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.
Sooty Oystercatcher
Haematopus fuliginosus
The Sooty Oystercatcher is a medium-sized coastal bird, easily identified by its deep black plumage and bright red bill. It primarily inhabits the rocky and sandy shores of Australia, feeding on mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine invertebrates. Its piercing call is often heard before the bird is seen. While usually observed in pairs or small groups, it can form large colonies during the breeding season. The Sooty Oystercatcher is a sedentary bird, generally remaining loyal to its territory year-round. Its ability to adapt to various coastal environments makes it a resilient species, although some populations may be vulnerable to human disturbances and habitat loss.
Scarlet ibis
Eudocimus ruber
Native to coastal regions of South America and the Caribbean, the scarlet ibis is a bird recognizable by its bright red plumage. It primarily lives in wetlands and mangroves, feeding mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. This migratory bird is often seen in groups, where its bright colors create impressive visual displays. While the scarlet ibis is not threatened, habitat destruction poses a risk to its population.
Sacred ibis
Threskiornis aethiopicus
The Sacred Ibis is a large bird with primarily white plumage, with black feathers on its wings and a bare head. It measures about 65 to 75 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.2 to 1.3 meters, and weighs between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. Its beak is long and curved, adapted for probing the ground in search of small invertebrates, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The Sacred Ibis primarily inhabits wetlands, such as marshes, rivers, and lakes, in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Southeast Asia and Egypt. This bird holds particular significance in ancient Egyptian culture, where it was associated with the deity Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing. The Sacred Ibis is often seen in large colonies and prefers to feed in groups, probing water and mud for food. Although the species is not immediately endangered, it is vulnerable to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting.
Southern Brown Kiwi
Apteryx australis
The Southern Brown Kiwi, or Apteryx australis, is a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand, known for its shaggy brown plumage. This medium-sized kiwi measures about 50 cm in length and weighs between 2 and 3.5 kg. It has a long, slender bill adapted for probing the ground for worms and insects. Nocturnal by nature, it is rarely seen during the day. Its natural habitat includes dense forests and scrublands. The Southern Brown Kiwi is monogamous, forming long-lasting pairs. The female typically lays one or two eggs per season, which the male incubates. Although protected, it is threatened by predation and habitat loss.
South Polar Skua
Stercorarius maccormicki
The South Polar Skua is a robust seabird, primarily recognized for its dark brown plumage and aggressive behavior. It breeds mainly in Antarctica and migrates to oceans worldwide during the austral winter. This bird is an opportunistic predator, feeding on fish, small birds, and carrion. It is also known for its kleptoparasitic behavior, stealing food from other seabirds. The South Polar Skua is well adapted to the extreme conditions of its breeding habitat, with a compact body and powerful wings that allow it to fly long distances. Its ability to survive in harsh environments makes it a fascinating subject of study for ornithologists.
Scottish ptarmigan
Lagopus lagopus scotica
The Scottish Ptarmigan, or Lagopus lagopus scotica, is a subspecies of the Willow Ptarmigan, specifically found in the mountains of Scotland. It measures about 30 to 35 cm in length and weighs between 300 and 450 g. Its plumage changes with the seasons: in winter, it is entirely white, allowing it to blend perfectly into the snow, while in summer, it has a brown-red spotted plumage that makes it blend into the Scottish moorlands. The Scottish Ptarmigan inhabits the highlands, particularly in the northern mountains of Scotland, where it primarily feeds on plants, berries, seeds, and young shoots. Although it is a bird difficult to spot due to its excellent camouflage, it remains vulnerable to climate change and the loss of its natural habitat. The Scottish Ptarmigan is also threatened by predation from foxes and mustelids and by human activities, including tourism and land management.
Southern rockhopper penguin
Eudyptes chrysocome
Small penguin 45–60 cm long, 2–4.3 kg, with contrasting black-and-white plumage and distinctive yellow crest tufts on each side of the head. Occurs on subantarctic islands, feeds mainly on crustaceans, fish and krill, diving to 100 m, and breeds in large colonies on rocky shores.
Smyrna kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis
The Smyrna Kingfisher is a colorful, medium-sized bird found primarily in Southeast Asia and surrounding regions. It measures about 25 to 30 cm in length and weighs between 40 and 70 g. This kingfisher is distinguished by its brilliant plumage and vibrant colors: a metallic blue back, an orange-red head, and a white belly. Its bill is long, straight, and pointed, perfect for catching prey such as fish, aquatic insects, and small reptiles. The Smyrna Kingfisher typically lives near bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and marshes, where it can dive to catch its food. It is often observed alone or in pairs during the breeding season when it builds a nest in tree cavities or rocks. Although its population remains relatively stable in some areas, it faces threats such as habitat destruction and water pollution.
Snowfinch
Montifringilla nivalis
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.
Senegal parrot
Poicephalus senegalus
The Senegal parrot is a small parrot that lives in the savannas and forests of West Africa, particularly in Senegal, Guinea, and Mali. It is easily recognizable by its bright green plumage, gray head, and red cheeks. This parrot is primarily frugivorous but also feeds on seeds and nuts. It is a social and active companion, living in small groups. While not threatened, it is sometimes captured for the exotic bird trade.
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.
Sooty Shearwater
Puffinus griseus
The Sooty Shearwater is a medium-sized seabird known for its dark brown plumage and long, slender wings. It is often seen gliding close to the ocean waves, skillfully using air currents to travel great distances. This tireless migrator covers thousands of kilometers between its breeding sites in the southern hemisphere and feeding areas in the northern hemisphere. It nests mainly on remote islands, digging burrows in the ground to lay a single egg. The Sooty Shearwater feeds primarily on fish and squid, diving underwater to catch its prey. Although its population is still large, it is threatened by industrial fishing and climate change.
Steller's sea eagle
Haliaeetus pelagicus
The Steller's Sea Eagle is a large raptor primarily found along the coasts of Northeast Asia, particularly in Russia and Japan. It measures about 85 to 105 cm in length, with a wingspan of 2.2 to 2.5 meters, and weighs between 4 and 9 kg, making it one of the largest eagles in the world. Its plumage is primarily dark brown with a white head and pale yellow beak. The Steller's Sea Eagle is an excellent fisherman, primarily feeding on fish, but it also hunts seabirds and marine mammals. It prefers coastal areas and islands where it can find its food and is often seen flying over the seas or resting on rocks or trees. While its population remains relatively stable, this species is vulnerable to habitat loss due to human activity, climate change, and ocean pollution.
Sandwich Tern
Sterna sandvicensis
The Sandwich Tern, Sterna sandvicensis, is an elegant seabird known for its white plumage, black cap, and black bill with a yellow tip. It inhabits European and African coasts, nesting in colonies on beaches, islands, and lagoons. It primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by skillfully diving. As a migratory bird, it travels long distances between breeding sites and wintering grounds. The Sandwich Tern is an indicator of coastal ecosystem health, and its conservation is vital in the face of threats like pollution and human disturbance.
Scarlet-thighed dacnis
Chlorophanes spiza
The Bishop Tanager is a small, colorful bird found primarily in the tropical forests and wooded areas of Central and South America, notably in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. It typically measures about 18 cm in length and weighs between 20 and 30 g. Its plumage is especially vibrant, with shades of green, yellow, and red, giving it a striking appearance, which is why it is named as such. The Bishop Tanager is frugivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, berries, and seeds, but it can also eat insects. This bird is known for its social behaviors, living in small groups or pairs, and is often observed moving through trees in search of food. While its population remains stable, it is sometimes threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
Satyr Tragopan
Tragopan satyra
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.
Social Flycatcher
Myiozetetes similis
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.
Southern Lapwing
Vanellus chilensis
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.