The Great Grey Owl is a large nocturnal raptor, easily recognizable by its broad facial disc and piercing yellow eyes. Its plumage is primarily gray and brown, with lighter markings on the belly and wings. It has a massive build, a round head, and long wings that allow it to fly silently. This raptor primarily inhabits boreal forests and northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
The Great Grey Owl primarily hunts small mammals, such as hares, rodents, and birds. It has a remarkable ability to locate its prey with its keen hearing and silent flight. It is a solitary owl, preferring dense forests where it can hide during the day. While its population remains generally stable, it is threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and human disturbances. It is protected in many areas to ensure the preservation of its forest habitats.
The Barred Owl is a large nocturnal raptor, easily identifiable by its circular face forming a facial disc and its large yellow eyes. Its plumage is primarily gray-brown, marked with dark streaks on the head, back, and wings, from which it gets its name. This owl has a robust, stocky body, with broad wings and silent flight, perfectly suited to its nocturnal hunting in forests.
It primarily inhabits mixed and deciduous forests, especially in regions of North America. The Barred Owl hunts small mammals like rodents, birds, and occasionally insects, which it captures using its ability to fly silently. It is a solitary predator, hiding during the day in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other animals. While its population remains stable, the Barred Owl is vulnerable to disturbances in its natural habitat, such as deforestation and urbanization. It is protected in many regions to preserve its forest habitats.
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 Northern Spotted Owl is a subspecies of the spotted owl, primarily found in the old-growth coniferous forests of the western coast of North America. It is medium-sized, with dark eyes and brown plumage speckled with white. This owl is a nocturnal predator, feeding mainly on small mammals. It is known for its reliance on mature forest habitats, making it vulnerable to deforestation. Due to habitat loss and competition with the barred owl, it is classified as a threatened species. Conservation of its natural habitats is crucial for its survival.
The White Stork is a large bird easily recognized by its slender silhouette, bright white plumage, and long red legs. It has a long pointed beak, which it primarily uses to capture prey in wetlands, meadows, and fields. This migratory bird travels thousands of kilometers each year, migrating from Eastern and Central Europe to Africa for the winter.
The White Stork primarily feeds on small mammals, amphibians, insects, and small birds, which it captures with its great ability to walk and forage through grass or mud. While it is a solitary bird during breeding, it gathers in large colonies during migrations. Although its population remains stable in many parts of Europe, it faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbances. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic species.
The Maguari Stork, or Ciconia maguari, is a large wading bird known for its striking white plumage and black wings. It has a long reddish bill and slender legs, allowing it to move gracefully through wetlands. Predominantly found in South America, it inhabits marshes, flooded grasslands, and riverbanks. The Maguari Stork is a gregarious bird, often seen in small groups. It primarily feeds on fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," habitat destruction poses a potential threat.
The Black Stork is a large bird with dark, glossy plumage, characterized by its slender silhouette and long red legs and beak. Its plumage is primarily black, with a slight greenish tint and a metallic sheen on the wings and back. This migratory raptor is distinguished from its cousin, the White Stork, by its more discreet behavior and preference for wilder habitats. It primarily inhabits dense forests, wetlands, and mountainous areas of Eastern and Southeastern Europe and Asia.
The Black Stork primarily feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, which it catches with its long beak while moving silently near rivers and lakes. Unlike the White Stork, it prefers isolated habitats, avoiding human areas. Its population has long been in decline due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and disturbance of its breeding habitats. However, conservation efforts have helped stabilize its populations in some regions.
The White-throated Dipper is a small aquatic bird, easily recognized by its dark plumage, compact body, and characteristic posture, often seen bobbing on rocks at the edge of streams. It has brownish plumage on its back and a white chest, with a short, powerful beak. This small bird is perfectly adapted to aquatic life, thanks to its webbed feet that allow it to swim and dive underwater in search of food.
The White-throated Dipper primarily feeds on aquatic insects, larvae, and small fish, which it captures by diving into rivers and streams. It is capable of swimming underwater and moving along the riverbed to search for prey. Although this bird is generally solitary, it can be observed in clear river or stream habitats, primarily in Europe and Asia. While it is generally not threatened, it can be impacted by water pollution and the disruption of its natural habitats.
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 Red-faced Cisticola is a small bird with brownish plumage and a distinctive red face. It is primarily found in wetlands and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. Known for its complex and melodious song, it is often heard during the breeding season. This passerine builds ball-shaped nests using grasses and spider webs, typically well-hidden in dense vegetation. The Red-faced Cisticola is an active bird, often seen hopping from one stalk to another in search of insects. Although quite common, its habitat is threatened by deforestation and agricultural expansion.
The European Pond Turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle, measuring between 12 and 20 cm in length. Its carapace is oval, slightly domed, dark brown to blackish, with yellow spots. The plastron is yellow with dark spots. The feet are webbed, adapted for swimming. This species inhabits stagnant or slow-flowing waters, such as ponds, marshes, and slow rivers, with dense aquatic vegetation. It is omnivorous, feeding on small aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and plant matter. Reproduction occurs in spring, with the female laying 8 to 10 eggs in loose, sunny soil. Incubation lasts about 80 to 110 days, with hatchlings emerging in late summer or the following spring. Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, the European Pond Turtle is protected in many European countries.
The Balkan Terrapin, Mauremys rivulata, is a medium-sized aquatic turtle, typically measuring between 15 and 20 cm in length. It is recognizable by its olive-brown shell, often adorned with lighter patterns. This species is primarily found in Mediterranean regions, including Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans. It prefers aquatic habitats such as rivers, lakes, and marshes. The Balkan Terrapin is an omnivorous species, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Although it is relatively tolerant of human presence, it is threatened by habitat destruction and pollution.
The African civet, Civettictis civetta, is a medium-sized carnivorous mammal known for its spotted coat and distinctive black band across its eyes. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it primarily inhabits savannas, forests, and woodlands. It is mainly nocturnal, feeding on a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, and small animals. The African civet is also known for producing a musky secretion used in the perfume industry. Although generally solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small groups. Its adaptability to various habitats and diverse diet make it a resilient species, though habitat loss and hunting can pose threats.
The Golden Palm Civet, or Paradoxurus zeylonensis, is a nocturnal mammal endemic to Sri Lanka. Belonging to the Viverridae family, it is primarily found in tropical rainforests, tea plantations, and wooded areas. This species is recognizable by its golden fur and bushy tail. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Although elusive, it plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, contributing to the biodiversity of its habitat. Unfortunately, deforestation and habitat loss threaten its survival, classifying it as vulnerable according to the IUCN.
The African palm civet is a small feliform mammal, 43–71 cm long and weighing 1.4–4.5 kg, with grey to dark brown fur spotted with dark markings. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting moist forests where it feeds on fruits, aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates at night. Crepuscular and nocturnal, it sleeps in trees during the day and forages at dusk and night.
The White-nosed Coati is a mammal from the raccoon family, easily recognized by its distinctive white snout that contrasts with its reddish-brown fur. It has a long, ringed tail that it uses to maintain balance while moving through trees. This small carnivore is primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Central America, Mexico, and the southern Costa Rica, where it lives in social groups, often led by a dominant female.
Omnivorous, the White-nosed Coati feeds on fruits, insects, small vertebrates, eggs, and even small mammals. Its social lifestyle is marked by complex interactions within its family groups. Although its population remains relatively stable in certain protected areas, it is still threatened by deforestation, hunting, and habitat disruption. Conservation efforts aim to protect the forest areas of this agile and adaptable animal.
The Coati roux is a mammal belonging to the raccoon family, easily recognized by its long ringed tail and elongated snout shaped like a trunk. Its fur is typically light brown to reddish-brown, with darker markings on the face and back. This small carnivore is known for its great agility, especially in trees where it moves with ease in search of food. It primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical forests in Central and South America.
The Coati roux is omnivorous and feeds on a wide variety of foods, including fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs. It is often seen in family groups, especially females, while adult males tend to live alone. Although the Coati roux is a relatively adaptable animal, it is threatened by deforestation, hunting, and habitat loss. It plays an important role in seed dispersal and regulating populations of insects and small animals.
The Galea musteloides, or mountain cavy, is a small rodent native to the Andean regions of South America. Often mistaken for the guinea pig, it is smaller and exhibits different behavioral and ecological traits. This rodent typically lives in social groups in varied habitats such as grasslands, forests, and rocky areas. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and fruits. Its fur is short and dense, usually brown-gray, allowing it to blend effectively into its natural environment. The Galea musteloides plays an important role in its ecosystem as prey for many predators and contributes to seed dispersal.
The Cavia aperea, commonly known as the Brazilian Guinea Pig, is a small rodent native to South America. Often mistaken for the domestic guinea pig, it is a distinct species. This modest-sized rodent has a stocky body, short ears, and a brownish coat that helps it blend into its natural surroundings. It primarily inhabits grasslands, savannas, and open forests, where it feeds on a variety of vegetation. The Brazilian Guinea Pig is a social animal that lives in groups and communicates through a series of vocalizations. Although mainly diurnal, it can also be active at dusk. Its ability to adapt to various habitats makes it a resilient species.
The waterbuck, or Kobus ellipsiprymnus, is a large African herbivore known for its grayish-brown coat and distinctive white ring on its rump. It primarily inhabits wet savannas and grasslands near water bodies, as it relies on water for survival. Males have long, curved horns, while females lack them. This gregarious mammal forms mixed herds, although adult males are often solitary or in small groups. The waterbuck is an excellent swimmer, allowing it to escape predators. Its diet mainly consists of grasses and aquatic plants.
The kob, or Kobus kob, is a graceful and elegant antelope primarily found in West and Central Africa. Recognizable by its tawny coat, it has a lighter belly and white markings around the eyes and muzzle. Males boast magnificent lyre-shaped horns, while females lack them. These animals live in herds, often near water sources, and primarily graze on grasses. Their social behavior is complex, with males establishing territories during the breeding season. The kob is a keystone species in its ecosystem, playing a vital role in the food chain.
The Thomas's kob is a subspecies of the kob antelope, primarily inhabiting the wet savannas and grasslands of West Africa. It is recognizable by its golden-brown coat, lyre-shaped horns, and medium size, reaching about 90 cm at the shoulder. Males are generally larger and more robust than females. They live in complex social groups, often consisting of harems led by a dominant male. The Thomas's kob is a herbivore, feeding mainly on grasses and aquatic plants. It is well adapted to its environment, capable of moving quickly to escape predators. Its population is stable, but it is threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
The king cobra is a large venomous snake in the family Elapidae, reaching 3–4 m in length, with olive-brown body and a lighter dorsal hood. It inhabits tropical forests, mangroves and wetlands, feeding mainly on other snakes, small mammals and birds. During breeding season, males engage in ritual combat and females build a leaf nest to lay 21–40 eggs.
The crested lark is a small passerine, 16–18 cm long, with streaked brown plumage and an erectile crest. It inhabits open farmland, steppes, and embankments, often near human settlements across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It feeds mainly on insects and seeds, walking and hopping on the ground. During the breeding season, the male performs a song flight over its territory, uttering a sharp trill while fluttering its wings before landing to attract the female.

Hummingbirds, members of the Trochilidae family, are small birds exceptionally known for their ability to hover in place due to their rapid and agile wing beats. These birds are characterized by their iridescent plumage, which varies from green and blue to red and purple, depending on the species. Their small size and high energy make them easily recognizable. Hummingbirds are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Canada to the southern parts of South America.
They primarily feed on nectar that they gather from flowers, using their long slender beak and extendable tongue to reach the food. In addition to nectar, they also consume insects and spiders for protein. Due to their high metabolism, they must feed frequently throughout the day. Hummingbirds play a key role in pollinating flowering plants, thus contributing to the biodiversity of their habitats. While their population is generally stable, some species are threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
The Collared Inca, or Coeligena torquata, is a captivating bird of the Andes, easily identifiable by its glossy black plumage and distinctive white collar. It inhabits humid forests and forest edges, where it primarily feeds on nectar. Its swift and agile flight allows it to move effortlessly between flowers. This hummingbird plays a crucial role in the pollination of Andean plants. Although generally solitary, it can be seen in small groups during abundant flowering. Its adaptability to various habitats makes it a resilient species, although deforestation may threaten local populations.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of the most iconic species of hummingbirds in North America, easily recognizable by the bright red color of its throat, which gives it its name. This small bird has bright metallic green plumage on its back and a white chest. It has a long, slender beak and an extendable tongue that it uses to extract nectar from flowers. In addition to nectar, it also consumes insects and spiders for protein.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a migratory bird, covering long distances between its breeding range in North America and its wintering grounds in Central America. It is known for its rapid and agile flight, capable of hovering in place by beating its wings up to 80 times per second. While its population remains generally stable, it is threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization and climate change, which affect food resources and breeding conditions.
The Coppery-headed Emerald is a small hummingbird endemic to Costa Rica, measuring about 8 cm. The male is notable for his metallic coppery crown, bright green throat, and white underparts. The female is duller in color, with a bronzy head and pale throat. It inhabits humid mid-elevation forests, woodland edges, and flower-rich gardens. This hummingbird feeds on nectar from various flowers and catches small insects. It is threatened by deforestation, as its range is very restricted.
The Black Inca, or Coeligena prunellei, is a hummingbird species endemic to the high-altitude humid forests of Colombia. It is characterized by its glossy black plumage with metallic sheen and a distinctive white patch on its chest. This hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar, using its long slender bill to hover from flower to flower, playing a vital role in plant pollination. Unfortunately, deforestation threatens its natural habitat, leading to a decline in its population. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its long-term survival.
The Green-crowned Brilliant, scientifically known as Heliodoxa jacula, is a medium-sized hummingbird found in the humid forests of Central America, from Costa Rica to Panama. Measuring about 11 to 12 cm, this bird is notable for its striking metallic green plumage and emerald crown. Males have a distinctive blue-violet throat, while females feature a white throat speckled with green. Their relatively short, slightly curved beak is well-suited for nectar feeding. These birds are often seen hovering near flowers, using their agility to access nectar while playing a vital role in pollination.