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.


Ringed Plover

Ringed Plover

Charadrius alexandrinus

The Ringed Plover is a small coastal bird primarily found along beaches, estuaries, and sandy areas in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It measures about 18 to 20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm, and weighs between 30 and 60 g. Its plumage is generally light beige with white underparts and an interrupted black ring around the neck and chest. This collar is more pronounced in males, while females have a less distinct collar. The Ringed Plover primarily feeds on small marine invertebrates and insects found in the sand or along the shore. It is often seen running along the waves, searching for food. While its population remains relatively stable, this species can be threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances at its breeding sites.
Red river hog

Red river hog

Potamochoerus porcus

The red river hog is a mammal from the suid family, recognizable by its reddish coat and ears adorned with long white tufts of hair. It is mainly found in the forests of Central and West Africa. This suid is omnivorous, feeding on roots, fruits, small animals, and insects. It lives in family groups led by a dominant male. Red river hogs are known for their ability to swim and navigate aquatic environments. Their behavior is generally suspicious of humans, although they can become accustomed to their presence in protected areas.
Reticulated python

Reticulated python

Malayopython reticulatus

The Reticulated Python is one of the most impressive and longest snakes in the world, growing over 7 meters in length. It is easily recognized by its complex mesh pattern on its skin, which gives it its name. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, this python is primarily terrestrial, although it is also capable of climbing trees. It typically hunts mammals and birds, using its constriction power to capture and suffocate its prey. Although generally discreet, it can be dangerous when threatened.
Resplendent quetzal

Resplendent quetzal

Pharomachrus mocinno

The Resplendent Quetzal is a colorful bird primarily found in the cloud forests of Guatemala and Mexico. It measures about 35 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 50 to 60 cm, and weighs between 200 and 300 g. Its plumage is bright green with a vivid red throat and a long tail composed of elongated feathers. The male is particularly spectacular, with more colorful plumage and a distinctive crest. The Resplendent Quetzal is frugivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, berries, and small insects. It is also an important symbol in Mayan culture, representing freedom and the beauty of nature. Although its population is declining, primarily due to deforestation and poaching, this species remains protected in certain regions.
Resplendent quetzal

Resplendent quetzal

Euptilotis neoxenus

The Resplendent Quetzal is a magnificent bird primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forests of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It measures about 30 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 50 to 60 cm, and weighs between 100 and 150 g. Its plumage is a vibrant green, with a vivid red throat and a long tail composed of elongated and brilliant feathers. The male is particularly spectacular, with even more colorful plumage and a distinctive crest. The Resplendent Quetzal is primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, and small insects. This bird is also an important symbol in the indigenous cultures of the region, representing beauty and freedom. While its population remains relatively stable, this species is still vulnerable due to deforestation and habitat loss.
Red-eyed tree frog

Red-eyed tree frog

Agalychnis callidryas

The Red-eyed Tree Frog is a small arboreal frog primarily found in the humid tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. It measures about 5 to 7 cm in length and weighs between 10 and 20 g. Its body is generally green, with yellow or blue spots on the sides, and its eyes are bright red, making it a particularly recognizable species. The Red-eyed Tree Frog is insectivorous, primarily feeding on flying insects like mosquitoes and flies. It is nocturnal and spends the day hidden in foliage or tree crevices. While its population remains stable in certain protected areas, it is still threatened by deforestation and pollution of its natural habitat.
Ringtail

Ringtail

Bassariscus astutus

The Bassariscus astutus, commonly known as the ringtail, is a small carnivorous mammal native to North America. It is recognizable by its long, ringed tail and gray-brown fur. This small predator is highly agile and adaptable, allowing it to thrive in various habitats, from forests to urban areas. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Although solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small family groups. Its ability to climb and squeeze into tight spaces makes it a fascinating animal to observe.
Red fox

Red fox

Vulpes vulpes

The Red Fox is a small carnivore primarily found in forests, meadows, and agricultural areas of Europe, Asia, and North America. It measures about 45 to 90 cm in length, with a tail of 30 to 50 cm, and weighs between 3 and 10 kg. Its fur is typically reddish with white underparts and on the legs, and its tail is bushy with a white tip. The Red Fox is an opportunistic and omnivorous animal, feeding on small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and berries. It is primarily active at dusk and night. While its population remains relatively stable in many regions, it can be threatened by habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and diseases.
Regal Sunbird

Regal Sunbird

Cinnyris regius

The Regal Sunbird, Cinnyris regius, is a small African hummingbird-like bird known for its vibrant colors. The male displays a dazzling plumage with shades of metallic green, blue, and red, while the female is more subdued with brown and green tones. This nectarivore is commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests, feeding primarily on nectar, but also on insects and spiders. Its slender, curved beak is perfectly adapted to reach the nectar of flowers. The Regal Sunbird is an active and agile bird, often seen flitting from flower to flower, playing a crucial role in the pollination of plants in its habitat.
Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

The Roseate Spoonbill is a large wading bird with striking pink plumage, measuring between 71 and 86 cm in length and a wingspan of 120 to 135 cm. Its long, spatula-shaped bill is used to sweep shallow waters side to side in search of prey. Adults have a greenish bare head, white neck and back, and vivid pink wings with carmine highlights. Juveniles are paler, with a feathered head and lighter pink plumage. This species feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, captured by filtering mud in wetlands. It inhabits coastal marshes, mangroves, lagoons, and estuaries from the southern United States to South America. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Roseate Spoonbill remains vulnerable to habitat degradation, particularly due to pollution and loss of wetlands.
Royal Tern

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

The Royal Tern, or Thalasseus maximus, is an elegant seabird known for its large size and striking white plumage, contrasted by a black cap on its head. Its bright orange bill and long, slender wings give it a majestic appearance in flight. It primarily inhabits Atlantic coasts and estuaries, feeding on fish caught with precision diving. Sociable by nature, it nests in dense colonies on sandy islets or isolated beaches. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," it remains sensitive to human disturbances and habitat degradation.
Ruddy Shelduck

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferruginea

The Ruddy Shelduck, or Tadorna ferruginea, is a medium-sized waterfowl known for its striking orange-brown plumage and pale head. Males and females look similar, though males have a black neck ring during the breeding season. This bird favors open habitats near freshwater, such as lakes and rivers. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, but may also eat insects and small invertebrates. The Ruddy Shelduck is a partial migrant, moving southward in winter. It is often seen in pairs or small groups and is known for its distinctive, melodious call.
Red-footed tortoise

Red-footed tortoise

Chelonoidis carbonaria

The red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) is a medium-sized terrestrial reptile (carapace up to 35 cm) with a dark, rounded shell accented by rust-colored patches on each scute. Native to dry forests, savannas and grasslands in tropical South America, it feeds on fruits, leaves, fungi, and invertebrates, occasionally scavenging carrion. Gregarious by nature, it forms small family groups and communicates via ground vibrations. Breeding occurs during the rainy season (June 1–September 30); females bury 2–15 eggs in shallow burrows. Hatchlings emerge after 117–158 days, typically between October and February.
Red-eared Slider

Red-eared Slider

Trachemys scripta

The Trachemys scripta, commonly known as the red-eared slider, is a popular species of aquatic turtle in the pet trade. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive red markings behind the eyes. This turtle is native to the United States but has been introduced to many countries, where it can become invasive. It prefers aquatic habitats such as ponds, lakes, and rivers with abundant vegetation. The red-eared slider is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. It is known for its ability to adapt to various environments, contributing to its popularity in captivity. However, it requires proper care to thrive.
Ruddy turnstone

Ruddy turnstone

Arenaria interpres

The Ruddy Turnstone is a small migratory bird primarily found on rocky and sandy coastal areas in Europe, Asia, and North America. It typically measures about 22 cm in length and weighs between 60 and 100 g. Its plumage is characterized by earthy colors, with black, brown, and white patches, and a distinctive black band around the neck, which gives it its name. The Ruddy Turnstone primarily feeds on small invertebrates found by probing rocks and beaches, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and worms. It is an excellent migrant, traveling long distances between its breeding sites in Europe and its wintering grounds in Africa and Asia. While its population remains stable in some areas, it is threatened by the loss of its coastal habitat due to urbanization and pollution.
Rüppell's vulture

Rüppell's vulture

Gyps rueppelli

The Rüppell's vulture is a large carrion-feeding raptor, 85–95 cm tall with a wingspan of 230–265 cm, featuring dark brown plumage and a pale bare head. It inhabits mountain cliffs and savannas of East and Central Africa, feeding mainly on large mammal carcasses. During breeding, it nests in dense colonies on cliff ledges, and pairs sometimes perform group display flights above their nests.