The White-billed Starling is a medium-sized bird, easily recognizable by its glossy black plumage and distinctive white bill. It is primarily found in the mountainous regions of Ethiopia and Eritrea. This bird is often seen in small groups, feeding on fruits, insects, and sometimes small vertebrates. Its song is melodious, consisting of whistles and trills. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration. Although relatively common in its natural habitat, it is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
The western jackdaw is a 34–39 cm corvid with dark slate-grey plumage and a black cap, notable for its pale, piercing eyes. Found throughout Europe and western Asia, it inhabits urban areas, coastal cliffs and open countryside, feeding on insects, seeds, small invertebrates and eggs. An opportunistic omnivore, it nests in natural or built cavities and may form large colonies.
The Ural owl (Strix uralensis) is a large nocturnal raptor (50–60 cm in body length with a wingspan of 110–125 cm), featuring soft tawny-grey plumage and a pale facial disc outlined in dark concentric rings. Distributed across mature coniferous and mixed forests of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, it primarily preys on small mammals such as rodents and shrews, supplemented by birds and insects. It nests in old tree cavities or occasionally occupies abandoned corvid nests. Territorial year-round, it utters deep resonant hoots during the breeding season to attract mates and defend its territory. Secretive and vigilant, it often perches motionless high in the canopy to scan for prey.
Tengmalm's Owl is a small nocturnal raptor, easily recognized by its small size and large, piercing yellow eyes. It has gray-brown plumage with characteristic white markings on the head, wings, and back. Its ears are very inconspicuous, and its face is surrounded by a pale facial disc. This owl primarily inhabits coniferous forests, dense wooded areas, and mountains, where it hides in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other birds.
Tengmalm's Owl mainly hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, which it catches at night by flying silently through the forests. It is particularly active during the breeding season, when it emits characteristic calls to attract its mate. Although it is relatively discreet and often difficult to observe, Tengmalm's Owl is protected in some areas, though its population is threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
The Northern Hawk Owl is a unique nocturnal raptor, easily recognized by its large yellow eyes and its plumage marked with white and gray-brown patterns. It has a slender build with a round head, small size, and broad wings adapted for silent flight. It is primarily found in coniferous forests of northern regions, particularly in wooded areas of North America, Northern Europe, and Russia.
This raptor primarily hunts small mammals, birds, and insects, which it catches with its silent flight skills. The Northern Hawk Owl is also known for its ability to hunt during the day if necessary, especially during the breeding season. It is a relatively discreet bird, often feeding near open areas where it can spot its prey. While its population remains stable in some regions, it is threatened by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat. It is protected in many areas to preserve its coniferous forests.
The Tawny Owl is one of the most common owls in Europe, easily recognized by its round face forming a facial disc and its large, piercing black eyes. Its plumage is typically brown, with irregular white spots on the belly and back. It has a stocky body, broad wings, and silent flight, which is suited to its nocturnal hunting. This nocturnal raptor primarily inhabits broadleaf and mixed forests, as well as lowland wooded areas.
The Tawny Owl primarily hunts small mammals like rodents, as well as birds, insects, and worms. It uses its ability to fly silently to capture its prey, often in open areas like clearings, forest edges, or fields. It is also known for its characteristic calls, a deep, melodious "hoo-hoo." While its population remains stable in many parts of Europe, the Tawny Owl can be affected by habitat loss, light pollution, and human disturbances.
The Great Grey Owl is a large nocturnal raptor, easily recognizable by its broad facial disc and piercing yellow eyes. Its plumage is primarily gray and brown, with lighter markings on the belly and wings. It has a massive build, a round head, and long wings that allow it to fly silently. This raptor primarily inhabits boreal forests and northern regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
The Great Grey Owl primarily hunts small mammals, such as hares, rodents, and birds. It has a remarkable ability to locate its prey with its keen hearing and silent flight. It is a solitary owl, preferring dense forests where it can hide during the day. While its population remains generally stable, it is threatened by deforestation, habitat loss, and human disturbances. It is protected in many areas to ensure the preservation of its forest habitats.
The Barred Owl is a large nocturnal raptor, easily identifiable by its circular face forming a facial disc and its large yellow eyes. Its plumage is primarily gray-brown, marked with dark streaks on the head, back, and wings, from which it gets its name. This owl has a robust, stocky body, with broad wings and silent flight, perfectly suited to its nocturnal hunting in forests.
It primarily inhabits mixed and deciduous forests, especially in regions of North America. The Barred Owl hunts small mammals like rodents, birds, and occasionally insects, which it captures using its ability to fly silently. It is a solitary predator, hiding during the day in tree cavities or abandoned nests of other animals. While its population remains stable, the Barred Owl is vulnerable to disturbances in its natural habitat, such as deforestation and urbanization. It is protected in many regions to preserve its forest habitats.
The spotted owl is a nocturnal owl native to the dense forests of the western United States and Mexico. It is recognizable by its spotted brown plumage, large dark eyes, and round face. It primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects, hunting at night. Threatened by habitat loss, it is protected in certain regions.
The Northern Spotted Owl is a subspecies of the spotted owl, primarily found in the old-growth coniferous forests of the western coast of North America. It is medium-sized, with dark eyes and brown plumage speckled with white. This owl is a nocturnal predator, feeding mainly on small mammals. It is known for its reliance on mature forest habitats, making it vulnerable to deforestation. Due to habitat loss and competition with the barred owl, it is classified as a threatened species. Conservation of its natural habitats is crucial for its survival.
The White Stork is a large bird easily recognized by its slender silhouette, bright white plumage, and long red legs. It has a long pointed beak, which it primarily uses to capture prey in wetlands, meadows, and fields. This migratory bird travels thousands of kilometers each year, migrating from Eastern and Central Europe to Africa for the winter.
The White Stork primarily feeds on small mammals, amphibians, insects, and small birds, which it captures with its great ability to walk and forage through grass or mud. While it is a solitary bird during breeding, it gathers in large colonies during migrations. Although its population remains stable in many parts of Europe, it faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbances. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this iconic species.
The Maguari Stork, or Ciconia maguari, is a large wading bird known for its striking white plumage and black wings. It has a long reddish bill and slender legs, allowing it to move gracefully through wetlands. Predominantly found in South America, it inhabits marshes, flooded grasslands, and riverbanks. The Maguari Stork is a gregarious bird, often seen in small groups. It primarily feeds on fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," habitat destruction poses a potential threat.
The Black Stork is a large bird with dark, glossy plumage, characterized by its slender silhouette and long red legs and beak. Its plumage is primarily black, with a slight greenish tint and a metallic sheen on the wings and back. This migratory raptor is distinguished from its cousin, the White Stork, by its more discreet behavior and preference for wilder habitats. It primarily inhabits dense forests, wetlands, and mountainous areas of Eastern and Southeastern Europe and Asia.
The Black Stork primarily feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals, which it catches with its long beak while moving silently near rivers and lakes. Unlike the White Stork, it prefers isolated habitats, avoiding human areas. Its population has long been in decline due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and disturbance of its breeding habitats. However, conservation efforts have helped stabilize its populations in some regions.
The White-throated Dipper is a small aquatic bird, easily recognized by its dark plumage, compact body, and characteristic posture, often seen bobbing on rocks at the edge of streams. It has brownish plumage on its back and a white chest, with a short, powerful beak. This small bird is perfectly adapted to aquatic life, thanks to its webbed feet that allow it to swim and dive underwater in search of food.
The White-throated Dipper primarily feeds on aquatic insects, larvae, and small fish, which it captures by diving into rivers and streams. It is capable of swimming underwater and moving along the riverbed to search for prey. Although this bird is generally solitary, it can be observed in clear river or stream habitats, primarily in Europe and Asia. While it is generally not threatened, it can be impacted by water pollution and the disruption of its natural habitats.
The Short-toed Snake Eagle is a large diurnal raptor, easily recognized by its white and light gray plumage, powerful beak, and large, wide, rounded wings. It is primarily found in open areas, steppes, light forests, and hills across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. This raptor is distinguished by its unique hunting habits: it feeds almost exclusively on snakes, which it spots using its keen eyesight.
The Short-toed Snake Eagle mainly preys on snakes, including vipers and grass snakes, which it captures by attacking them in flight or grabbing them on the ground. Once it has captured its prey, it kills it with a powerful beak strike before devouring it. Due to its specialized diet, it is often seen in habitats where snake populations are abundant. Although its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss, human disturbance, and illegal hunting in certain regions.
The Red-faced Cisticola is a small bird with brownish plumage and a distinctive red face. It is primarily found in wetlands and grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. Known for its complex and melodious song, it is often heard during the breeding season. This passerine builds ball-shaped nests using grasses and spider webs, typically well-hidden in dense vegetation. The Red-faced Cisticola is an active bird, often seen hopping from one stalk to another in search of insects. Although quite common, its habitat is threatened by deforestation and agricultural expansion.
The crested lark is a small passerine, 16–18 cm long, with streaked brown plumage and an erectile crest. It inhabits open farmland, steppes, and embankments, often near human settlements across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It feeds mainly on insects and seeds, walking and hopping on the ground. During the breeding season, the male performs a song flight over its territory, uttering a sharp trill while fluttering its wings before landing to attract the female.

Hummingbirds, members of the Trochilidae family, are small birds exceptionally known for their ability to hover in place due to their rapid and agile wing beats. These birds are characterized by their iridescent plumage, which varies from green and blue to red and purple, depending on the species. Their small size and high energy make them easily recognizable. Hummingbirds are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Canada to the southern parts of South America.
They primarily feed on nectar that they gather from flowers, using their long slender beak and extendable tongue to reach the food. In addition to nectar, they also consume insects and spiders for protein. Due to their high metabolism, they must feed frequently throughout the day. Hummingbirds play a key role in pollinating flowering plants, thus contributing to the biodiversity of their habitats. While their population is generally stable, some species are threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
The Collared Inca, or Coeligena torquata, is a captivating bird of the Andes, easily identifiable by its glossy black plumage and distinctive white collar. It inhabits humid forests and forest edges, where it primarily feeds on nectar. Its swift and agile flight allows it to move effortlessly between flowers. This hummingbird plays a crucial role in the pollination of Andean plants. Although generally solitary, it can be seen in small groups during abundant flowering. Its adaptability to various habitats makes it a resilient species, although deforestation may threaten local populations.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of the most iconic species of hummingbirds in North America, easily recognizable by the bright red color of its throat, which gives it its name. This small bird has bright metallic green plumage on its back and a white chest. It has a long, slender beak and an extendable tongue that it uses to extract nectar from flowers. In addition to nectar, it also consumes insects and spiders for protein.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a migratory bird, covering long distances between its breeding range in North America and its wintering grounds in Central America. It is known for its rapid and agile flight, capable of hovering in place by beating its wings up to 80 times per second. While its population remains generally stable, it is threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization and climate change, which affect food resources and breeding conditions.
The Coppery-headed Emerald is a small hummingbird endemic to Costa Rica, measuring about 8 cm. The male is notable for his metallic coppery crown, bright green throat, and white underparts. The female is duller in color, with a bronzy head and pale throat. It inhabits humid mid-elevation forests, woodland edges, and flower-rich gardens. This hummingbird feeds on nectar from various flowers and catches small insects. It is threatened by deforestation, as its range is very restricted.
The Black Inca, or Coeligena prunellei, is a hummingbird species endemic to the high-altitude humid forests of Colombia. It is characterized by its glossy black plumage with metallic sheen and a distinctive white patch on its chest. This hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar, using its long slender bill to hover from flower to flower, playing a vital role in plant pollination. Unfortunately, deforestation threatens its natural habitat, leading to a decline in its population. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its long-term survival.
The Green-crowned Brilliant, scientifically known as Heliodoxa jacula, is a medium-sized hummingbird found in the humid forests of Central America, from Costa Rica to Panama. Measuring about 11 to 12 cm, this bird is notable for its striking metallic green plumage and emerald crown. Males have a distinctive blue-violet throat, while females feature a white throat speckled with green. Their relatively short, slightly curved beak is well-suited for nectar feeding. These birds are often seen hovering near flowers, using their agility to access nectar while playing a vital role in pollination.
The Purple-throated Carib, or Eulampis jugularis, is a captivating bird native to the Caribbean, especially found on the islands of Dominica and Martinique. This hummingbird is noted for its striking plumage, with an iridescent purple throat that gives it its name. Males are generally larger than females and display more vibrant colors. They primarily feed on nectar but also consume small insects to supplement their diet. The Purple-throated Carib is a vital pollinator, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem by aiding the reproduction of many plants. It is often seen in tropical rainforests, gardens, and wooded areas, where it flies with agility and speed.
The Rufous hummingbird is a fascinating species of hummingbird, recognized for its small size and brilliant feathers in shades of copper and red. Native to North America, it migrates each year between the United States and Mexico. This hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar, which it collects using its long bill and extendable tongue. It is often seen hovering in place, a feat made possible by its extremely agile wings. The Rufous hummingbird is also known for its territorial behavior, especially when defending its favorite flowers.
The Scintillant Hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in the world, measuring about 6.5 cm in length. The male has bronze-green upperparts, a bright reddish-orange throat, and a rufous tail with black bars. The female is more subdued, with a buffy throat spotted with green and rufous flanks. This species is endemic to Costa Rica and western Panama, inhabiting forest edges, coffee plantations, and gardens between 900 and 2500 meters elevation. It feeds primarily on nectar from small flowers, such as sages, and supplements its diet with small insects for protein. Although listed as Least Concern, deforestation could threaten its habitats.
The Blue-tailed Emerald, or Chlorostilbon mellisugus, is a small bird with vibrant, metallic green plumage and a distinctive bluish tail. It has a slender, slightly curved bill, perfect for feeding on flower nectar. This hummingbird is widespread in South America, inhabiting various environments from tropical forests to urban gardens. Known for its rapid and agile flight, it often produces characteristic buzzing sounds. Males are particularly territorial, vigorously defending their feeding areas. The breeding season varies by region, but nests are typically constructed with plant materials and spider webs.
The Ruff is a medium-sized wader bird, easily recognizable by its colorful plumage and relatively large size for a bird in its family. The male is particularly distinctive during the breeding season, with vibrant plumage ranging from brown and white to red and orange, and a large ruff that surrounds its head. Outside the breeding season, the male loses its bright colors and presents a more subdued plumage similar to the female.
This wader inhabits wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks across Europe and Asia. During the breeding season, males engage in spectacular courtship displays to attract females, including throat inflations and dances. The Ruff primarily feeds on small invertebrates and aquatic plants. It migrates south for the winter. While its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss due to the draining of wetlands and pollution.
The California condor is a large terrestrial vulture in the family Cathartidae, with a wingspan of 2.7–3.2 m, black plumage and a bare head and neck. It inhabits coastal cliffs and arid canyons, feeding mainly on carrion of large mammals. Pairs nest on cliff ledges, laying one egg every other year.
The Andean condor is one of the largest flying birds in the world, known for its impressive wingspan reaching up to 3.3 meters. It primarily inhabits the Andean mountains, where it feeds on animal carcasses. Its majestic flight and habit of soaring at high altitudes make it a fascinating subject for photographers. Although protected, the Andean condor is threatened by habitat loss and poisoning from consuming contaminated carcasses.