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.


Pied Avocet

Pied Avocet

Recurvirostra avosetta

The Pied Avocet is a graceful bird, easily recognizable by its long, upturned bill and striking black-and-white plumage. This bird inhabits wetlands, lagoons, and estuaries in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The Avocet primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, which it catches by sweeping its bill characteristicly through the water. Its flight is light and elegant, and it often moves in small groups, creating scenes of great beauty. During the breeding season, the Pied Avocet exhibits courtship behaviors where males display their plumage and perform graceful movements to attract females.
Osprey

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

The Osprey is a remarkable raptor, easily identifiable by its white and brown plumage and keen eyes. This large bird of prey is specialized in fishing, catching fish by diving at high speed from the air. It is mainly found near lakes, rivers, and coastal areas in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, where it builds large nests on trees or pylons. The Osprey is a solitary bird and an extremely precise hunter, often seen hovering over the water before diving to catch its prey. Despite its great agility and ability to catch fish, the Osprey is vulnerable to water pollution and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic species.
Black-tailed Godwit

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

The Black-tailed Godwit is an elegant wader, easily recognizable by its long, slightly curved bill and long legs. It primarily inhabits wetlands and estuaries in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, where it feeds on aquatic invertebrates, worms, and insects, which it detects in the soft sediments along the shores. The Black-tailed Godwit is also known for its long migration, covering great distances between its breeding grounds in temperate regions and its wintering sites in warmer areas. During the breeding season, males perform spectacular courtship displays, flying gracefully and emitting distinctive calls to attract females.
Bar-tailed Godwit

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

The Bar-tailed Godwit is a remarkable wader, easily recognized by its distinctive plumage, which varies from reddish-brown to gray and white, and its long, slightly downward-curved bill. It primarily inhabits coastal areas and wetlands in Europe and Asia, where it feeds on small marine invertebrates, mollusks, and insects, which it detects in the sediment. The Bar-tailed Godwit is a migratory bird, covering great distances between its breeding grounds in the Arctic regions and its wintering areas in more temperate zones. During the breeding season, the Bar-tailed Godwit engages in particularly interesting nesting behavior, establishing nests on the ground in grasses or boggy areas.
Secretarybird

Secretarybird

Terathopius ecaudatus

The Savanna Hawk is an impressive bird of prey, easily recognized by its light brown plumage and large wings, which allow it to fly with agility over the grasslands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. This bird is particularly known for its unique hunting techniques, where it chases and captures insects, small mammals, and birds, often flying at low altitudes at high speeds. The Savanna Hawk gets its name from its erratic behavior, often seen during its swift and precise attacks. The Savanna Hawk is a solitary bird, building its nest in trees, often at great heights, to avoid predators. While not currently threatened, the loss of its habitat due to human expansion could pose a risk to its population.
Scottish Crossbill

Scottish Crossbill

Loxia scotica

The Scottish Crossbill, Loxia scotica, is a bird endemic to the coniferous forests of the Scottish Highlands. It is particularly adapted to its environment thanks to its unique crossed bill, which allows it to extract seeds from pine cones, its main food source. This bird exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males displaying a reddish hue while females are more greenish. The Scottish Crossbill is often observed in small groups, and although it is relatively discreet, its melodious song can be heard in the forests. Its population is stable, but due to its restricted habitat, it is considered vulnerable to environmental changes.
Crossbill

Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

The crossbill is a passerine bird found primarily in coniferous forests across Europe, Asia, and North America. It is easily recognized by its bright red plumage in males and its crossed bill, which allows it to extract seeds from pine cones and other conifers. This small bird is often seen in groups, primarily feeding on tree seeds. It is also known for its melodious song.
Shoebill stork

Shoebill stork

Balaeniceps rex

The Shoebill stork is a majestic and imposing bird, easily recognized by its large, shoe-shaped bill that allows it to capture fish and small aquatic animals. It is found primarily in swamps, lakes, and wetlands of East Africa, especially in Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda. This large wader is a slow yet precise predator, sometimes waiting for long hours before striking its prey. The Shoebill is a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and hunting.
Woodcock

Woodcock

Scolopax rusticola

The Woodcock is a discreet and nocturnal bird, difficult to spot due to its speckled plumage that allows it to blend perfectly into the undergrowth of forests in Europe and Asia. This bird, with its silent flight, is primarily insectivorous, feeding on earthworms, insects, and small arthropods it finds by probing the ground with its long, straight bill. The Woodcock is known for its erratic flights and mysterious calls during the breeding season, often heard as a "wingbeat" in the woods. It leads a quiet and solitary life, creating a nest on the ground, well-hidden among dense vegetation. Although its population is relatively stable, the Woodcock is sometimes threatened by deforestation and disturbance of its natural habitats.
Mysterious Woodcock

Mysterious Woodcock

Scolopax mira

The Scolopax mira, or mysterious woodcock, is a fascinating bird that intrigues ornithologists with its discreet behavior and lifestyle. It is distinguished by its brown mottled plumage, which allows it to blend perfectly into its forest environment. This bird is generally found in dense, humid forests, where it primarily feeds on earthworms and insects. The mysterious woodcock is known for its spectacular courtship displays, often performed at dusk. Although its behavior is generally shy, it can sometimes be observed more closely by patient watchers. Its ability to remain motionless for long periods makes it difficult to spot, adding to its aura of mystery.
Curlew Sandpiper

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

The Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea, is a small wader belonging to the Scolopacidae family. It is easily identifiable by its reddish breeding plumage and slightly curved long bill. Outside the breeding season, its plumage turns duller with grayish tones. This migratory bird travels long distances between its breeding grounds in Siberia and its wintering areas in Africa, South Asia, and Australia. It primarily inhabits coastal wetlands, estuaries, and lagoons, feeding on small invertebrates by probing the mud with its bill. The Curlew Sandpiper is a gregarious bird, often seen in large flocks during migration.
Red Knot

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

The Red Knot, or Calidris canutus, is a remarkable migratory bird belonging to the Scolopacidae family. Known for its impressive migrations, it travels thousands of kilometers between its Arctic breeding grounds and its southern hemisphere wintering areas. This medium-sized bird features a distinctive reddish breeding plumage, which becomes duller in winter. It primarily feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and insects found in mudflats and beaches. The Red Knot plays a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, helping regulate prey populations. Its survival is threatened by habitat loss and climate change, making it a species of conservation concern.
Sanderling

Sanderling

Calidris alba

The Sanderling is a small wader with a subtle plumage, mostly white and light gray, known for its quick movements along the shore to capture marine insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. This small migratory bird inhabits beaches and coastal areas of Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, primarily feeding at low tide. The Sanderling is often seen in groups, moving in perfect synchronization, a fascinating sight to observe. During migration, it covers long distances, leaving the cold regions of winter to reach temperate or tropical beaches where it finds food. While not currently threatened, it is sensitive to human disturbance and the loss of its coastal habitats.
Dunlin

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

The Dunlin is a small, graceful wader, easily recognizable by its plumage that changes with the seasons, transitioning from gray-brown in winter to more contrasting black and white tones during breeding. This small bird primarily inhabits coastal areas of Europe, Asia, and North America, where it feeds on marine invertebrates, primarily worms and mollusks, which it finds by probing the sand and mud. The Dunlin exhibits social behavior and is often seen in groups, especially during migration. This migratory wader covers long distances, leaving the cold regions of winter to reach more temperate or tropical areas for feeding and breeding. While relatively common, it can be affected by the disturbance of its coastal habitats.
Purple sandpiper

Purple sandpiper

Calidris maritima

The Purple Sandpiper is a small wader distinguished by its plumage, which features shades of gray, brown, and purple, especially visible during the breeding season. This small bird primarily inhabits the Arctic coasts of Europe and North America, feeding on small marine invertebrates, mainly crustaceans and mollusks, which it finds in the mud and sand of beaches. The Purple Sandpiper is a long-distance migrant, covering vast distances between its breeding grounds in the Arctic regions and its wintering areas in more temperate zones. The social behavior of the Purple Sandpiper is also noteworthy, often seen in large groups during migration. While this species is still relatively abundant, it can be affected by disturbance to its coastal habitats and climate change.
Common Snip

Common Snip

Gallinago gallinago

The Common Snipe is an elegant small wader, easily recognized by its long, slender bill and mottled brown and beige plumage. This bird primarily inhabits marshes, wet meadows, and riverbanks in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, where it feeds on aquatic invertebrates, mainly worms, insects, and mollusks. The Common Snipe uses its long, flexible bill to probe the mud in search of food. It is a migratory bird, leaving the cold regions of winter to move to more temperate zones for breeding. While its population is relatively stable, the Common Snipe is sensitive to habitat changes and water pollution.
Jack Snip

Jack Snip

Gallinago media

The Great Snipe is an elegant wader, easily recognized by its mottled brown and beige plumage and two long white bands visible on its wings, from which it gets its name. This species, slightly larger than the Common Snipe, inhabits marshes, wetlands, and riverbanks in Europe and Asia, where it primarily feeds on worms, insects, and small crustaceans found in the mud. The Great Snipe is a particularly discreet bird, often blending into its environment. Migratory, it covers long distances between its breeding grounds in Europe and its wintering sites in North Africa and Asia. Although less abundant than other waders, the Great Snipe is affected by habitat loss and changes in the hydrological regime in its breeding areas.
Great Snipe

Great Snipe

Lymnocryptes minimus

The Jack Snipe is a small, discreet wader, often difficult to spot due to its cryptic plumage that blends perfectly with its environment. This small bird, with its brown and mottled plumage, primarily inhabits marshes and bogs in Northern Europe and Asia. It feeds on invertebrates, mainly worms, insects, and mollusks, which it finds by probing the mud with its short, straight bill. The Jack Snipe adopts a stealthy behavior and is often observed hiding in dense vegetation or freezing when threatened. While more difficult to observe due to its discretion, it is threatened by habitat loss and changes in the hydrological regime in its breeding areas.
Gray wagtail

Gray wagtail

Motacilla cinerea

The gray wagtail is a small bird found primarily near rivers, streams, and wetlands across Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. This passerine bird is distinguished by its gray and yellow plumage, long tail, and lively, jittery movements. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches while running along riverbanks and searching through rocks. The gray wagtail is also known for its territorial behaviors and pleasant song.
White wagtail

White wagtail

Motacilla alba

The white wagtail is a small passerine bird found primarily in open areas such as fields, roadsides, and riverbanks across Europe and Asia. It is easily recognized by its black and white plumage and distinctive wagging tail, especially when it runs or forages on the ground. This small bird primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates, which it captures while running or rummaging through low vegetation.
Yellow wagtail

Yellow wagtail

Motacilla flava

The yellow wagtail is a small migratory passerine bird found primarily in meadows, cultivated fields, and riverbanks across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its bright yellow plumage on the belly and chest, its slender legs, and its quick movements. This bird primarily feeds on insects and invertebrates, which it captures by running on the ground or pecking at the grass.
Red-breasted goose

Red-breasted goose

Branta ruficollis

The red-breasted goose is a small migratory goose (55–65 cm wingspan) with contrasting black-and-white plumage and a bright russet breast. It breeds in Arctic coastal tundra near waterways and winters in temperate wetlands of Europe and Asia. During the breeding season, males and females actively defend their nesting territory with head-forward displays and harsh calls.
Cackling Goose

Cackling Goose

Branta canadensis leucopareia

The Cackling Goose, scientifically known as Branta canadensis leucopareia, is a subspecies of the Anatidae family. It is easily identified by its brown and white plumage, long black neck, and white cheeks. It primarily inhabits wetlands, lakes, and rivers. This species is known for its spectacular migrations in large V-shaped formations. Highly adaptable, it can be found in various environments, including urban parks. Although generally tolerant of human presence, it can become aggressive if threatened, especially during nesting season.
Black-crowned Night-Heron

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

The Black-crowned Night Heron is a medium-sized bird, easily recognized by its silver-gray plumage and piercing yellow eyes. It primarily inhabits marshes, estuaries, and lake shores in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This nocturnal bird is an excellent fisherman, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, which it captures with its strong, pointed bill. Unlike many other aquatic birds, the Black-crowned Night Heron is primarily active at dusk, searching for food in the darkness. The Black-crowned Night Heron is a social bird, forming colonies for breeding, but it prefers a quiet and hidden environment. While not directly threatened, it faces risks from water pollution and the destruction of its natural habitats.
Little Bittern

Little Bittern

Ixobrychus minutus

The Little Bittern is a small and discreet heron, particularly hard to observe due to its brown and beige plumage, which allows it to blend perfectly into the vegetation of marshes, ponds, and rice fields. This heron is about 30 cm long and is known for its furtive behavior and quick, low flight. It primarily feeds on small fish, aquatic insects, and amphibians, hunting silently as it sneaks through the grasses or hides in reed beds. This small heron is mainly active at dusk and during the night, making it even more discreet. While not directly threatened, the Little Bittern faces habitat loss due to the destruction of wetlands and the draining of marshes. The conservation of these habitats is crucial for the preservation of the species.
Honey Buzzard

Honey Buzzard

Pernis apivorus

The Honey Buzzard is a medium-sized diurnal raptor, easily recognizable by its plumage marked with light and dark brown patterns and its slender build. It primarily inhabits open forests, hedgerows, and wooded areas in Europe and Asia, and feeds mainly on larvae of bees, wasps, and small insects, which it captures by flying above beehives or attacking the nests of social insects. This raptor uses its powerful talons and curved beak to extract larvae from the nests. The Honey Buzzard is also known for its ability to undertake long migratory flights, leaving its breeding grounds in Europe to travel to warmer regions in North Africa for the winter. While the population remains stable in many areas, the Honey Buzzard may be threatened by habitat loss and the reduction in insect populations on which it relies.
Eurasian bullfinch

Eurasian bullfinch

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

The Eurasian bullfinch is a small, stocky passerine (14–16 cm) with bright pink-and-black plumage in males and more subdued tones in females. It inhabits mixed woodlands, hedgerows, and orchards across Europe and Asia, feeding on seeds and buds in winter and insects in spring. During the breeding season (April to July), the male utters soft calls from a perch and both partners build a sturdy nest of twigs and moss.
Cirl bunting

Cirl bunting

Emberiza cirlus

The Cirl bunting is a small passerine in the bunting family Emberizidae, measuring 16–17 cm in length, with streaked brown plumage and a yellow head marked by a black crown and dark throat. It inhabits sunny grasslands, hedgerows and scrub, feeding mainly on seeds and insects. During breeding, it builds a nest in low bushes and the male sings from an exposed perch to attract the female and defend its territory.
Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting

Plectrophenax nivalis

The Snow Bunting, or Plectrophenax nivalis, is a bird from the Calcariidae family. It is easily recognizable by its white and black plumage, which allows it to blend into snowy landscapes of the Arctic and mountainous regions. In summer, it has darker plumage on its back and wings, while its belly remains white. This migratory bird breeds in Arctic and subarctic regions and migrates south in winter, sometimes reaching the northern coasts of Europe and North America. It primarily feeds on seeds and insects, which it finds by foraging on the ground. The Snow Bunting is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks, especially outside the breeding season.
Reed bunting

Reed bunting

Emberiza schoeniclus

The reed bunting is a small passerine bird found primarily in wetlands, reed beds, and marshes across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its streaked brown plumage, light belly, and distinctive markings on the head, particularly the black-and-white patterns. This small bird primarily feeds on seeds and insects found in grasses and reeds.