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.


Albertis's Bird-of-paradise

Albertis's Bird-of-paradise

Drepanornis albertisi

The Albertis's Bird-of-paradise, Drepanornis albertisi, is a captivating bird from the Paradisaeidae family, endemic to New Guinea. This medium-sized bird is recognizable by its striking plumage and long ornamental tail. Males display vibrant colors, with shades of green, blue, and yellow, while females have more subdued plumage. The Albertis's Bird-of-paradise primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and mountainous areas, feeding on fruits, insects, and small animals. Its courtship behavior is particularly spectacular, featuring complex dances and melodious vocalizations to attract females. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, the species is currently classified as of least concern by the IUCN.
Black-cheeked Warbler

Black-cheeked Warbler

Basileuterus melanogenys

The Black-cheeked Warbler is a small songbird from the Parulidae family, primarily found in the humid montane forests of Central America, especially in Costa Rica and Panama. Its plumage is marked by a distinctive black cap, contrasting with white cheeks and an olive back. It measures about 12 cm in length and weighs between 9 and 12 grams. This bird is often seen in pairs or small groups, feeding on insects and spiders found in dense foliage. Although its habitat is relatively limited, it is not considered threatened due to the preservation of its forested areas.
Yellow-throated Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

The Yellow-throated Warbler, Setophaga dominica, is a small songbird in the Parulidae family. It is easily recognizable by its bright yellow throat contrasting with its gray and white plumage. Black stripes on its face and wings add to its distinctive appearance. It primarily inhabits coniferous forests and moist woodlands in the southeastern United States. A migratory bird, it winters in the Caribbean and Central America. Its melodious song and aerial acrobatics make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Although its habitat is sometimes threatened by deforestation, it is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Black-throated Green Warbler
The Black-throated Green Warbler is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family. It is easily recognizable by its black throat contrasting with its white belly and olive-green back. Males display brighter colors than females, especially during the breeding season. It primarily inhabits coniferous and mixed forests in northeastern North America. As a migratory bird, it winters in the tropical regions of Central America. Its song is distinctive, often described as a "zoo-zee-zoo-zoo-zee". Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it is still widespread and considered of least concern by the IUCN.
Bay-breasted Warbler

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

The Bay-breasted Warbler is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family. It is easily recognizable by its chestnut-colored breast, contrasting with its white belly and black and white wings. Males display brighter colors than females, especially during the breeding season. This migratory bird primarily nests in the coniferous forests of Canada and the northern United States, migrating to Central America and northern South America for the winter. Its diet mainly consists of insects, but it can also feed on berries in the fall. The Bay-breasted Warbler is an active and agile bird, often seen foraging in tree branches.
Magnolia Warbler

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

The Magnolia Warbler is a small songbird in the Parulidae family, known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive markings. The male features a black back with white streaks and a bright yellow belly, while the female has duller colors. These migratory birds breed primarily in the coniferous forests of Canada and the northern United States, wintering in Central America. They feed mainly on insects and larvae, capturing them by flitting agilely among branches. Their melodious song is often heard in spring, heralding the breeding season. Although their population is stable, deforestation and habitat loss pose potential threats.
Black-throated Blue Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

The Black-throated Blue Warbler is a small songbird from the Parulidae family, easily identified by the male's vibrant blue plumage, contrasting black throat, and white flanks. The female is more subdued, with olive tones and a distinctive white eyebrow. This species primarily inhabits deciduous forests and dense undergrowth in eastern North America. As a migratory bird, it winters in the Caribbean and Central America. Its melodious song and distinctive calls make it a favorite among birdwatchers. The Black-throated Blue Warbler feeds mainly on insects and larvae, which it skillfully catches while flitting among branches.
Swainson's Warbler

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

The Swainson's Warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii, is a secretive and little-known bird, primarily found in the humid forests of the southeastern United States. It is characterized by its olive-brown plumage, pale eyebrow, and relatively long, slender bill. This bird prefers dense undergrowth and swamps, where it feeds mainly on insects and spiders. Although its song is melodious, it is often difficult to spot due to its elusive behavior. The Swainson's Warbler is a partial migrant, moving south for the winter. Its population is stable, but it remains vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation and wetland drainage.
Pine Warbler

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

The Pine Warbler (Setophaga pinus) is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family, commonly found in pine forests across North America. It measures about 14 cm in length and weighs between 9 and 15 grams. Its plumage is primarily olive-green with yellowish tones on the chest and belly, and its wings feature two distinct white bars. Males and females are similar, though males are often more vibrant. The Pine Warbler is known for its melodious and repetitive song, often heard before it is seen. It primarily feeds on insects but also consumes seeds and berries, especially in winter.
Prairie Warbler

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

The Prairie Warbler, Setophaga discolor, is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family. It is easily identified by its bright orange throat, olive-green back, and distinctive black streaks on its flanks. Males display more vibrant colors than females, especially during the breeding season. This passerine primarily inhabits open woodlands, scrublands, and wetlands in the southeastern United States. A migratory bird, it winters in the Caribbean and Central America. Its song is a soft, melodious trill, often heard in spring. The Prairie Warbler feeds mainly on insects and small spiders, which it catches by flitting agilely among branches.
American Redstart

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

The American Redstart, Setophaga ruticilla, is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family. It is easily identifiable by its striking black and orange plumage in males, while females display more subdued shades of gray and yellow. This migratory bird breeds in North America and migrates to Central and South America for the winter. The American Redstart primarily inhabits open forests, groves, and moist wooded areas. It feeds mainly on insects, which it catches in flight with its agile and rapid movements. Its melodious and varied song is often heard in spring and summer, marking its territory and attracting mates.
Black-throated Gray Warbler

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

The Black-throated Gray Warbler, Setophaga nigrescens, is a small songbird in the Parulidae family. It is easily identified by its black head contrasting with white cheeks and a black throat. Its back is gray with black streaks, and its wings have two distinct white bars. This passerine measures about 12 cm in length and weighs between 8 and 10 grams. It primarily inhabits coniferous and mixed forests, but can also be found in shrublands and oak forests. A migratory bird, it breeds in the western United States and winters in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Its song is a high-pitched, rapid trill, often heard in spring.
Louisiana Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

The Louisiana Waterthrush, or Parkesia motacilla, is a small songbird in the Parulidae family. It is characterized by its olive-brown upperparts and white underparts streaked with black. Its tail is often seen bobbing up and down, giving it its name. This bird inhabits moist forests and streams, feeding mainly on aquatic insects. It is migratory, spending winters in Central America and summers in North America. Known for its melodious and complex song, it is often heard near streams. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common within its range.
Blackpoll Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

The Blackpoll Warbler, Setophaga striata, is a small songbird in the Parulidae family. It is easily identified by its distinctive plumage: males have a black cap, white cheeks, and black streaks on their back. Females and juveniles are duller, with olive tones and less pronounced streaking. This migratory species travels long distances between its breeding grounds in the boreal forests of North America and its wintering areas in South America. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches by flitting through foliage. The Blackpoll Warbler is known for its melodious song and high-pitched calls. Although its conservation status is concerning due to habitat loss, it remains relatively common within its range.
Indigo Bunting

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

The Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea, is a small songbird native to North America, renowned for the male's vibrant blue plumage during the breeding season. Females and juveniles display a dull brown plumage, aiding in camouflage. These birds migrate south in winter, reaching as far as Central America. They favor open habitats like fields, forest edges, and thickets. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, insects, and berries. The Indigo Bunting's song is melodious and complex, often used to mark territory and attract mates.
Brown Pelican

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

The Brown Pelican is a large seabird native to the American coasts, measuring between 100 and 137 cm in length with a wingspan of 200 to 228 cm. It is characterized by its brown-gray plumage, white head with a yellowish crown during the breeding season, and a long bill with an expandable throat pouch capable of holding up to 11 liters of water. This pelican is known for its dramatic fishing technique: diving from several meters high to catch fish, mainly sardines and anchovies. It inhabits coastal areas, estuaries, mangroves, and sandy beaches, nesting in colonies on islands or isolated areas. Although currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Brown Pelican experienced significant declines in the 20th century due to pesticide pollution, particularly DDT. Conservation efforts have led to population recoveries, but habitat degradation remains a concern.
American White Pelican

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

The American White Pelican, or Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, is a large aquatic bird known for its striking white plumage and bright orange bill. It is primarily found in North America, frequenting lakes, rivers, and wetlands. In flight, its black wings contrast with its white body, creating a majestic silhouette. This gregarious bird feeds mainly on fish, which it captures using its bill's expandable pouch. During the breeding season, it forms colonies on isolated islands. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," it is sensitive to human disturbances and water pollution.
Dalmatian pelican

Dalmatian pelican

Pelecanus crispus

The Dalmatian Pelican is a large aquatic bird primarily found in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It measures about 1.5 to 1.8 meters in length, with a wingspan of 2.3 to 2.5 meters, and weighs between 7 and 15 kg. What distinguishes the Dalmatian Pelican is its white plumage, sometimes tinged with yellow or pink, as well as its distinctive crest and long curved bill. It also has a pouch under its bill that allows it to capture fish. The Dalmatian Pelican primarily feeds on fish, which it catches by diving into the water or filtering with its bill. It is typically found near lakes, rivers, and wetlands. While the population of the Dalmatian Pelican is stable in some regions, it is still threatened by habitat loss, water pollution, and human disturbance.
Pink-backed Pelican

Pink-backed Pelican

Pelecanus rufescens

The Pink-backed Pelican, or Pelecanus rufescens, is a medium-sized waterbird known for its greyish plumage and slightly pinkish back. It has a long bill with a distinctive gular pouch used for catching fish. Its wings are broad and powerful, suited for gliding flight. Found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, it inhabits lakes, rivers, and marshes. Sociable by nature, it often lives in colonies. Its breeding season varies by region, typically nesting in trees or on islets. Its diet consists mainly of fish, which it often hunts in groups.
Crested Guan

Crested Guan

Penelope purpurascens

The Crested Guan is a large forest bird, measuring between 76 and 91 cm in length and weighing up to 2.4 kg. It has dark olive-brown plumage with white spots on the neck and chest, a rufous rump and belly, and a bushy crest on its head. Its throat features a large red wattle, and the skin around the eye is bluish-gray. Social in nature, it lives in pairs or family groups of 6 to 12 individuals, feeding on fruits and young leaves in the trees. It builds its nest in trees, where the female lays two or three white eggs. Although classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting.
Trinidad Piping Guan

Trinidad Piping Guan

Aburria pipile

The Trinidad Piping Guan, or Aburria pipile, is a rare and endemic bird of Trinidad Island. This large bird, part of the Cracidae family, is recognizable by its glossy black plumage, distinctive white throat, and long red legs. It primarily inhabits the island's tropical rainforests and wooded areas. This bird is mainly frugivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, and occasionally insects. Unfortunately, the Trinidad Piping Guan is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. It is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Its conservation is crucial to maintaining Trinidad's unique biodiversity.
White Monjita

White Monjita

Xolmis irupero

The Xolmis irupero, or White Monjita, is a passerine bird from the Tyrannidae family. It is primarily found in open regions of South America, particularly in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. This bird is notable for its striking white plumage, contrasting with its reddish belly and black wings. It measures about 20 cm in length and has a sturdy beak suited for its insectivorous diet. The White Monjita is often seen perched on branches or power lines, from where it monitors its territory. Its song is a melodious whistle, often heard at dawn and dusk. Although relatively common, preserving its natural habitat is crucial for its survival.
White-sided Flowerpiercer

White-sided Flowerpiercer

Diglossa albilatera

The White-sided Flowerpiercer is a small passerine bird belonging to the Thraupidae family. It is primarily found in the mountainous regions of South America, particularly in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. This bird is notable for its dark plumage contrasted by distinctive white flanks. It has a thin, slightly curved beak, adapted to its specialized diet. It primarily feeds on nectar but also consumes insects and fruits. The White-sided Flowerpiercer is often seen piercing the bases of flowers to access nectar, a technique that earned it its name. It typically inhabits humid forests, forest edges, and shrublands at altitudes ranging from 1500 to 3000 meters.
Black-throated Flowerpiercer
The Black-throated Flowerpiercer is a small passerine bird belonging to the Thraupidae family. It is primarily found in the high-altitude forests of Mexico and Central America. This bird is recognizable by its black throat contrasting with its blue-gray plumage. It mainly feeds on nectar, which it obtains by piercing the base of flowers with its specialized beak, but it also consumes insects. The Black-throated Flowerpiercer is often seen in pairs or small groups. It is known for its territorial behavior, vigorously defending its territory against intruders. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it is currently classified as of least concern by the IUCN.
Duida Flowerpiercer

Duida Flowerpiercer

Diglossa duidae

The Duida Flowerpiercer is a small bird endemic to the mountainous regions of Venezuela, particularly around Mount Duida. It is characterized by its slender, curved bill, perfect for piercing flowers to access nectar, although its diet also includes insects. Its plumage is primarily blue-gray with darker shades on the wings and tail. This bird is often seen darting between shrubs and trees in search of food. It is known for its melodious song and distinctive calls that echo through the cloud forests.
Venezuelan Flowerpiercer

Venezuelan Flowerpiercer

Diglossa venezuelensis

The Venezuelan Flowerpiercer is a bird from the Thraupidae family, endemic to the humid montane forests of Venezuela. It is recognizable by its dark plumage, often blue-black, and its thin, hooked beak, adapted for piercing flowers to feed on nectar. This bird is about 12 cm long and weighs between 10 and 15 grams. It is often seen in small groups or pairs, actively moving through the canopy in search of food. Although its habitat is limited, it is not currently considered threatened, but deforestation could pose a long-term risk.
Masked Flowerpiercer

Masked Flowerpiercer

Diglossa cyanea

The Masked Flowerpiercer is a small, colorful bird from the Thraupidae family, primarily found in the montane forests of South America. It is distinguished by its bright blue plumage and the black mask around its eyes. This bird is often seen piercing flowers to feed on nectar, hence its English name "Flowerpiercer". It plays a significant role in the pollination of plants in its habitat. Although primarily frugivorous, it also consumes insects. Its presence is an indicator of the health of montane ecosystems.
Black Flowerpiercer

Black Flowerpiercer

Diglossa humeralis

The Black Flowerpiercer is a small bird from the Thraupidae family, primarily found in the mountainous regions of the Andes. It is characterized by its black plumage with slightly lighter shoulders, which gives it its name. This bird is known for its unique flower-piercing behavior, using its specialized beak to access nectar. It mainly inhabits humid forests and shrubby areas at high altitudes. Although often seen alone or in small groups, it can sometimes be found in the company of other nectarivorous bird species. Its adaptability to various habitats and diverse diet make it an important component of the Andean ecosystem.
Bartavelle Partridge

Bartavelle Partridge

Alectoris graeca

The Barbary Partridge is a terrestrial bird native to the mountains of North Africa and Western Asia. It measures about 30 cm in height and weighs between 300 and 500 g. Its plumage is characterized by brown and gray tones, with a distinctive "V"-shaped pattern on the chest. The Barbary Partridge primarily inhabits rocky, dry mountain habitats, where it feeds on seeds, roots, berries, and small insects. It is an excellent runner and, although capable of flying, prefers to move by running through the underbrush. This species is threatened in some regions due to excessive hunting and habitat loss, and it is protected in several countries.
Chukar partridge

Chukar partridge

Alectoris chukar

The chukar partridge is a medium-sized bird (30–35 cm), with grey-brown plumage barred with black and white, featuring a glossy black cap and eye-stripe. Native to arid regions of Asia and introduced in North America, it inhabits rocky slopes, scrublands and fallow fields, feeding on seeds, leaves, and insects. During the breeding season (March 1 to July 31), the male performs formal courtship displays and defends his territory with calls and rapid chases.