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.
Jack Snip
Gallinago media
The Great Snipe is an elegant wader, easily recognized by its mottled brown and beige plumage and two long white bands visible on its wings, from which it gets its name. This species, slightly larger than the Common Snipe, inhabits marshes, wetlands, and riverbanks in Europe and Asia, where it primarily feeds on worms, insects, and small crustaceans found in the mud. The Great Snipe is a particularly discreet bird, often blending into its environment.
Migratory, it covers long distances between its breeding grounds in Europe and its wintering sites in North Africa and Asia. Although less abundant than other waders, the Great Snipe is affected by habitat loss and changes in the hydrological regime in its breeding areas.
Japanese Jay
Garrulus glandarius japonicus
The Japanese Jay is a medium-sized bird known for its colorful plumage and distinctive crest. It features a mix of colors from pinkish-brown to bright blue on the wings, with black and white markings. This bird is primarily arboreal, inhabiting deciduous and coniferous forests in Japan. It is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds. Omnivorous, it feeds on acorns, insects, and small animals. The Japanese Jay plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration.
Japanese crane
Grus japonensis
The Japanese Crane is a large migratory bird, recognized for its elegant silhouette and spectacular courtship dances. It stands about 140 cm tall, with a wingspan of 2.4 to 2.8 meters, and weighs between 6 and 10 kg. Its plumage is mainly white, with black feathers on its back and wings, and a distinct red head, which is often featherless. It also has black patches around its eyes. The Japanese Crane primarily inhabits marshes, rice fields, and wetlands in Japan, but it is also found in China and Russia. It mainly feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, small insects, and occasionally small fish. This species is famous for its ritual courtship dances, during which the partners engage in graceful jumps and movements. The Japanese Crane is an endangered species due to habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. Conservation efforts have been made to protect its breeding habitats and resting areas.
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher
Terpsiphone atrocaudata
The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, or Terpsiphone atrocaudata, is an elegant and fascinating bird primarily found in the dense forests of Japan, Korea, and China. This bird is renowned for its glossy black plumage and long tail feathers that can reach up to 30 cm in males. Females, on the other hand, display more subdued colors, with brownish hues and a shorter tail. The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher is a migratory bird, moving south for the winter. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in flight with remarkable agility. Its melodious and varied song is often heard at dawn and dusk, adding a unique soundscape to the forests it inhabits.
Japanese White-eye
Zosterops japonicus
The Japanese White-eye, scientifically known as Zosterops japonicus, is a small passerine bird with olive-green plumage and a distinctive white eye-ring. Native to East Asia, it is commonly found in gardens, forests, and urban areas. This bird is highly social and often moves in flocks. It primarily feeds on nectar, fruits, and insects. Its adaptability to various environments makes it a resilient species. Although mainly resident, some individuals migrate seasonally. Its presence is often marked by its melodious song and high-pitched calls.