Your global reference for wildlife photography

The little cormorant is a small cormorant, 45–55 cm long, with glossy black plumage and white wing patches in flight, inhabiting marshes, lakes, rivers and freshwater wetlands. It feeds mainly on fish by diving beneath the surface. During breeding, pairs build stick nests in waterside trees or shrubs, and the male displays by erecting head and neck feathers.

The Lovely Cotinga is a tropical bird notable for its vibrant plumage. The male displays a brilliant turquoise blue with a deep purple throat and chest, while the female has more subdued grayish-brown plumage with scaly patterns. This species inhabits lowland humid forests and woodland edges in Central America, from southern Mexico to Costa Rica. Primarily frugivorous, it plays a crucial role in seed dispersal. Although globally listed as "Least Concern," deforestation poses a threat to its natural habitats.

The Leopard Snake, Zamenis situla, is a non-venomous snake known for its distinctive color pattern, featuring reddish-brown spots bordered with black on a gray or beige background. It is mainly found in southern Europe, particularly in Italy, Greece, and the Balkans. This snake prefers dry, rocky habitats, often near cultivated areas. Typically measuring between 60 and 90 cm, it is agile and feeds primarily on small mammals and birds. Although discreet and somewhat suspicious, it is not aggressive towards humans. Its conservation is concerning due to habitat loss and human persecution.

The Limpkin, or Aramus guarauna, is a medium-sized wading bird easily identified by its brown plumage speckled with white and its long, slightly curved bill. It primarily inhabits marshes, lake edges, and rivers in Central and South America. This bird is often seen foraging for snails, its main food source, which it skillfully extracts from their shells using its specialized bill. The Limpkin is a solitary bird but can be seen in small groups during the breeding season. Its piercing, mournful call is often heard at dawn and dusk, adding a mysterious ambiance to marshy landscapes.

The Long-billed Curlew is a striking bird known for its long, downward-curving bill, perfect for probing the ground for food. It is the largest shorebird in North America, measuring between 50 and 65 cm in length. Its plumage is primarily brown with lighter patterns on the belly. It frequents open grasslands and wetlands, feeding mainly on insects, crustaceans, and small invertebrates. During the breeding season, it migrates to the central and western U.S. grasslands. The Long-billed Curlew is a protected species due to habitat loss.

The Lehmann's Poison Frog, or Oophaga lehmanni, is a species of frog endemic to Colombia, known for its bright coloration and distinctive patterns ranging from red to yellow. These vivid colors serve as a warning to potential predators of its toxicity. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests, where it hides under leaves and fallen tree trunks. This species is threatened by habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. It plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by controlling insect populations. Conserving its habitat is essential for its survival.

The Lovely Poison Frog is a small, diurnal terrestrial frog, measuring about 2.5 cm in length. Its body is black with two bright yellow to orange longitudinal stripes on the back, and blue-green marbling on the flanks and limbs. This species inhabits lowland humid forests, often near slow-moving streams, between 10 and 650 m elevation. It primarily feeds on small invertebrates such as ants and spiders. Although its skin contains toxic alkaloids, including batrachotoxins, their concentration is low and sometimes undetectable. The Lovely Poison Frog is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but is locally threatened by deforestation and pollution.

The Lesser Whistling Duck is a medium-sized waterfowl known for its reddish-brown plumage and distinctive whistling call. It primarily inhabits wetlands in South and Southeast Asia, including marshes, rice paddies, and shallow lakes. This gregarious bird is often seen in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. It feeds mainly on seeds, aquatic plants, and insects. The Lesser Whistling Duck is an excellent swimmer and diver, although it also spends considerable time walking on land. Its ability to adapt to various aquatic habitats makes it a resilient species, although habitat destruction poses a potential threat.

The Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo is an arboreal marsupial native to the rainforests of northeastern Australia. It is known for its ability to climb and leap between trees, aided by its strong limbs and long tail, which acts as a counterbalance. Its fur is typically dark brown on the back and lighter on the belly, providing camouflage in its habitat. It primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Although mostly nocturnal, it can occasionally be seen during the day. Its population is stable but vulnerable to deforestation and climate change.

The Lesser Elaenia is a small passerine bird belonging to the Tyrannidae family. It is mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. This bird is characterized by its inconspicuous plumage, usually olive green on the back and lighter on the belly, with slightly darker wings. It inhabits open forests, edges, and shrublands, often at varying altitudes. Its song is a key identification feature, consisting of soft, repetitive notes. The Lesser Elaenia is a diurnal bird, active mainly in the morning and late afternoon. Although it is relatively not very shy, it remains cautious and prefers areas with dense vegetation cover.

The Large Elaenia is a bird from the Tyrannidae family, identifiable by its medium size and primarily olive-green plumage with lighter shades on the belly. Its short, robust beak is suited for its mainly insectivorous diet, although it also consumes fruits. It is primarily found in tropical and subtropical forests but also adapts to open wooded areas. Its song is a melodious trill, often heard at dawn. This bird is migratory, moving with the seasons to find food resources. It is generally solitary or seen in small family groups.

The Lesser Nighthawk, Chordeiles acutipennis, is a nocturnal bird belonging to the Caprimulgidae family. It is primarily found in arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas, from the southern United States to Argentina. This bird is recognizable by its cryptic brown-gray plumage, which allows it to blend into its surroundings, and its long pointed wings. It feeds mainly on insects caught in flight with its wide mouth. During the breeding season, the male performs aerial displays to attract a mate. Nests are often simple ground depressions where the female typically lays two eggs. The species is considered of least concern by the IUCN, although some populations may be affected by habitat loss.

The Long-tailed Hermit, or Phaethornis superciliosus, is a fascinating hummingbird found mainly in the tropical forests of South America. This small bird is recognizable by its long, curved bill, perfect for extracting nectar from tubular flowers. Its plumage is primarily brown with greenish hues and a distinctive stripe above the eye, giving it the name "superciliosus". It is often seen darting from flower to flower, playing a crucial role in pollination. Although generally solitary, it can sometimes be observed in small groups during the breeding season. Its ability to adapt to various habitats, including forest edges and gardens, makes it a resilient bird despite environmental threats.

The Lady Amherst's Pheasant is a striking bird known for its vibrant plumage and long tail feathers. Native to the mountainous forests of China and Myanmar, it was introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The male boasts colorful plumage with intricate patterns of green, red, blue, and white, while the female is more subdued with brown tones. These birds prefer dense forest habitats where they feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. Although primarily terrestrial, they can fly short distances to evade predators. Their behavior is generally suspicious, making them challenging to observe in the wild.

The Lesser Kestrel, or Falco naumanni, is a small diurnal raptor belonging to the Falconidae family. It is distinguished by its modest size, measuring about 30 to 35 cm in length with a wingspan of 60 to 75 cm. Its plumage is characteristic: the male has a rufous back without spots, a grey-blue head, and wings with black tips, while the female displays a duller and more speckled plumage. This falcon primarily feeds on insects but can also hunt small mammals and reptiles. It inhabits open areas such as grasslands, steppes, and agricultural zones. A migratory bird, it breeds in Europe and Central Asia and winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Its population is declining mainly due to habitat loss and pesticide use.

The Red-footed Falcon is a small raptor, particularly recognizable by its delicate plumage and vivid colors. It measures about 30 to 35 cm in length, with a wingspan of 70 to 80 cm, and weighs between 150 and 200 g. The adult male has a distinctive blue-gray plumage, with pointed wings and a lighter head, while the female is browner and slightly larger. The Red-footed Falcon primarily inhabits open areas such as meadows, agricultural fields, and steppes in Eastern Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It primarily preys on insects, small birds, and sometimes reptiles. This falcon is known for its ability to catch prey in flight, performing fast and precise maneuvers. It is particularly active at dusk and in the evening, hence its name "Red-footed" (referring to its late-day hunting). Although the species is not yet endangered, it is threatened by habitat loss and the decline of its prey populations.

The Lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus, is a medium-sized raptor known for its brown-gray plumage with white and rufous tones. It has long, pointed wings and a relatively long tail. This agile predator is often seen in fast flight, primarily hunting birds in open air. It inhabits open regions such as savannas, steppes, and semi-deserts. Its range extends across Africa, southern Europe, and parts of Asia. The Lanner falcon is a social bird, often seen in small groups or pairs. Although a formidable hunter, it is also vulnerable to human disturbances and habitat loss.

The Lesser Flamingo, Phoeniconaias minor, is a graceful and slender bird, primarily found in the alkaline lakes of East Africa and some regions of India. It is distinguished by its pale pink plumage, long and thin legs, and a dark red, curved beak. This flamingo is the smallest of its kind, standing about 80 to 90 cm tall. It lives in large colonies, often consisting of thousands of individuals, which helps protect it from predators. Its diet mainly consists of blue-green algae and small crustaceans, which it filters with its specialized beak. The Lesser Flamingo is a migratory bird, moving according to seasonal water level changes.

The Lesser Frigatebird is a striking seabird known for its sleek silhouette and long, scythe-shaped wings. It is primarily black with a white belly in males, while females have a white breast band. This bird is renowned for its graceful flight and ability to soar long distances effortlessly. Lesser Frigatebirds feed mainly on fish and squid, which they catch at the water's surface. They are also known for their kleptoparasitic behavior, stealing food from other seabirds. They nest in colonies on tropical islands, building rudimentary nests in trees or shrubs.

The Lesser Scaup, Aythya affinis, is a medium-sized diving duck known for its rounded head and grayish plumage. Males have a black head with purple sheen, gray back, and white belly, while females are duller with a brown head and a white ring around the bill. They primarily feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. Their preferred habitats include lakes and ponds in North America, where they migrate in large flocks. Their flight is fast and direct, often in tight formation. Although common, their population is monitored due to environmental changes.

The Leopard gecko is a terrestrial species native to the desert and semi-desert regions of Asia, particularly Pakistan, India, and Nepal. This gecko is easily recognized by its dark spots on a pale yellow background, giving it a unique appearance. Unlike other geckos, it has movable eyelids, allowing it to blink, unlike other species that have fixed eyelids. The Leopard gecko is a nocturnal predator, primarily feeding on insects and small invertebrates. It is popular in the reptile trade due to its calm temperament and ease of care.

The Lesser Egyptian Jerboa, or Gerbillus gerbillus, is a small desert rodent primarily found in the arid regions of North Africa. It is well adapted to its dry environment due to its ability to conserve water and its nocturnal habits, which help it avoid the daytime heat. Its fur is typically sandy, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. It primarily feeds on seeds, insects, and desert vegetation. The Lesser Egyptian Jerboa is known for its long hind legs, which allow it to make large jumps, facilitating quick movements to escape predators. Although often solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small groups.

The long-finned pilot whale is a large oceanic dolphin in the family Delphinidae, measuring 5–6 m in length and weighing up to 1 200 kg. It has a robust black body, bulbous head, and long pectoral fins. It inhabits temperate to subantarctic waters, feeding mainly on squid and fish, and forms matrilineal social pods.

The Large Niltava is a bird from the Muscicapidae family, known for its vibrant plumage and melodious songs. This bird is primarily found in the humid forests of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. The male sports bright blue plumage with black accents, while the female has more subdued shades of brown and orange. The Large Niltava is a territorial bird that feeds mainly on insects and small fruits. It is often seen alone or in pairs, moving nimbly among dense branches. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common in protected areas.

The Little Grebe is the smallest European grebe, measuring about 29 cm in length with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm. In breeding plumage, it has a bright chestnut throat and nape, giving it its name, and a yellow spot at the base of the bill. In non-breeding plumage, it is more subdued, with a dark brown back and a light belly. It inhabits wetlands such as lakes, ponds, marshes, and reed beds, where it can easily hide. It feeds primarily on aquatic insects, small crustaceans, tadpoles, and small fish. Reproduction occurs from March to July, with one or two clutches of 4 to 7 eggs each. The young are precocial and can swim and dive immediately after hatching. A partial migrant, it winters in the milder regions of Europe. Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

The Least Grebe, or Tachybaptus dominicus, is a small waterbird belonging to the family Podicipedidae. It is the smallest grebe, measuring about 21 to 27 cm in length with a wingspan of 40 cm. Its plumage is generally dark gray above and paler below, with a brownish tint on the flanks. It has a short, pointed, often black bill. This grebe is primarily found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, marshes, and lakes with dense vegetation. It is an excellent diver, feeding mainly on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. Its range extends from the United States to northern South America.

The Long-tailed Tapaculo, or Drymophila caudata, is a captivating bird found in the humid forests of South America, particularly in the Andes. This medium-sized bird, measuring about 18 cm in length, is notable for its long, slender tail and reddish-brown plumage, adorned with subtle patterns that help it blend into its surroundings. It is often heard before seen, thanks to its distinctive and melodious song. The Long-tailed Tapaculo is a shy bird, preferring dense undergrowth where it primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. Despite its reclusive nature, it plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

The Little Bee-eater, Merops pusillus, is a vibrant and fascinating bird, easily recognizable by its bright green plumage, yellow throat, and distinctive black eye stripe. Measuring about 15 to 17 cm in length, it is one of the smallest members of its family. It primarily inhabits savannas, open woodlands, and riverine areas in sub-Saharan Africa. The Little Bee-eater is an agile predator, feeding mainly on flying insects, especially bees and wasps, which it catches in flight. It is often seen in small groups, perched on low branches, from where it launches to catch its prey. Although relatively tolerant of human presence, it remains cautious and prefers to keep its distance.

The Common Eider is a medium-sized seabird, easily recognizable by its distinctive plumage and diving behavior. It measures about 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 65 to 75 cm, and weighs between 500 and 900 g. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with a black head, a wide white band around the neck, and white spots on the wings. The male, during the breeding season, has a bright orange beak and a distinctive white line running from the beak to the back of the head. The Common Eider primarily inhabits the cold waters of the North Atlantic, notably around the coasts of Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and Northern Europe. It is an excellent diver, feeding mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates, which it captures underwater. The Common Eider migrates southward during the winter. Although the species is not currently endangered, it is vulnerable to marine pollution, climate change, and disturbance of its breeding sites.

The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized nocturnal raptor, easily recognizable by its large tufts of feathers shaped like "ears" on its head. It measures about 35 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 85 to 100 cm, and weighs between 250 and 400 g. Its plumage is generally gray or brown with dark banded patterns, allowing it to blend perfectly in wooded and open forest areas. It has large yellow eyes and a disc-shaped face, like other owls, which helps it capture sound in the dark. The Long-eared Owl primarily inhabits forests, woodlands, and heathlands across Europe, Asia, and North Africa, where it primarily feeds on small mammals, such as voles, mice, and occasionally birds. It generally hunts at dusk, using its sharp vision and keen hearing to detect its prey. While the species is not endangered, it is vulnerable to deforestation and habitat loss.