The Helmeted Curassow, or Pauxi pauxi, is a large terrestrial bird from the Cracidae family, primarily found in the humid tropical forests of the Andes in Venezuela and Colombia. It is distinguished by its unique horned crest, which gives it its name. This curassow is black with bluish sheen and a white chest. It feeds mainly on fruits, seeds, and insects. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Its discreet nature and dark plumage make it difficult to observe in its natural environment. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its long-term survival.
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.
The Sooty Oystercatcher is a medium-sized coastal bird, easily identified by its deep black plumage and bright red bill. It primarily inhabits the rocky and sandy shores of Australia, feeding on mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates. Its piercing call is often heard before the bird is seen. While usually observed in pairs or small groups, it can form large colonies during the breeding season. The Sooty Oystercatcher is a sedentary bird, generally remaining loyal to its territory year-round. Its ability to adapt to various coastal environments makes it a resilient species, although some populations may be vulnerable to human disturbances and habitat loss.
The Eurasian Oystercatcher is a coastal bird easily recognizable by its black and white plumage and long orange beak. It measures about 40 to 45 cm in length, with a wingspan of 75 to 85 cm, and weighs between 300 and 400 g. Its beak is long and straight, ideal for digging up shellfish and other mollusks, which it primarily consumes, though it also feeds on worms and marine insects. The Eurasian Oystercatcher primarily inhabits the coasts of Europe, north-west Africa, and parts of Asia. It prefers beaches, estuaries, and mudflats where it can forage at low tide. This bird is very territorial and can be seen in small colonies during the breeding season, but typically lives alone or in small groups outside of that period. Although the species is not immediately endangered, it is sensitive to habitat loss, beach pollution, and human disturbance.
The Eurasian Hoopoe is a bird with a spectacular plumage, easily recognizable by its colorful crest of feathers that it raises in the shape of a tuft on its head. It measures about 25 to 29 cm in length, with a wingspan of 44 to 48 cm, and weighs between 40 and 70 g. Its plumage is primarily light beige, with black and white stripes on the back and wings, and its beak is long, thin, and slightly curved, ideal for probing the ground in search of insects and other small prey. The Eurasian Hoopoe primarily inhabits open areas, such as grasslands, orchards, forest edges, and cultivated areas across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It mainly feeds on insects, such as ants, termites, and larvae, which it catches by probing the ground. This bird is an excellent flier, capable of flying long distances with powerful wingbeats. Although the species is not endangered, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and the intensification of agriculture.
The icterine warbler is a small migratory passerine, 11–13 cm long, with olive-green upperparts and pale yellow underparts, distinguished by a bright yellow supercilium. It inhabits open woodlands and edges, feeding mainly on insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in flight. During breeding, males perform singing display flights and sing from elevated perches to attract females and defend territories.
The melodious warbler is a small migratory passerine of 11–13 cm with olive-yellow upperparts and pale yellow underparts. It inhabits open woodlands, hedgerows and groves, feeding mainly on insects captured in flight or among foliage. During breeding, males sing from elevated perches to attract females and defend territory.
The Black-faced Ibis, or Theristicus melanopis, is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Threskiornithidae family. It is easily recognizable by its gray and brown plumage, distinctive black face, and long curved bill. This bird is primarily found in South America, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. It inhabits various environments, from open grasslands to wetlands, and feeds mainly on insects, worms, and small invertebrates. The Black-faced Ibis is a gregarious bird, often seen in groups, and is known for its distinctive calls. Although not considered threatened, it is sensitive to environmental changes and habitat loss.
The Black-headed Ibis, or Pseudibis papillosa, is a medium-sized bird known for its distinctive black head and neck contrasting with its white body. It primarily inhabits wetlands, marshes, and rice paddies in South Asia. This ibis is often seen in small groups, feeding on crustaceans, insects, and small fish. Although relatively common in some areas, habitat degradation poses a threat to its population. Its flight is graceful, with slow and steady wing beats, and it emits characteristic harsh calls. The breeding season varies by region but is often influenced by the rainy season.

The Bald Ibis is a large migratory bird, easily recognizable by its dark plumage and bare head, adorned with a light down. It measures about 65 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.3 to 1.4 meters, and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. Its plumage is brownish-red, with metallic green and purple hues that appear in the light. The head of the Bald Ibis is almost completely devoid of feathers, except for a small tuft of feathers on the top. It has a long curved beak, adapted for probing the ground in search of small invertebrates, worms, and seeds. The Bald Ibis primarily inhabits wetlands, marshes, and river valleys in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe. It is primarily herbivorous and insectivorous, feeding on aquatic plants and small animals found in marshy areas. The Bald Ibis is a migratory species, moving in groups during the breeding season and winter. While the species has been severely reduced in its range, conservation efforts have helped maintain small populations in certain areas. However, it remains vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbance.
The Glossy Ibis is an elegant bird, easily recognizable by its iridescent brown-green plumage and its long, curved bill shaped like a sickle. It measures about 60 to 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.1 to 1.2 meters, and weighs between 350 and 500 g. Its plumage is generally dark, with metallic shades of green and bronze that shine in the light. The Glossy Ibis is also distinguished by its long, slender legs and graceful neck. This bird primarily inhabits wetlands, such as marshes, rivers, and shallow lakes, where it feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, mollusks, insects, and fish. It uses its long, curved bill to probe in the water and mud in search of food. The Glossy Ibis is a migratory species, living in colonies during the breeding season. It is primarily found in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. While the species is not immediately endangered, it is sensitive to habitat loss and water pollution.
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 Fischer's Lovebird is a small, colorful parrot native to northern Tanzania. It is easily recognizable by its bright green plumage, orange head, and red beak. Measuring about 14 cm in length, it is often seen in noisy flocks. These birds are known for their social behavior and ability to form strong bonds with their partners. They primarily inhabit savannas, woodlands, and grasslands, where they feed on seeds, fruits, and berries. Nesting usually occurs in tree cavities, and they are known for their ability to use various materials to build their nests.
The Wood Stork, or Mycteria americana, is a large wading bird known for its striking white plumage contrasted by its black head and neck. It has a long, sturdy bill, slightly curved, perfect for catching aquatic prey. This majestic bird primarily inhabits wetlands, such as marshes and mangroves, where it feeds on fish, crustaceans, and insects. The Wood Stork is often seen in groups, making it easier to spot. Although it is relatively tolerant of human presence, it is essential to maintain a respectful distance to avoid disturbing its natural behavior. Its breeding season varies by region but generally coincides with the rainy season, ensuring an abundance of food for the young.
The Wattled Jacana, or Jacana jacana, is a striking water bird known for its long legs and elongated toes, allowing it to walk effortlessly on water lilies and other floating plants. Native to the wetlands of South America, this bird features dark brown to black plumage with wings that have greenish sheen and a bright yellow bill topped with a red wattle. Jacanas are known for their polyandrous behavior, where the female mates with multiple males, each responsible for incubating the eggs. They primarily feed on insects and small invertebrates found on the water's surface. Their call is a sharp, piercing cry, often heard at dawn and dusk.
The Great Bowerbird, Chlamydera nuchalis, is a fascinating bird native to Australia, renowned for its unique courtship behavior. Males build elaborate bowers decorated with colorful objects to attract females. Their plumage is primarily gray-brown with a distinctive pink patch on the nape. These birds are mainly frugivorous but also consume insects and other small animals. They inhabit various environments, including open forests, savannas, and woodlands. Their song is varied and often mimics environmental sounds. Although their population is stable, deforestation poses a potential threat.
The Bohemian Waxwing is a small colorful bird, easily recognizable by its characteristic crest and the black edges of its feathers. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 30 to 35 cm, and weighs between 50 and 70 g. Its plumage is primarily light gray with bright yellow and red hues on its wings and tail, and it has red and yellow feathers decorating the tips of its plumage. The Bohemian Waxwing primarily inhabits the dense coniferous and deciduous forests of northern Europe and Asia, as well as North America. It is often found in groups, feeding primarily on berries, especially those from juniper and sea buckthorn trees, but it can also eat insects and seeds. This small passerine is also known for its soft call and social behavior, particularly during migration in groups. Although the species is not endangered, it is sensitive to climate change and the availability of its preferred food, berries.
The Kakapo is a nocturnal and terrestrial parrot, easily recognizable by its moss-green plumage and large wings, although this bird cannot fly. It measures about 60 cm in length and weighs between 2 and 4 kg, making it the heaviest parrot. Its plumage is mainly green, with yellow and brown hues that help it blend into its natural environment. The Kakapo is found exclusively in New Zealand, where it prefers dense forests and mountainous areas. It is herbivorous and feeds on plants, fruits, seeds, and roots. Due to its inability to fly, it has developed excellent climbing skills and primarily moves by walking. The species has been severely threatened over the centuries by predation from introduced mammals and habitat loss. Today, the Kakapo is an extremely rare and critically endangered bird, with intense conservation efforts focused on protecting the remaining individuals.
The kereru, or New Zealand pigeon, is an endemic bird of New Zealand, known for its iridescent plumage and large size. It features a dark green head and neck, a white belly, and metallic sheen on its back. Measuring about 50 cm in length, it is often seen in native forests, parks, and urban gardens. The kereru plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration. Although its flight is powerful, it is often described as clumsy, making it easily identifiable. Its population is stable, but it remains vulnerable to introduced predators and habitat loss.
The Kiwi is a bird endemic to New Zealand, famous for its brown, fluffy plumage, small size, and long straight bill. It measures about 40 to 50 cm in height, with a wingspan of 60 to 80 cm, and weighs between 1 and 4 kg depending on the species. The Kiwi is one of the most distinctive birds in the world due to its unique appearance: it has small wings that do not allow it to fly, a long delicate nose, and short legs adapted for its terrestrial life. It primarily inhabits the forests, woods, and grasslands of New Zealand, where it feeds on earthworms, insects, fruits, and roots. The Kiwi is a nocturnal bird, feeding primarily at night and being particularly vulnerable to introduced predators such as rats, mustelids, and dogs. It is also threatened by the loss of its natural habitat, and several species of Kiwi are critically endangered. Active conservation, such as nest protection and predator elimination, is essential to ensure the survival of these iconic birds.
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 South Polar Skua is a robust seabird, primarily recognized for its dark brown plumage and aggressive behavior. It breeds mainly in Antarctica and migrates to oceans worldwide during the austral winter. This bird is an opportunistic predator, feeding on fish, small birds, and carrion. It is also known for its kleptoparasitic behavior, stealing food from other seabirds. The South Polar Skua is well adapted to the extreme conditions of its breeding habitat, with a compact body and powerful wings that allow it to fly long distances. Its ability to survive in harsh environments makes it a fascinating subject of study for ornithologists.
The Parasitic Jaeger, or Stercorarius parasiticus, is a medium-sized seabird, easily recognizable by its pointed wings and dark plumage. It measures about 45 to 50 cm in length, with a wingspan of 110 to 125 cm, and weighs between 300 and 450 g. Its plumage is typically dark brown or gray on the back, with a lighter belly. Adults have a distinctive feature: a forked tail with extended feathers, especially in males. The Parasitic Jaeger is a migratory bird that primarily inhabits the Arctic and subarctic regions but moves to more temperate zones during the winter. This bird is particularly known for its parasitic behavior, in which it chases other seabirds to force them to drop their catch, allowing the Jaeger to steal their food. The Parasitic Jaeger is also an excellent flyer, capable of traveling long distances. While the species is not endangered, it is sensitive to human disturbances and climate changes that affect its coastal habitat.
The Pomarine Jaeger is a medium-sized seabird known for its long, pointed wings and spatula-shaped tail. It has a dark brown plumage with lighter underparts and distinctive white wing markings. This agile predator is often seen chasing other birds to steal their food. It breeds mainly in Arctic regions and migrates to southern oceans in winter. Its preferred habitat includes coastal areas and open seas. The Pomarine Jaeger is an opportunistic bird, capable of adapting to various marine environments to survive.
The Rock Ptarmigan is a mountain bird adapted to the harsh conditions of high peaks. It measures about 35 to 40 cm in length and weighs between 350 and 650 g. In winter, its plumage is entirely white, allowing it to blend into the snow, while in summer, it has a brown-red plumage with dark spots to better blend into the rocks and grasses of the mountains. The Rock Ptarmigan primarily inhabits mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North America at high altitudes, where it feeds on plants, seeds, berries, and young shoots. Due to its thick plumage and feather-covered legs, it is well adapted to cold conditions but is also vulnerable to climate change, particularly to the loss of its mountainous habitat. The species is protected in some areas but remains sensitive to human disturbances, such as mountain tourism and temperature changes.
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.
The Willow Ptarmigan is a mountain bird, smaller than its cousin the Rock Ptarmigan, found in cold regions and forested areas of northern Europe and Asia. It measures about 30 to 35 cm in length and weighs between 250 and 400 g. Its plumage changes with the seasons: in winter, it is entirely white, allowing it to blend into the snow, while in summer, it has a brown-red spotted plumage, perfect for blending into the moors and shrubs. The Willow Ptarmigan primarily inhabits taiga and tundra regions, where it feeds on leaves, berries, and young shoots. It is often seen on the ground or in bushes, searching for food. While the species is not immediately threatened, it is vulnerable to disturbances from deforestation and climate change, which affect mountain ecosystems.
The common grasshopper warbler is a small passerine about 13 cm long with streaked brown upperparts and long undertail coverts. Secretive in dense grassy vegetation and low scrub at water margins, it feeds on insects gleaned from foliage. During breeding, the male sings from a low branch or elevated grass stem to defend its territory and court the female.
The Himalayan Monal, or Lophophorus impejanus, is a striking bird native to the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. Known for its iridescent plumage, the male displays a dazzling array of metallic blues, greens, and purples, while the female is more subdued with mottled brown feathers for camouflage. These birds inhabit coniferous forests and alpine meadows, feeding on roots, tubers, and insects. Although capable of flight, they prefer to walk or run on the ground. Their call is a sharp, resonant cry that echoes through the mountain valleys.