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  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155645.jpg
  • Alpine Swifts Apus melba, which winter in Africa and breed in southern Europe, turn up in small numbers in spring, carried here on strong southerly winds.
    155164.jpg
  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
    154931.jpg
  • Mirbeck’s Oak Quercus canariensis (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Domed, columnar tree. BARK Thick, dark-grey and furrowed. LEAVES Ovate to elliptic, to 15cm long, up to 12 lobes. Young leaves hairy and reddish, maturing darker green and smooth. Some turn yellow and fall in autumn, others remain through winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins yellowish-green and pendulous; female catkins are small. Acorns, to 2.5cm long, ovate, one-third hidden in scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native N Africa and SW Europe, planted here occasionally.
    135225.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    135126.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    132513.jpg
  • Scimitar-horned Oryx Oryx dammah Shoulder height to 1m Endangered antelope associated with deserts and semi-deserts of North Africa and Middle East. Coat is buffish-brown grading to whitish and horns are long and curved.
    135628.jpg
  • Roller Coracias garrulus. Length 30-32cm. A colourful and unmistakeable bird of crow-like proportions and size, with a powerful, hook-tipped bill. Adult has a blue head, neck and underparts, palest on the forehead and with a narrow dark patch through the eye. The back is chestnut and the rump, tail and parts of the wing are bluish-purple. In flight, the wings look striking, the dark flight feathers contrasting with the paler blue coverts; note also the dark tips to the otherwise pale blue outer tail feathers. Juvenile has similar markings but the colours are much duller. The Roller breeds in southern Europe and winters in Africa, and most records in our region (four or five in a good year) occur around migration times. Vagrants are usually found in dry, open habitats such as heaths, and typically perch out in the open.
    129082.jpg
  • White Stork Ciconia ciconia L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
    129538.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    137593.jpg
  • White Stork - Ciconia ciconia. L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
    157672.jpg
  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
    157650.jpg
  • Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus. L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
    157641.jpg
  • Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus. L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
    157640.jpg
  • Western Subalpine Warbler - Sylvia cantillans. Length 12-13cm. A secretive bird, reminiscent of a Dartford Warbler in size, shape and habits. Adult Male has blue-grey upperparts, except for the brownish wings. The throat and breast are reddish, but note the striking white 'moustache'; the belly is white and note also the red orbital ring. Adult Female and Juvenile have much duller colours than the male, although a hint odf a pale 'moustache' can usually be discerned. Utters a sharp 'tchett' alarm call. The Western Subalpine Warbler breeds in southern Europe and winters in Africa; vagrants (a dozen or so in a good year) occur mainly at migration times, typically in coastal scrub.
    156753.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    156472.jpg
  • Western Subalpine Warbler - Sylvia cantillans. Length 12-13cm. A secretive bird, reminiscent of a Dartford Warbler in size, shape and habits. Adult Male has blue-grey upperparts, except for the brownish wings. The throat and breast are reddish, but note the striking white 'moustache'; the belly is white and note also the red orbital ring. Adult Female and Juvenile have much duller colours than the male, although a hint odf a pale 'moustache' can usually be discerned. Utters a sharp 'tchett' alarm call. The Western Subalpine Warbler breeds in southern Europe and winters in Africa; vagrants (a dozen or so in a good year) occur mainly at migration times, typically in coastal scrub.
    156017.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - adult.  L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155985.jpg
  • Alpine Swifts Apus melba, which winter in Africa and breed in southern Europe, turn up in small numbers in spring, carried here on strong southerly winds.
    155608.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155644.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - Juvenile.  L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155535.jpg
  • White Stork Ciconia ciconia L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
    155210.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans - Adult. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    155172.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans - Adult. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    155173.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans - Adult. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    155174.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155115.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155114.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155113.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155112.jpg
  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
    155111.jpg
  • German-ivy Delairea odorata (Asteraceae) Spreading, trailing plant. Originally from South Africa but introduced elsewhere and often an invasive problem plant in coastal areas in particular. Leaves are superificially ivy-shaped. Flowers are yellow and vaguely daisy-like. Established on Isles of Scilly.
    155101.jpg
  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
    154829.jpg
  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
    154830.jpg
  • Alpine Swifts Apus melba, which winter in Africa and breed in southern Europe, turn up in small numbers in spring, carried here on strong southerly winds.
    154283.jpg
  • Alpine Swifts Apus melba, which winter in Africa and breed in southern Europe, turn up in small numbers in spring, carried here on strong southerly winds.
    154284.jpg
  • Alpine Swifts Apus melba, which winter in Africa and breed in southern Europe, turn up in small numbers in spring, carried here on strong southerly winds.
    154285.jpg
  • Western Sublapine Warbler - Sylvia cantillans cantillans - female. Length 12-13cm. A secretive bird, reminiscent of a Dartford Warbler in size, shape and habits. Adult Male has blue-grey upperparts, except for the brownish wings. The throat and breast are reddish, but note the striking white 'moustache'; the belly is white and note also the red orbital ring. Adult Female and Juvenile have much duller colours than the male, although a hint odf a pale 'moustache' can usually be discerned. Utters a sharp 'tchett' alarm call. The Western Subalpine Warbler breeds in southern Europe and winters in Africa; vagrants (a dozen or so in a good year) occur mainly at migration times, typically in coastal scrub.
    154350.jpg
  • Western Sublapine Warbler - Sylvia cantillans cantillans - immature. Length 12-13cm. A secretive bird, reminiscent of a Dartford Warbler in size, shape and habits. Adult Male has blue-grey upperparts, except for the brownish wings. The throat and breast are reddish, but note the striking white 'moustache'; the belly is white and note also the red orbital ring. Adult Female and Juvenile have much duller colours than the male, although a hint odf a pale 'moustache' can usually be discerned. Utters a sharp 'tchett' alarm call. The Western Subalpine Warbler breeds in southern Europe and winters in Africa; vagrants (a dozen or so in a good year) occur mainly at migration times, typically in coastal scrub.
    154351.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    153814.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    153815.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    153816.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
    153817.jpg
  • Mirbeck’s Oak Quercus canariensis (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Domed, columnar tree. BARK Thick, dark-grey and furrowed. LEAVES Ovate to elliptic, to 15cm long, up to 12 lobes. Young leaves hairy and reddish, maturing darker green and smooth. Some turn yellow and fall in autumn, others remain through winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins yellowish-green and pendulous; female catkins are small. Acorns, to 2.5cm long, ovate, one-third hidden in scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native N Africa and SW Europe, planted here occasionally.
    135043.jpg
  • Mirbeck’s Oak Quercus canariensis (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Domed, columnar tree. BARK Thick, dark-grey and furrowed. LEAVES Ovate to elliptic, to 15cm long, up to 12 lobes. Young leaves hairy and reddish, maturing darker green and smooth. Some turn yellow and fall in autumn, others remain through winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins yellowish-green and pendulous; female catkins are small. Acorns, to 2.5cm long, ovate, one-third hidden in scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native N Africa and SW Europe, planted here occasionally.
    135042.jpg
  • Mirbeck’s Oak Quercus canariensis (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Domed, columnar tree. BARK Thick, dark-grey and furrowed. LEAVES Ovate to elliptic, to 15cm long, up to 12 lobes. Young leaves hairy and reddish, maturing darker green and smooth. Some turn yellow and fall in autumn, others remain through winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins yellowish-green and pendulous; female catkins are small. Acorns, to 2.5cm long, ovate, one-third hidden in scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native N Africa and SW Europe, planted here occasionally.
    134973.jpg
  • Mirbeck’s Oak Quercus canariensis (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Domed, columnar tree. BARK Thick, dark-grey and furrowed. LEAVES Ovate to elliptic, to 15cm long, up to 12 lobes. Young leaves hairy and reddish, maturing darker green and smooth. Some turn yellow and fall in autumn, others remain through winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins yellowish-green and pendulous; female catkins are small. Acorns, to 2.5cm long, ovate, one-third hidden in scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native N Africa and SW Europe, planted here occasionally.
    134636.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    134579.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    132711.jpg
  • Mirbeck’s Oak Quercus canariensis (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Domed, columnar tree. BARK Thick, dark-grey and furrowed. LEAVES Ovate to elliptic, to 15cm long, up to 12 lobes. Young leaves hairy and reddish, maturing darker green and smooth. Some turn yellow and fall in autumn, others remain through winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins yellowish-green and pendulous; female catkins are small. Acorns, to 2.5cm long, ovate, one-third hidden in scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native N Africa and SW Europe, planted here occasionally.
    132550.jpg
  • Mirbeck’s Oak Quercus canariensis (Fagaceae) HEIGHT to 25m. Domed, columnar tree. BARK Thick, dark-grey and furrowed. LEAVES Ovate to elliptic, to 15cm long, up to 12 lobes. Young leaves hairy and reddish, maturing darker green and smooth. Some turn yellow and fall in autumn, others remain through winter. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male catkins yellowish-green and pendulous; female catkins are small. Acorns, to 2.5cm long, ovate, one-third hidden in scaly cup. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native N Africa and SW Europe, planted here occasionally.
    132549.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    132514.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    132275.jpg
  • Atlas Cedar Cedrus atlantica (Pinaceae) HEIGHT to 40m <br />
Broadly conical or pyramidal tree, domed when mature. Leading shoot usually rises above domed top. BARK Dark grey, cracking into large plates with deep fissures. BRANCHES Tips angled upwards. Shoots short and ascending. LEAVES shiny deep green 1-3cm long and in clusters. REPRODUCTIVE PARTS Male cones 3–5cm long, pinkish-yellow. Ripe female cones are squat, with a sunken tip and small central boss; to 8cm long and 5cm across. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION Native of Atlas Mountains of N Africa; widely planted for ornament.
    113422.jpg
  • German-ivy Delairea odorata (Asteraceae) Spreading, trailing plant. Originally from South Africa but introduced elsewhere and often an invasive problem plant in coastal areas in particular. Leaves are superificially ivy-shaped. Flowers are yellow and vaguely daisy-like. Established on Isles of Scilly.
    143553.jpg
  • Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta Length 90-140cm Powerful predator and scavenger. Lives in family groups and an active predator as well as scavenger. Coat is buffish-brown with variable degrees of darker spotting. Widespread but local in sub-Saharan Africa, restricted to savannah grassland habitats.
    112039.jpg
  • Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta Length 90-140cm Powerful predator and scavenger. Lives in family groups and an active predator as well as scavenger. Coat is buffish-brown with variable degrees of darker spotting. Widespread but local in sub-Saharan Africa, restricted to savannah grassland habitats.
    112044.jpg
  • Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta Length 90-140cm Powerful predator and scavenger. Lives in family groups and an active predator as well as scavenger. Coat is buffish-brown with variable degrees of darker spotting. Widespread but local in sub-Saharan Africa, restricted to savannah grassland habitats.
    112607.jpg
  • Gemsbok Oryx gazella Shoulder height to 1.2m Large antelope, whose range is semi-desert terrain in southern Africa. Colour is ober grey-brown but note the dark strip on the face and along the lower flank. Horns are very long and only slightly curved.
    132839.jpg
  • Golden Jackal Canis aureus Length 70-110cm Aka Common Jackal, it recalls a small wolf. Coat is brown and grizzled-grey. Diet is predatory and scavenging. Widespread in North Africa, Middle East and Asia.
    139695.jpg
  • Leopard Panthera pardus Length to 250cm (including roughly 80-100cm tail) Large, mainly noctural and secretive cat. Distinctive spotted coat affords animal good camouflage. Widespread in Africa and warm regions of south Asia.
    143254.jpg
  • Common Genet Genetta genetta Length 85-100cm Slender, long-tailed carnivore whose coat has rows of dark spots; tailed had dark bands and is white-tipped. Widespread across Iberian peninsula and North Africa.
    145461.jpg
  • African Clawed Toad Xenopus laevis Length 10-12cm Native of southern Africa and laboratory animal. Body is extremely flattened and olive-brown marked with darker spots. Colonies have become established in few rivers in south Wales.
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  • Alpine Swifts Apus melba, which winter in Africa and breed in southern Europe, turn up in small numbers in spring, carried here on strong southerly winds.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • White Stork Ciconia ciconia L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
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  • White Stork Ciconia ciconia L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
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  • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
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  • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
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  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
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  • Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor L 19-21cm. Smaller than similar Great Grey Shrike with more white on the longer wings and black eyepatch that extends to the forehead. It winters in Africa and breeds in S and SE Europe.
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  • Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor L 19-21cm. Smaller than similar Great Grey Shrike with more white on the longer wings and black eyepatch that extends to the forehead. It winters in Africa and breeds in S and SE Europe.
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  • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • White Stork Ciconia ciconia L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
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  • Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor L 19-21cm. Smaller than similar Great Grey Shrike with more white on the longer wings and black eyepatch that extends to the forehead. It winters in Africa and breeds in S and SE Europe.
    137041.jpg
  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
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  • White Stork Ciconia ciconia L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
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  • White Stork Ciconia ciconia L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
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  • White Stork Ciconia ciconia L 100-115cm. Large and unmistakable black-and-white bird. Winters in Africa, breeds in mainland Europe and turns up in small numbers, usually in spring and summer, favouring wet grassland.
    137903.jpg
  • Black Kite Milvus migrans. Wingspan 145-155cm. A medium-sized raptor that is most easily confused with a Red Kite or Marsh Harrier. All birds have mainly brown plumage that is palest on the head. In flight, note the forked tail, although this can appear straight-ended when broadly fanned. Note also the pale panel on the outer flight feathers of the otherwise rather dark wings. At very close range, the yellow base to the bill and the yellow legs can sometimes be discerned. The Black Kite breeds in mainland Europe and winters in Africa. Vagrants to our region usually turn up in spring and autumn, and perhaps 10 or so might be recorded in a good year. However, most individuals seldom linger in one location for very long and so usually they are seen by just a handful of lucky observers.
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  • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
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  • Western Subalpine Warbler - Sylvia cantillans. Length 12-13cm. A secretive bird, reminiscent of a Dartford Warbler in size, shape and habits. Adult Male has blue-grey upperparts, except for the brownish wings. The throat and breast are reddish, but note the striking white 'moustache'; the belly is white and note also the red orbital ring. Adult Female and Juvenile have much duller colours than the male, although a hint odf a pale 'moustache' can usually be discerned. Utters a sharp 'tchett' alarm call. The Western Subalpine Warbler breeds in southern Europe and winters in Africa; vagrants (a dozen or so in a good year) occur mainly at migration times, typically in coastal scrub.
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  • Tawny Pipit - Anthus pratensis Length to 16cm. Relatively large, long-tailed pipit associated with dry grassland and arid habitats generally. Adult has sandy-buff plumage with subdued streaks on breast and back. Breeding range extends from S Europe to Asia; winters in Africa and S Asia.
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  • Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea Wetland bird, associated with reedbeds in Europe but more general marshland habitats elsewhere. Breeds across temperate Europe and Asia, winters in southern Asia and Africa. Maroon and orange-buff plumage allow separation from Grey Heron.
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  • Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus - 1st winter. L 55-65cm. Wetland bird with heron-like proportions and Curlew-like bill. Maroon and metallic plumage is only obvious in good light. Breeds in S Europe and winters mainly in Africa. Occasional visitors here are often long-stayers.
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  • Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus. L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus L 65-72cm. Striking Shelduck-sized bird. In flight, bold white patch on inner wing useful for identification. Bill and legs are pink. Sexes are similar. Adult has grubby white head and neck; pale eye is surrounded by dark patch. Orange-buff breast is clearly separated from paler neck and darker, grey-buff belly; note small, dark patch on centre of breast. Back is dark grey-brown; note white and chestnut on wing, seen in resting birds. Juvenile is similar but colours are duller; dark breast spot and patch around eye are absent. Voice Mostly silent. Status Introduced from Africa but now well established and increasing. Usually seen near water, often on nearby grassland.
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  • Alpine Swift Apus melba, which winter in Africa and breed in southern Europe, turn up in small numbers in spring, carried here on strong southerly winds.
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  • Bronze Mannakin - Lonchura cucullata<br />
male and female
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  • Western Olivaceous Warbler - Iduna opaca
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  • Greyish Eagle-owl - Bubo cinerascens
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  • Common Bulbul - Pycnonotus barbatus
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  • African Thrush - Turdus pelios
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  • Little Crake - Porzana parva
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  • Cuckoo - Cuculus canorus
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