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.
Rufous Motmot
Momotus momota
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.
Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufina
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.
Raggiana Bird-of-paradise
Paradisaea raggiana
The Raggiana Bird-of-paradise, or Paradisaea raggiana, is an iconic bird of the Paradisaeidae family, endemic to Papua New Guinea. It is renowned for its spectacular plumage, especially in males, who display bright red and orange feathers, along with elongated central plumes. These birds are famous for their impressive courtship displays, where males perform complex dances to attract females. They primarily inhabit tropical rainforests, feeding on fruits, insects, and small animals. Their melodious song and complex social behaviors make them a fascinating subject for ornithologists. Although their habitat is threatened by deforestation, they remain relatively common within their range.
Republican parrotfinch
Cicinnurus respublica
The Republican Paradise-flycatcher is a small bird native to the lowland forests of Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a long tail that can reach up to 15 cm, and weighs between 25 and 30 g. What distinguishes the Republican Paradise-flycatcher is its bright coloration, with vivid green, blue, and red feathers and a magnificent crest shaped like a veil. The male, in particular, displays extravagant feathers during courtship displays to attract females. This bird primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. Although the Republican Paradise-flycatcher is not in immediate danger, deforestation and hunting pose potential threats to its natural habitat.
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rufa
The Red-legged Partridge is a medium-sized galliform bird, about 33 cm in length. It features a reddish-brown back, bluish-grey chest, and flanks striped with black and white. Its white throat is bordered by a black horseshoe-shaped collar, and it has red legs and beak. Native to southwestern Europe, it inhabits dry open areas, scrubby hills, farmlands, and fallow fields. Non-migratory and ground-dwelling, it prefers running to flying when disturbed. Its diet mainly consists of seeds, young shoots, and insects, the latter being crucial for chicks. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Red-legged Partridge is declining in some areas due to habitat loss, overhunting, and hybridization with introduced farm-reared birds.
Rose-ringed parakeet
Psittacula krameri
Psittacula krameri, the rose-ringed parakeet, is a parrot 38–40 cm in length with bright green plumage, a distinctive pink neck ring in adult males, and a red–orange bill. Native to South Asia, it occupies parks, orchards, agricultural lands, and urban environments, feeding on seeds, fruits, and flowers. Social and vocal, it nests in tree cavities and may switch mates within the same breeding season.
Red Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicarius
The Red Phalarope is a medium-sized aquatic bird, measuring about 20 to 22 cm in length with a wingspan of 40 to 46 cm. It is distinguished by its bright breeding plumage, featuring a gray back, white head, and reddish chest. Outside the breeding season, its plumage becomes duller, with gray and white tones. This bird is known for its reversed breeding roles, where females are more colorful and court males. It primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, which it captures by swimming in circles to create whirlpools that bring food to the surface.
Red-breasted Sapsucker
Sphyrapicus ruber
The Red-breasted Sapsucker, or Sphyrapicus ruber, is a medium-sized bird belonging to the woodpecker family. It is easily recognizable by its bright red head, black and white back, and pale yellow belly. This bird is primarily found along the west coast of North America, inhabiting coniferous and mixed forests. It mainly feeds on tree sap, which it extracts by drilling holes in the bark, but it also consumes insects and fruits. The Red-breasted Sapsucker is a partial migrant, moving southward in winter. It is known for its distinctive drumming, used for communication and territory marking.
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
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.
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.
Razorbill
Alca torda
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.
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.
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.
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.
Resplendent quetzal
Pharomachrus mocinno
The Resplendent Quetzal is a colorful bird primarily found in the cloud forests of Guatemala and Mexico. It measures about 35 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 50 to 60 cm, and weighs between 200 and 300 g. Its plumage is bright green with a vivid red throat and a long tail composed of elongated feathers. The male is particularly spectacular, with more colorful plumage and a distinctive crest. The Resplendent Quetzal is frugivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, berries, and small insects. It is also an important symbol in Mayan culture, representing freedom and the beauty of nature. Although its population is declining, primarily due to deforestation and poaching, this species remains protected in certain regions.
Resplendent quetzal
Euptilotis neoxenus
The Resplendent Quetzal is a magnificent bird primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It measures about 30 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 50 to 60 cm, and weighs between 100 and 150 g. Its plumage is a vibrant green, with a vivid red throat and a long tail composed of elongated and brilliant feathers. The male is particularly spectacular, with even more colorful plumage and a distinctive crest. The Resplendent Quetzal is primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, and small insects. This bird is also an important symbol in the indigenous cultures of the region, representing beauty and freedom. While its population remains relatively stable, this species is still vulnerable due to deforestation and habitat loss.
Regal Sunbird
Cinnyris regius
The Regal Sunbird, Cinnyris regius, is a small African hummingbird-like bird known for its vibrant colors. The male displays a dazzling plumage with shades of metallic green, blue, and red, while the female is more subdued with brown and green tones. This nectarivore is commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests, feeding primarily on nectar, but also on insects and spiders. Its slender, curved beak is perfectly adapted to reach the nectar of flowers. The Regal Sunbird is an active and agile bird, often seen flitting from flower to flower, playing a crucial role in the pollination of plants in its habitat.
Roseate Spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
The Roseate Spoonbill is a large wading bird with striking pink plumage, measuring between 71 and 86 cm in length and a wingspan of 120 to 135 cm. Its long, spatula-shaped bill is used to sweep shallow waters side to side in search of prey. Adults have a greenish bare head, white neck and back, and vivid pink wings with carmine highlights. Juveniles are paler, with a feathered head and lighter pink plumage. This species feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, captured by filtering mud in wetlands. It inhabits coastal marshes, mangroves, lagoons, and estuaries from the southern United States to South America. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Roseate Spoonbill remains vulnerable to habitat degradation, particularly due to pollution and loss of wetlands.
Royal Tern
Thalasseus maximus
The Royal Tern, or Thalasseus maximus, is an elegant seabird known for its large size and striking white plumage, contrasted by a black cap on its head. Its bright orange bill and long, slender wings give it a majestic appearance in flight. It primarily inhabits Atlantic coasts and estuaries, feeding on fish caught with precision diving. Sociable by nature, it nests in dense colonies on sandy islets or isolated beaches. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," it remains sensitive to human disturbances and habitat degradation.
Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferruginea
The Ruddy Shelduck, or Tadorna ferruginea, is a medium-sized waterfowl known for its striking orange-brown plumage and pale head. Males and females look similar, though males have a black neck ring during the breeding season. This bird favors open habitats near freshwater, such as lakes and rivers. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, but may also eat insects and small invertebrates. The Ruddy Shelduck is a partial migrant, moving southward in winter. It is often seen in pairs or small groups and is known for its distinctive, melodious call.
Ruddy turnstone
Arenaria interpres
The Ruddy Turnstone is a small migratory bird primarily found on rocky and sandy coastal areas in Europe, Asia, and North America. It typically measures about 22 cm in length and weighs between 60 and 100 g. Its plumage is characterized by earthy colors, with black, brown, and white patches, and a distinctive black band around the neck, which gives it its name. The Ruddy Turnstone primarily feeds on small invertebrates found by probing rocks and beaches, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. It is an excellent migrant, traveling long distances between its breeding sites in Europe and its wintering grounds in Africa and Asia. While its population remains stable in some areas, it is threatened by the loss of its coastal habitat due to urbanization and pollution.
Rüppell's vulture
Gyps rueppelli
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.