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.


Purple-throated Carib

Purple-throated Carib

Eulampis jugularis

The Purple-throated Carib, or Eulampis jugularis, is a captivating bird native to the Caribbean, especially found on the islands of Dominica and Martinique. This hummingbird is noted for its striking plumage, with an iridescent purple throat that gives it its name. Males are generally larger than females and display more vibrant colors. They primarily feed on nectar but also consume small insects to supplement their diet. The Purple-throated Carib is a vital pollinator, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by aiding the reproduction of many plants. It is often seen in tropical rainforests, gardens, and wooded areas, where it flies with agility and speed.
Rufous hummingbird

Rufous hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

The Rufous hummingbird is a fascinating species of hummingbird, recognized for its small size and brilliant feathers in shades of copper and red. Native to North America, it migrates each year between the United States and Mexico. This hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar, which it collects using its long bill and extendable tongue. It is often seen hovering in place, a feat made possible by its extremely agile wings. The Rufous hummingbird is also known for its territorial behavior, especially when defending its favorite flowers.
Scintillant Hummingbird

Scintillant Hummingbird

Selasphorus scintilla

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.
Blue-tailed Emerald

Blue-tailed Emerald

Chlorostilbon mellisugus

The Blue-tailed Emerald, or Chlorostilbon mellisugus, is a small bird with vibrant, metallic green plumage and a distinctive bluish tail. It has a slender, slightly curved bill, perfect for feeding on flower nectar. This hummingbird is widespread in South America, inhabiting various environments from tropical forests to urban gardens. Known for its rapid and agile flight, it often produces characteristic buzzing sounds. Males are particularly territorial, vigorously defending their feeding areas. The breeding season varies by region, but nests are typically constructed with plant materials and spider webs.
Western Red Colobus

Western Red Colobus

Piliocolobus badius

The Western Red Colobus, or Piliocolobus badius, is an arboreal primate found mainly in the forests of West Africa. Recognizable by its reddish fur and black face, it is a social animal living in groups of up to 80 individuals. These monkeys primarily feed on leaves, but also consume fruits and flowers. Their specialized diet makes them vulnerable to deforestation and habitat loss. The Western Red Colobus is also known for its complex vocalizations used for group communication. Unfortunately, this species is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction, leading to a significant population decline in recent decades.
Angolan colobus

Angolan colobus

Colobus angolensis

The Angolan colobus, or Colobus angolensis, is an arboreal primate known for its striking black and white fur. This monkey is particularly recognizable by the long white fringes adorning its shoulders and tail. It primarily inhabits the tropical forests of Central and East Africa, spending most of its time in the canopy. The Angolan colobus is a strict herbivore, feeding mainly on leaves, fruits, and flowers. It lives in social groups of up to 15 individuals, led by a dominant male. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively widespread in some areas.
Ursine Colobus

Ursine Colobus

Colobus vellerosus

The Ursine Colobus, or Colobus vellerosus, is a medium-sized arboreal primate primarily found in West Africa. Its coat is predominantly black with distinctive white tufts around the face and shoulders, giving it an elegant appearance. It lives in social groups composed of several females and one or two dominant males. These monkeys are mainly folivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest health. Although they are agile in trees, they rarely descend to the ground. Their habitat is threatened by deforestation and hunting, leading to a decline in their population.
Guereza colobus

Guereza colobus

Colobus guereza

The Guereza Colobus is a large primate belonging to the family Cercopithecidae, easily recognized by its distinctive black and white fur. It has a white mane around its face, white limbs, and a long, bushy tail that helps it stabilize in the trees. Its black body is contrasted by tufts of white fur along the sides and back, making it one of the most elegant primates of the forest. It primarily lives in the tropical and subtropical forests of East Africa, spending most of its time in the trees. The Guereza Colobus is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers. With its specialized stomach, it can digest tough, fibrous leaves that other animals cannot consume. It lives in social groups led by a dominant male and is generally very calm, moving gracefully and agilely through the forest canopy. Although its population remains stable in some protected areas, it faces threats due to deforestation and hunting, causing some populations to be classified as vulnerable.
Colugo

Colugo

Cynocephalus volans

The Colugo, also known as the flying lemur, is a small tree-dwelling mammal native to Southeast Asia. While not a true lemur, it is often called so due to its gliding abilities, which it performs using a thin membrane of skin that connects its limbs to its body. This gliding allows it to move efficiently from tree to tree in search of food, primarily consisting of leaves, fruits, and flowers. The Colugo is a nocturnal and rather discreet animal, using its dense fur and camouflage to blend into the forest environment.
Ruff

Ruff

Philomachus pugnax

The Ruff is a medium-sized wader bird, easily recognizable by its colorful plumage and relatively large size for a bird in its family. The male is particularly distinctive during the breeding season, with vibrant plumage ranging from brown and white to red and orange, and a large ruff that surrounds its head. Outside the breeding season, the male loses its bright colors and presents a more subdued plumage similar to the female. This wader inhabits wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks across Europe and Asia. During the breeding season, males engage in spectacular courtship displays to attract females, including throat inflations and dances. The Ruff primarily feeds on small invertebrates and aquatic plants. It migrates south for the winter. While its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss due to the draining of wetlands and pollution.
California condor

California condor

Gymnogyps californianus

The California condor is a large terrestrial vulture in the family Cathartidae, with a wingspan of 2.7–3.2 m, black plumage and a bare head and neck. It inhabits coastal cliffs and arid canyons, feeding mainly on carrion of large mammals. Pairs nest on cliff ledges, laying one egg every other year.
Andean condor

Andean condor

Vultur gryphus

The Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world, known for its impressive wingspan reaching up to 3.3 meters. It primarily inhabits the Andean mountains, where it feeds on animal carcasses. Its majestic flight and habit of soaring at high altitudes make it a fascinating subject for photographers. Although protected, the Andean condor is threatened by habitat loss and poisoning from consuming contaminated carcasses.
White-eared Parakeet

White-eared Parakeet

Pyrrhura leucotis

The White-eared Parakeet, or Pyrrhura leucotis, is a small, colorful parrot native to the forests of southeastern Brazil. It is distinguished by its bright green feathers, characteristic white ear patches, and reddish tail. Measuring about 22 cm in length, it is known for its social behavior and ability to form noisy flocks. It primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and flowers. Although its natural habitat is threatened by deforestation, it adapts well to human-modified environments. This species is often seen in captivity due to its sociable nature and attractive plumage.
Burrowing Parrot

Burrowing Parrot

Cyanoliseus patagonus

The Burrowing Parrot, Cyanoliseus patagonus, is a medium-sized parrot native to the arid regions of Argentina and Chile. It is distinguished by its predominantly olive-green plumage, with shades of yellow and blue on the wings and head. Its belly features a characteristic reddish hue. These birds live in colonies and are known for digging burrows in cliffs for nesting. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, fruits, and flowers. Although they are sociable among themselves, they can be wary of humans. Their population is stable, but some subpopulations are threatened by habitat loss and illegal capture.
Golden Parakeet

Golden Parakeet

Guaruba guarouba

The Golden Parakeet, or Guaruba guarouba, is a medium-sized bird known for its bright yellow plumage and green wings. Native to the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, it is often seen in noisy flocks. This species is threatened by deforestation and illegal trade. It primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and flowers. Its social behavior is characterized by strong interaction within groups, and it is known for its curious and playful nature. The Golden Parakeet is a symbol of Amazonian biodiversity and the importance of conserving natural habitats.
Sun Conure

Sun Conure

Aratinga solstitialis

The Sun Conure, or Aratinga solstitialis, is a medium-sized parrot renowned for its vibrant plumage. Native to South America, primarily northeastern Brazil, it displays bright colors ranging from golden yellow to orange, with green touches on its wings and back. This parrot is highly social, living in groups in tropical forests, savannas, and wooded areas. Known for its loud call and ability to mimic sounds, the Sun Conure faces threats from deforestation and the illegal pet trade. It is listed as an endangered species by the IUCN.
Andean Cock-of-the-rock

Andean Cock-of-the-rock

Rupicola peruvianus

The Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola peruvianus, is a striking bird found in the humid forests of the Andes. The male is known for its vibrant orange plumage, while the female is more subdued with brownish tones. This bird is famous for its elaborate courtship displays, where males gather in leks to perform dances and distinctive calls to attract females. Primarily frugivorous, it plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding in the regeneration of its habitat. Although currently listed as "Least Concern," deforestation and habitat loss pose potential threats to its survival.
Booted Racket-tail

Booted Racket-tail

Ocreatus underwoodii

The Ocreatus underwoodii, known as the Booted Racket-tail, is a small hummingbird with a unique appearance. This bird is distinguished by its long racket-shaped tail feathers, giving it a graceful look in flight. Males display bright emerald green plumage, while females are more subdued with softer hues. It is primarily found in the humid forests and forest edges of the Andes, where it feeds mainly on flower nectar and small insects. Its fast and agile flight allows it to move easily between flowers. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common in some areas.
Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu

Uraeginthus bengalus

The Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu is a small, vibrant bird known for its striking plumage and distinctive red cheeks. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it inhabits savannas, shrublands, and gardens. Measuring about 12 cm in length, it is easily identified by its bright blue plumage and vivid red cheeks in males, while females have duller colors. Its melodious and soft song is often heard at dawn and dusk. This sociable bird lives in small groups and feeds mainly on seeds and insects. Its breeding is influenced by rainfall, and it builds dome-shaped nests in bushes.
European shag

European shag

Phalacrocorax aristotelis

The Macaroni Cormorant is a large aquatic bird, easily recognized by its slender silhouette, glossy black plumage, and the tuft of feathers on top of its head, which gives it its name. It has a long, pointed beak, perfectly adapted to catching fish, which it captures by diving underwater. Macaroni cormorants are often seen on rocky coastlines, islands, or along marine shores, where they form large breeding colonies. This cormorant primarily feeds on fish, but also consumes crustaceans and mollusks. It is an exceptional diver, capable of diving to considerable depths to hunt its prey. Although its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened in certain regions by habitat disruption, water pollution, and competition with other fishing birds. It is mainly found in the Mediterranean and along certain Atlantic coasts of Europe.
Little cormorant

Little cormorant

Microcarbo pygmeus

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.
Neotropic cormorant

Neotropic cormorant

Phalacrocorax brasilianus

The neotropic cormorant is a medium-sized waterbird (65–75 cm) with glossy black plumage accented by bronze tinges on the back and white underparts. It inhabits freshwater bodies and coastal areas, fishing in groups through successive dives to catch fish and crustaceans.
carrion crow

carrion crow

Corvus corone

The carrion crow is a 44–51 cm corvid, all black with a stout bill and strong flight. It inhabits urban areas, farmland and open woodlands across Europe and Asia, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, seeds and carrion, and scavenging human refuse. An opportunistic omnivore, it uses tools and caches food. During the breeding season (March–May), pairs defend a territory, build a large branch nest and raise 3–5 young.
Rüppell's Robin-Chat

Rüppell's Robin-Chat

Cossypha semirufa

The Rüppell's Robin-Chat, or Cossypha semirufa, is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 19 cm in length. It is distinguished by its striking plumage, with a slate-grey head and back, vivid rufous belly, and orange tail. This bird is primarily insectivorous, feeding on various insects and spiders, but it can also consume berries. It is often found in open forests, wooded savannas, and gardens, where it is known for its melodious and varied song. The Rüppell's Robin-Chat is a territorial bird, often seen alone or in pairs, and is particularly active at dusk and dawn.
Natal Robin

Natal Robin

Cossypha natalensis

The Natal Robin is a medium-sized songbird known for its vibrant plumage and melodious song. It features a grey head and back, with a bright orange throat and belly. This bird is often seen in dense forests and shaded gardens of southern Africa. It is known for its curious nature and territorial behavior, often spotted hopping on the ground in search of insects and fruits. Although generally solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small family groups. Its ability to adapt to various habitats makes it a common resident within its range.
Lovely Cotinga

Lovely Cotinga

Cotinga amabilis

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.
European Cat Snake

European Cat Snake

Telescopus fallax

The Telescopus fallax, commonly known as the European Cat Snake, is a medium-sized snake, typically measuring between 70 and 100 cm in length. Its coloration ranges from gray to brown, often adorned with dark saddle-shaped patterns. This snake is primarily nocturnal and feeds on small vertebrates, including lizards and rodents. It has rear-fanged venomous teeth, but its venom is harmless to humans. Found in Mediterranean regions, it prefers rocky and dry habitats. Although discreet, it can be observed during its nocturnal outings.
Swiss collar snake

Swiss collar snake

Natrix helvetica

The European Water Snake is a non-venomous species of snake, easily recognized by the distinct black or brown collar-like markings around its neck. Its body is typically olive or brown, with lighter patterns on the back and sides. This snake typically measures between 50 and 100 cm long, although it can sometimes reach up to 1.5 meters in rare cases. The European Water Snake primarily inhabits wetland areas, such as lake shores, rivers, and marshes. It is highly agile and spends most of its time hunting fish, amphibians, and small reptiles, which it captures by diving or swimming. Though mainly terrestrial, it is also an excellent swimmer. The species is protected in some areas due to habitat loss. The European Water Snake plays an important role in regulating amphibian populations and controlling small aquatic animals.
Northern grass snake
The Common European Water Snake is a non-venomous snake species, easily recognized by the distinctive black patch that forms a collar around its neck. It is typically olive green to gray in color, with lighter patterns on the belly and small black spots on the back. It can grow up to 1.5 meters in length, although the average size is around 1 meter. This snake primarily inhabits wetland areas, such as lake shores, marshes, and rivers, where it primarily hunts fish, amphibians, and small reptiles. It is a very good swimmer and spends much of its time in the water, using its diving skills to capture prey. While it is fairly common, it may be threatened by the destruction of its natural habitats, pollution, and illegal collection. The Common European Water Snake is protected in several regions of its range.
Four-lined snake

Four-lined snake

Elaphe quatuorlineata

The four-lined snake, Elaphe quatuorlineata, is a non-venomous snake primarily found in southern Europe. It is recognizable by its four dark stripes running along its yellowish-brown body. Typically measuring between 100 and 200 cm, it is one of the largest snake species in Europe. It prefers dry, rocky habitats, open woodlands, and agricultural areas. Although terrestrial, it is also a good climber. It mainly feeds on small mammals, birds, and eggs. Its behavior is generally calm, but it can become defensive if threatened.