The lesser spotted eagle is a medium-sized eagle, 62–68 cm long with a 145–165 cm wingspan, pale brown head and wing coverts contrasting with darker plumage, and usually a white 'V' on the rump. It inhabits open or lightly wooded country, feeding mainly on small mammals, birds and reptiles. During breeding, males perform undulating display flights and vocalize to attract females and defend territories.
The Little Egret is an elegant bird, easily recognized by its pure white plumage and long black legs. It is mainly found in wetland areas of Europe, Asia, and Africa, where it hunts small fish, insects, and crustaceans. This small heron is known for its graceful behavior, moving slowly through shallow waters to spot its prey. During the breeding season, it sports spectacular nuptial plumes that add to its beauty.
The Little Egret is a social bird, often feeding in groups in marshes and lagoons, creating scenes of great beauty.
The lesser short-toed lark is a small passerine, 12–14 cm long, with streaked brown-grey plumage, a darker crown, and pale throat. It inhabits dry grasslands, steppes, and cereal fields across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, feeding mainly on insects and seeds on the ground. During breeding (April to July), the male performs song flights and ground displays to attract the female.
The Lulu's lark is a small lark found primarily in meadows, heathlands, and open fields across Europe and Asia. It is distinguished by its streaked brown plumage, light belly, and its discreet ground movements. This small bird is particularly known for its powerful song, which it performs in flight during its courtship displays. The Lulu’s lark primarily feeds on insects and seeds, which it searches for in low vegetation or on the ground.
The European Weasel is the smallest carnivore in Europe, easily recognizable by its tiny size and brown coat with a white throat and belly. It primarily inhabits a variety of environments such as forests, meadows, and agricultural areas, where it hunts small mammals, birds, insects, and eggs. Agile and fast, the European Weasel is a stealthy hunter, capable of slipping into tight spaces to capture its prey.
Solitary and territorial, the European Weasel is active both day and night, and it uses its own burrows or those of other animals to hide and rest. Though small, it is a formidable predator, often seen as beneficial for regulating small rodent populations. However, it can be threatened by habitat destruction and changes in agricultural practices.
The Little Bittern is a small and discreet heron, particularly hard to observe due to its brown and beige plumage, which allows it to blend perfectly into the vegetation of marshes, ponds, and rice fields. This heron is about 30 cm long and is known for its furtive behavior and quick, low flight. It primarily feeds on small fish, aquatic insects, and amphibians, hunting silently as it sneaks through the grasses or hides in reed beds.
This small heron is mainly active at dusk and during the night, making it even more discreet. While not directly threatened, the Little Bittern faces habitat loss due to the destruction of wetlands and the draining of marshes. The conservation of these habitats is crucial for the preservation of the species.
The Little Owl is a small, distinctive owl, easily recognizable by its large yellow eyes and its generally gray-brown plumage marked with white spots. It has a stocky body and a round head, without the ear tufts typical of other owls. The Little Owl is often found in open areas such as fields, orchards, and agricultural sites, where it frequently perches on stones, posts, or low trees.
This nocturnal predator feeds mainly on small mammals, insects, and reptiles, which it hunts primarily at night. Although its population remains relatively stable in many parts of Europe, the Little Owl is threatened by habitat loss and changes in agricultural practices. The species benefits from some protections and is often associated with conservation efforts aimed at preserving its open habitats.
The Long-tailed chinchilla is a small rodent native to the mountains of South America, particularly the Andes. It is known for its extremely soft and dense fur, which helps protect it from the cold in its natural high-altitude habitat. Although its fur is an asset for survival, it is also the primary reason for the animal's hunting, although it is now protected. The Long-tailed chinchilla is a nocturnal and climbing animal, feeding primarily on plants, seeds, and fruits. It is active at night and spends the day hidden in crevices or burrows.
The little cormorant is a small cormorant, 45–55 cm long, with glossy black plumage and white wing patches in flight, inhabiting marshes, lakes, rivers and freshwater wetlands. It feeds mainly on fish by diving beneath the surface. During breeding, pairs build stick nests in waterside trees or shrubs, and the male displays by erecting head and neck feathers.
The Lovely Cotinga is a tropical bird notable for its vibrant plumage. The male displays a brilliant turquoise blue with a deep purple throat and chest, while the female has more subdued grayish-brown plumage with scaly patterns. This species inhabits lowland humid forests and woodland edges in Central America, from southern Mexico to Costa Rica. Primarily frugivorous, it plays a crucial role in seed dispersal. Although globally listed as "Least Concern," deforestation poses a threat to its natural habitats.
The Limpkin, or Aramus guarauna, is a medium-sized wading bird easily identified by its brown plumage speckled with white and its long, slightly curved bill. It primarily inhabits marshes, lake edges, and rivers in Central and South America. This bird is often seen foraging for snails, its main food source, which it skillfully extracts from their shells using its specialized bill. The Limpkin is a solitary bird but can be seen in small groups during the breeding season. Its piercing, mournful call is often heard at dawn and dusk, adding a mysterious ambiance to marshy landscapes.
The Lesser Kestrel, or Falco naumanni, is a small diurnal raptor belonging to the Falconidae family. It is distinguished by its modest size, measuring about 30 to 35 cm in length with a wingspan of 60 to 75 cm. Its plumage is characteristic: the male has a rufous back without spots, a grey-blue head, and wings with black tips, while the female displays a duller and more speckled plumage. This falcon primarily feeds on insects but can also hunt small mammals and reptiles. It inhabits open areas such as grasslands, steppes, and agricultural zones. A migratory bird, it breeds in Europe and Central Asia and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Its population is declining mainly due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
The Red-footed Falcon is a small raptor, particularly recognizable by its delicate plumage and vivid colors. It measures about 30 to 35 cm in length, with a wingspan of 70 to 80 cm, and weighs between 150 and 200 g. The adult male has a distinctive blue-gray plumage, with pointed wings and a lighter head, while the female is browner and slightly larger. The Red-footed Falcon primarily inhabits open areas such as meadows, agricultural fields, and steppes in Eastern Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It primarily preys on insects, small birds, and sometimes reptiles. This falcon is known for its ability to catch prey in flight, performing fast and precise maneuvers. It is particularly active at dusk and in the evening, hence its name "Red-footed" (referring to its late-day hunting). Although the species is not yet endangered, it is threatened by habitat loss and the decline of its prey populations.
The Lesser Flamingo, Phoeniconaias minor, is a graceful and slender bird, primarily found in the alkaline lakes of East Africa and some regions of India. It is distinguished by its pale pink plumage, long and thin legs, and a dark red, curved beak. This flamingo is the smallest of its kind, standing about 80 to 90 cm tall. It lives in large colonies, often consisting of thousands of individuals, which helps protect it from predators. Its diet mainly consists of blue-green algae and small crustaceans, which it filters with its specialized beak. The Lesser Flamingo is a migratory bird, moving according to seasonal water level changes.
The Leopard gecko is a terrestrial species native to the desert and semi-desert regions of Asia, particularly Pakistan, India, and Nepal. This gecko is easily recognized by its dark spots on a pale yellow background, giving it a unique appearance. Unlike other geckos, it has movable eyelids, allowing it to blink, unlike other species that have fixed eyelids. The Leopard gecko is a nocturnal predator, primarily feeding on insects and small invertebrates. It is popular in the reptile trade due to its calm temperament and ease of care.
The long-finned pilot whale is a large oceanic dolphin in the family Delphinidae, measuring 5–6 m in length and weighing up to 1 200 kg. It has a robust black body, bulbous head, and long pectoral fins. It inhabits temperate to subantarctic waters, feeding mainly on squid and fish, and forms matrilineal social pods.
The Little Grebe is the smallest European grebe, measuring about 29 cm in length with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm. In breeding plumage, it has a bright chestnut throat and nape, giving it its name, and a yellow spot at the base of the bill. In non-breeding plumage, it is more subdued, with a dark brown back and a light belly. It inhabits wetlands such as lakes, ponds, marshes, and reed beds, where it can easily hide. It feeds primarily on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, tadpoles, and small fish. Reproduction occurs from March to July, with one or two clutches of 4 to 7 eggs each. The young are precocial and can swim and dive immediately after hatching. A partial migrant, it winters in the milder regions of Europe. Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
The Common Eider is a medium-sized seabird, easily recognizable by its distinctive plumage and diving behavior. It measures about 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 65 to 75 cm, and weighs between 500 and 900 g. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with a black head, a wide white band around the neck, and white spots on the wings. The male, during the breeding season, has a bright orange beak and a distinctive white line running from the beak to the back of the head. The Common Eider primarily inhabits the cold waters of the North Atlantic, notably around the coasts of Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Northern Europe. It is an excellent diver, feeding mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates, which it captures underwater. The Common Eider migrates southward during the winter. Although the species is not currently endangered, it is vulnerable to marine pollution, climate change, and disturbance of its breeding sites.
The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized nocturnal raptor, easily recognizable by its large tufts of feathers shaped like "ears" on its head. It measures about 35 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 85 to 100 cm, and weighs between 250 and 400 g. Its plumage is generally gray or brown with dark banded patterns, allowing it to blend perfectly in wooded and open forest areas. It has large yellow eyes and a disc-shaped face, like other owls, which helps it capture sound in the dark. The Long-eared Owl primarily inhabits forests, woodlands, and heathlands across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, where it primarily feeds on small mammals, such as voles, mice, and occasionally birds. It generally hunts at dusk, using its sharp vision and keen hearing to detect its prey. While the species is not endangered, it is vulnerable to deforestation and habitat loss.
The Langur is a type of monkey primarily found in the forests of South and Southeast Asia. There are several species of langurs, all characterized by dense and typically colorful fur, ranging from black to gray, sometimes with golden or white tints depending on the species. These primates typically measure between 40 and 70 cm in length, with a long, prehensile tail that can exceed the length of their body. They weigh between 10 and 20 kg, with males generally being larger than females. Langurs are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers, and they often live in organized social groups. They are known for their ability to move quickly through trees thanks to their long and agile limbs. While some langurs are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss, many species are still relatively widespread within their range. Langurs play a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds and maintaining the balance of forest vegetation.
The Leopard is a powerful and agile big cat, easily recognizable by its spotted coat, formed by black rosettes on a golden or yellow background. It typically measures between 1.2 and 1.9 meters in length, with a tail of 60 to 100 cm, and weighs between 30 and 90 kg, with males generally being larger than females. The Leopard is a solitary, nocturnal hunter, known for its ability to climb trees, often to hide its prey and avoid other carnivores. It is an opportunist, feeding on various types of prey, ranging from small mammals to medium-sized ungulates, and sometimes even reptiles and birds. This big cat is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa and in certain regions of Asia, including India, China, and parts of the Middle East. While the Leopard is a relatively widespread species, it is threatened by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and the depletion of its natural prey. It remains one of the most formidable and adaptable predators in the savanna, forests, and mountains.
The Lion is one of the largest land predators, often called the "king of the animals." It measures between 1.2 and 2.5 meters in length, with a tail of about 80 to 100 cm, and weighs between 120 and 250 kg, with males generally being larger and more massive than females. Male lions are easily recognizable by their majestic mane, which varies in color from light blonde to dark brown. Their coat is generally golden to light brown, with lighter patches on the belly and under the legs. Lions primarily live in Africa, with a small population in Asia (particularly in Gir National Park, India). They prefer open savannas, grasslands, and light forests. The lion is a social predator that typically hunts in groups, with females doing most of the hunting. Their diet consists mainly of large herbivores such as zebras, gazelles, and buffaloes. While the lion is an iconic species, it is threatened by habitat loss, human conflicts, and the depletion of its natural prey.
The Little Blue Penguin, also known as the Fairy Penguin, is the smallest of the penguin species, measuring about 30 to 40 cm in height and weighing between 1 and 1.5 kg. It has a distinctive blue-gray plumage on its back and wings, with a white belly. Its beak is short and dark, and its feet are pink or gray. The Little Blue Penguin primarily lives along the coasts of New Zealand and Australia, inhabiting colonies on beaches, islands, and cliffs. Unlike other penguins, the Little Blue Penguin is capable of swimming at impressive speeds, allowing it to hunt fish, crustaceans, and squid underwater. Although it is an excellent swimmer, it also spends time on land, where it digs burrows or hides in shrubs to protect itself from predators. While its population remains relatively stable, it faces threats such as climate change, predation by introduced animals, and habitat disruption.
The lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) is a large stork standing 110–120 cm tall with a 210 cm wingspan, exhibiting black upperparts and wings contrasted by a white belly and tail-underparts, and a bare pale gray head and neck. It inhabits coastal and inland wetlands of Southeast Asia, including mangroves, estuaries, flooded rice fields, and riparian forests. Feeding on amphibians, large invertebrates, and carrion, it forages by wading and probing with its long bill. Colonial breeder, it performs bill-clattering and neck-arching displays during nesting (February 1–May 31). Pairs lay 2–4 eggs, incubated 28–30 days, with chicks hatching March 1–June 30.
The Little Auk is the smallest of the Atlantic alcids, measuring about 19 to 21 cm in length with a wingspan of 34 to 38 cm. Its plumage is black on the back and head, with a white face and belly. It has a short, stout bill adapted for catching small marine prey. A gregarious species, it forms massive breeding colonies on Arctic rocky coasts, nesting in crevices or under boulders. Outside the breeding season, it lives in the open sea, often near pack ice. It feeds mainly on copepods, krill, and small fish, which it captures by diving. Although currently listed as Least Concern, climate change and ocean pollution pose potential threats to its habitats.
The long-tailed tit is a small passerine bird distinguished by its very long tail, nearly as long as its body. It is primarily found in mixed forests, hedgerows, and wooded parks across Europe and Asia. This small bird is often seen in groups, moving quickly from tree to tree in search of insects and spiders, which it catches with agility. Its tail helps it maintain perfect balance when perched and allows it to navigate through branches to forage.
The Choloepus didactylus, commonly known as the Linnaeus's two-toed sloth, is an arboreal mammal native to the tropical forests of South America. It is primarily nocturnal and spends most of its time hanging from tree branches using its strong claws. Its diet mainly consists of leaves, fruits, and flowers. This sloth is known for its slow metabolism and ability to remain motionless for extended periods. Its dense, waterproof fur protects it from the elements and helps it blend into the canopy. Although often solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small family groups.
The Little Ringed Plover is a small migratory bird primarily found in wetlands, sandy beaches, and riverbanks in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It measures about 18 cm in length and weighs between 30 and 50 g. Its plumage is gray-brown on the back, with white underparts and a distinctive black ring around the neck and eyes. The Little Ringed Plover primarily feeds on small invertebrates, mollusks, and insects found by foraging in sand and along water edges. This bird is an excellent runner and flies very quickly. While its population remains relatively stable, the Little Ringed Plover is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances during its breeding season.
The Scops Owl is a small owl native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It measures about 22 cm in length and weighs between 100 and 150 g. Its plumage is primarily gray-brown, with patterns of spots and streaks that help it blend into foliage and tree trunks. It has tufts of feathers on its head, giving it a distinctive appearance. The Scops Owl is a nocturnal bird, primarily feeding on small mammals, insects, and occasionally small birds that it hunts at night. It is often seen perched on tree branches or utility poles. While this species is not in immediate danger, it is sometimes affected by habitat loss and human disturbances.
The leopard seal is a large marine mammal in the family Phocidae, reaching up to 3.5 m in length and 600 kg in weight. It inhabits Antarctic pack ice and coastal waters, feeding mainly on fish, penguins and juvenile seals. During the breeding season, females give birth to a single pup on the ice, while males produce underwater vocalizations to attract mates and defend territory.
The Lovely Poison Frog is a small, diurnal terrestrial frog, measuring about 2.5 cm in length. Its body is black with two bright yellow to orange longitudinal stripes on the back, and blue-green marbling on the flanks and limbs. This species inhabits lowland humid forests, often near slow-moving streams, between 10 and 650 m elevation. It primarily feeds on small invertebrates such as ants and spiders. Although its skin contains toxic alkaloids, including batrachotoxins, their concentration is low and sometimes undetectable. The Lovely Poison Frog is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but is locally threatened by deforestation and pollution.
The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is a small bird from the woodpecker family, primarily found in deciduous and mixed forests of Europe and Asia. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 30 to 35 cm, and weighs between 30 and 40 g. Its plumage is mainly black and white, with a small red patch on the nape, visible mostly in males. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is distinguished by its smaller size compared to the Great Spotted Woodpecker and its foraging habits. It primarily feeds on small insects found under the bark of trees, using its beak to strike quickly and its long tongue to extract the insects. It is an excellent climber and spends much of its time in trees. Although its population remains stable, this species may be affected by habitat loss due to deforestation.
The lesser grey shrike is a medium-sized forest raptor (16–18 cm) with bluish-grey upperparts and pale pink underparts, marked by a broad pale wing patch. It inhabits woodland edges, grasslands, open farmland and scattered bushes, feeding mainly on small birds, insects and reptiles.
The Lilac-breasted Roller, known for its vibrant plumage, is an iconic bird of the African savannas. Its head and chest display lilac hues, while its wings exhibit a mix of bright blue and green. This bird is often seen perched on trees or poles, scanning the ground for insects and small vertebrates. During the breeding season, it performs spectacular aerial displays, diving and rolling in the air. Although primarily sedentary, it may undertake short migrations depending on climatic conditions. The Lilac-breasted Roller plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.
The large flying fox is a large frugivorous bat with a wingspan up to 1.5 m and weight up to 1 kg. Its grey-brown fur, accented by a pale yellow collar, covers its elongated body and long muzzle. Endemic to Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand), it roosts in colonies in forests and coastal mangroves, feeding on fruits, nectar, and flowers. During the breeding season, males defend a small harem and mate between November and January, with a single pup born in March-April.
The Lowland Streaked Tenrec, Hemicentetes semispinosus, is a small insectivorous mammal endemic to Madagascar. It is characterized by its striking black and yellow striped fur and spines, giving it a unique appearance. Measuring about 14 to 17 cm in length and weighing between 125 and 280 grams, this tenrec is primarily nocturnal and uses its spines for defense against predators. It inhabits tropical rainforests and scrub areas, feeding mainly on insects and worms. Its ability to produce sounds by rubbing its spines together is a fascinating trait used for intra-species communication.
The loggerhead sea turtle is a large marine turtle in the family Cheloniidae, reaching up to 95 cm in shell length and weighing up to 135 kg. It inhabits temperate and subtropical coastal waters, feeding mainly on crustaceans, molluscs, and jellyfish. During the nesting season, females return to beaches to lay eggs in nests dug in the sand.
The Leatherback Turtle is the largest of all sea turtles and one of the largest reptiles in the world. It typically measures between 2 and 2.5 meters in length, with a weight ranging from 250 to 700 kg, although some individuals can reach up to 900 kg. Its shell is usually dark in color, sometimes tinged with gray or brown, and is covered with small, tile-like plates. The Leatherback Turtle is an excellent swimmer, capable of covering long distances across oceans. It primarily feeds on jellyfish, which it catches while swimming in deep waters. Despite its impressive size, the Leatherback Turtle is critically endangered due to plastic pollution, the loss of its nesting habitats, and poaching. Its population is declining, and it is protected in many countries.
The Livingstone's Turaco, or Tauraco corythaix, is a captivating bird native to the forests of southern Africa. It is easily identifiable by its bright green plumage, red wings visible in flight, and distinctive crest. Measuring about 40 cm in length, this bird has a short, powerful beak, perfect for feeding on fruits, flowers, and insects. Turacos are known for their agile flight and ability to move swiftly through dense canopies. They typically live in small family groups and are often seen feeding or resting in trees. Their call is a mix of cries and whistles, adding a unique soundscape to their natural habitat.
The Lappet-faced Vulture, Torgos tracheliotos, is a large scavenging bird native to Africa, easily identifiable by its bare head and distinctive skin folds around the neck. With a wingspan reaching up to 2.9 meters, it is one of the largest African vultures. Its plumage is primarily dark brown, contrasting with its pale pink head. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses, which helps prevent the spread of diseases. This vulture prefers open savannas, semi-deserts, and arid regions, where it can easily spot its prey. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat loss, poisoning, and illegal hunting.