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.


The Great Spotted Woodpecker
The Great Spotted Woodpecker is an iconic bird of forests in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It measures about 25 to 30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm, and weighs between 70 and 100 g. It is easily recognizable by its black and white plumage, with a red head in males and a red patch on the nape in females. The Great Spotted Woodpecker is an excellent climber, using its strong beak to tap on tree trunks in search of insects, primarily insect larvae and ants, which it extracts with its long, sticky tongue. It is often seen hammering wood in search of food or to mark its territory. The Great Spotted Woodpecker is found in a variety of forests, from broadleaf to mixed forests, and although its population remains stable, it is sometimes affected by habitat loss.
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is a small bird from the woodpecker family, primarily found in deciduous and mixed forests of Europe and Asia. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 30 to 35 cm, and weighs between 30 and 40 g. Its plumage is mainly black and white, with a small red patch on the nape, visible mostly in males. The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is distinguished by its smaller size compared to the Great Spotted Woodpecker and its foraging habits. It primarily feeds on small insects found under the bark of trees, using its beak to strike quickly and its long tongue to extract the insects. It is an excellent climber and spends much of its time in trees. Although its population remains stable, this species may be affected by habitat loss due to deforestation.
Middle Spotted Woodpecker

Middle Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopos medius

The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird from the woodpecker family, primarily found in deciduous and mixed forests of Europe and Asia. It measures about 23 to 26 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm, and weighs between 60 and 100 g. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with a red head in males and a red patch on the nape in females. The Middle Spotted Woodpecker is an excellent climber, using its strong beak to dig into tree bark in search of insect larvae, ants, and small arthropods. It generally lives in older, less disturbed forests, but its population can be threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
Black woodpecker

Black woodpecker

Dryocopus martius

The Black Woodpecker is a large bird from the woodpecker family, primarily found in deciduous and mixed forests of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It measures between 45 and 50 cm in length, with a wingspan of 60 to 70 cm, and weighs between 250 and 300 g. Its plumage is entirely black, except for its ivory-colored bill. In females, a red patch adorns the top of the head, while in males, the red patch extends from the top of the head down to the nape. The Black Woodpecker is an excellent climber and a skilled driller, primarily feeding on insect larvae, arthropods, and sometimes small mammals found under tree bark. It prefers mature, well-established forests, where it creates large holes in search of food. While its population remains relatively stable, the Black Woodpecker is sometimes threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker

Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker

Picoides tridactylus

The Three-toed Woodpecker is a small bird from the woodpecker family, primarily found in coniferous forests of Europe and Asia. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm, and weighs between 50 and 70 g. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with a distinctive yellow patch on the top of its head, and white streaks on its wings. What distinguishes the Three-toed Woodpecker is the presence of three toes on each foot, which allows it to climb with great agility. It primarily feeds on insect larvae, which it extracts from the bark of trees using its strong beak. The Three-toed Woodpecker lives in old forests and dense wooded areas, and although it is not currently threatened, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbance.
Green woodpecker

Green woodpecker

Picus viridis

The Green Woodpecker is a large bird from the woodpecker family, primarily found in deciduous forests and parks in Europe. It measures about 30 to 35 cm in length, with a wingspan of 45 to 50 cm, and weighs between 200 and 250 g. Its plumage is primarily green, with yellow underparts and a red head in males, while females have a less prominent red patch. The Green Woodpecker is distinguished by its piercing call, which it uses to mark its territory. It primarily feeds on ants and their larvae, which it finds in soft soils and under tree bark, using its beak to pierce the ground and trunks. This bird is an excellent climber and spends much of its time on the ground searching for food. While its population remains relatively stable, the Green Woodpecker can be threatened by habitat loss due to intensive farming and deforestation.
Magpie

Magpie

Pica pica

The magpie is a very social and intelligent bird found primarily in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its black and white plumage, long beak, and long, pointed tail. The magpie is omnivorous, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, fruits, seeds, and even human scraps. It is also known for its curious nature and its habit of collecting shiny objects for its nest.
Lesser grey shrike

Lesser grey shrike

Lanius minor

The lesser grey shrike is a medium-sized forest raptor (16–18 cm) with bluish-grey upperparts and pale pink underparts, marked by a broad pale wing patch. It inhabits woodland edges, grasslands, open farmland and scattered bushes, feeding mainly on small birds, insects and reptiles.
Rose-colored shrike

Rose-colored shrike

Lanius senator

The rose-colored shrike is a small predatory bird found primarily in bushes, hedgerows, and open fields across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. It is easily recognized by its light gray plumage, reddish head, and strong, hooked beak. This bird primarily feeds on insects, small birds, and rodents, which it captures by ambush and sometimes impales on branches with its beak. It is also known for its territorial behavior and constant vigilance.
Red-backed Shrike

Red-backed Shrike

Lanius collurio

The Red-backed Shrike is a medium-sized bird primarily found in hedgerows, scrubland, and open meadows across Europe and Asia. It measures about 20 to 23 cm in length and weighs between 40 and 50 g. Its plumage is characterized by a silvery-gray head, a brown back, and a whitish breast. It also has a distinctive black stripe running through its eyes. The Red-backed Shrike is an excellent hunter, primarily feeding on small birds, insects, rodents, and sometimes small reptiles. It is known for its "impaling" behavior, where it spikes its prey on thorns or barbed wire to store it. While its population remains stable in some regions, it can be threatened by habitat loss, the destruction of hedgerows, and the intensification of agriculture.
Great grey shrike

Great grey shrike

Lanius excubitor

The great grey shrike is a small predatory passerine of 22–26 cm with pale grey-brown plumage, a black and white head marked by a broad mask, and pale underparts. It inhabits open habitats with scattered bushes, woodland edges and hedgerows, feeding on insects, small birds and rodents taken from perches.
Southern Grey Shrike

Southern Grey Shrike

Lanius meridionalis

The Southern Grey Shrike is a medium-sized bird, recognizable by its grey and white plumage, with black wings and a distinctive black band across the eyes. It is often seen perched on bushes or wires, watching for prey. This bird is a formidable predator, feeding mainly on insects, small mammals, and other birds. It is known for impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire, a technique that allows it to store food. The Southern Grey Shrike is a territorial bird, often solitary, except during the breeding season when it forms pairs.
Rock pigeon

Rock pigeon

Columba livia

The rock pigeon, or Columba livia, is a familiar bird in urban and rural environments. With typically gray plumage and iridescent neck feathers, it features two distinct black bands on its wings. Often seen in large flocks, it feeds on seeds, crumbs, and other food scraps. Highly adaptable, it thrives in various habitats, from coastal cliffs to bustling city centers. The rock pigeon is renowned for its homing ability, which humans have historically used for message delivery. Its prolific breeding, with multiple broods per year, contributes to its widespread global presence.
Comoro Blue Pigeon

Comoro Blue Pigeon

Alectroenas sganzini

The Comoro Blue Pigeon, or Alectroenas sganzini, is an endemic bird of the Comoros, known for its striking blue plumage and distinctive red head. Measuring about 30 cm in length, it is characterized by its robust body and rounded wings. This bird prefers dense forests and wooded areas, where it primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates. Although its habitat is limited, it adapts well to environmental changes. However, deforestation and hunting pose potential threats to its survival. Its suspicious nature makes it difficult to observe, but it is often heard due to its soft and melodious song.
Common Wood Pigeon

Common Wood Pigeon

Columba palumbus

The Common Wood Pigeon, or Columba palumbus, is one of the largest pigeons in Europe, easily identifiable by its large size and distinctive white markings on its neck and wings. It has a grey-blue plumage with a pinkish breast and greenish neck sheen. Often seen in parks, gardens, and forests, it feeds mainly on seeds, fruits, and young shoots. Its flight is strong and direct, often accompanied by loud wing beats. The Wood Pigeon is also known for its soft, soothing cooing, which often echoes through woods and countryside.
Razorbill

Razorbill

Alca torda

Chaffinch

Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

The chaffinch is a small songbird found primarily in Europe and Western Asia. It is easily recognizable by its colorful plumage, with a brown back, pink breast, and beige belly. This passerine bird feeds on seeds, berries, and insects, and is commonly seen in forests, gardens, and parks. The chaffinch is also known for its melodious song, which varies depending on the region and season.
Helmeted Guineafowl

Helmeted Guineafowl

Numida meleagris

The helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris, is a terrestrial bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily identified by its black plumage speckled with white and its bare head topped with a bony casque. This social bird lives in groups and feeds mainly on seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. Known for its adaptability, it thrives in various habitats, from savannas to open forests. It plays a crucial role in controlling pest insect populations. Although often domesticated for its meat and eggs, it remains suspicious in the wild.
Red-throated Pipit

Red-throated Pipit

Anthus cervinus

The Red-throated Pipit is a small migratory bird belonging to the Motacillidae family. It is easily recognizable by its reddish throat, which is particularly visible in males during the breeding season. This passerine measures about 14 to 15 cm in length, with a wingspan of 25 to 27 cm. Its plumage is brownish with dark streaks on the back and flanks, allowing it to blend effectively into its natural habitat. It primarily inhabits tundras and wet meadows in summer, while migrating to warmer regions in winter, notably in Africa and South Asia. Its song is a melodious trill often heard in the vast expanses where it nests.
Tree pipit

Tree pipit

Anthus trivialis

The tree pipit is a small passerine about 15 cm long with streaked brown upperparts and a pale breast. It inhabits woodland edges, open woodlands and hedgerows, feeding mainly on insects and seeds. During breeding, males sing in flight and from low perches to attract mates and defend territory.
Meadow pipit

Meadow pipit

Anthus pratensis

The meadow pipit is a small passerine bird found primarily in meadows, cultivated fields, and farmland across Europe and Asia. It is distinguished by its brown streaked plumage on its back and belly, as well as its furtive movement and melodious song. This bird primarily feeds on insects and seeds, which it searches for in tall grasses. During the breeding season, it performs song flights, a characteristic that makes it easy to spot in its habitat.
Tawny pipit

Tawny pipit

Anthus campestris

The tawny pipit is a small passerine of 16–17 cm with finely streaked sandy plumage and a pale breast. It inhabits open steppe, dry fallow land and garrigue, feeding mainly on insects and seeds picked from the ground. During breeding, males perform singing flights and sing from low perches to attract females and defend their territory.
Red-throated pipit

Red-throated pipit

Anthus spinoletta

The red-throated pipit is a small migratory passerine bird found primarily in meadows, mountains, and Arctic areas across Europe and Asia. It is easily recognizable by its streaked brown plumage, red-orange throat, and furtive movement. This bird primarily feeds on insects and seeds, which it captures by running or foraging in the grass. During the breeding season, it performs song flights, a characteristic that makes it easy to spot in its habitat.
Bare-necked Umbrellabird

Bare-necked Umbrellabird

Cephalopterus glabricollis

The Cephalopterus glabricollis, commonly known as the Bare-necked Umbrellabird, is a fascinating bird from the Cotingidae family. It is primarily found in the humid forests of Costa Rica and Panama. This bird is notable for its large size and glossy black plumage. Males feature a spectacular crest and a bare neck that turns bright red during the breeding season. They produce deep, resonant sounds to attract females. The females, more discreet, have less striking plumage. The Bare-necked Umbrellabird is an arboreal bird, spending most of its time in the canopy searching for fruits, its main diet. Unfortunately, it is threatened by deforestation, which reduces its natural habitat.
Arctic loon

Arctic loon

Gavia arctica

Red-throated loon

Red-throated loon

Gavia stellata

The Red-throated Diver is a seabird found primarily in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, particularly in Northern Europe and Canada. It measures about 50 to 60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80 to 100 cm, and weighs between 1.5 and 2 kg. Its plumage is primarily gray and white, with a dark back and a light breast. The Red-throated Diver is an excellent diver, primarily feeding on fish and crustaceans, which it catches by diving underwater. It has well-adapted legs for swimming and spends a significant amount of time foraging for food at sea. While its population remains relatively stable, this species is vulnerable to human disturbances and marine pollution.
Common loon

Common loon

Gavia immer

The Common Loon is a seabird primarily found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic, particularly in North America and Northern Europe. It measures about 60 to 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 100 to 120 cm, and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. Its plumage is mainly black and white, with a dark back, white breast, and black head, giving it a distinctive appearance. The Common Loon is an exceptional diver, primarily feeding on fish and crustaceans, which it catches by diving deeply underwater. It is also known for its long migrations, moving to warmer areas during the winter. Although its population remains relatively stable, this species can be threatened by pollution, human disturbances, and habitat loss.
Ringed Plover

Ringed Plover

Charadrius alexandrinus

The Ringed Plover is a small coastal bird primarily found along beaches, estuaries, and sandy areas in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It measures about 18 to 20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm, and weighs between 30 and 60 g. Its plumage is generally light beige with white underparts and an interrupted black ring around the neck and chest. This collar is more pronounced in males, while females have a less distinct collar. The Ringed Plover primarily feeds on small marine invertebrates and insects found in the sand or along the shore. It is often seen running along the waves, searching for food. While its population remains relatively stable, this species can be threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances at its breeding sites.
Grey Plove

Grey Plove

Pluvialis squatarola

The Grey Plover is a coastal bird primarily found along beaches and sandy areas in Europe, North Africa, Asia, and North America. It measures about 25 to 30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 60 to 70 cm, and weighs between 100 and 150 g. Its plumage is mainly silver-gray on the back with a white belly, and its wings are marked with black spots. During the breeding season, the Grey Plover displays brighter colors, with black plumage on the chest and head. It primarily feeds on marine worms, insects, and small crustaceans found in the sand, often near the high tide line. While its population remains relatively stable, this species can be threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances at its breeding sites.
Golden Plove

Golden Plove

Pluvialis apricaria

The Golden Plover is a migratory bird primarily found in tundra areas, open grasslands, and coastal regions in Europe and Asia, as well as in North America's coastal areas during winter. It measures about 25 to 30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 60 to 70 cm, and weighs between 150 and 250 g. Its plumage is primarily golden and black, with characteristic patterns on the chest and abdomen, and lighter coloring on the underside. During the breeding season, the male displays particularly bright plumage adorned with golden spots. The Golden Plover primarily feeds on small invertebrates, insects, and marine worms, which it finds by probing the ground or walking slowly in search of food. While its population remains stable, it can be threatened by habitat loss and human disturbances, particularly during the breeding period.