Wetlands / Aviary
In a large, 26 metre tall sphere, two of the most characteristic coastal wetlands of the planet are represented: the American mangrove and the Mediterranean marshland.
Wetlands are one of the richest, most productive ecosystems on the planet. They are the habitat for hundreds of endemic species of endangered flora and fauna; they shape beautiful landscapes; they regulate the hydrological cycle and filter contaminants – therefore performing essential ecological functions. All wetlands are areas of transition between land and aquatic areas. They can be continental or coastal.
Black-crowned night heron
Nycticorax nycticorax
The black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a nocturnal species of heron which emits a hoarse squawk like a raven.
Common moorhen
Gallinula chloropus
The common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), also called the waterhen, is commonly seen in lagoons flying at ground level, emitting a series of sounds to mark its territory.
Eurasian spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia
The Eurasian spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) is a wading bird, widespread between Eurasia and Africa.
European pond turtle
Emys orbicularis
The European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) is a turtle which is very resistant to the cold, and when the temperature drops greatly, it can hibernate at the bottom of the water.
Glossy ibis
Plegadis falcinellus
The glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a species of ibis, with its characteristic curved beak and dark plumage.
Green heron
Butorides striatus
The green heron (Butorides virescens) is another of the animals that lives in the aviary of Oceanogràfic. It is a medium sized bird which usually measures 46 centimetres.
Iberian ribbed newt
Pleurodeles waltl
The Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl) is an amphibian of the newt family, with a large head, small eyes and a long tail.
Little egret
Egretta garzetta
Egretta garzetta is the scientific name for the little egret, one of the characteristic birds of the wetland area.
Red-eared slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is a reptile which lives in the mangrove of the Oceanogràfic aviary, its size not exceeding 30 centimetres and living at shallow depths.
Roseate spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
The roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) comes from the United States and South America. This bird is raised in colonies which serve as a defence against predators.
Scarlet ibis
Eudocimus ruber
The scarlet ibis has the scientific name Eudocimus ruber. This bright red bird can measure up to 70 centimetres.
Spanish pond turtle
Mauremys leprosa
The Spanish pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) is a very long-lived animal which can live for one hundred years.
Western swamphen
Porphyrio porphyrio
The western swamphen receives the scientific name of Porphyrio porphyrio, and is a typical bird from the Albufera of Valencia.