The African Mourning Dove, scientifically known as Streptopelia decipiens, is an elegant and graceful bird primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is distinguished by its delicate plumage, blending shades of gray, brown, and white, with a characteristic black band on its neck. This bird prefers open habitats such as savannas, agricultural areas, and urban gardens, where it can easily find seeds and small fruits to feed on. The African Mourning Dove is often seen in pairs or small groups, and its soft and melodious call is a familiar sound in its range. Although generally discreet, it can become more visible during the breeding season when it performs aerial courtship displays.
The African Collared Dove, or Streptopelia roseogrisea, is an elegant and graceful bird, often mistaken for the domestic dove. It features delicate plumage, primarily pinkish-grey, with darker shades on the wings and a distinctive black band around the neck. This bird is particularly appreciated for its soft and melodious song. Native to the arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, it adapts well to semi-arid environments and savannas. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, feeding mainly on seeds and small insects. Although generally discreet, it can be spotted near water sources, especially at sunrise and sunset.
The Mourning Dove, Zenaida macroura, is an elegant and graceful bird, easily recognizable by its light brown plumage and black spots on the wings. It features a long, tapered tail and dark eyes surrounded by a pale ring. This bird is widespread across North America, inhabiting various environments from urban areas to open countryside. The Mourning Dove is known for its melancholic song, a soft cooing often heard at dawn and dusk. It primarily feeds on seeds, which it pecks from the ground. Although often seen in pairs or small groups, it can form large flocks during migrations.
The Eurasian Collared Dove is a medium-sized dove, measuring about 32 cm in length with a wingspan of 47 to 55 cm. Its plumage is grayish-beige with pinkish hues on the head and chest. It is characterized by a black half-collar edged with white on the back of its neck. It emits a soft cooing sound, often described as "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo." Originally from South Asia, it has rapidly expanded into Europe, North Africa, and the Americas. It frequents urban, suburban, and agricultural areas, feeding primarily on seeds, berries, and buds. Breeding can occur year-round, with an average of three to four broods per year. The young leave the nest about 19 days after hatching. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
The Satyr Tragopan is a fascinating bird native to the mountainous forests of the Himalayas. This medium-sized pheasant is particularly remarkable for its striking plumage. The male displays vibrant colors, with shades of red, orange, and blue, while the female is more subdued with brown and gray tones, allowing her to blend effectively into her surroundings. The Satyr Tragopan is known for its spectacular courtship displays, where the male spreads his feathers and emits loud calls to attract a mate. It primarily feeds on vegetation, seeds, and insects. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common in some areas.
The Cyprus Wheatear, or Oenanthe cypriaca, is a small passerine bird belonging to the Muscicapidae family. This bird is endemic to the island of Cyprus, where it is often seen in open and rocky areas. It is distinguished by its black and white plumage, with a black head and a grayish back. The male and female show little sexual dimorphism, although the male displays slightly brighter colors. The Cyprus Wheatear is a trans-Saharan migrant, spending the winter in East Africa. It feeds mainly on insects caught on the ground. Its breeding season extends from spring to summer, where it builds its nest in rocky crevices.
The wheatear is a small ground-dwelling bird found primarily in meadows, cultivated lands, and rocky areas across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its contrasting plumage, with a brown back, white belly, and a black head. This small bird is especially active and restless, often seen hopping on the ground in search of insects and small arthropods. It frequently perches on rocks or grasses to survey its surroundings.
The black-eared wheatear is a small passerine, 14–15 cm long, with contrasting plumage: pale grey crown and back, black wings and tail, white throat and a black eye stripe. It inhabits steppes, rocky slopes, scrub and open plains in southern Europe and Western Asia, feeding on insects and spiders on the ground or during low flights. During breeding (April to July), the male performs aerial displays and sings from a perch to attract the female and defend its territory.
The Black Wheatear, Oenanthe leucura, is a bird from the Muscicapidae family. It is predominantly black with a distinctive white tail. Found in arid and rocky regions of southern Europe and northern Africa, this bird is known for its territorial behavior and adaptability to harsh environments. The Black Wheatear primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates. It nests in crevices or holes in rocks, typically laying 4 to 5 eggs. Although its habitat is sometimes threatened by human activity, it is currently classified as of least concern by the IUCN.
Wren
Troglodytes troglodytes
The wren is a small, highly active songbird found mainly in forests, gardens, and hedgerows across Europe and Asia. It is easily recognized by its small size, brownish-red plumage, and its often-raised tail in the shape of a 'V'. This passerine is highly territorial and primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates. Although it is fairly discreet, its powerful song is one of the most remarkable among small birds.
The Black-headed Trogon is a colorful bird found primarily in the tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America, notably in Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama. It typically measures about 25 to 30 cm in length and weighs between 90 and 120 g. Its plumage is especially vibrant, with a black head contrasting with a brightly colored body, primarily green and red. The Black-headed Trogon primarily feeds on fruits, berries, and small insects. It is often observed in dense forests, where it enjoys perching on tree branches. While its population remains relatively stable, it is sometimes threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
The Baird's Trogon is a fascinating bird, endemic to the humid tropical forests of Central America, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. This trogon is distinguished by its striking plumage, with a metallic green back, bright red chest, and white belly. It is often observed silently perched in the canopy, feeding mainly on insects and fruits. Although discreet, its melodious song echoes through the forest, signaling its presence. Unfortunately, deforestation threatens its habitat, making it vulnerable. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its survival. This bird is a symbol of the biodiversity of tropical forests and an indicator of the health of these ecosystems.
The Massena's Trogon is a colorful bird found primarily in the humid tropical forests and wooded areas of Central America, particularly in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. It typically measures about 26 to 30 cm in length and weighs between 90 and 120 g. Its plumage is vibrantly colored, with a green and red body, a yellow chest, and a black head, giving it a distinct appearance. The Massena's Trogon primarily feeds on fruits, berries, and small insects that it finds in the trees. It is often observed perched on branches, where it moves calmly and discreetly. While its population remains stable in some areas, it is sometimes threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
The Myiozetetes similis, commonly known as the Social Flycatcher, is a medium-sized bird with bright yellow underparts and a grayish-brown back. Its head features a distinctive black crown with a white stripe above the eyes. This bird is often found in open areas, near water bodies, or forest edges. Known for its energetic song, it adapts well to various environments, including urban areas. The Social Flycatcher primarily feeds on insects caught in flight but also consumes fruits. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, displaying marked territorial behavior.
The Turkey Vulture, or Cathartes aura, is a large scavenging bird of prey native to the Americas, easily identified by its red, featherless head and dark brown plumage. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion, thus helping to prevent the spread of disease. With an excellent sense of smell, it can detect gases emitted by decaying carcasses. In flight, it is often seen soaring with its wings in a V-shape, using thermal updrafts to conserve energy. Although typically solitary, it can gather in large groups to feed. Its ability to adapt to various habitats, from forests to deserts, makes it a resilient and widespread bird.
The Northern Lapwing is a medium-sized bird found primarily in grasslands, fields, and wetlands across Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East. It typically measures about 28 to 32 cm in length and weighs between 150 and 200 g. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with a distinctive crest on its head and a white belly. The Northern Lapwing is a ground-dwelling bird that primarily feeds on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates found in the soil. It is also known for its ground nesting behaviors, often in colonies. While its population remains stable in some areas, the Northern Lapwing is threatened by habitat loss due to intensive agriculture and land degradation.
The Southern Lapwing, or Vanellus chilensis, is a striking bird from the Charadriidae family, easily identified by its grey and white plumage, black wings, and distinctive call. It is commonly found in open grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields across South America. This bird is notably territorial, often defending its space against intruders, including humans. It primarily feeds on insects, worms, and small invertebrates by pecking at the ground. The Southern Lapwing is also known for its distraction displays, feigning injury to lure predators away from its nest.
The Coracopsis vasa, commonly known as the Vasa Parrot, is a parrot endemic to Madagascar. It is notable for its blackish plumage, which turns brownish during the breeding season. This medium-sized parrot, measuring about 50 cm, has a strong beak and a relatively long tail. Its call is harsh and distinctive, often heard in the dry and humid forests of the island. The Vasa is a social bird, frequently observed in noisy groups. It primarily feeds on seeds, fruits, and flowers. Its ability to adapt to various habitats, from forests to savannas, makes it a resilient species. However, deforestation and capture for the pet trade threaten its population.
The Rüppell's vulture is a large carrion-feeding raptor, 85–95 cm tall with a wingspan of 230–265 cm, featuring dark brown plumage and a pale bare head. It inhabits mountain cliffs and savannas of East and Central Africa, feeding mainly on large mammal carcasses. During breeding, it nests in dense colonies on cliff ledges, and pairs sometimes perform group display flights above their nests.
The Griffon Vulture is a large bird of prey found primarily in the mountains, hills, and rocky areas of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It typically measures between 93 and 110 cm in length, with a wingspan of 2.5 to 2.8 meters, and weighs between 6 and 12 kg. Its plumage is mainly light brown, with white feathers around its neck and head, and a large area of bare skin on the neck. The Griffon Vulture is a scavenger, primarily feeding on animal carcasses. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of diseases. While its population has declined in some regions, the Griffon Vulture benefits from conservation programs, but it remains threatened by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and poisoning.
The Monk Vulture is a large bird of prey found primarily in the mountains of Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, and Central Asia, with populations in Spain, Bulgaria, and Greece. It typically measures between 80 and 100 cm in length, with a wingspan of 2.3 to 2.8 meters, and weighs between 7 and 12 kg. Its plumage is mainly dark brown, with a bare head, distinguishing it from other vultures. The Monk Vulture is a scavenger, primarily feeding on animal carcasses, and plays a crucial ecological role in helping to remove carcasses and prevent the spread of diseases. While it is protected in many regions, it remains threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and poisoning.
The Lappet-faced Vulture, Torgos tracheliotos, is a large scavenging bird native to Africa, easily identifiable by its bare head and distinctive skin folds around the neck. With a wingspan reaching up to 2.9 meters, it is one of the largest African vultures. Its plumage is primarily dark brown, contrasting with its pale pink head. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses, which helps prevent the spread of diseases. This vulture prefers open savannas, semi-deserts, and arid regions, where it can easily spot its prey. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat loss, poisoning, and illegal hunting.
The King vulture is a large raptor from the Cathartidae family, recognizable by its bare red head and dark plumage. This vulture, which inhabits mainly the forests and savannas of Central and South America, primarily feeds on carrion, which it finds thanks to its excellent sense of sight and smell. It plays an essential ecological role in cleaning ecosystems. Despite its imposing size, it is often seen flying alone or in small groups. While protected, it is threatened by habitat loss and poisons used in certain hunting practices.
The Egyptian Vulture, or Neophron percnopterus, is a small vulture from the Accipitridae family. It is easily recognizable by its white plumage contrasted with black flight feathers and its bare yellow face. This scavenging raptor is often seen soaring in search of carcasses. It sometimes uses tools, like stones, to break ostrich eggs, showcasing its intelligence. It frequents open habitats such as steppes, deserts, and mountains, often nesting on cliffs. Although it is a migratory bird, some populations are sedentary. Unfortunately, this vulture is threatened by habitat loss and accidental poisoning.
The Eurasian greenfinch is a small passerine bird found primarily in gardens, hedgerows, and open woodlands across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is distinguished by its bright green and yellow plumage, as well as its distinctive song. This small bird primarily feeds on seeds, which it finds in grasses, bushes, or on the ground. It is also known for its ability to emit powerful and clear sounds, often heard during its breeding season.