The Bohemian Waxwing is a small colorful bird, easily recognizable by its characteristic crest and the black edges of its feathers. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 30 to 35 cm, and weighs between 50 and 70 g. Its plumage is primarily light gray with bright yellow and red hues on its wings and tail, and it has red and yellow feathers decorating the tips of its plumage. The Bohemian Waxwing primarily inhabits the dense coniferous and deciduous forests of northern Europe and Asia, as well as North America. It is often found in groups, feeding primarily on berries, especially those from juniper and sea buckthorn trees, but it can also eat insects and seeds. This small passerine is also known for its soft call and social behavior, particularly during migration in groups. Although the species is not endangered, it is sensitive to climate change and the availability of its preferred food, berries.
The brown lemur, or Lemur fulvus, is a primate endemic to Madagascar. It is characterized by its dense, soft fur, typically brown-grey in color, with lighter shades on the belly. Males and females show little sexual dimorphism, although males may have a slightly darker hue. These lemurs live in social groups of up to 15 individuals. They are primarily arboreal, moving with agility through the canopy. Their diet is varied, including fruits, leaves, and sometimes insects. Threatened by deforestation and hunting, their conservation status is concerning.
The black-and-white ruffed lemur, or Varecia variegata, is a primate endemic to Madagascar, known for its distinctive black and white fur. It primarily inhabits the island's eastern rainforests. This lemur is diurnal and arboreal, spending most of its time in the canopy searching for fruits, flowers, and leaves. Social groups usually consist of two to five individuals, often led by a dominant female. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered due to deforestation and hunting. Conservation efforts are crucial for its long-term survival.
The Balkan Green Lizard, Lacerta trilineata, is a striking reptile known for its size and vibrant coloration. It can grow up to 40 cm in length, including its tail. Typically green, with shades of brown or yellow, it features three lighter longitudinal stripes, giving it its name. Found mainly in the Balkans and parts of Greece, it favors open, sunny habitats like meadows, scrublands, and rocky areas. Diurnal by nature, it primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates. Although relatively common within its range, habitat destruction poses a threat to its population.
The Dormouse with a Bushy Tail is a small nocturnal rodent, easily recognizable by its large bushy tail, which is one of its distinctive features. It measures about 20 to 25 cm in length, with a tail of around 10 to 15 cm, and weighs between 50 and 150 g. Its coat is generally gray or brown, with a lighter shade on the belly, and it has large round ears and bright eyes. The Dormouse with a Bushy Tail primarily lives in forests, hedgerows, and gardens, where it feeds on fruits, seeds, nuts, as well as small creatures like insects. It is mainly active at night, taking refuge in tree holes or burrows during the day. This rodent hibernates during the winter, entering a state of torpor for several months, which allows it to survive the cold temperatures. While the species is not currently endangered, it faces threats from deforestation and the reduction of its natural habitat.
The Coastal Wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf primarily found along the coasts of Alaska and the North Pacific, as well as on certain islands. This wolf is adapted to its coastal environment, where it primarily hunts marine prey such as seals, fish, and seabirds. It measures about 1.3 to 1.5 meters in length, with a tail of about 30 to 40 cm, and weighs between 30 and 50 kg. Its coat is typically gray, brown, or black, with lighter shades on the belly and a thick mane around the neck. The Coastal Wolf is a social predator that lives in family groups and hunts in packs, often in areas close to water or on beaches. In addition to marine prey, it may also feed on deer, bears, and small mammals. While this subspecies is less widespread than others, it is well adapted to its environment and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems. However, it is threatened by habitat loss, human disturbances, and hunting.
The Bobcat is a medium-sized cat native to North America, where it is widespread, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It measures about 80 to 110 cm in length, with a short tail of 10 to 15 cm, and weighs between 8 and 14 kg, although some males can reach 20 kg. Its coat is typically tawny or grayish with dark spots, and it has black tufts of fur on its ears, a characteristic feature of this species. The Bobcat is an excellent solitary hunter, primarily feeding on hares, rabbits, as well as birds and small mammals. It is particularly known for its ability to hunt in a variety of environments, ranging from dense forests to more open regions. This predator uses its great stealth to approach its prey before launching a quick attack. While the Bobcat remains relatively stable in terms of population, it is threatened by habitat loss and illegal hunting in some areas.
The Black-faced macaque is a primate native to the islands of Sulawesi in Indonesia. It is recognizable by its distinctive black face and gray or brown fur. This macaque is primarily frugivorous but also feeds on insects and small animals. It lives in complex social groups, often near rivers and tropical forests. The species is threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
The Barbary macaque is a large Old World monkey, measuring 55–75 cm in body length and weighing 10–18 kg, with greyish-brown fur and a paler crown. Endemic to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, it inhabits cedar forests, scrub and rocky slopes, feeding on fruits, leaves and insects. Social and matriarchal, it lives in family groups where males uniquely assist in infant care. During the breeding season (01.11-31.03), males display dominance through chest-posturing and vocal calls.
The bushy-tailed mongoose, or Bdeogale crassicauda, is a small African carnivore belonging to the Herpestidae family. It is characterized by its bushy tail and grayish-brown fur. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on insects, small vertebrates, and fruits. It inhabits tropical forests, savannas, and wooded areas in East Africa. Although elusive, it is sometimes seen in small family groups. Its ability to adapt to various habitats allows it to survive in changing environments. However, deforestation and habitat loss pose potential threats to its population.
The Belted Kingfisher is a medium-sized aquatic bird, easily recognized by its bright plumage and vivid colors. It measures about 28 cm in length and weighs between 100 and 150 g. Its back is a brilliant metallic blue, while its belly is white with orange patches on the chest. It has a long, straight, pointed bill, suited for catching fish and other aquatic prey. The Belted Kingfisher is an excellent diver, often perching on branches or electrical wires above the water before diving at high speed to catch its prey. It primarily lives in rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal areas of North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. These birds are solitary and defend their territory by emitting sharp calls. While its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss due to water pollution and wetland destruction.
The Collared Kingfisher is a small colorful bird, measuring about 15 to 18 cm in length, and weighing between 20 and 30 g. It is distinguished by its head adorned with a characteristic crest made of bright blue feathers, and its brilliant plumage which combines shades of metallic blue and bright orange. Its back is cobalt blue and its belly is orange, with a striking contrast between the two. This kingfisher primarily inhabits wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa, often near rivers, marshes, and lakes, where it primarily hunts fish and aquatic insects. It is often seen diving from a perch to catch its prey, using its pointed and powerful bill to grab it with great precision. While it is generally a solitary bird, it can sometimes be seen in pairs during the breeding season. Although the population of the Collared Kingfisher is relatively stable, it faces threats such as habitat loss and water pollution.
The blue tit is a small, colorful bird easily recognizable by its blue head, olive back, and bright yellow breast. It is found primarily in forests, gardens, and parks across Europe and Asia. The blue tit is a curious and active bird, often seen foraging for seeds, berries, and insects. It is also capable of using ingenious techniques to access food, making it a fascinating subject for photographers.
The boreal chickadee is a small passerine, 11–13 cm long, with olive-gray and brown plumage, featuring a dark brown cap, black bib, and white cheeks. It inhabits coniferous and mixed forests across the northern hemisphere, feeding on insects, seeds, and berries gleaned while clinging to branches. During the breeding season, pairs excavate or occupy tree cavities to nest, and the male feeds the female at the nest.
The Black Kite is a large bird of prey, measuring about 55 to 60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 150 to 160 cm and weighing between 800 g and 1.5 kg. It is distinguished by its predominantly black plumage with gray and brown shades, and a lighter head, often silvery-gray. This raptor has long, pointed wings, ideal for soaring and maneuvering in the air. The Black Kite is primarily found in Europe, but its range also extends to North Africa and the Middle East. It primarily inhabits open areas such as countryside, sparse forests, and riverbanks, where it feeds on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and also carrion. The Black Kite is an excellent glider, using thermal currents to stay aloft with minimal effort. This bird is also known for its social behavior and can be seen in groups, especially during migration. Although it is not in immediate danger, it faces threats such as habitat loss, poisoning, and collisions with power lines.
The black-headed gull is a small gull easily recognized by its black head (in summer), white plumage, and light gray wings. It is primarily found in Europe and Asia and is often seen near bodies of water, in harbors, and estuaries. It is omnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, and sometimes human scraps. This gull is also known for its aerial acrobatics, often seen flying and diving into the water to catch its food.
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a medium-sized gull, measuring about 40 to 45 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90 to 110 cm. It is easily recognizable by its white plumage with light gray wings and a black head during the breeding season. What particularly distinguishes this gull is the shape of its tail, which is deeply forked, hence its name "tridactyla." It primarily inhabits coastal regions of the North Atlantic, notably in rocky areas, cliffs, and subarctic islands. The Black-legged Kittiwake feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, and marine insects. It is often seen flying over the water in search of food or resting on rocks. Although the population of this species is stable, it may be threatened by human disturbances, particularly the disruption of breeding colonies and marine pollution.
The Barbary sheep, or Ammotragus lervia, is a robust caprid native to the mountains of North Africa. It is characterized by a mane of long hair that runs down its neck and forelegs. Its coat is typically tawny, allowing it to blend into the arid, rocky landscapes it inhabits. Adapted to desert environments, it can survive with minimal water, extracting necessary moisture from its food. Males have large, backward-curving horns used in dominance battles. The Barbary sheep lives in small groups and primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, and shrubs.
The bighorn sheep, or Ovis canadensis, is a mammal native to the mountainous regions of North America. Known for its large, spiraled horns, it primarily inhabits rocky terrains. Males, called rams, are particularly striking with horns that can weigh up to 30 pounds. Females, or ewes, have smaller, less curved horns. These animals live in herds and are well adapted to rugged landscapes thanks to their specialized hooves. Their coat ranges from light brown to gray, with a distinctive white patch on the rump. They primarily feed on grasses, plants, and shrubs.
The Bar-headed Goose, Anser indicus, is a remarkable bird species known for its ability to fly at high altitudes. It is easily recognizable by its white head adorned with two distinct black bars. These migratory birds travel long distances, crossing the Himalayas to reach their breeding grounds in Central Asia. They often gather in large flocks and are known for their V-formation flight. Their plumage is primarily gray with lighter shades on the belly. They mainly feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. Their adaptation to various environments, from plains to mountains, demonstrates their resilience and adaptability.
The Bornean orangutan is a large primate, measuring about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in height and weighing between 40 and 90 kg. It is easily recognized by its reddish fur and long arms, which allow it to move effortlessly through the trees. This species is native to the island of Borneo, where it primarily inhabits tropical forests. The Bornean orangutan is an herbivore, feeding mainly on fruits, leaves, bark, and small insects. It is a solitary animal, with very discreet behaviors and a great ability to adapt to its environment. Due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and the loss of its natural habitat, this species is classified as endangered.
The Beisa Oryx is a large antelope found primarily in the arid and semi-desert regions of East Africa, particularly in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. It stands between 1.2 and 1.5 meters at the shoulder and weighs around 100 to 150 kg. The Beisa Oryx is easily recognized by its long, straight horns, which can reach up to 1 meter in length. Its coat is sandy-colored, with black markings on the flanks, legs, and around the eyes, helping it blend into its desert environment. This herbivore feeds primarily on bushes, grasses, and succulent plants. Although the Beisa Oryx is capable of tolerating extremely high temperatures, it is also well adapted to cover large distances in search of food and water. This species is currently listed as "near threatened" due to habitat loss and hunting.
The Brown Bear is one of the largest terrestrial carnivores, measuring between 1.5 and 2.5 meters in length and weighing between 100 and 800 kg, depending on the subspecies and habitat conditions. Its coat ranges from light brown to dark brown, and it is often denser during the winter. The Brown Bear primarily lives in forests, mountains, and Arctic regions, but can also be found in tundra and prairie areas. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, roots, small mammals, fish, and even carrion. The Brown Bear is also an excellent swimmer and climber. Due to hunting, habitat loss, and conflicts with humans, some subspecies of Brown Bears are threatened or endangered.
The Bornean clouded leopard is a large forest-dwelling cat, measuring 70–110 cm excluding tail, with a distinctive cloud-patterned coat against a pale background. Endemic to Borneo and Sumatra, it inhabits tropical rainforests and cloud forests at low to mid elevations, moving adeptly both on the ground and in the canopy. Solitary and crepuscular, it is an expert hunter of mammals, birds, and reptiles thanks to its strong limbs and tail.
The Bearded Tit is a small passerine bird primarily found in marshy areas and reed beds of Europe and Asia. It measures about 15 to 20 cm in length and weighs between 15 and 20 g. What particularly distinguishes the Bearded Tit is its plumage in shades of brown and cream, with long black moustaches that give it its name. It is often observed in reed beds and wetlands, where it primarily feeds on seeds, insects, and arthropods. Although it is an excellent climber and stealthy thief, the Bearded Tit is unfortunately threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat and the reduction of reedbed areas. This species is currently listed as "near threatened" by the IUCN.
The Black Sicklebill, or Epimachus fastuosus, is a bird of the Paradisaeidae family, renowned for its spectacular plumage and elaborate courtship displays. Native to New Guinea, it primarily inhabits montane tropical rainforests. Males are distinguished by their glossy black plumage with metallic sheens and long sickle-shaped tails. They perform complex dances to attract females, who are duller and brown. These birds primarily feed on fruits and insects. Their habitat is threatened by deforestation, leading to a decline in their population. They are currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
The Common Sloth is an arboreal mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly in South America, from Costa Rica to Brazil. It measures between 50 and 70 cm in length, with a tail of 4 to 6 cm, and weighs between 4 and 8 kg. Its fur is long and thick, gray-brown in color, with lighter and sometimes greenish patches due to algae growing on its hair. The Common Sloth primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers, which it eats very slowly. It is known for its extreme slowness, moving at a speed of 0.03 km/h, making it one of the slowest animals in the world. This behavior is due to its slow metabolism and a diet that is low in calories. Although the population of common sloths is not immediately threatened, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances.
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.
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.
The Hapalopsittaca amazonina, known as the Blue-fronted Parrot, is a fascinating bird native to the humid forests of South America. This medium-sized parrot features vibrant green plumage with a distinctive blue patch on its forehead. Its strong, hooked beak is adapted for cracking nuts and seeds, which make up the bulk of its diet. Social by nature, it often lives in noisy flocks, moving through the canopy in search of food. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common in some areas. Its ability to mimic sounds also makes it a favorite among exotic bird enthusiasts.