The European blackbird is a very common passerine bird found throughout Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its glossy black plumage and bright yellow beak. This passerine primarily feeds on earthworms, insects, and fruit. Although it is often seen in gardens and urban parks, it remains a relatively discreet bird. It is also highly regarded for its melodious song, especially in spring.
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 blue tit is a small, colorful bird easily recognizable by its blue head, olive back, and bright yellow breast. It is found primarily in forests, gardens, and parks across Europe and Asia. The blue tit is a curious and active bird, often seen foraging for seeds, berries, and insects. It is also capable of using ingenious techniques to access food, making it a fascinating subject for photographers.
The boreal chickadee is a small passerine, 11–13 cm long, with olive-gray and brown plumage, featuring a dark brown cap, black bib, and white cheeks. It inhabits coniferous and mixed forests across the northern hemisphere, feeding on insects, seeds, and berries gleaned while clinging to branches. During the breeding season, pairs excavate or occupy tree cavities to nest, and the male feeds the female at the nest.
The great tit is a small, very common tit found across Europe and Western Asia. It is easily recognizable by its bright yellow plumage, black head, and white cheeks. This passerine bird is commonly seen in gardens, parks, and forests, where it feeds primarily on insects, seeds, and berries. The great tit is known for its curious nature and its ability to adapt to different habitats. It is also an excellent climber, often seen foraging in trees and shrubs.
The coal tit is a small passerine, 10–12 cm long, with slate-grey plumage, a black cap, white bib, and subtly streaked flanks. It frequents coniferous and mixed woodlands across Europe, often at edges or low in the canopy, where it forages on branches and trunks for insects and spiders. Solitary or in small family groups, it may join communal roosts in winter. During the breeding season, pairs defend their nest site together, placing the nest in a tree cavity or an old tit nest.
The marsh tit is a small passerine bird found primarily in broadleaf forests, thickets, and wetland areas across Europe and Asia. It is easily recognized by its light brown plumage, black crown, and white belly. This small bird primarily feeds on insects, seeds, and berries, which it finds in the foliage and underbrush. The marsh tit is also known for its curious behavior and soft song.
The Sagittarius Hornbill, or Tockus alboterminatus, is a medium-sized bird primarily found in the savannas and open forests of Central and East Africa, notably in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It measures about 45 to 50 cm in length and weighs between 100 and 150 g. This bird is distinguished by its predominantly light gray and white plumage, with touches of black on the wings and tail, as well as a long, curved beak, characteristic of hornbills and messengers. Its name "sagittarius" comes from its beak, which resembles an arrow. The Sagittarius Hornbill primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, small insects, and small vertebrates. It is also known for its social behaviors and can be observed in small groups or pairs, and while less noisy than other hornbills, it emits distinct communication calls. The species is not currently endangered but may be affected by deforestation and loss of its natural habitat.
The Black Kite is a large bird of prey, measuring about 55 to 60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 150 to 160 cm and weighing between 800 g and 1.5 kg. It is distinguished by its predominantly black plumage with gray and brown shades, and a lighter head, often silvery-gray. This raptor has long, pointed wings, ideal for soaring and maneuvering in the air. The Black Kite is primarily found in Europe, but its range also extends to North Africa and the Middle East. It primarily inhabits open areas such as countryside, sparse forests, and riverbanks, where it feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and also carrion. The Black Kite is an excellent glider, using thermal currents to stay aloft with minimal effort. This bird is also known for its social behavior and can be seen in groups, especially during migration. Although it is not in immediate danger, it faces threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, and collisions with power lines.
The Red Kite is a large bird of prey, measuring about 60 to 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.5 to 1.8 meters. It typically weighs between 1.2 and 1.5 kg. This raptor is distinguished by its reddish-brown plumage on the back and wings, with a lighter head and a deeply forked tail, giving it a characteristic silhouette in flight. The Red Kite primarily inhabits open forests, agricultural areas, and meadows, where it hunts small mammals, birds, insects, and carrion. It is an excellent glider and uses thermal currents to stay aloft effortlessly, allowing it to spot prey from a distance. The Red Kite is also a social bird, often seen in groups during the migration period, although it is generally solitary outside this time. While its population remains relatively stable, it faces threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and collisions with power lines.
The Dead Sea Sparrow, or Passer moabiticus, is a small passerine bird belonging to the Passeridae family. It is primarily found in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, especially around the Dead Sea, which gives it its English name. This sparrow is characterized by its gray and brown plumage, with lighter shades on the belly. Males have a gray cap and a black throat, while females are duller. They often live in colonies and are known for their melodious song. Their diet mainly consists of seeds and insects. Although relatively common in their range, their habitat is threatened by environmental degradation.
The house sparrow is a very common small bird, found primarily in urban environments, gardens, fields, and parks. It is easily recognized by its brown plumage, grey head, and black markings on its back and chest. This passerine bird is omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and food scraps. Although highly social and often seen in large numbers, the house sparrow is in decline in some regions due to habitat loss and climate change.
The Desert Sparrow, Passer simplex, is a small, sturdy bird primarily inhabiting the arid regions of the Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula. Its plumage is generally pale, with shades of beige and gray, allowing it to blend into its desert surroundings. Males have a gray cap and a black throat, while females are more uniform and discreet. Adapted to life in extreme conditions, this sparrow feeds mainly on seeds and insects found in the sparse vegetation of oases. It is often seen in small groups, foraging or resting in the shade to escape the intense heat.
The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher, or Terpsiphone atrocaudata, is an elegant and fascinating bird primarily found in the dense forests of Japan, Korea, and China. This bird is renowned for its glossy black plumage and long tail feathers that can reach up to 30 cm in males. Females, on the other hand, display more subdued colors, with brownish hues and a shorter tail. The Japanese Paradise Flycatcher is a migratory bird, moving south for the winter. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in flight with remarkable agility. Its melodious and varied song is often heard at dawn and dusk, adding a unique soundscape to the forests it inhabits.
The Houtouc Motmot is a colorful and fascinating bird, primarily found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, notably in Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. It measures about 40 cm in length and is easily recognized by its vibrant plumage, often dominated by shades of blue, green, and orange. What particularly distinguishes this bird are its tail feathers, which are long and feature a characteristic fan at the tips. The Houtouc Motmot is a small predator, feeding primarily on insects, small reptiles, and sometimes fruits. It is often seen perched on low branches, where it watches its surroundings in search of prey before diving quickly to catch it. Although often solitary or in small families, it emits a piercing call to signal its presence. The species is not currently endangered, but it is sometimes threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
The Rufous Motmot is a medium-sized tropical bird, measuring between 38 and 43 cm in length. It is identifiable by its bright blue crown bordered by a black band, green back, and rufous chest. Its long tail ends with two racket-shaped feathers, characteristic of the genus. Found in the humid forests of Central and South America, it frequents forest edges and open woodlands. Omnivorous, it feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and fruits. It nests in tunnels dug into banks or slopes, where the female typically lays 3 to 4 white eggs. Although currently listed as Least Concern, deforestation poses a threat to its natural habitats.
The black-headed gull is a small gull easily recognized by its black head (in summer), white plumage, and light gray wings. It is primarily found in Europe and Asia and is often seen near bodies of water, in harbors, and estuaries. It is omnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, and sometimes human scraps. This gull is also known for its aerial acrobatics, often seen flying and diving into the water to catch its food.
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a medium-sized gull, measuring about 40 to 45 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90 to 110 cm. It is easily recognizable by its white plumage with light gray wings and a black head during the breeding season. What particularly distinguishes this gull is the shape of its tail, which is deeply forked, hence its name "tridactyla." It primarily inhabits coastal regions of the North Atlantic, notably in rocky areas, cliffs, and subarctic islands. The Black-legged Kittiwake feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, and marine insects. It is often seen flying over the water in search of food or resting on rocks. Although the population of this species is stable, it may be threatened by human disturbances, particularly the disruption of breeding colonies and marine pollution.
The Pterocnemia pennata, commonly known as Darwin's rhea, is a large, flightless bird native to the arid and semi-arid regions of South America. It is characterized by its grey-brown plumage and long legs adapted for fast running. Often mistaken for an ostrich, it is smaller in size. Darwin's rheas live in groups and primarily feed on plants, seeds, and insects. They are known for their complex social behavior, especially during the breeding season when males build nests and incubate eggs. Although they can cover large distances, their habitat is threatened by agricultural expansion and hunting.
The Red-crested Pochard is a medium-sized diving duck, measuring between 53 and 58 cm in length with a wingspan of 84 to 88 cm. The male is notable for its rounded, bright reddish-orange head, vivid red bill, black chest, and white flanks. The female is more subdued, with brown plumage, pale cheeks, and a dark bill. This species inhabits eutrophic lakes and ponds rich in aquatic vegetation, often bordered by reed beds. It primarily feeds on aquatic plants like pondweeds and charophytes, but also consumes aquatic invertebrates, including mollusks and insects. Migratory, the Red-crested Pochard winters around the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is sensitive to the degradation of wetlands.
The snowfinch is a small mountain passerine measuring 14–16 cm, with grey-brown plumage, a distinctive black crown and a contrasting white rump. It inhabits high-altitude environments such as alpine meadows, scree slopes and mountain roadsides, feeding mainly on insects and seeds. During the breeding season, the male performs song flights and aerial displays over its territory to attract the female, and pairs build a nest in rock cavities or under stones.
The Leach's Storm Petrel is a small seabird from the Hydrobatidae family, known for its graceful flight and long migrations. It measures about 18 to 21 cm in length with a wingspan of 43 to 48 cm. Its plumage is mostly dark brown with a distinctive white patch at the base of the tail. This bird spends most of its life at sea, only returning to land to breed. It nests in burrows or crevices on isolated islands. The Leach's Storm Petrel primarily feeds on plankton and small fish, which it captures at the water's surface. It is often seen "walking" on water thanks to its webbed feet.
The Stone-curlew is a large, ground-dwelling bird primarily found in open and arid regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It measures about 40 to 45 cm in height and weighs between 350 and 500 g. What distinguishes the Stone-curlew is its cryptic plumage, generally brown-gray in color, allowing it to blend effectively among vegetation or rocks. It has large yellow eyes and a distinctive call, which is often heard during the night, hence its name. This bird primarily feeds on insects, worms, and small invertebrates found on the ground. The Stone-curlew is mostly active at dusk and at night, feeding slowly while scanning its surroundings. While not in immediate danger, it faces threats from habitat loss, intensive agriculture, and human disturbance.
The Pink-footed Goose, Anser brachyrhynchus, is a medium-sized waterfowl species belonging to the Anatidae family. It is characterized by its short pink bill, pink legs, and grey-brown plumage. This goose breeds mainly in Iceland, Greenland, and Norway, migrating to the UK and the Netherlands for winter. It prefers wetlands, marshes, and grasslands for feeding, primarily on aquatic plants and grasses. In flight, it forms V-shaped groups, typical of geese. Although its conservation status is currently of "least concern," it is sensitive to climate change and habitat loss.
The Bar-headed Goose, Anser indicus, is a remarkable bird species known for its ability to fly at high altitudes. It is easily recognizable by its white head adorned with two distinct black bars. These migratory birds travel long distances, crossing the Himalayas to reach their breeding grounds in Central Asia. They often gather in large flocks and are known for their V-formation flight. Their plumage is primarily gray with lighter shades on the belly. They mainly feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. Their adaptation to various environments, from plains to mountains, demonstrates their resilience and adaptability.
The greylag goose (Anser anser) is a large migratory waterfowl (75–90 cm in length, 130–160 cm wingspan), distinguished by its smoky-grey plumage, orange bill and pink legs. Found across freshwater wetlands, floodplain meadows and lakes of Europe and Asia, it feeds on grasses, aquatic seeds and mollusks. Highly social, it forms large flocks during migration and wintering. Breeding begins in late February when monogamous pairs perform head-bobbing displays and honking calls. The female lays 5–7 eggs in a ground nest lined with vegetation near water, which incubate for 26–28 days. Precocial goslings leave the nest soon after hatching, grazing and seeking cover alongside parents. In flight, geese famously adopt V formations to conserve energy on long-distance migrations.
The Japanese White-eye, scientifically known as Zosterops japonicus, is a small passerine bird with olive-green plumage and a distinctive white eye-ring. Native to East Asia, it is commonly found in gardens, forests, and urban areas. This bird is highly social and often moves in flocks. It primarily feeds on nectar, fruits, and insects. Its adaptability to various environments makes it a resilient species. Although mainly resident, some individuals migrate seasonally. Its presence is often marked by its melodious song and high-pitched calls.
The Andean Goose, or Chloephaga melanoptera, is a striking bird of the Andes, known for its black wings contrasting with its white plumage. It inhabits mountainous regions of South America, mainly in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. This robust bird is well adapted to high altitudes, often seen near high-altitude lakes and marshes. Andean Geese are monogamous and form lifelong pairs. They primarily feed on aquatic vegetation and grasses. Their behavior is generally not very shy, allowing for easy observation. However, their remote and challenging habitat makes study more complex.
The Arabian Bustard, Ardeotis arabs, is a large terrestrial bird primarily inhabiting the arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is recognizable by its brown and white plumage, long neck, and sturdy legs. Males are generally larger than females and can reach an impressive wingspan. This bird prefers open plains and savannas where it feeds mainly on seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. Although capable of flight, the Arabian Bustard spends most of its time on the ground. It is known for its spectacular courtship displays where the male puffs up its feathers to attract the attention of females.
The Bearded Tit is a small passerine bird primarily found in marshy areas and reed beds of Europe and Asia. It measures about 15 to 20 cm in length and weighs between 15 and 20 g. What particularly distinguishes the Bearded Tit is its plumage in shades of brown and cream, with long black moustaches that give it its name. It is often observed in reed beds and wetlands, where it primarily feeds on seeds, insects, and arthropods. Although it is an excellent climber and stealthy thief, the Bearded Tit is unfortunately threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat and the reduction of reedbed areas. This species is currently listed as "near threatened" by the IUCN.