LARGE COPPER BUTTERFLY (Lycaena dispar) male, Bihar Plain, Furta, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary

 

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The Large Copper Butterfly (Lycaena dispar) is of the family Lycaenidae which is in the genus Lycaena. Its main strong hold is south western Asia and south eastern Europe. In addition there are isolated populations in France, Holland, Germany, Italy, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Kaliningrad and Poland. 

It is found in damp areas near lakes, canals, rivers and in fens where its larval food plants Docks (Rumex) occurs, this includes Water Dock (Rumex hydrolapathum), Curled Dock (Rumex crispus) and Broad Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius). 

Formally bred Britain (in East Anglia, England but became extinct by 1851), subsequent reintroductions failed to permanently re-establish it. There were also a number of attempts to establish a population in Ireland but to no avail and the last report was in 1953.  

 

Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

EASTERN IMPERIAL EAGLE (Aquila heliaca) immature Bihar Plain, Furta, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary

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The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) is of the family Accipitridae which is in the genus Aquila. This very large uncommon bird of prey which breeds in central and south eastern Europe as well as western and central Asia. The European population winters in north east Africa. The Asian population winters in the Middle East, northern Indian and South East Asia. Small numbers remain in the breeding areas all year round. Major prey items include hares, rabbits, susliks (a type of ground squirrel), birds and carrion. 

 

 Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

PALLID HARRIER (Circus macrourus) male Bihar Plain, Furta, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary

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The Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) is of the family Accipitridae which is in the genus Circus.This is a scarce summer breeding resident in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In recent times, it has expanded its range to the west and north in Europe. Its preferred habitats are open steppes, agricultural areas and grassland plains. Prey items include insects, rodents and small birds. The European population winters in sub Saharan Africa and the Asian population winters in the Indian sub-continent and South East Asia. 

 

 

  Patrick J. O'Keeffe / Raw Birds

COMMON SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY (Papilio machaon) Bihar Plain, Furta, Hajdú-Bihar megye, Hungary

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In the family Papilionidae, there are 225 species of Swallowtail Butterfly (as well as a number of subfamilies) and they are mainly found in the tropical regions of the world.The Common Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) occurs in North America, Europe and Asia and many subspecies are recognised. It has a widespread distribution in Europe but is absent from Iceland and Ireland. Text © www.rawbirds.com