The Raggiana Bird-of-paradise, or Paradisaea raggiana, is an iconic bird of the Paradisaeidae family, endemic to Papua New Guinea. It is renowned for its spectacular plumage, especially in males, who display bright red and orange feathers, along with elongated central plumes. These birds are famous for their impressive courtship displays, where males perform complex dances to attract females. They primarily inhabit tropical rainforests, feeding on fruits, insects, and small animals. Their melodious song and complex social behaviors make them a fascinating subject for ornithologists. Although their habitat is threatened by deforestation, they remain relatively common within their range.
The Republican Paradise-flycatcher is a small bird native to the lowland forests of Sulawesi Island in Indonesia. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a long tail that can reach up to 15 cm, and weighs between 25 and 30 g. What distinguishes the Republican Paradise-flycatcher is its bright coloration, with vivid green, blue, and red feathers and a magnificent crest shaped like a veil. The male, in particular, displays extravagant feathers during courtship displays to attract females. This bird primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. Although the Republican Paradise-flycatcher is not in immediate danger, deforestation and hunting pose potential threats to its natural habitat.
The King Bird-of-paradise, Cicinnurus regius, is a captivating bird from the Paradisaeidae family, native to the tropical forests of New Guinea and surrounding islands. This small bird, measuring about 16 cm, is renowned for its vibrant plumage and spectacular courtship displays. The male sports bright red plumage with metallic green feathers on the chest and two long spiral-shaped tail feathers. The female, more subdued, has brownish plumage. The King Bird-of-paradise is a solitary bird, except during the breeding season when the male performs intricate dances to attract the female. It primarily feeds on fruits and insects. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it is currently classified as "least concern" by the IUCN.
The Greater Bird-of-paradise, or Paradisaea apoda, is an iconic bird of the tropical forests of New Guinea. Known for its spectacular plumage, the male displays yellow and brown feathers with green and blue hues on the head. These birds are famous for their complex courtship displays, where males showcase their feathers to attract females. They primarily inhabit the forest canopy, feeding on fruits and insects. Their melodious song and social behavior make them fascinating creatures to observe. Although their habitat is threatened by deforestation, they remain relatively common in some areas.
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.
The Choloepus didactylus, commonly known as the Linnaeus's two-toed sloth, is an arboreal mammal native to the tropical forests of South America. It is primarily nocturnal and spends most of its time hanging from tree branches using its strong claws. Its diet mainly consists of leaves, fruits, and flowers. This sloth is known for its slow metabolism and ability to remain motionless for extended periods. Its dense, waterproof fur protects it from the elements and helps it blend into the canopy. Although often solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small family groups.
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 Two-toed Sloth is an arboreal mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, notably in Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. It measures between 50 and 60 cm in length, with a reduced tail and weighs between 4 and 8 kg. Its fur is long, thick, and gray-green in color, allowing it to blend into the foliage of trees. As its name suggests, it has two toes on its front limbs, which allow it to cling to branches and move slowly from tree to tree. The Two-toed Sloth is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Although it is an excellent climber, it moves very slowly and often only leaves its trees once a week to descend to the ground for defecation. The species is currently listed as "vulner
The pygmy anteater (Cyclopes didactylus) is a small nocturnal arboreal mammal, measuring 36–45 cm in total length (including a 15–20 cm prehensile tail) and weighing 175–400 g. Its dense, silky golden‐brown fur with subtle darker mottling provides effective camouflage in humid tropical forest canopies of Central and South America. It feeds exclusively on arboreal ants and termites, captured with its long sticky tongue. Breeding occurs year‐round; females give birth to a single young after a 120–150‐day gestation, usually between September and November. Solitary and highly secretive, it shelters in tree crevices or abandoned bird nests and uses harsh calls for communication.
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.
The collared peccary, or Pecari tajacu, is a medium-sized mammal resembling a small wild boar, primarily found in the wooded and semi-arid regions of South and Central America. It is characterized by a band of light-colored fur around its neck, giving it its name. This peccary lives in social groups of up to 20 individuals. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, roots, insects, and small vertebrates. Although often hunted for its meat and hide, it plays an important ecological role by dispersing seeds and regulating insect populations. Its ability to adapt to various habitats makes it a resilient species, though it is sometimes threatened by deforestation.
The white-lipped peccary, Tayassu pecari, is a medium-sized mammal belonging to the Tayassuidae family. It is characterized by its dark brown to black fur with a distinctive white band around its mouth. This peccary lives in social groups that can number up to several dozen individuals, which is essential for its survival against predators. It primarily inhabits the dense tropical forests of Central and South America, where it plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by dispersing seeds. An omnivore, it feeds on fruits, roots, insects, and small animals. Unfortunately, this species is threatened by deforestation and excessive hunting, leading to a significant decline in its population.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
The Grey Partridge is a plump galliform bird, measuring 28–32 cm in length with a wingspan of about 45 cm. It is identified by its mottled brown-grey plumage and a distinctive dark horseshoe-shaped patch on the belly. Males and females are very similar, though the belly patch is usually more defined in males. Found in open farmland, grasslands, fallows, and cultivated fields across Europe and temperate Asia. It is ground-dwelling and sedentary, preferring to run rather than fly when disturbed. Its diet includes seeds, leaves, shoots, and insects, which are vital for chicks. The species is in decline in some areas due to agricultural intensification, habitat loss, and pesticide use.
The Red-legged Partridge is a medium-sized galliform bird, about 33 cm in length. It features a reddish-brown back, bluish-grey chest, and flanks striped with black and white. Its white throat is bordered by a black horseshoe-shaped collar, and it has red legs and beak. Native to southwestern Europe, it inhabits dry open areas, scrubby hills, farmlands, and fallow fields. Non-migratory and ground-dwelling, it prefers running to flying when disturbed. Its diet mainly consists of seeds, young shoots, and insects, the latter being crucial for chicks. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, the Red-legged Partridge is declining in some areas due to habitat loss, overhunting, and hybridization with introduced farm-reared birds.
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.
The Senegal parrot is a small parrot that lives in the savannas and forests of West Africa, particularly in Senegal, Guinea, and Mali. It is easily recognizable by its bright green plumage, gray head, and red cheeks. This parrot is primarily frugivorous but also feeds on seeds and nuts. It is a social and active companion, living in small groups. While not threatened, it is sometimes captured for the exotic bird trade.
The Gabon grey parrot is an iconic species known for its exceptional intelligence and ability to mimic human sounds. Native to the tropical forests of Central Africa, primarily from Gabon and the Republic of Congo, this parrot has a grey plumage and a distinctive red head. It is a social bird that primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and nuts. Unfortunately, the species is threatened by deforestation and illegal wildlife trade.
The Pesquet's Parrot, also known as the vulturine parrot, is a unique species native to the rainforests of New Guinea. It is easily recognizable by its striking black and red plumage and its bald head, an adaptation for feeding on fruits without soiling its feathers. This parrot is primarily frugivorous, feeding on figs and other fruits. Its natural habitat includes lowland and montane forests, where it lives in small groups or pairs. Despite its impressive appearance, the Pesquet's Parrot is relatively discreet and difficult to spot in the wild. Its population is declining due to deforestation and illegal trade.
Psittacula krameri, the rose-ringed parakeet, is a parrot 38–40 cm in length with bright green plumage, a distinctive pink neck ring in adult males, and a red–orange bill. Native to South Asia, it occupies parks, orchards, agricultural lands, and urban environments, feeding on seeds, fruits, and flowers. Social and vocal, it nests in tree cavities and may switch mates within the same breeding season.
The Red-fronted Parakeet, or Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae, is a parrot endemic to New Zealand. This small bird, measuring about 25 cm in length, is easily recognizable by its bright green plumage and distinctive red frontal band. It primarily inhabits forests, shrublands, and coastal islands. Although it is an excellent flyer, it also spends a lot of time on the ground searching for seeds, fruits, and insects. The Kakariki is known for its social and curious behavior, often observed in small groups. Unfortunately, its population has declined due to predation by introduced species and habitat loss.
The Little Ringed Plover is a small migratory bird primarily found in wetlands, sandy beaches, and riverbanks in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It measures about 18 cm in length and weighs between 30 and 50 g. Its plumage is gray-brown on the back, with white underparts and a distinctive black ring around the neck and eyes. The Little Ringed Plover primarily feeds on small invertebrates, mollusks, and insects found by foraging in sand and along water edges. This bird is an excellent runner and flies very quickly. While its population remains relatively stable, the Little Ringed Plover is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and human disturbances during its breeding season.
The Minke Whale is a medium-sized cetacean, a member of the baleen whale family, found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans. It measures between 7 and 10 meters in length and weighs between 5 and 10 tons. Its body is streamlined, and its color ranges from gray-blue to black, with a lighter belly. This whale primarily feeds on plankton, small fish, and crustaceans, which it filters by swimming with its mouth open. It is an excellent swimmer and can dive to impressive depths for several minutes. While its population remains stable, the Minke Whale is threatened by ocean pollution, ship collisions, and habitat loss due to human impact on marine ecosystems.
The Giles's Screech Owl, scientifically known as Megascops gilesi, is a nocturnal bird of prey belonging to the Strigidae family. This small owl is notable for its cryptic plumage, which allows it to blend seamlessly into its wooded surroundings. Its modest size and subtle ear tufts make it a challenging bird to spot. Primarily active at night, it preys on small mammals, insects, and other invertebrates. Its call, a soft and repetitive trill, often echoes through the forests it inhabits. Endemic to certain regions of South America, it resides in subtropical and temperate forests. Although not extensively studied, it is considered a relatively stable species, though deforestation could threaten its habitat in the long term.