The Scarlet Macaw is one of the most iconic and colorful parrots, easily recognized by its vibrant red, blue, and yellow plumage. This large parrot primarily inhabits the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, where it feeds on fruits, nuts, and seeds. The Scarlet Macaw is a social bird, living in groups and possessing a highly developed vocal behavior. Its powerful call is often heard throughout the forest canopy. It is also known for its ability to fly long distances, gliding with grace and agility. Unfortunately, the Scarlet Macaw is threatened in certain regions due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this majestic species.

The Somali ostrich, also called the blue-necked ostrich, is a large flightless bird standing 1.5–2.7 m tall and weighing 90–156 kg, with black plumage and a pale blue-gray head and neck in males, and brown plumage in females. Endemic to the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya), it inhabits dry savannas, grasslands and sparse thornbush, feeding mainly on plants, seeds and insects. Solitary or in small groups, it relies on its remarkable speed to evade predators.

The Savanna Hawk is an impressive bird of prey, easily recognized by its light brown plumage and large wings, which allow it to fly with agility over the grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. This bird is particularly known for its unique hunting techniques, where it chases and captures insects, small mammals, and birds, often flying at low altitudes at high speeds. The Savanna Hawk gets its name from its erratic behavior, often seen during its swift and precise attacks. The Savanna Hawk is a solitary bird, building its nest in trees, often at great heights, to avoid predators. While not currently threatened, the loss of its habitat due to human expansion could pose a risk to its population.

The Shoebill stork is a majestic and imposing bird, easily recognized by its large, shoe-shaped bill that allows it to capture fish and small aquatic animals. It is found primarily in swamps, lakes, and wetlands of East Africa, especially in Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda. This large wader is a slow yet precise predator, sometimes waiting for long hours before striking its prey. The Shoebill is a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting.

The Sanderling is a small wader with a subtle plumage, mostly white and light gray, known for its quick movements along the shore to capture marine insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. This small migratory bird inhabits beaches and coastal areas of Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, primarily feeding at low tide. The Sanderling is often seen in groups, moving in perfect synchronization, a fascinating sight to observe. During migration, it covers long distances, leaving the cold regions of winter to reach temperate or tropical beaches where it finds food. While not currently threatened, it is sensitive to human disturbance and the loss of its coastal habitats.

The Snow Bunting, or Plectrophenax nivalis, is a bird from the Calcariidae family. It is easily recognizable by its white and black plumage, which allows it to blend into snowy landscapes of the Arctic and mountainous regions. In summer, it has darker plumage on its back and wings, while its belly remains white. This migratory bird breeds in Arctic and subarctic regions and migrates south in winter, sometimes reaching the northern coasts of Europe and North America. It primarily feeds on seeds and insects, which it finds by foraging on the ground. The Snow Bunting is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks, especially outside the breeding season.

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, or Cacatua galerita, is a striking bird native to Australia and New Guinea. Easily identified by its vibrant yellow crest, it sports a pure white plumage. Measuring about 45 to 50 cm in length, it has a strong beak and piercing black eyes. Social and intelligent, it lives in flocks that can number in the hundreds. Its loud, harsh call is often heard in forests, savannas, and even urban areas. Opportunistic in nature, it feeds on seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. While admired for its beauty and intelligence, it can be a pest in agricultural areas.

The Southern Cassowary, Casuarius casuarius, is a large and fascinating bird native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, Australia, and surrounding islands. It is distinguished by its glossy black plumage, striking blue head, and unique horned casque. This casque, which can reach 18 cm in height, is used to navigate through dense vegetation. Cassowaries are solitary and territorial birds, known for their shy behavior. They primarily feed on fallen fruits but can also consume small animals and fungi. Their ecological role is crucial as they disperse seeds of many plant species. Although capable of running at high speeds and swimming, they are threatened by habitat loss and vehicle collisions.

The Spotted Nutcracker is a medium-sized bird, easily recognizable by its spotted black and white plumage, which helps it blend perfectly into the coniferous forests where it lives. This passerine is primarily found in the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, where it mainly feeds on pine seeds and other fruits, which it hides in tree crevices to consume later, a behavior that makes it an excellent food gatherer. The Spotted Nutcracker is also a migratory bird, although it may sometimes remain in colder areas during the winter. This crow is known for its great intelligence and curious behavior, and it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by dispersing tree seeds, thus promoting forest regeneration. While the population of this bird is generally stable, it may be threatened by the destruction of forest habitats, particularly in areas where coniferous forests are reduced by logging.

The Sunbittern is a medium-sized bird, about 43 cm long, known for its striking wing patterns that resemble eyespots. When threatened, it fans out its wings like a butterfly or stylized sun to startle predators. It has a long beak, slender neck, and thin legs adapted to walking along rivers and streams. Found in Central and South America, it inhabits shaded riverbanks and humid forests at moderate elevations. Solitary and elusive, it feeds on small fish, aquatic insects, and invertebrates. While not currently endangered, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and water pollution.

The spotted owl is a nocturnal owl native to the dense forests of the western United States and Mexico. It is recognizable by its spotted brown plumage, large dark eyes, and round face. It primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects, hunting at night. Threatened by habitat loss, it is protected in certain regions.

The Short-toed Snake Eagle is a large diurnal raptor, easily recognized by its white and light gray plumage, powerful beak, and large, wide, rounded wings. It is primarily found in open areas, steppes, light forests, and hills across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. This raptor is distinguished by its unique hunting habits: it feeds almost exclusively on snakes, which it spots using its keen eyesight. The Short-toed Snake Eagle mainly preys on snakes, including vipers and grass snakes, which it captures by attacking them in flight or grabbing them on the ground. Once it has captured its prey, it kills it with a powerful beak strike before devouring it. Due to its specialized diet, it is often seen in habitats where snake populations are abundant. Although its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss, human disturbance, and illegal hunting in certain regions.

The Scintillant Hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in the world, measuring about 6.5 cm in length. The male has bronze-green upperparts, a bright reddish-orange throat, and a rufous tail with black bars. The female is more subdued, with a buffy throat spotted with green and rufous flanks. This species is endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama, inhabiting forest edges, coffee plantations, and gardens between 900 and 2500 meters elevation. It feeds primarily on nectar from small flowers, such as sages, and supplements its diet with small insects for protein. Although listed as Least Concern, deforestation could threaten its habitats.

The Squacco Heron is a small heron, easily recognizable by its head adorned with long white feathers that form a sort of mane, which gives it its name. Its plumage is primarily beige and white, with brown or gray shades on the wings and back, and a short, thick beak. This heron measures about 45 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 80 cm. It is often observed in wetland areas such as marshes, riverbanks, and ponds, where it primarily hunts small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. The Squacco Heron is a migratory bird found primarily in the Mediterranean regions, but its population is declining due to habitat loss and water pollution. Although it is a rather discreet and solitary bird, it can sometimes be seen in small groups during the breeding season. This heron has a characteristic hunting behavior, walking slowly in shallow water where it probes the ground with its beak.

The Sardinian warbler is a small passerine bird found primarily in scrublands, maquis, and Mediterranean regions. It is easily recognized by its light gray plumage, brown back, and pale belly. This bird is primarily insectivorous, feeding on small prey such as insects and spiders, which it captures by rummaging through bushes and vegetation. It is also known for its melodious song and discreet movements in the underbrush.

The scaup is a diving duck found primarily in lakes, ponds, and wetlands across Europe, Asia, and North America. It is easily recognizable by its contrasting black and white plumage, blue-green beak, and rounded head. This duck primarily feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates, which it captures by diving underwater. During the breeding season, it builds its nest in aquatic vegetation or near the shores.

The smew is a small diving duck, 38–42 cm long, with the male’s striking black-and-white plumage and the female’s more subdued brownish tones. It inhabits lakes, ponds, and calm rivers with riparian vegetation in boreal and temperate regions. An expert diver, it feeds on small fish and aquatic invertebrates.

The song thrush is a passerine bird found primarily in forests, hedgerows, and gardens across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognizable by its spotted plumage on the chest and belly, and its olive-brown back. This bird primarily feeds on earthworms, insects, and berries, and is particularly known for its powerful and melodious song, which varies depending on its location and the breeding season.

The Snowy Owl is a large nocturnal raptor, easily recognizable by its pure white plumage, speckled with dark spots on its back and wings. It measures about 55 to 65 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.3 to 1.5 meters, and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. Its head is round, with large, piercing yellow eyes and a short, hooked beak. The Snowy Owl primarily inhabits the Arctic regions, notably in Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Russia, where it frequents tundras and snowy landscapes. It primarily feeds on small mammals, such as lemmings, but also hunts birds and occasionally fish. This raptor is an excellent hunter, capable of spotting its prey with its keen vision, even in low light conditions. Although the Snowy Owl is not currently endangered, it is sensitive to climate change and the loss of its natural habitat.

The Short-eared Owl is a small nocturnal raptor, easily recognizable by its pale yellowish plumage and large, piercing yellow eyes. It measures about 34 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80 to 95 cm, and weighs between 180 and 400 g. Its face is disc-shaped, like that of other owls, and its plumage, which is cream or brown, is speckled with dark spots that provide excellent camouflage in the grasslands and marshes where it resides. The Short-eared Owl primarily inhabits open areas, such as marshes, grasslands, and farmland, across Europe, Asia, and North America. It mainly hunts small mammals, such as voles and mice, as well as birds and insects. This raptor is an excellent nocturnal hunter, using its very sensitive ears and sharp vision to locate prey in the dark. Although the species is not immediately endangered, it is vulnerable to habitat loss, water pollution, and human disturbance.

The sand martin is a small migratory passerine bird found primarily along rivers, lakes, and wetland areas in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its brown-olive plumage on the back and white on the belly, as well as its social behavior when it gathers in colonies to nest. This small bird primarily feeds on insects, which it captures in flight during its passes over the water.

The Southern Hornbill, also known as the Yellow-billed Hornbill, is a large tropical bird easily recognized by its large beak and distinctive casque. It measures about 55 cm in length and weighs between 130 and 150 g. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with characteristic yellow and orange hues on the beak and casque, giving it a striking appearance. The Southern Hornbill primarily inhabits forests and savannas in Southern Africa, notably in Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana. This bird is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small mammals. It is known for its social behavior, often living in small groups or families. Although the species is not currently endangered, it can be vulnerable to habitat loss due to agriculture and deforestation.

Native to coastal regions of South America and the Caribbean, the scarlet ibis is a bird recognizable by its bright red plumage. It primarily lives in wetlands and mangroves, feeding mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. This migratory bird is often seen in groups, where its bright colors create impressive visual displays. While the scarlet ibis is not threatened, habitat destruction poses a risk to its population.

The Sacred Ibis is a large bird with primarily white plumage, with black feathers on its wings and a bare head. It measures about 65 to 75 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.2 to 1.3 meters, and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. Its beak is long and curved, adapted for probing the ground in search of small invertebrates, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The Sacred Ibis primarily inhabits wetlands, such as marshes, rivers, and lakes, in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Southeast Asia and Egypt. This bird holds particular significance in ancient Egyptian culture, where it was associated with the deity Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing. The Sacred Ibis is often seen in large colonies and prefers to feed in groups, probing water and mud for food. Although the species is not immediately endangered, it is vulnerable to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting.

The Southern Brown Kiwi, or Apteryx australis, is a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, known for its shaggy brown plumage. This medium-sized kiwi measures about 50 cm in length and weighs between 2 and 3.5 kg. It has a long, slender bill adapted for probing the ground for worms and insects. Nocturnal by nature, it is rarely seen during the day. Its natural habitat includes dense forests and scrublands. The Southern Brown Kiwi is monogamous, forming long-lasting pairs. The female typically lays one or two eggs per season, which the male incubates. Although protected, it is threatened by predation and habitat loss.

The Scottish Ptarmigan, or Lagopus lagopus scotica, is a subspecies of the Willow Ptarmigan, specifically found in the mountains of Scotland. It measures about 30 to 35 cm in length and weighs between 300 and 450 g. Its plumage changes with the seasons: in winter, it is entirely white, allowing it to blend perfectly into the snow, while in summer, it has a brown-red spotted plumage that makes it blend into the Scottish moorlands. The Scottish Ptarmigan inhabits the highlands, particularly in the northern mountains of Scotland, where it primarily feeds on plants, berries, seeds, and young shoots. Although it is a bird difficult to spot due to its excellent camouflage, it remains vulnerable to climate change and the loss of its natural habitat. The Scottish Ptarmigan is also threatened by predation from foxes and mustelids and by human activities, including tourism and land management.

Small penguin 45–60 cm long, 2–4.3 kg, with contrasting black-and-white plumage and distinctive yellow crest tufts on each side of the head. Occurs on subantarctic islands, feeds mainly on crustaceans, fish and krill, diving to 100 m, and breeds in large colonies on rocky shores.

The Smyrna Kingfisher is a colorful, medium-sized bird found primarily in Southeast Asia and surrounding regions. It measures about 25 to 30 cm in length and weighs between 40 and 70 g. This kingfisher is distinguished by its brilliant plumage and vibrant colors: a metallic blue back, an orange-red head, and a white belly. Its bill is long, straight, and pointed, perfect for catching prey such as fish, aquatic insects, and small reptiles. The Smyrna Kingfisher typically lives near bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and marshes, where it can dive to catch its food. It is often observed alone or in pairs during the breeding season when it builds a nest in tree cavities or rocks. Although its population remains relatively stable in some areas, it faces threats such as habitat destruction and water pollution.

The snowfinch is a small mountain passerine measuring 14–16 cm, with grey-brown plumage, a distinctive black crown and a contrasting white rump. It inhabits high-altitude environments such as alpine meadows, scree slopes and mountain roadsides, feeding mainly on insects and seeds. During the breeding season, the male performs song flights and aerial displays over its territory to attract the female, and pairs build a nest in rock cavities or under stones.

The Senegal parrot is a small parrot that lives in the savannas and forests of West Africa, particularly in Senegal, Guinea, and Mali. It is easily recognizable by its bright green plumage, gray head, and red cheeks. This parrot is primarily frugivorous but also feeds on seeds and nuts. It is a social and active companion, living in small groups. While not threatened, it is sometimes captured for the exotic bird trade.

The Sooty Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird known for its dark brown plumage and long, slender wings. It is often seen gliding close to the ocean waves, skillfully using air currents to travel great distances. This tireless migrator covers thousands of kilometers between its breeding sites in the southern hemisphere and feeding areas in the northern hemisphere. It nests mainly on remote islands, digging burrows in the ground to lay a single egg. The Sooty Shearwater feeds primarily on fish and squid, diving underwater to catch its prey. Although its population is still large, it is threatened by industrial fishing and climate change.

The Steller's Sea Eagle is a large raptor primarily found along the coasts of Northeast Asia, particularly in Russia and Japan. It measures about 85 to 105 cm in length, with a wingspan of 2.2 to 2.5 meters, and weighs between 4 and 9 kg, making it one of the largest eagles in the world. Its plumage is primarily dark brown with a white head and pale yellow beak. The Steller's Sea Eagle is an excellent fisherman, primarily feeding on fish, but it also hunts seabirds and marine mammals. It prefers coastal areas and islands where it can find its food and is often seen flying over the seas or resting on rocks or trees. While its population remains relatively stable, this species is vulnerable to habitat loss due to human activity, climate change, and ocean pollution.

The Bishop Tanager is a small, colorful bird found primarily in the tropical forests and wooded areas of Central and South America, notably in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. It typically measures about 18 cm in length and weighs between 20 and 30 g. Its plumage is especially vibrant, with shades of green, yellow, and red, giving it a striking appearance, which is why it is named as such. The Bishop Tanager is frugivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, berries, and seeds, but it can also eat insects. This bird is known for its social behaviors, living in small groups or pairs, and is often observed moving through trees in search of food. While its population remains stable, it is sometimes threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.

The Satyr Tragopan is a fascinating bird native to the mountainous forests of the Himalayas. This medium-sized pheasant is particularly remarkable for its striking plumage. The male displays vibrant colors, with shades of red, orange, and blue, while the female is more subdued with brown and gray tones, allowing her to blend effectively into her surroundings. The Satyr Tragopan is known for its spectacular courtship displays, where the male spreads his feathers and emits loud calls to attract a mate. It primarily feeds on vegetation, seeds, and insects. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common in some areas.

The Slaty-tailed Trogon is a colorful and fascinating bird, primarily found in the dense tropical forests of Central and South America. It is distinguished by its vibrant plumage, with an emerald green head and chest, bright red belly, and slate-blue tail. Both males and females exhibit similar colors, although females have slightly duller shades. This bird is often seen quietly perched in the canopy, feeding on fruits and insects. Its distinctive call, a deep "cow-cow," echoes through the forest. Although relatively tolerant of human presence, it prefers remote habitats away from disturbances.

The Southern Lapwing, or Vanellus chilensis, is a striking bird from the Charadriidae family, easily identified by its grey and white plumage, black wings, and distinctive call. It is commonly found in open grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields across South America. This bird is notably territorial, often defending its space against intruders, including humans. It primarily feeds on insects, worms, and small invertebrates by pecking at the ground. The Southern Lapwing is also known for its distraction displays, feigning injury to lure predators away from its nest.