Saturday, 27 July 2019
Thursday, 25 July 2019
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE Y LEON - DARKLING BEETLE (Akis salzei)
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Akis salzei is a valid species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae).
Key facts about Akis salzei:
Classification: It belongs to the order Coleoptera (beetles), family Tenebrionidae, and genus Akis.
Identification: The species was first described by Solier in 1837. It is a distinct species within its genus, separated from other species like A. bacarozzo and A. hispanica.
Observations: Records and information regarding its specific characteristics, habitat, and diet are limited in the provided sources, with only a few observations noted on platforms like iNaturalist. Generally, darkling beetles are diverse in their habitats and diets, often acting as decomposers in various environments including on the ground, in rotting wood, or in carrion.
Distribution: Information on the specific distribution area of A. salzei is not detailed in the snippets, though research has confirmed its status as a valid species through the study of specimens from its distribution area.
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE Y LEON - GUADARRAMA WALL LIZARD (Podarcis guadarramae)
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Podarcis guadarramae is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. It is found in Spain and Portugal.
The Guadarrama Wall Lizard is specialized on the granite rock substrates of western-central Iberia. No granite rocks - no Podarcis guadarramae! It mainly occurs in the mountain ranges of the Sistema Central - from Sierra del Alto Rey (Guadalajara) in the east to Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de Gredos and Peña de Francia. For distribution range see map at Podarcis hispanicus.
Podarcis guadarramae differs from the neighbouring Iberian Podarcis species by its flattened head and elongated snout.
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - BLACK REDSTART (FEMALE) (Phoenicurus ochruros)
The black redstart is a small, robin-sized bird with a distinctive red tail, though it is dark-plumaged like a robin. Males are dark grey to black with a black face and throat, while females are grey-brown. This species thrives in both uplands and urban environments, and is a skilled hunter that feeds on insects, spiders, and seeds.
Identification Size: About \(14\) cm (5.5 inches) long, similar to a robin.Male plumage: Mostly dark grey to black on the upperparts with a black face and throat. They have a bright red tail, and males of some subspecies have a white panel on the wings.Female plumage: Grey-brown overall, with a red tail.Tail: Both sexes have a red tail that they often flick, especially the males.
Habitat and behavior Habitat: It can be found in mountainous terrain, but has adapted to urban and industrial areas in central Europe, using buildings as a replacement for cliffs.
Terrestrial habits: It is a very terrestrial bird, often seen hopping on the ground, rocky outcrops, walls, and rooftops.Song: Sings from high perches, like the tops of houses or bushes, and has a song described as starting with a grating sound followed by rapid repetition of a note.
Diet Primary food: Feeds mainly on insects, including flying ones, which it catches in the air or on the ground, along with spiders.Other foods: It also eats worms, snails, seeds, and berries, especially in late summer and autumn.
Nesting and reproduction Breeding season: April to July in southern Europe.Clutch size: Lays \(5\) to \(6\) eggs.Incubation: The eggs are incubated for \(13\) to \(17\) days.
Nestlings: Young birds are helpless and blind when they hatch.
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (FEMALE) (Turdus merula)
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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.
25-7-2019 AVILA, CASTILLE AND LEON - VIPERINE WATER SNAKE (Natrix maura)
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The viperine water snake or viperine snake (Natrix maura) is a semiaquatic, fish-eating natricine water snake. Despite its common names, it is not a member of the subfamily Viperinae. It was given its common names due to exhibiting a dorsal colour pattern that superficially resembles that of sympatric adder species. In comparison to other Natrix species its head is also somewhat wider and more distinct from the neck. Like most members of the Natricinae it possesses a venom gland on each side of the upper jaw (Duvernoy's gland) that produces a mild venom that may play a role in swallowing or digestion. The gland is not associated with an enlarged specialized tooth and the venom has to be applied by chewing. The species usually does not bite as a means of defense, and the effect of a bite would be harmless to humans.
The viperine snake looks like an adder and occasionally behaves like one. It is known to strike like an adder, but not to bite. It spends most of its time in water hunting fish, frogs and other aquatic animals. The species is diurnal.
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Fossils of the viperine snake are known from El Chaparral, a fossil site in Villaluenga del Rosario that dates back to the latter part of the Early Pleistocene.
The viperine snake is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Specifically, N. maura is found in the European countries of Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, northwestern Italy, and Switzerland. It has spread to areas of England, as well[citation needed]. It is found in African countries of Morocco, northern Algeria, northwestern Libya, and northern to central Tunisia. It was introduced to Mallorca in the Baleares (not indicated on the distribution map).
N. maura is grey, brown, or reddish dorsally, with a black zigzag vertebral stripe, and lateral series of black ocelli with yellow centers. The labials are yellow with black sutures. It has a diagonal dark band on each temple, and another behind it on each side of the neck. Ventrally, it is yellow or red, checkered with black, or all black. The strongly keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 21 rows. The ventrals are 147–160; the anal plate is divided; and the paired subcaudals number 47–72. Adults may attain a total length of 85 cm (33 inches), with a tail 17 cm (7 inches) long.
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The viperine snake is found in rivers and lakes, and has also been recorded from areas of brackish water.
The species is invasive on Mallorca. N. maura predates on Pelophylax perezi among other prey on Mallorca. Research by Moore et al. 2004 suggests trophic subsidy provided by P. perezi is maintaining higher numbers of the invader than would otherwise occur. N. maura has altered the behavior of Mallorcan prey. Moore et al. 2004 found that the higher numbers mentioned above are allowing the invader to exert such high pressure that prey species such as the Majorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) have retreated entirely to habitats too steep for N. maura.
Tuesday, 23 July 2019
30-5-2019 VICTORIA FALLS , ZAMBIA - TRUMPETER HORNBILL (Bycanistes bucinator)
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The trumpeter hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator) is a medium-sized hornbill, with length between 58 and 65 cm (23 and 26 in), characterized by a large grey casque on the bill, smaller in females. The eyes are brown or red, with pink surrounding skin. Body mass is between 0.45 and 1 kg (0.99 and 2.20 lb).[2] It is similar to silvery-cheeked hornbill. Distinguishing features include an all-black back, white belly and white underwing coverts (in flight, wings present white tips), and red facial skin.
The trumpeter hornbill is a gregarious bird, usually living in groups of two to five individuals, although sometimes as many as fifty. This hornbill is a locally common resident of the tropical evergreen forests of Burundi, Mozambique, Botswana, Congo, North Pare Mountains of Tanzania, Kenya, the Caprivi strip of Namibia and eastern South Africa, where it feeds on fruits and large insects. Like other hornbills, the females incubate four to five white eggs while sealed in the nest compartment.
30-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - BRISTLY SNAKEROOT (Persicaria madagascariensis)
Bristly Snakeroot can refer to several different plants, most commonly Persicaria madagascariensis (a type of knotweed) or one of several species in the genus Ageratina, which are often referred to as "snakeroot" due to historical, though often incorrect, beliefs about their medicinal use for snakebites.
Persicaria madagascariensis: This plant is an actual "Bristly Snakeroot" as a common name. It belongs to the knotweed family (Polygonaceae).
30-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - AFRICAN VEINED WHITE BUTTERFLY (Belenois gidica ssp. abyssinica)
The "African veined white" butterfly is a species called Belenois gidica, also known as the pointed caper. It is a common butterfly in Afrotropical regions, found in savanna habitats and active year-round, with an adult wingspan of about 5 cm. Its larvae feed on caper bushes and other related plants, and adults feed on nectar from various flowers.
Key characteristics
Scientific name: Belenois gidica
Other names: Pointed caper
Appearance: White wings with black or dark brown veins
Size: Wingspan of approximately 5 cm (40–55 mm)
Habitat: Savanna-bushveld habitats, open fields, gardens, and meadows
Activity: Adults are on the wing throughout the year
Larval host plant: Wild caper bush (Capparis sepiaria) is a primary food source for the larvae. Other host plants include Boscia and Maerua species.
Life cycle and behavior
Eggs: Laid on the underside of host plant leaves.
Larvae: Feed on the foliage of their host plants.
Pupae: Create chrysalises that attach to plant stems, leaves, or nearby structures.
Adults: Feed on nectar from flowers and are often seen fluttering in open, sunny areas.
Occurs across the Afrotropical realm, from the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal to the Lowveld and Limpopo Valley in southern Africa.
Can also be found in other parts of its range, such as the Himalayas, the Middle East, and North Africa.
30-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - AFRICAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus auratus),
The African golden oriole, known scientifically as Oriolus auratus, is a vibrant member of the oriole family. This passerine bird is a permanent resident in the verdant landscapes of Africa, south of the formidable Sahara desert.
The male African golden oriole is a vision of black and yellow, predominantly cloaked in yellow with stark black flight feathers and central tail feathers. A notable feature is the abundance of gold in the wings, setting it apart from its Eurasian cousin. The female, in contrast, is garbed in a more subdued green, with contrasting wings and a distinctive black eye region.
This species favors the thick bush and other densely wooded areas, where it can often be found flitting among the tree canopies.
The African golden oriole graces a wide range of territories, from Senegal and Gambia to western Ethiopia and southern Somalia, and from Angola to central Mozambique.
Orioles are known for their elusive nature. Even the brightly colored male can be surprisingly difficult to spot as it blends into the yellow and green leaves of the canopy. Their flight is robust and purposeful, akin to that of a thrush, with occasional shallow dips when covering longer distances.
30-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus)
The African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus ) is a species of stork from the family Ciconiidae. It is widely distributed in Sub-Saharan Africa and western regions of Madagascar. This species is considered common to locally abundant across its range, although it has a patchy distribution. Some experts consider there to be two sub-species, A. l. lamelligerus distributed on the main continent and A. l. madagascariensis living on the island of Madagascar. Scientists make the difference between the two sub-species due to the more pronounced longitudinal ridges on the bills of adult A. l. madagascariensis.The Asian Openbill (Anastomus oscitans ) distributed in Asia is the African Openbill’s closest relative. The two species share the same notably large bill of a peculiar shape that gives them their name.
The African Openbill is a stork measuring 80-94 cm and weighing 1-1.3 kg. The species does not exhibit any major sexual dimorphism, although the males are slightly larger than the females and have a longer and heavier bill. The adult bill is between 135-196 mm in length, brownish in color and has a gap between the upper and lower mandible. This gap is non-existent in juvenile birds and develops as the bird ages. It is because the two mandibles of the beak only meet at the tip and not in the middle that this stork genus received the name of “openbill”.
The adult plumage is overall black with iridescent green feathers on their backs, coverts and abdomens. The juvenile plumage is usually less vibrant and browner in color with the feathers of the underparts having pale tips. The legs and feet are black. The eyes are grey with grey lores and no distinct coloration of the eye-ring.
These storks are smaller in stature than most of the other species in their family which allows them to be much more agile in the air. This agility can be observed during their descents from high altitudes as they often perform steep dives and remarkable acrobatic manoeuvres. During their migration flights, the African openbill storks will use sustained flapping flight with an average wing flap rate of 200-210 flaps/minute. They will also often soar on the thermals when commuting to and from distant feeding areas. This allows them to travel long distances to obtain food without expending too much energy. In flight, these birds have their necks and head extended and their long, broad wings are spread out and perfect for soaring and gliding on the air currents.
Some African Openbill population are trans-equatorial migrants. Timing their migration to arrive in West Africa for the start of the dry period. They migrate in flocks and most of the reason and organisation behind these movements remain unknown. Some populations migrate while others are residents, migration in African Openbill highly depends on the weather conditions.
30-5-2019 RIVER ZAMBESI , ZAMBIA - GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar)
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The Gabar Goshawk, a bird of prey from the Accipitridae family, is a polymorphic species exhibiting two distinct color forms. The more common pale morph has a predominantly grey plumage with a striking white rump. Its chest, thighs, and underwings are adorned with white and grey barring, and it sports a dark grey, barred tail. The rarer dark morph, comprising about a quarter of the population, is cloaked almost entirely in black. Adult Gabar Goshawks have dark eyes, long legs, and a red cere, while juveniles display a yellow cere and legs, and their plumage is a browner shade with less defined barring. Females are notably larger than males, with males weighing between 90-173 grams and females between 167-240 grams. The species measures 28-36 cm in body length with a wingspan of approximately 63 cm.
To identify the Gabar Goshawk, look for the white rump and barred underparts in the pale morph, or the striking black plumage in the dark morph. The long legs and red cere in adults are also distinctive features. Juveniles can be recognized by their yellow cere and legs, and their generally browner, less neatly barred plumage.
The Gabar Goshawk is found in open woodlands, particularly favoring dry Acacia savanna and broad-leaved woodlands with species such as Brachystegia, Terminalia, and Colosphermum mopane. In arid regions like the Karoo and Namib Desert, it is typically associated with tree-lined watercourses and has been known to adapt to urban environments.
30-5-2019 RIVER ZAMBESI , ZAMBIA - AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus)
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The African Jacana, Actophilornis africanus, is a distinctive wader known for its remarkable ability to traverse floating vegetation with its elongated toes and claws. This bird exhibits a striking chestnut plumage on its upperparts, complemented by black wingtips, rear neck, and an eyestripe. Adults boast a chestnut underpart, while juveniles display a white underpart with a chestnut belly patch. A blue bill, extending into a coot-like head shield, and grey legs and toes complete its unique appearance.
To identify the African Jacana, look for its long toes and claws, which are adapted for walking on lily pads and other floating vegetation. The adult's chestnut underparts contrast with the juveniles' white underparts and chestnut belly patch. The blue bill with a frontal shield and the bird's size, ranging from 23 to 31 cm in length, are also key identification features.
The African Jacana thrives in shallow lakes, where it can be seen gracefully walking on floating vegetation, a habitat it prefers and is uniquely adapted to inhabit.
This species enjoys a wide distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, where it is commonly found in suitable wetland habitats.
The African Jacana is sedentary, with some seasonal dispersion. It exhibits a polyandrous mating system, where a dominant female mates with multiple males. The males are solely responsible for incubating the eggs and rearing the chicks, showcasing remarkable adaptations for parental care, such as the ability to carry chicks under their wings.
Breeding occurs throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The African Jacana lays four brown eggs marked with black, in a nest that floats amidst the vegetation. The male takes on the role of incubating the eggs and caring for the young, a testament to the species' unique breeding system.
The African Jacana might be confused with the Madagascar Jacana, which is similar in size. However, the latter is geographically isolated to Madagascar, reducing the likelihood of confusion within the African Jacana's range.
The diet consists primarily of insects and other invertebrates, which the African Jacana deftly picks from the water's surface or from the floating vegetation it frequents.
The IUCN Red List classifies the African Jacana as Least Concern, indicating that, currently, there are no immediate threats to its population levels.
29-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - FLATTIES SPIDER (Family Selenopidae)
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Selenopidae, also called wall crab spiders, wall spiders and flatties, is a family of nocturnal, free-ranging, araneomorph spiders first described by Eugène Simon in 1897. It contains over 281 species in nine genera, of which Selenops is the most well-known. This family is just one of several families whose English name includes the phrase "crab spider". These spiders are often called "Flatties" due to their flattened dorsal profile. The Afrikaans name for these spiders is "Muurspinnekop," which translates directly to "wall spider." The name Selenopidae comes from the greek moon goddess, Selene, as their eyes resemble the moon.
29-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor)
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The Chinspot Batis is a small, active bird native to sub-Saharan Africa, known for the female's distinct chestnut throat spot, which gives the species its name. These birds are common in savannas and woodlands, where they forage for insects solitarily or in pairs, and are characterized by their black and white or grey plumage and a characteristic "three-blind-mice" call.
Key facts
Appearance: A dumpy, flycatcher-like bird, approximately 12-13 cm long.
Male: Has a black throat and a broad black chest band.
Female: Has a chestnut throat spot and a chestnut chest band.
Both: Have grey caps, white eyestripes, and prominent white wing stripes.
Habitat: Prefers savanna, broadleaf woodlands, and edges of montane forests. They are also found in orchards and gardens but avoid dense forests and plantations.
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Diet: Primarily insectivorous, eating flies, beetles, wasps, and other insects. They glean insects from leaves and branches or catch them in flight.
Behavior:
Social: Often found singly or in pairs, but will join mixed-species flocks. Males defend their territory year-round.
Vocalization: Makes a distinctive three-note, downslurred "three-blind-mice" call.
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Breeding:
Nest: Both parents build a cup-shaped nest from plant fibers and spiderwebs, often camouflaged with lichen.
Eggs: Lays 1-4 eggs, with both parents incubating for about 18 days.
Chicks: Fledge after about 16-18 days and stay with parents for another 6-14 weeks.
Distribution: Widespread in sub-Saharan Africa, from Kenya and Angola southwards.
Conservation Status: Listed as "least concern" by the IUCN due to stable populations and wide distribution.
Monday, 22 July 2019
31-5-2019 THORNTREE CAMP, ZAMBIA - COLLARED PALM THRUSH (Cichladusa arquata)
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The collared palm thrush (Cichladusa arquata) is a species of bird in the family Muscicapidae. It is found in Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are dry savannah and subtropical or tropical moist shrubland.
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The Collared Palm-Thrush is a medium-sized bird from Africa, characterized by its dark greyish-brown plumage and a distinctive pale collar or streaks on its neck and breast. It is known for its melodious song and its diet of insects, fruits, and seeds, which it typically forages for on the ground. Its natural habitats are woodlands, dry savannahs, and riverine areas. Scientific name: \(Cichladusa\ arquata\)
Physical description:Measures about 20–23 cm (8–9 inches) in length.Has a dark greyish-brown or olive-brown body.Features a pale collar on its neck or distinctive black streaks on the breast.The juvenile has a streaked breast and lacks the adult's collar marking.Habitat and range:Inhabits woodlands, dry savannahs, and subtropical/tropical moist shrubland.Frequently found in riverine habitats.Geographically distributed across parts of Africa, including Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.Behavior and diet:Forages on the ground for insects, fruits, and seeds, and will also glean food from foliage.Males have a melodious song to attract females and establish territory, which can include mimicry of other birds' calls.The species is generally listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.
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