Your global reference for wildlife photography

The Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Amazilia tzacatl, is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 10 to 12 cm in length. It is easily recognizable by its bright green plumage on the back and head, contrasting with its characteristic rufous belly. Its bill is long and slightly curved, ideal for feeding on flower nectar. This hummingbird is mainly found in Central America and northern South America, where it inhabits tropical forests, gardens, and open wooded areas. It is known for its territorial behavior, aggressively defending its food sources against other hummingbirds. Despite its small size, it is an important pollinator in its natural habitat.

The Edward's Hummingbird, or Amazilia edward, is a small, captivating bird belonging to the Trochilidae family. This hummingbird is distinguished by its brilliant plumage, with shades of emerald green and metallic blue that catch the eye. It primarily inhabits the tropical rainforests and wooded areas of Central America, where it feeds mainly on nectar but also on small insects. Its fast and agile flight allows it to move easily between flowers, thus contributing to pollination. Despite its small size, this hummingbird plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Its breeding period is often marked by spectacular courtship displays, where the male showcases his vibrant colors to attract the female.

The Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Amazilia yucatanensis, is a small, colorful bird, primarily green with a cinnamon-colored chest and belly. It is native to the southern United States and Mexico, where it inhabits tropical forests, mangroves, and gardens. Known for its rapid flight and hovering abilities, this hummingbird efficiently feeds on flower nectar, playing a crucial role in plant pollination. Males are often territorial, aggressively defending their territory against intruders. The breeding season typically extends from spring to summer, with nests built in shrubs or low trees.

The Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus, is a medium-sized duck known for its striking plumage. Males display a mix of slate blue, white, and chestnut, with distinctive patterns on the head and body, while females are more subdued with brown tones and white spots around the eyes. This duck is primarily found in fast-flowing rivers and rocky coastlines of North America and Northeast Asia. It is known for its ability to dive and swim in turbulent waters in search of crustaceans and mollusks. The Harlequin Duck is a migratory bird, spending winters along the coasts and returning to rivers to breed in the spring.

The Robinson's Blue Flycatcher, scientifically known as Myophonus robinsoni, is a captivating bird primarily found in the humid tropical forests of the Malay Peninsula. This passerine is renowned for its striking metallic blue plumage, which contrasts beautifully with its black beak and legs. It is often seen near streams, where it hunts for insects and small invertebrates. The Robinson's Blue Flycatcher's song is melodious and complex, making it a delight for birdwatchers and enthusiasts. Although its habitat is limited, it adapts well to secondary forests and degraded wooded areas. However, ongoing deforestation poses a threat to its natural environment, potentially impacting its population in the long term.

The Blue Whistling Thrush, or Myophonus caeruleus, is a medium-sized bird known for its striking deep blue plumage with white spots on its wings. It is commonly found in humid forests, ravines, and near water bodies in South and Southeast Asia. Its melodious and powerful song often echoes at dawn and dusk. This thrush is a solitary bird, although it can be seen in pairs during the breeding season. It primarily feeds on insects, small invertebrates, and occasionally fruits. Its ability to adapt to various habitats, including urban areas, makes it a relatively common bird within its range.

The Madagascar Blue Vanga, or Cyanolanius madagascarinus, is an endemic bird of Madagascar, belonging to the Vangidae family. It is characterized by its striking blue plumage and black facial mask, contrasting with its white belly. This bird is mainly found in the island's humid forests and wooded areas. It primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates, which it skillfully captures with its robust beak. The Madagascar Blue Vanga is a diurnal bird, active mainly during the day. Although it is relatively not very shy, it remains cautious and prefers dense areas to hide from predators. Its population is currently stable, but deforestation poses a potential threat to its natural habitat.

The Ribbon-tailed Astrapia is a fascinating bird endemic to the mountainous forests of Papua New Guinea. Recognizable by its long, ribbon-like white tail, the male displays an iridescent black plumage with green and violet highlights. The female, more discreet, has brownish tones. This bird primarily inhabits tropical rainforests at altitudes between 1800 and 3500 meters. It feeds mainly on fruits, insects, and small animals. Its behavior is rather suspicious, making it difficult to observe. The breeding period is poorly documented, but it is known that the male performs spectacular courtship displays to attract the female.

Native to the mountains of New Guinea, Rothschild's astrapia is a bird with vibrant colors, featuring an outstanding plumage of iridescent green, blue, and purple. The male is particularly spectacular, with a long tail and feathers adorned with bright colors. This bird is primarily frugivorous but also feeds on insects and small animals. Threatened by habitat loss, Rothschild's astrapia is a protected species.

The Orange-cheeked Waxbill is a small, colorful bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognized by its bright orange cheeks and grey-brown plumage. Measuring about 10 to 12 cm in length and weighing between 7 and 10 grams, this bird inhabits savannas, moist grasslands, and cultivated areas, feeding mainly on seeds and insects. It is a social species, often seen foraging on the ground in groups. Its breeding season varies by region, and it is known for building dome-shaped nests in dense bushes.

The Estrilda troglodytes, commonly known as the Black-cheeked Waxbill, is a small, brightly colored bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognizable by its black cheeks contrasting with its grey and brown plumage. Measuring about 10 to 12 cm in length, this bird is often seen in small flocks in savannas, grasslands, and shrublands. It primarily feeds on seeds but can also consume small insects. Its song is soft and melodious, often heard at dawn and dusk. Although relatively common in its natural habitat, it is sometimes threatened by habitat destruction and capture for the pet trade.

The Black-crowned Waxbill is a small, exotic bird known for its delicate plumage and fascinating social behaviors. It features a black head contrasting with a grey-brown body and pinkish flanks. Native to Central Africa, this bird inhabits savannas, open forests, and wetlands. It primarily feeds on small seeds, supplemented by insects. Sociable by nature, it lives in groups and builds ball-shaped nests in bushes. Its breeding season varies by region but often coincides with the rainy season. Although not endangered, deforestation and capture for the bird trade can impact its populations.

The common waxbill, or Estrilda astrild, is a small exotic bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognizable by its grey-brown plumage with a bright red stripe on its belly and around its eyes. Measuring about 11 to 13 cm in length, this bird is often seen in groups in grassy areas, marshes, and gardens. Its conical beak is adapted to its diet mainly consisting of seeds, although it also consumes small insects. The common waxbill is appreciated for its soft and melodious song. Although often kept as an aviary bird, it has also adapted well to various environments outside its native habitat.

The Atelopus planispina, known as the Flat-spined Atelop, is a rare and fascinating amphibian endemic to the humid tropical forests of Ecuador. This toad is distinguished by its smooth skin and vibrant colors, ranging from green to yellow with black patterns. It typically measures between 3 and 5 cm in length. Adapted to terrestrial life, it prefers areas near water bodies where it can breed. Unfortunately, this species is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial for its survival. Due to its rarity and beauty, it is often sought after by photographers and naturalists.

The Atelopus balios is a species of toad belonging to the Bufonidae family. This toad is endemic to Ecuador, where it primarily inhabits humid montane forests. It is characterized by its smooth skin and bright colors, often a mix of green, yellow, and black, which allow it to blend into its natural environment. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and fungal diseases such as chytridiomycosis. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this unique species.

The Atelopus tricolor, commonly known as the Bolivian Stubfoot Toad, is a species of toad belonging to the Bufonidae family. Native to the humid tropical forests of Ecuador, this small amphibian is easily recognizable by its brightly colored skin, often adorned with yellow, green, and black patterns. Typically measuring between 3 and 5 cm, it is known for its ability to blend into its surroundings to evade predators. Unfortunately, this species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and fungal diseases affecting many amphibian populations. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its survival.

The Rufous Scrub-bird is a secretive and rare bird, endemic to the rainforests of eastern Australia. Small in size, it measures about 17 cm in length and sports a reddish-brown plumage that allows it to blend into its surroundings. This bird is primarily terrestrial, moving stealthily among dense undergrowth in search of insects and other small invertebrates. Its powerful and varied song is often the only clue to its presence, as it is difficult to spot. The Rufous Scrub-bird is monogamous and highly territorial, vigorously defending its space against intruders. Habitat destruction poses a major threat to its survival, leading to its classification as a vulnerable species by the IUCN.

The Rufous-capped Manakin, or Laniocera rufescens, is a captivating bird found in the tropical rainforests of Central America. This small bird, measuring about 15 cm, is notable for its reddish-brown plumage and rufous cap. It is often seen in dense undergrowth, feeding primarily on fruits and insects. The Rufous-capped Manakin is renowned for its elaborate courtship displays, where the male performs intricate dances to attract a mate. Although discreet, this bird plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding in the regeneration of its habitat. Its population is currently stable, but deforestation poses a potential threat to its natural environment.

The Northern Goshawk is an elegant and powerful raptor, known for its slender silhouette and rapid, erratic flight through dense forests. This medium-sized hawk primarily inhabits temperate forests in Europe, Asia, and North America, where it hunts birds, primarily wood pigeons, doves, and sometimes smaller prey. The Northern Goshawk is an exceptional hunter, using its speed and precise aerial maneuvers to catch its prey. Despite its remarkable flying skills, the Northern Goshawk is discreet and often difficult to spot, preferring to blend into its forest environment. While not currently threatened, habitat loss and human disturbance pose risks to its population.

The Ostrich is the largest living bird on Earth, known for its impressive size and powerful long legs that allow it to run at remarkable speeds, reaching up to 70 km/h. Native to Africa, the Ostrich inhabits savannas and desert regions, where it primarily feeds on plants, seeds, and small insects. Although it cannot fly, its wings and plumage help it maintain balance and protect itself from the sun. The Ostrich is a social bird, living in groups and known for its interesting defense behaviors. When threatened, it can run at high speeds to flee or crouch to blend into the ground, a method that helps it escape predators.

The Somali ostrich, also called the blue-necked ostrich, is a large flightless bird standing 1.5–2.7 m tall and weighing 90–156 kg, with black plumage and a pale blue-gray head and neck in males, and brown plumage in females. Endemic to the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya), it inhabits dry savannas, grasslands and sparse thornbush, feeding mainly on plants, seeds and insects. Solitary or in small groups, it relies on its remarkable speed to evade predators.

The American Avocet is an elegant and distinctive bird, recognizable by its contrasting black and white plumage and its long, upward-curved bill. It primarily frequents wetlands, such as salt marshes, shallow ponds, and muddy shores. This bird is often seen sweeping the water's surface with its bill to capture aquatic invertebrates. During the breeding season, avocets form colonies and build their nests on the ground, often on islets to protect against predators. Their social behavior is fascinating, with complex courtship displays and aggressive defense of their territory. Although their population is stable, habitat destruction remains a potential threat.

The Red-necked Avocet is an elegant and distinctive bird, recognizable by its contrasting black and white plumage and its long, upward-curving bill. It primarily inhabits wetlands, salt marshes, and estuaries in Australia. This bird feeds mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, which it captures by sweeping its bill through shallow water. Avocets are often seen in groups, which helps them protect against predators. They are known for their colonial nesting behaviors, where they build simple nests on the ground. Although their population is stable, they are vulnerable to environmental changes, particularly habitat loss due to urbanization and climate change.

The Andean Avocet, Recurvirostra andina, is an elegant and distinctive bird, recognizable by its long, upward-curving bill and slender legs. It features primarily white plumage with black wings, making it easily identifiable in its natural habitat. This bird is mainly found in the wetlands of the Andean highlands, where it feeds on small aquatic invertebrates. The Andean Avocet is a gregarious species, often seen in small groups. It is well adapted to high-altitude environments, allowing it to thrive in sometimes harsh climatic conditions. Although its conservation status is not concerning, it remains vulnerable to environmental changes and habitat degradation.

The Pied Avocet is a graceful bird, easily recognizable by its long, upturned bill and striking black-and-white plumage. This bird inhabits wetlands, lagoons, and estuaries in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The Avocet primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, which it catches by sweeping its bill characteristicly through the water. Its flight is light and elegant, and it often moves in small groups, creating scenes of great beauty. During the breeding season, the Pied Avocet exhibits courtship behaviors where males display their plumage and perform graceful movements to attract females.

The Axolotl is a fascinating species of amphibian native to lakes around Mexico City, Mexico. Unlike most other amphibians, the Axolotl retains its juvenile form throughout its life, a phenomenon known as neoteny. It is famous for its exceptional ability to regenerate parts of its body, including limbs, internal organs, and even its heart. It has a distinctive appearance with its pale pink skin and external gills, giving it the appearance of a small aquatic dragon. The Axolotl primarily lives in cold, deep waters of lakes, where it feeds on small invertebrates.

The Aye-aye is a nocturnal lemur endemic to Madagascar, known for its strange appearance, notably its extremely long and thin middle finger which it uses to extract insects and larvae from tree trunks. It is a shy and secretive animal, primarily living in the tropical forests of the island. Due to its unique feeding method, it is sometimes viewed as an omen of misfortune by local populations, though its ecological role in maintaining forest balance is crucial. The Aye-aye is listed as vulnerable due to deforestation and cultural beliefs surrounding it.

The olive baboon, or Papio anubis, is a robust and adaptable primate widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its olive-green coat, powerful limbs, and elongated snout. Males are significantly larger than females, weighing up to 30 kg. These baboons live in complex social groups of up to 150 individuals, where hierarchy is crucial. As opportunistic omnivores, they feed on fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals. Their habitat ranges from savannas to tropical forests, demonstrating great adaptability. Although their status is currently "least concern," deforestation and hunting pose potential threats.

The chacma baboon, Papio ursinus, is a primate from the Cercopithecidae family, widely found in southern Africa. It is recognizable by its gray-brown fur and dark face, often surrounded by a lighter mane in males. Chacma baboons live in complex social groups that can number up to 100 individuals. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. Their habitat ranges from savannas to open forests and rocky areas. Known for their intelligence, they can adapt to various environments, including urban areas. Although sometimes considered pests, they play a crucial role in their ecosystem.

The Guinea baboon, Papio papio, is a medium-sized primate belonging to the Cercopithecidae family. It is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in Guinea, Senegal, and Gambia. This baboon is distinguished by its reddish-brown fur and black face. Males are generally larger than females and have a more developed mane. They live in complex social groups, often consisting of several dozen individuals. These primates are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals. The Guinea baboon plays an important role in its ecosystem, particularly in seed dispersal.