The Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Merops nubicus, is a striking bird with vibrant colors, primarily carmine red with blue-green wings and tail. Known for its graceful flight, it skillfully catches insects mid-air, particularly bees and wasps. This sociable bird lives in colonies along rivers and lakes in sub-Saharan Africa, digging burrows in sandy banks for nesting. It is a partial migrant, moving seasonally to follow prey availability. Although its habitat is threatened by human activity, it is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

The European Bee-eater is a small, colorful bird, easily recognizable by its vibrant plumage, which features a combination of bright colors, mainly blue, green, yellow, and orange. It measures about 28 to 30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm, and weighs between 30 and 40 g. Its beak is long and pointed, perfectly adapted to catching insects in flight, primarily wasps, bees, and other flying insects. The European Bee-eater primarily inhabits open areas, grasslands, forest edges, and steppes in Europe, as well as North Africa and Western Asia. It is migratory and mostly travels to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. This small bird lives in colonies, and its nests are often dug into cliffs or riverbanks. The European Bee-eater is known for its swift flights and acrobatic behavior while capturing its prey. Although the species is not endangered, it may be threatened by habitat loss and human disturbances, such as the degradation of natural habitats.

The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, or Merops persicus, is a strikingly colorful bird known for its vivid green plumage, blue throat, and distinctive black eye stripe. Measuring about 28 to 30 cm in length, it features long, pointed wings and a forked tail. This migratory bird primarily feeds on flying insects, especially bees, wasps, and dragonflies, which it catches in flight with remarkable agility. It inhabits open areas, savannas, and riverbanks, often seen in groups. During the breeding season, it digs burrows in sandy banks for nesting. The Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is a fascinating sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Merops nubicoides, is a vibrant and captivating bird found primarily in southern Africa. It is distinguished by its bright red plumage, turquoise head, and long, tapered tail. This bee-eater is about 35 cm long, with a slightly curved black bill, perfect for catching insects in flight. It frequents sandy riverbanks and open savannas, where it digs burrows for nesting. Sociable by nature, it lives in colonies and feeds mainly on bees and wasps, which it catches in mid-air. Its flight is fast and agile, often accompanied by high-pitched calls. This beautiful bird is a delight to watch, especially during its courtship displays.

The black tern is a small tern of 23–26 cm with contrasting black and white breeding plumage and a slender body. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, marshes and shallow lakes, feeding on insects and small fish caught in flight by pattering over the water surface. During breeding, it nests on floating vegetation, lays 2–4 eggs and defends its territory with swift aerial displays and sharp calls.

The Black Guillemot is a medium-sized seabird, measuring between 32 and 38 cm in length with a wingspan of 49 to 58 cm. In breeding plumage, it has a black body with a large white wing patch, bright red feet, and a red interior to its bill. In winter, its plumage becomes paler, with a light grey back and head and white underparts. It inhabits rocky coasts of the North Atlantic and Arctic, nesting in crevices of cliffs or under rocks. Its diet mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, which it captures by diving up to 50 meters deep. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is sensitive to marine pollution and predation by introduced species.

The Common Guillemot is a seabird characterized by its black and white plumage, and its streamlined body which allows it to swim with agility. It measures about 40 to 45 cm in length and weighs between 500 and 700 g. Its head is black with sharp white eyes, and its wings are short and pointed, suited for diving. The Common Guillemot primarily lives on coastal cliffs, where it nests in very dense colonies, often on inaccessible sites. It is found mainly in Northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, and Iceland, but also along the coasts of the North Atlantic. The Common Guillemot is an excellent diver, primarily feeding on fish, particularly small herring and capelin, which it catches by diving underwater in search of prey. While the species is not endangered, it is vulnerable to marine pollution, climate change, and disruption of its breeding sites.

The Cyanerpes lucidus, or Shining Honeycreeper, is a small tropical bird with vibrant colors, primarily blue with black wings and a slender, curved beak. This nectarivore primarily feeds on nectar but also consumes fruits and insects. It is found in the humid forests and forest edges of Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama. Males display a striking blue plumage, while females are more subdued in green. Their behavior is generally active and social, often seen in small groups. They play a crucial role in pollinating tropical plants.

The Red-legged Honeycreeper, Cyanerpes cyaneus, is a small, vibrantly colored tropical bird, primarily electric blue with black wings and red legs. It is commonly found in the humid forests and wooded areas of Central and South America. This nectarivore feeds mainly on nectar but also consumes fruits and insects. Males display a striking plumage, while females are generally olive green with bluish hues. The Red-legged Honeycreeper is a social bird, often seen in small groups, and is known for its aerial acrobatics when feeding. Its breeding season varies by region but is generally active year-round in tropical areas.

The Bearded Vulture is a large vulture, easily recognizable by its distinctive head, large wings, and brown and white plumage. It measures about 1.1 to 1.3 meters in length, with a wingspan of 2.6 to 2.8 meters, and weighs between 4.5 and 7.5 kg. Its head is covered with dark feathers, while its wings and back are mainly brown, with lighter feathers on its belly. The Bearded Vulture is unique among vultures for its feeding behavior, as it primarily feeds on bones. It is capable of breaking the hardest bones by dropping them from great heights to shatter them, allowing it to access the bone marrow. It primarily inhabits mountains, notably the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Himalayas, where it also feeds on carcasses of dead animals, such as chamois or mouflons. Although the species was once endangered, conservation efforts have helped restore its population in certain areas. However, the Bearded Vulture remains vulnerable to human disturbance, habitat loss, and the decline of its natural prey.

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 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 Common Merganser is a large diving duck measuring between 58 and 71 cm in length, with a wingspan of 82 to 97 cm. The male features a dark green iridescent head, white body, and black back, while the female has a reddish-brown crested head and light gray body. This duck is characterized by its long, slender red bill with serrated edges, ideal for catching slippery fish. It inhabits clear-water rivers and lakes in forested regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Nesting in tree cavities or cliff crevices, it lays between 6 and 17 eggs per season. Its diet mainly consists of fish, but also includes amphibians, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Although listed as Least Concern, habitat loss can locally impact its populations.

The Hooded Merganser is a medium-sized duck, easily recognizable by its distinctive crest and vibrant colors. It measures about 40 to 50 cm in length, with a wingspan of 60 to 70 cm, and weighs between 400 and 700 g. The male, during the breeding season, has a black and white head with an impressive crest of white feathers on top. Its plumage is mainly black and white, with shades of brown and green, and it has a short, wide beak adapted for feeding on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. The female, on the other hand, is more subtle, with light brown plumage and a less prominent crest. The Hooded Merganser primarily inhabits North America, particularly in the northeastern United States, where it frequents lakes, rivers, and wetland areas. It is an excellent diver, capable of diving underwater to capture its prey. Although the species is not in immediate danger, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and water pollution.

The Red-breasted Merganser is a slender diving duck, measuring about 52 to 58 cm in length with a wingspan of 67 to 82 cm. The male features a dark green head with a shaggy crest, a white collar, a rusty speckled chest, and a thin red bill. The female has a reddish-brown head with a more subdued crest, a grayish body, and a duller red bill. This duck inhabits coastal waters, estuaries, bays, and large lakes, favoring saline or brackish areas. It primarily feeds on small fish, but also consumes crustaceans, aquatic insects, and amphibians, captured using its serrated bill adapted for fishing. A migratory species, it nests on the ground near water, often concealed under vegetation or in rocky crevices. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Red-breasted Merganser is sensitive to water pollution, coastal habitat destruction, and human disturbances.

The Harpy Eagle is one of the most powerful and impressive raptors in the world, easily recognizable by its large size and distinctive crest of feathers on its head. It measures between 86 and 107 cm in length, with a wingspan of 2 to 2.3 meters, and weighs between 6 and 10 kg. Its plumage is primarily dark gray and black, with white spots on the wings and belly, and a head adorned with a crest of feathers, giving it an imposing appearance. The Harpy Eagle primarily inhabits the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, notably in Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil. Carnivorous, it primarily feeds on mammals such as monkeys, sloths, and coatis, which it captures in flight or on trees with its powerful talons. Although the Harpy Eagle is not yet critically endangered, its population is threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and illegal hunting.

The Grey Heron is a large wading bird, easily recognizable by its slender silhouette, long neck, and large legs. It stands about 90 cm tall, with a wingspan of 1.5 to 1.9 meters, and weighs between 1.5 and 2 kg. Its plumage is primarily gray, with white markings on the belly and underside of the wings, and a white head adorned with distinctive black feathers. It has a long, pointed yellow beak, adapted for capturing its prey, primarily fish, amphibians, insects, and occasionally small mammals. The Grey Heron inhabits wetlands, marshes, rivers, and lakes across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is an excellent hunter, patiently waiting by the water's edge to capture its prey with its beak. Although the species is not endangered, it can be vulnerable to water pollution, habitat loss, and human disturbance.

The Indian pond heron is a small heron of about 45 cm, with buff-brown plumage and white flight feathers visible in flight. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, rice paddies and riverbanks, standing motionless before striking fish, amphibians and insects with a quick bill thrust. During breeding, it builds a stick nest in waterside shrubs and the male performs courtship displays by raising neck feathers.

The Cattle Egret is a small heron with primarily white plumage, featuring touches of yellow on the neck and head during the breeding season. It measures about 55 to 60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90 to 100 cm, and weighs between 300 and 500 g. This heron is notable for its social behavior, often seen in the company of large herds of cattle or near farm animals, hence its name "cattle egret." It takes advantage of the presence of these animals to hunt insects, worms, and other small animals disturbed by the movement of livestock. The Cattle Egret primarily inhabits Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, such as the Mediterranean. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates, insects, and occasionally small fish, and is particularly efficient in agricultural and wetland areas. Although the species is widely spread, it may be vulnerable to habitat loss and changes in farming practices.

The Purple Heron is a large wading bird, easily recognizable by its colorful plumage, ranging from purple to reddish, with shades of brown and blue. It measures about 80 to 100 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.3 to 1.5 meters, and weighs between 600 and 1,200 g. Its beak is long, thin, and pointed, with a yellowish-green color, while its legs are long and gray. During the breeding season, the Purple Heron sports decorative plumes on its head and neck. It primarily inhabits wetlands, marshes, rivers, and lakes across Europe, Africa, and Asia, where it feeds on fish, crustaceans, small mammals, and occasionally insects. It primarily hunts at night or during twilight, using its great agility to capture prey in the water. Although the species is not immediately endangered, it is vulnerable to habitat loss, water pollution, and human disturbance.

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 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 Ethiopian Swallow is a small, graceful bird, identifiable by its metallic blue back and white underparts. It has a forked tail typical of swallows. This species is mainly found in sub-Saharan Africa, frequenting open areas, villages, and towns. It is often seen in flight, hunting insects for food. The Ethiopian Swallow is a partial migrant, moving according to seasons and food availability. It builds a cup-shaped nest with mud, often under building eaves. Its population is stable, and it is not considered threatened.

The house martin is a small migratory bird found mainly in urban and rural areas across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its metallic blue back and its white throat and belly. This swallow builds its nest under roofs, on window ledges, and on building cornices. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches mid-flight, often chasing swarms of insects at high speed.

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 barn swallow is a small migratory bird found primarily in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is easily recognizable by its metallic blue back, pointed wings, and deeply forked tail. This bird is often seen flying at high speeds, hunting insects which it catches mid-flight. The barn swallow builds its nest under roofs, in barns, or buildings, and undertakes an impressive long migration each year.

The Hoatzin is a strange and fascinating bird, easily recognizable by its plume crest and distinctive plumage. Native to the tropical forests of South America, particularly in the Amazon Basin, this bird stands out for its leaf-based diet, which it digests through fermentation in its digestive system, a process similar to that of ruminants. It has short wings and prefers to move by hopping through trees or swimming. While not aggressive, the Hoatzin is a shy bird and difficult to observe, often hidden in dense vegetation.

The Great curassow is a large bird of the Cracidae family, easily recognizable by its impressive plumage and crest on its head. It measures approximately 75 to 90 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.2 to 1.4 meters, and weighs between 2 and 3 kg. Its plumage is mainly brown, with lighter feathers on the belly and distinctive markings on the wings and back. Its head is adorned with a reddish crest, giving it a distinctive appearance. The stone-curling quail mainly lives in the tropical and subtropical forests of Venezuela, Colombia, and Panama. It is often found in mountainous regions, where it frequents wooded areas and rocky slopes. The Stone-curlew is mainly herbivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, and leaves. It is a terrestrial bird, preferring to move around by walking rather than flying. Although the species is not critically endangered, it is vulnerable to deforestation and loss of its natural habitat.

The Crax alector, commonly known as the Black Curassow, is a large bird from the Cracidae family, native to the tropical forests of South America. It is easily recognizable by its glossy black plumage and distinctive curly crest. Males have a bright yellow beak, while females display more subdued patterns. This bird prefers dense forest habitats where it primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. Although capable of flight, it spends most of its time on the ground. The Black Curassow plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding in forest regeneration. Unfortunately, it is threatened by deforestation and excessive hunting, leading to population declines in some areas.

The Crax globulosa, commonly known as the Wattled Curassow, is an impressive bird from the Cracidae family. It is distinguished by its glossy black plumage and characteristic crest. Males display a bright red wattle on their beak, particularly visible during the breeding season. This bird primarily inhabits the humid tropical forests of South America, especially in the Amazon. It is often seen near watercourses, where it feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. Unfortunately, the Wattled Curassow is threatened by deforestation and hunting, leading to a significant decline in its population. Its conservation is crucial to preserving the biodiversity of its natural habitat.