Animal Species Profiles:
Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & More
Explore wildlife from around the world with the species profiles on WildlifePhotographer. Mammals, birds, reptiles… For each species, you’ll find key information such as habitat, observation periods, distribution, and photography tips. Want more details and advanced features? Download the full app for the complete experience.
Alpine accentor
Prunella collaris
The alpine accentor is a small mountain passerine, 14–15 cm long, with streaked grey-brown plumage and a slightly darker head. It inhabits alpine rocky slopes, scree, and high meadows, feeding on insects, seeds, and berries. During the breeding season, males and females establish territories and the male performs song flights to attract the female.
Anhinga
Anhinga anhinga
The Anhinga, also known as the "snakebird," is a captivating aquatic bird. It is characterized by its long, sinuous neck and sharp beak, ideal for catching fish. Its plumage is predominantly black with metallic sheens, and its wings feature distinctive silver patterns. Unlike other water birds, the Anhinga lacks oil glands to waterproof its feathers, making it more adept at diving deep to hunt. After fishing, it must dry its wings by spreading them in the sun. It is primarily found in swamps, lakes, and rivers of Central and South America.
African Pygmy Goose
Nettapus auritus
The Nettapus auritus, or African Pygmy Goose, is a small African duck with distinctive plumage. Males have a white head with metallic green patches, while females display more subdued tones. Their body is mainly brown with greenish reflections on the wings. These aquatic birds prefer wetlands such as marshes and shallow lakes where they feed on seeds and aquatic plants. They are often seen in small groups and are known for their fast, direct flight. Their behavior is generally suspicious, making them difficult to approach.
Alpine Chough
Pyrrhocorax graculus
The Alpine Chough, or Pyrrhocorax graculus, is a mountain bird from the Corvidae family. It is recognized by its glossy black plumage, bright yellow bill, and red legs. This bird is often seen in the Alps and the Pyrenees, where it moves in noisy flocks. Exceptionally agile in flight, it can skillfully maneuver in updrafts. Opportunistic, it feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and food scraps left by hikers. The chough is a sociable bird, often not very shy, and easily approaches humans. It nests in rock crevices and cliffs, usually laying three to five eggs.
Andean condor
Vultur gryphus
The Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world, known for its impressive wingspan reaching up to 3.3 meters. It primarily inhabits the Andean mountains, where it feeds on animal carcasses. Its majestic flight and habit of soaring at high altitudes make it a fascinating subject for photographers. Although protected, the Andean condor is threatened by habitat loss and poisoning from consuming contaminated carcasses.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock
Rupicola peruvianus
The Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola peruvianus, is a striking bird found in the humid forests of the Andes. The male is known for its vibrant orange plumage, while the female is more subdued with brownish tones. This bird is famous for its elaborate courtship displays, where males gather in leks to perform dances and distinctive calls to attract females. Primarily frugivorous, it plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding in the regeneration of its habitat. Although currently listed as "Least Concern," deforestation and habitat loss pose potential threats to its survival.
Aplomado Falcon
Falco femoralis
The Aplomado Falcon, Falco femoralis, is a sleek and slender raptor, recognizable by its distinctive plumage. It features a slate-gray back, a white belly, and a black band across the chest. Its wings are long and pointed, adapted for fast and agile flights. This falcon is primarily found in open grasslands, savannas, and semi-desert areas of Central and South America. A skilled predator, it mainly feeds on small birds, rodents, and insects. Although its habitat is vast, it is sometimes threatened by the loss of its natural environment. Its behavior is generally suspicious, but it can become accustomed to human presence in some areas.
Alpine warbler
Sylvia subalpina
The alpine warbler is a small passerine of 12–13 cm with olive-brown, faintly streaked plumage and buff flanks. It inhabits alpine heath, subalpine meadows and open coniferous woodland. It feeds mainly on insects and spiders captured in vegetation. During breeding, males sing in flight or from elevated perches to attract females.
Andean flamingo
Phoenicoparrus andinus
The Andean flamingo is a rare species of flamingo that inhabits saline and alkaline lagoons of the high Andes plateaus, primarily in Argentina, Chile, and Bolivia. It is distinguished by its white plumage and pale pink hues, as well as its graceful silhouette. This species is threatened by habitat loss and human disturbance and is listed as a protected species. It primarily feeds on algae and small crustaceans found in saline waters.
Atlantic Puffin
Fratercula arctica
The Atlantic Puffin is a seabird characteristic of the coasts of the North Atlantic, particularly around the British Isles, Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Canada. It measures about 30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 50 to 60 cm, and weighs between 300 and 500 g. It is distinguished by its black and white plumage and its colorful beak, which is bright orange with red and blue bands during the breeding season. Outside of the breeding period, the Atlantic Puffin loses its bright colors and its beak becomes paler. This bird is an excellent diver, primarily feeding on fish and crustaceans, which it catches by diving underwater with great agility. The Atlantic Puffin is also known for its social behavior, gathering in large colonies during breeding on cliffs or remote islands. Although it is widely distributed, the Atlantic Puffin is sensitive to human disturbances, such as disruptions caused by tourism, and ocean pollution, particularly oil spills.
African penguin
Spheniscus demersus
The African penguin, also known as the Jackass penguin, is a species of penguin found along the southwestern coast of Africa, primarily in South Africa and Namibia. It is easily recognizable by its black-and-white plumage and the large pink band around its eyes. This penguin is an excellent swimmer, feeding mainly on fish and crustaceans. While it is an iconic species of the region, it is endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing.
Alpine Swift
Tachymarptis melba
The Alpine Swift is a large swift measuring between 20 and 23 cm in length, with a wingspan of 51 to 58 cm. It has a white belly and throat, separated by a brown pectoral band, and a brown-gray back. It is often confused with the Common Swift, but it is larger and more robust. A migratory species, it winters in tropical Africa and returns to Europe between March and April. It primarily nests in inaccessible rock cavities but can also occupy urban sites. It feeds exclusively on insects captured in flight, often at high altitudes. It is monogamous, and pair bonds can last over ten years. In Switzerland, it is present from late March to late October. A protected species, it is considered potentially threatened due to the loss of its natural nesting sites.
Andean Goose
Chloephaga melanoptera
The Andean Goose, or Chloephaga melanoptera, is a striking bird of the Andes, known for its black wings contrasting with its white plumage. It inhabits mountainous regions of South America, mainly in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. This robust bird is well adapted to high altitudes, often seen near high-altitude lakes and marshes. Andean Geese are monogamous and form lifelong pairs. They primarily feed on aquatic vegetation and grasses. Their behavior is generally not very shy, allowing for easy observation. However, their remote and challenging habitat makes study more complex.
Arabian Bustard
Ardeotis arabs
The Arabian Bustard, Ardeotis arabs, is a large terrestrial bird primarily inhabiting the arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is recognizable by its brown and white plumage, long neck, and sturdy legs. Males are generally larger than females and can reach an impressive wingspan. This bird prefers open plains and savannas where it feeds mainly on seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. Although capable of flight, the Arabian Bustard spends most of its time on the ground. It is known for its spectacular courtship displays where the male puffs up its feathers to attract the attention of females.
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
The American White Pelican, or Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, is a large aquatic bird known for its striking white plumage and bright orange bill. It is primarily found in North America, frequenting lakes, rivers, and wetlands. In flight, its black wings contrast with its white body, creating a majestic silhouette. This gregarious bird feeds mainly on fish, which it captures using its bill's expandable pouch. During the breeding season, it forms colonies on isolated islands. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," it is sensitive to human disturbances and water pollution.
Arctic loon
Gavia arctica
African Spoonbill
Platalea alba
The African Spoonbill, or Platalea alba, is a striking wading bird known for its spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to sift through water for food. It boasts a bright white plumage that contrasts with its reddish legs and bill. This bird is primarily found in the wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa, frequenting marshes, lakes, and rivers. The African Spoonbill is a gregarious bird, often seen in groups, and feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Its breeding season varies by region but is generally tied to the rainy season when food resources are plentiful.
Arctic tern
Sterna paradisaea
The Arctic Tern is a migratory bird species primarily found in coastal regions of the Arctic during the summer, and in tropical and subtropical areas during the winter. It measures about 35 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80 to 100 cm, and weighs between 90 and 130 g. Its plumage is mostly white with gray tones on the back and wings, and its head is black with a distinctive black band around the eyes. The Arctic Tern is famous for its impressive migrations, traveling thousands of kilometers between its breeding sites in the Arctic and its wintering grounds in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It primarily feeds on fish and marine invertebrates, which it catches by diving into the water. While its population remains stable, the Arctic Tern is threatened by habitat loss, human disturbances, and climate change.