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.
The Green Crested Basilisk is an impressive species native to the tropical forests of Central America. This lizard is famous for the distinctive crest on its head and back, as well as for its ability to run on water, earning it the nickname 'Jesus Christ lizard.' It uses this ability to escape predators by running at high speed across shallow water surfaces. Primarily arboreal, it spends much of its life in trees and bushes, where it feeds on small insects, fruits, and flowers. This lizard is also known for its bright green color and distinctive patterns.
The Jesus Christ Lizard is a fascinating reptile, named for its unique ability to run across water for short distances. This striking lizard, recognizable by the distinctive crest on its back and its vibrant coloration, primarily inhabits the tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. The Jesus Christ Lizard feeds on insects, fruits, and small animals, hunting them in the understory. When threatened, it uses its ability to run across water to escape predators, creating a spectacular fleeing scene.
Although it is a master of escape, the Jesus Christ Lizard is vulnerable to deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The European Weasel is the smallest carnivore in Europe, easily recognizable by its tiny size and brown coat with a white throat and belly. It primarily inhabits a variety of environments such as forests, meadows, and agricultural areas, where it hunts small mammals, birds, insects, and eggs. Agile and fast, the European Weasel is a stealthy hunter, capable of slipping into tight spaces to capture its prey.
Solitary and territorial, the European Weasel is active both day and night, and it uses its own burrows or those of other animals to hide and rest. Though small, it is a formidable predator, often seen as beneficial for regulating small rodent populations. However, it can be threatened by habitat destruction and changes in agricultural practices.
The mountain weasel, Mustela altaica, is a small mustelid native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia. It is characterized by its dense, silky fur, typically light to dark brown, with a lighter underside. Its body length ranges from 22 to 29 cm, with a tail measuring about 12 to 15 cm. Adapted to cold environments, it is often found in alpine meadows, coniferous forests, and rocky areas. As a carnivore, it primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects. Although elusive, it plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.
The Beluga is a remarkable cetacean, easily recognizable by its immaculate white color and streamlined shape. Unlike many other dolphins, the Beluga has a rounded forehead, called a "melon," which allows it great head flexibility. What also makes the Beluga unique is its ability to produce a wide variety of sounds, which it uses to communicate and navigate in the cold waters of the Arctic seas, the North Atlantic, and rivers. It primarily feeds on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, hunting them with its excellent echolocation ability.
Belugas live in social groups called "pods" and are known for their social behavior and interaction with humans. Despite its popularity, the Beluga is vulnerable to water pollution and climate change, which affect its natural habitats.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The woylie, or Bettongia penicillata, is a small Australian marsupial known for its distinctive brush-tailed appearance. This nocturnal creature inhabits open forests and woodlands, playing a crucial ecological role by dispersing fungal spores. Measuring about 30 to 38 cm in length, with a tail of 29 to 36 cm, it weighs between 1.1 and 1.6 kg. Its fur is grey-brown with a lighter underside. Once widespread, its habitat has diminished due to predation by foxes and cats, as well as habitat loss. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this vulnerable species, including the establishment of reserves and captive breeding programs.
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.
The binturong is an arboreal mammal with a stocky body and long prehensile tail. Its shaggy black fur and unique scent reminiscent of popcorn make it easily identifiable. Active at night, it moves slowly through the canopy of Southeast Asian rainforests in search of fruits, small animals, and eggs. Solitary and elusive, it is increasingly rare due to habitat loss.
The American Bison is one of the largest land mammals in North America, recognizable by its massive head, thick fur, particularly on its back. Once widespread, it nearly went extinct in the 19th century due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, thanks to conservation efforts, the population of American Bison is growing, though the species remains protected in many areas.
The American Bison lives in herds, primarily in grasslands and plains. Herbivorous, it feeds on grasses, woody plants, and some vegetation. As it moves, it creates powerful tracks in the plains. This social mammal is also known for its territorial behavior, with males fighting for dominance within the group.
The European Bison is the largest land mammal in Europe, characterized by its imposing size, thick fur, and arched back. Once widespread across the forests of Europe, it nearly went extinct in the early 20th century, but thanks to conservation programs, wild populations have been reintroduced in several European regions. The European Bison primarily inhabits forests and wooded meadows, where it feeds on grasses, leaves, twigs, and young tree shoots.
This bison is a social animal, living in small groups or large herds, with males fighting for dominance. While its population is growing, the European Bison remains a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and fragmentation of its territory. The protection and management of its habitats remain essential for its survival.