright red plumage and black mask. Females are more subtle, with their warm, reddish accents and grayish mask. Juveniles resemble females until they acquire their adult colors in the fall. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically larger than females. Both sexes have a robust, conical beak, ideal for seed consumption.

The Northern Cardinal favors a variety of environments, including woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands. They are particularly fond of areas where dense vegetation is interspersed with open spaces.

This bird's range extends from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States, reaching as far west as Texas and Arizona, and southward through Mexico to Belize and Guatemala. It has also been introduced to Bermuda and Hawaii.

Males are territorial, using their song to delineate their domain. They may exhibit aggression towards their reflections, mistaking them for rival males. Cardinals are known for their pair bonds, with mated pairs often seen foraging and traveling together.

Both sexes sing a variety of clear, whistled tunes, which they vary and repeat. Their songs are regionally distinct due to learning. Alarm calls are sharp, metallic chips, signaling danger to their kin.

Courtship involves the male feeding the female beak-to-beak. Nesting sites are carefully chosen in dense shrubbery or low trees, with the female constructing a multi-layered nest. Clutches typically consist of three to four eggs, with multiple broods raised each year.

The Northern Cardinal is primarily granivorous, with a diet consisting largely of seeds. However, they also consume insects and fruit, adapting their diet as necessary.

The species is currently listed as Least Concern, with a stable or increasing population thanks to its adaptability and the popularity of backyard bird feeding.

17-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - 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.

8-5-2017 ARCOS DE FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA - AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

The American kestrel (Falco sparverius), colloquially known as the sparrow hawk, is North America's smallest and most prevalent falcon. Exhibiting a striking sexual dimorphism, the female is moderately larger than the male. Both sexes boast a rufous back with distinct barring, but it is the male that carries the more colorful plumage, with blue-grey wings adorned with black spots and a white underbelly marked with black barring. The female, on the other hand, displays a rufous back and wings with dark brown barring and a creamy to buff underside with heavy brown streaking. Juveniles mirror the adult plumage closely.

Males can be identified by their blue-grey wings with black spots and the rufous tail with a single black subterminal band. Females, however, have rufous wings with dark brown barring and a tail marked with numerous narrow dark bands. Both sexes have a white face with a bluish-grey cap and two vertical black facial markings on each side of the head, which is unique among falcons. The presence of two black spots on the nape, resembling false eyes, is a distinctive feature of this species.

The American kestrel thrives in a variety of open to semi-open landscapes, including grasslands, meadows, deserts, urban, and suburban areas. Its habitat must provide perches, open spaces for hunting, and cavities for nesting.

This falcon's breeding range spans from central and western Alaska across northern Canada to Nova Scotia, and south throughout North America into central Mexico and the Caribbean. It is also a local breeder in Central America and is widely distributed throughout South America. Birds breeding in Canada and the northern United States often migrate south for the winter.

The American kestrel is an adaptable hunter, often perching and scanning the ground for prey or hunting from the air. It is known to hover with rapid wing beats before diving to capture prey. This species is also recognized for its energy-conserving hunting methods.

The kestrel's vocal repertoire includes the "klee" or "killy," a rapid series when excited, the "whine" associated with feeding and copulation, and the "chitter" used in social interactions between males and females.

Kestrels are cavity nesters, laying three to seven eggs that are incubated by both sexes. They exhibit strong pair bonds, often reusing previous nesting sites. The breeding season sees males performing dive displays to attract mates.

The diet of the American kestrel is diverse, including insects like grasshoppers, lizards, mice, and small birds. Its broad diet has contributed to the species' success across a wide range of environments.

The American kestrel is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though some regional populations have experienced declines. Conservation efforts include monitoring programs and the establishment of nest boxes to support breeding populations.

The American kestrel is a popular choice for beginner falconers due to its manageable size and adaptability. While not as powerful as larger falcons, with proper training, kestrels can effectively hunt smaller birds like sparrows and starlings.

11-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - BLUE SPOT HAIRSTREAK BUTTERFLY(Satyrium spini)

Satyrium spini, the blue spot hairstreak, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.

Subspecies include

Satyrium spini spini – (Southern and Central Europe)

Satyrium spini melantho (Klug, 1834) – (Caucasus, Armenia, Talysh Mountains, Kopet-Dagh)

The blue spot hairstreak lives in southern and middle Europe (Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, Greece, Turkey) up to approximately 54° N. It is also found in Asia Minor, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, South Urals. It is not found in the northwest of France, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Estonia or Latvia. It is also not found in large parts of Italy and on most Mediterranean islands. It inhabits open shrubby places, grassy areas, mountain meadows and woodland clearings, from low levels to about 2000 m.

Satyrium spini has frontwings reaching 14–16 millimetres (0.55–0.63 in) in males, 15–17 millimetres (0.59–0.67 in) in females. The basic color of the upperside of the wings is brownish, while the underside is yellowish-beige. In the females the upperside of the hindwings usually shows brownish-orange spots on the edge. The underside of the hindwings has a large blue spot and a few orange black bordered spots. The underside of forewings and hindwinhs is crossed by a bright white transverse line. Hind wings have short tails.

It is a univoltine species. Adults fly from late May to early August, depending on location. Caterpillars feed on Rhamnus, Prunus, Frangula alnus, Frangula daurica, Sorbus and Malus.

8-5-2017 ARCOS DE FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA - HARRIS HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)

The Harris's hawk, known scientifically as Parabuteo unicinctus, is a medium-large bird of prey with a striking appearance. It is intermediate in size between a peregrine falcon and a red-tailed hawk, with a length ranging from 46 to 59 cm and a wingspan of approximately 103 to 120 cm. The plumage is predominantly dark brown, complemented by reddish shoulders and thighs. The tail feathers are distinctive, with a white base and tip, and the legs are long and yellow, as is the cere.

Adult Harris's hawks can be identified by their chestnut shoulders, wing linings, and thighs, along with their dark brown plumage. The white at the base and tip of the tail is a key feature. Females are roughly 35% larger than males, a common trait known as sexual dimorphism. The harsh vocalizations of this species are also a notable characteristic for identification.

Juvenile Harris's hawks are lighter in color, with buff streaking, and may initially appear quite different from adults. However, the chestnut plumage remains a consistent identifier. When in flight, the undersides of the juveniles' wings display buff coloring with brown streaking.

8-5-2017 ARCOS DE FRONTERA, ANDALUSIA - BONELLI'S EAGLE (Aquila fasciata)

Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata) is a formidable bird of prey, medium-sized within the eagle family. Its robust build and elongated legs equipped with powerful talons are characteristic of the Aquilinae, or booted eagle subfamily, to which it belongs. The species is named after the Italian ornithologist Franco Andrea Bonelli.

Adult Bonelli's Eagles are dark brown above, with a white throat and a cream-colored underside marked with sparse blackish-brown streaks. A distinctive feature in adults is a white patch on the mantle, which varies in size. Juveniles are lighter brown with a rusty head and show a more rufous underside with minimal streaking. In flight, the species exhibits broad, long wings and a long tail, with a distinctive white patch on the upper wings visible from below.

Bonelli's Eagles favor hilly or mountainous terrains with rocky outcrops, from sea level to 1,500 meters. Habitats range from open to wooded land and can vary from arid to semi-moist climates.

The species breeds from Southern Europe to Africa along the Sahara Desert's montane perimeter and across the Indian Subcontinent to Indonesia. It is largely resident, though juveniles may disperse widely.

Bonelli's Eagles are solitary or form breeding pairs, displaying remarkable aerial skills. They are known for their powerful hunting techniques, often utilizing surprise attacks from perches or agile pursuits in open terrain.

The species is mostly silent outside the breeding season. Its call is a loud, shrill scream, used primarily during courtship displays.

Bonelli's Eagles typically mate for life, with courtship involving spectacular aerial displays. They build large nests on cliffs or trees, laying usually two eggs. The young are dependent on their parents for up to 11 weeks post-fledging.

The species can be confused with the honey buzzard due to its polymorphic plumage, but differences in shape, flight, and habitat use are usually distinctive.

Bonelli's Eagles have a varied diet, with a preference for medium-sized birds and mammals like rabbits and pigeons. They are skilled hunters, often taking prey by surprise or in agile chases.

Despite being classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, Bonelli's Eagle has experienced significant declines in parts of its range due to habitat destruction, electrocution from power lines, and persecution. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and reducing human-caused mortality.

15-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - 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.

15-5-2017 BENISSA, ALICANTE - MELODIOUS WARBLER (Hippolais polyglotta)

The Melodious Warbler, known scientifically as Hippolais polyglotta, is a medium-sized member of the Old World warbler family. It measures between 12 to 13 centimeters in length, presenting a plain brown back and wings, with a more yellowish hue on the underparts. This bird is distinguished by its strong and pointed bill, as well as its brown legs. Both sexes appear identical, a common trait among warblers, while juveniles exhibit a paler belly.

When identifying the Melodious Warbler, look for its brown upper parts which are less green than those of its eastern counterpart, the Icterine Warbler. The underparts are a distinct yellowish color. Its song is a delightful babble, less varied than the Icterine's but more fluent and sustained, without mimicked sounds. Listen also for a rattling "trrrr", similar to a House Sparrow, a soft "tuk", and a chattering "chret-chet".

This species thrives in open woodlands adorned with bushes. It is also found in forest edges, thickets, riverside vegetation, orchards, and gardens, which provide ample foraging opportunities and nesting sites.

The Melodious Warbler is a migratory bird, breeding in the warmth of southwest Europe and northwest Africa, and seeking winter refuge in the sub-Saharan regions of Africa. Its breeding territories span from the Iberian Peninsula to Germany and Italy, and in North Africa, it is found from Western Sahara to Tunisia.

The Melodious Warbler exhibits typical warbler behavior, being mainly insectivorous. It is known for its pleasant and melodious song, which it uses to communicate and establish territory during the breeding season.

The warbler's song is a charming and melodious babble, more consistent and smooth than that of the Icterine Warbler but with less variety and no mimicry. Its calls include a rattling "trrrr", a subdued "tuk", and a chattering "chret-chet".

During the breeding season, the Melodious Warbler lays a clutch of three to five eggs. The nest is artfully constructed from fine grasses, stems, soft twigs, flakes of bark, and lichen, typically situated in a tree or bush.

The Melodious Warbler can be confused with the Icterine Warbler, but it can be distinguished by its browner upper parts and yellower underparts, as well as its song and calls.

Insects form the mainstay of the Melodious Warbler's diet, but it will also consume other small food items, including berries, to supplement its nutrition.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Melodious Warbler as "Least Concern", indicating a stable population across its wide range.

8-5-2017 RONDA, ANDALUCIA - SARDINIAN WARBLER (FEMALE) (Sylvia melanocephala)

The Sardinian warbler (Curruca melanocephala ) is a common and widespread typical warbler from the Mediterranean region. Like most Curruca species, it has distinct male and female plumages. The adult male has a grey back, whitish underparts, black head, white throat and red eyes. Plumages are somewhat variable even in the same locality, with the intensity of a reddish hue on upper- and/or underside that varies from absent to (in some subspecies) pronounced. The female is mainly brown above and buff below, with a grey head. The Sardinian warbler's song is fast and rattling, and is very characteristic of the Mediterranean areas where this bird breeds.

It breeds in the southernmost areas of Europe and just into Asia in Turkey and the eastern end of the Mediterranean. This small passerine bird, unlike most "warblers", is not particularly migratory, but some birds winter in north Africa, and it occurs as a vagrant well away from the breeding range, as far as Great Britain.

This is a bird of open country and cultivation, with bushes for nesting. The nest is built in low shrub or brambles, and 3-6 eggs are laid. Like most "warblers", it is insectivorous, but will also take berries and other soft fruit.

28-3-2017 TARCOLES RIVER COSTA RICA - CENTRAL AMERICAN BOA (Boa imperator)

The Northern boa is a large, heavy-bodied, nonvenomous snake that is commonly kept in captivity. It lives in both Central America and northern parts of South America and as a result, the appearance of this snake varies greatly depending on the specific locality. One population is found on the Cayos Cochinos (Hog Islands) off the northern shore of Honduras. These are naturally more lightly colored, although they retain the distinctive darker tail that is characteristic of most members of this species. The color of the tail may vary from salmon-pink to orange. Another well-known population of the Northern boa is the population from Nicaragua. They typically have a compact saddle pattern on their backs that is often circular in shape. These boas have also a reputation for being "nippy", with some individuals being quick to bite in self-defense.

Northern boas are found in Mexico, Central America, and South America west of the Andes Mountains (primarily Colombia). They can acclimatize to a variety of environmental conditions, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts; however, they prefer to live in rainforests due to humidity, temperature, cover from potential predators, and ample prey.

Northern boas generally live on their own and do not interact with any other snakes unless they want to mate. They are nocturnal but may come out to bask during the day when night-time temperatures are too low. As semi-arboreal snakes, young boas may climb into trees and shrubs to forage; however, they become mostly terrestrial as they become older and heavier. Northern boas are ambush predators and use constriction as the primary means of killing their prey. These snakes strike when they perceive a threat. Their bite can be painful, especially from large snakes, but is rarely dangerous to humans. Specimens from Central America are more irascible, hissing loudly and striking repeatedly when disturbed, while those from South America tame down more readily. Like all snakes, Northern boas in a shed cycle are more unpredictable, because the substance that lubricates between the old skin and the new makes their eyes appear milky, blue, or opaque so that the snake cannot see very well, causing it to be more defensive than it might be otherwise.

Northern boas are polygynous meaning that males mate with multiple females. The breeding season usually takes place from April to August. During this time females produce a scent that attracts males, and males fight each other for mating rights. After the gestation period of 100-120 days, the female will give birth to 10-65 live young. Baby boas are born precocial; they are fully developed and don't require parental care.

21-3-2017 HOTEL BOUGANVILLEA, COSTA RICA - RUFOUS CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons)

The rufous-capped warbler (Basileuterus rufifrons ) is a New World warbler native from Mexico south to Guatemala, rarely occurring as far north as southeastern Arizona and south Texas. Birds in the southern part of the range are now split out as a separate species, as the chestnut-capped warbler (Basileuterus delattrii ).

Rufous-capped warblers generally reach a length of about 12.7 cm (5.0 in). They are plain-olive to olive-gray, with white underbellies, bright yellow chests and throats, and a distinctive facial pattern consisting of a rufous cap, a white eyebrow-line (or superciliary), a dark eye-line fading into a rufous cheek, and a white malar marking. The bill is rather stout for a warbler, the wings are round and stubby, and the tail is long, often raised at a high angle and flicked.

While rufous-capped warblers are generally birds of tropical shrubby highlands, North American sightings tend to be in oak woodland canyon bottoms, near running water, while the birds stay low in dense vegetation.

The courtship song of the rufous-capped warbler is a rapid, accelerating series of chipping notes (chit-chit-chit-chitchitchit ), somewhat reminiscent of the rufous-crowned sparrow, while the call note is a hard chik or tsik, often repeated. Like other New World warblers, this species does not actually warble. Male rufous‐capped warblers have complex songs with many syllable types shared both within and between males’ repertoires. The males also show seasonal, temporal and annual variation in their song use.

Rufous-capped warblers primarily feed on insects and spiders, foraging through dense brush and scanning close to the ground for movement. They are not generally known to flycatch from perches.

14-5-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - WHITE FEATHERLEG DAMSELFLY (FEMALE) (Platycnemis latipes)

The white-legged damselfly or blue featherleg (Platycnemis pennipes) is a damselfly of slow-flowing, muddy waters. It occurs from the Atlantic to Siberia and is often abundant throughout its range.

Platycnemis pennipes is about 32 millimetres (1.3 in) long. Mature adults differ from most other blue damselflies in having expanded white edges to the tibiae, paired black markings down most of the abdomen, broad pale brown double antehumeral stripes, wider head and a pale brown pterostigmata.

The male has a blue abdomen that is often pale and usually has a greenish thorax. The female is a very pale yellow-green colour with black markings.

This species favours unshaded slow-flowing sections of muddy rivers with abundant floating vegetation. it has been recorded in tidal rivers and the larvae seem well able to tolerate brackish water. It also occurs in muddy streams but is rare in lakes or ponds of any sort. In north-west Europe, it is mostly confined to flowing waters.

Mating is preceded by the male displaying his white legs in a fluttering display flight in front of females. Elongated eggs are laid whilst in tandem, into emergent stems and especially the underside of floating leaves. The larvae live amongst bottom debris and emerge after two years.

After emerging, adults tend to congregate in the shelter of tall vegetation, although some immatures wander away from water and have been found five kilometres away from the nearest breeding site.

14-5-2017 PEGO MARJAL, 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.

The Black-winged Stilt can be confused with other stilt species, such as the Black-necked Stilt (H. mexicanus) in the Americas, the White-backed Stilt (H. melanurus), and the Pied Stilt (H. leucocephalus) in Australasia and New Zealand.

Black-winged stilts (Himantopus himantopus) are very long-legged wading birds. They are found in both warm and hot climates, feed on small aquatic creatures, and nest on the ground surface in small colonies.

Adult Black-winged stilts have long, pink legs, and a long, rather thin black bill. They are generally black above and white below, with a white head and neck. Males have a black back, often with a greenish gloss or sheen. Females' backs have a brownish hue, contrasting with the black remiges. In populations where the top of the head is normally white (at least in winter), females tend to have less black on the head and neck the entire year round, while males often have much more black, particularly in summer. This difference is not clear-cut, however, and males usually grow all-white head feathers in winter. Immature birds are grey, instead of black, and have a markedly sandy hue on their wings, with light feather fringes appearing as a whitish line in flight.

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

The IUCN lists the Black-winged Stilt as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population. However, they are protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in their conservation.

14-5-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.

Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

14-5-2017 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - YELLOW LEGGED GULL (Larus michahellis)

The Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis) is a large, robust seabird with a commanding presence. Its size can be quite variable, with the smallest females being scarcely larger than a Common Gull, and the largest males approaching the heft of a Great Black-backed Gull. Adults typically exhibit a grey back, a shade lighter than that of the Lesser Black-backed Gull, and their heads are notably whiter in the autumn months. A distinctive feature is their yellow legs, which give this species its common name.

When observing the Yellow-legged Gull, look for the yellow legs that contrast with the grey back and the white head, which becomes even whiter during the autumn. The wing tips are black with limited white spots, and adults have a red spot on the bill. The eye is surrounded by a red ring. Juveniles can be identified by their paler head, rump, and underparts, dark bill and eyes, and a black band on the tail.

This gull favors a variety of coastal environments, often nesting on sea cliffs, islands, and occasionally on buildings within urban settings. It is also known to breed on trees in some regions.

The Yellow-legged Gull has a breeding range centered around the Mediterranean Sea, extending to the Atlantic islands and coasts as far north as Brittany and west to the Azores. Its presence is also noted on the western side of the Black Sea.

The species is known for its adaptability, with many individuals remaining in the same area year-round, while others migrate to milder regions of western Europe or head south to areas such as Senegal and the Red Sea. Post-breeding dispersal can lead to increased numbers in regions like southern England from July to October.

The vocalizations of the Yellow-legged Gull are characterized by a loud, laughing call that is deeper and more nasal than that of the Herring Gull.

Breeding typically occurs in colonies, with nests constructed on the ground or cliff ledges. The nests are mounds of vegetation, and the species is known for its vigorous defense of its eggs, usually numbering three. Incubation lasts for 27–31 days, and fledging occurs after 35–40 days.

An opportunistic forager, the Yellow-legged Gull is omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of items from rubbish tips to field prey, coastal offerings, and even other seabirds' catches. Remarkably, during periods of food scarcity, such as the lockdown in Italy in 2020, these gulls have been observed preying on larger animals like rats and rock doves.

The Yellow-legged Gull is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it does not face any immediate threat of extinction.

13-5-2017 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LANTANA PLUME MOTH (Lantanophaga pusillidactylus)

Lantanophaga pusillidactyla, the lantana plume moth, is a moth of the family Pterophoridae. It is native to the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.

Other records include Cape Verde, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Réunion, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Nigeria, Seychelles, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, Israel, Morocco, India, Indonesia (Java), New Guinea and Sri Lanka.[3]

The wingspan is 11–14 mm.

Adults feed on flowers and lay eggs in flower heads. The larvae feed on Lantana camara, Lantana montevidensis, Lantana hispida, Lantana peduncularis, Lantana indica, Lantana involucrata, Lippia alba, Phyla nodiflora, Phyla lanceolata, Caperonia palustris, Mentha and Utricularia species.

17-3-2017 PARC DE NEGOCIS, BARCELONA - MUSKOVY DUCK (Cairina moschata)

In Catalonia the Muscovy duck is also referred to as almescat, turc, morisc or Barbaria. It is a black duck, with white feathers on its wings, with thin skin and firm meat with little fat. The male's weight is double that of the female. Although the breed is originally from tropical America, since the 16th century it has been bred in the rural areas close to Vilafranca del Penedès. According to legend the peasants from the local area liked black ducks and those from Osona liked white ones. Since 1994, the Muskovy duck has the official designation of Producte Alimentari del Penedès. Whoever wishes to try them can go to the Fira del Gall which is held in Vilafranca in mid-December where they can also be bought. These ducks are bred for meat, which has an intense flavour and is very pleasant thanks to their diet which is basically comprised of cereals. They are usually bred in open spaces and are not reared for more than sixty days. With regard to how to prepare it, it can be as duck confit or roasted and the magret can be roasted or accompanied by a fruit sauce, although it is normally prepared with dried fruit or orange. Amongst the dishes in Catalan cuisine it is worth mentioning the Muskovy duck Empordà style with pears, the magret with a coulis of red forest fruit, and the roasted version with plums and pine nuts, with black turnip, with rolled cabbage or with mushrooms. For all of the above the recommended drink to accompany the dish is a young red wine.