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The Little Kingfisher, or Ceyx pusillus, is a small, colorful bird found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Known for its vibrant plumage, it features shades of blue, orange, and white. Measuring about 12 cm in length, it is one of the smallest kingfishers. This tiny bird primarily feeds on insects and small fish, which it catches by swiftly diving into the water. It prefers habitats near streams, where it can easily find food. Despite its size, it is an agile and precise hunter. The Little Kingfisher is often difficult to spot due to its discreet nature and dense habitat.

The Purple Kingfisher is a small aquatic bird distinguished by its vibrant plumage and bright colors. It measures about 16 to 17 cm in length and weighs between 30 and 40 g. Its plumage is an intense blue with purple hues and bright orange tones on the belly. This kingfisher has a long, straight, pointed bill, perfectly suited for catching fish and aquatic insects. It primarily inhabits the humid regions and tropical forests of Southeast Asia, especially in areas along rivers and marshes. The Purple Kingfisher often hunts by perching on branches or rocks near the water, diving quickly to catch its prey. While generally solitary, it sometimes forms pairs during the breeding season. Although the species is relatively widespread, it faces threats such as deforestation and pollution of waterways.

The African Pygmy Kingfisher is a small bird, measuring about 12 cm in length. It is easily recognizable by its colorful plumage, with bright blue shades on its back and wings, and an orange hue on its belly and chest. Its beak is relatively long and pointed, adapted for catching small aquatic prey. This kingfisher primarily inhabits humid forests and wooded areas near water, where it feeds on small fish, insects, and crustaceans. Although often solitary, it can sometimes be seen in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Its discreet presence and rapid flight make it difficult to spot, but its high-pitched, piercing call can reveal its presence.

The Green Kingfisher is a small, vibrant aquatic bird, measuring about 25 cm in length and weighing between 50 and 100 g. It is distinguished by its bright green plumage on its back, with a white chest and belly, sometimes tinged with orange. Its bill is long, pointed, and straight, ideal for catching fish and aquatic insects. This kingfisher primarily inhabits North and Central America, especially along rivers, lakes, and marshes. It hunts by diving directly into the water from an elevated perch, such as a tree or electrical wire, to capture its prey. The Green Kingfisher is a territorial bird, often observed alone or in small groups during the breeding season. While it is widely distributed, it faces threats such as water pollution, habitat loss, and human disturbance.

The Alpine Swift is a large swift measuring between 20 and 23 cm in length, with a wingspan of 51 to 58 cm. It has a white belly and throat, separated by a brown pectoral band, and a brown-gray back. It is often confused with the Common Swift, but it is larger and more robust. A migratory species, it winters in tropical Africa and returns to Europe between March and April. It primarily nests in inaccessible rock cavities but can also occupy urban sites. It feeds exclusively on insects captured in flight, often at high altitudes. It is monogamous, and pair bonds can last over ten years. In Switzerland, it is present from late March to late October. A protected species, it is considered potentially threatened due to the loss of its natural nesting sites.

The Asian Palm Swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis, is a small, elegant bird commonly found in the tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. It is easily recognizable by its brownish-grey plumage and forked tail. This swift is particularly adapted to life in open areas, often near palm trees, where it builds its nest using plant materials glued with its saliva. It primarily feeds on insects caught in flight, showcasing remarkable agility. Its swift and graceful flight is a fascinating sight. Although often in motion, it can be seen resting on tree branches or power lines.

The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, or Panyptila cayennensis, is a fascinating bird primarily inhabiting the tropical regions of Central and South America. This small bird, about 14 cm long, is easily recognizable by its forked tail and black and white plumage. It is often observed in fast and graceful flight, capturing insects in mid-air. Its natural habitat includes tropical forests, forest edges, and sometimes urban areas. Although it is often on the move, it nests in tree cavities or artificial structures. The Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift is a social bird, often seen in groups, and its ability to fly at high speeds allows it to easily escape predators.

The Common Swift, Apus apus, is a migratory bird known for spending most of its life in flight. With a wingspan of 40 to 44 cm, it is easily recognizable by its crescent-shaped silhouette and dark plumage. Common Swifts are masters of the sky, capable of traveling thousands of kilometers without landing. They feed on insects caught in flight. Their high-pitched call is often heard before they are seen. These birds nest in crevices of buildings or cliffs, and their annual return is a herald of summer.

The Pale Swift is a migratory bird species that is mainly found in southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. This small bird is easily recognizable by its grayish color and sleek body, perfectly adapted for speed and maneuverability in flight. It spends most of its life in flight, only landing to breed. It feeds primarily on insects that it catches while flying, often at high speed. The Pale Swift is an open-sky bird, frequently seen at high altitudes near mountains or soaring over urban areas in search of food.

The Chimney Swift, Chaetura pelagica, is a small migratory bird known for its rapid and agile flight. It is often seen in urban areas, nesting in chimneys and similar structures. Its plumage is primarily dark brown, making it difficult to spot when flying high in the sky. These birds are insectivores, feeding mainly on small flying insects caught in mid-air. Their high-pitched call is often heard before they are seen. Chimney Swifts are social birds, frequently observed in large groups, especially during migration. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations, thus contributing to ecological balance.

The Yellow-throated marten, Martes flavigula, is a mustelid with a distinctive yellow throat contrasting with its dark brown body. Agile and fast, it moves easily through the dense forests of Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. Omnivorous, it feeds on small mammals, birds, fruits, and insects. Its climbing ability and natural curiosity make it an effective predator. Although primarily terrestrial, it is also comfortable in trees. The yellow-throated marten is known for its relative sociability compared to other martens, often seen in small groups. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by regulating prey populations and dispersing seeds.

The European Marten is a small carnivorous mammal, measuring between 45 and 55 cm in length, with a tail of 25 to 30 cm. It typically weighs between 1.5 and 2 kg, with males being slightly larger than females. Its fur is reddish-brown on the back, with a lighter belly, sometimes pale yellow, and a distinctive white patch on the throat. The European Marten primarily inhabits forests, woodlands, and mountains across Europe, although it can also be found in agricultural areas and urban parks. It is an excellent climber and spends a lot of time in trees, where it primarily hunts birds, small mammals, insects, and fruits. The European Marten is a solitary, territorial animal, with nocturnal and crepuscular behavior. While its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and road collisions.

The Maleo, or Macrocephalon maleo, is an endemic bird of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Recognizable by its distinctive black crest and black-and-white plumage, this bird is famous for its unique breeding method. Unlike most birds, the maleo buries its eggs in the warm sands of volcanic or geothermal beaches, using natural heat for incubation. Once hatched, the chicks must fend for themselves, digging their way to the surface and flying immediately. The maleo is an endangered species, mainly due to habitat loss and egg collection by humans. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this fascinating bird and its natural habitat.

The Brown Honeyeater, or Lichmera indistincta, is a small bird native to Australia and New Guinea. Its plumage is generally olive-brown with lighter underparts. This bird is particularly appreciated for its melodious and varied song. It inhabits a range of environments, from tropical forests to urban areas, and primarily feeds on nectar, although it also consumes insects and fruits. Its slender, curved bill is perfectly adapted for extracting nectar from flowers. The Brown Honeyeater plays a crucial role in the pollination of native plants. It is often seen in small groups but can also be solitary.

The Wattled Honeyeater, or Foulehaio carunculatus, is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Meliphagidae family. It is primarily found in the South Pacific islands, notably in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga. This bird is distinguished by its olive-green plumage and characteristic red wattles around its head. It mainly inhabits tropical rainforests but can also be seen in gardens and wooded areas. The Wattled Honeyeater primarily feeds on nectar but also consumes insects and fruits. Its song is a mix of whistles and chirps, often heard at dawn and dusk.

The Ornate Melidectes, or Melidectes torquatus, is a bird endemic to New Guinea. It is characterized by its olive-brown plumage with a distinctive white collar around its neck. This bird measures about 20 to 25 cm in length and has a slightly curved beak, adapted to its diet mainly consisting of nectar and insects. It primarily inhabits tropical rainforests and mountainous areas, playing a crucial role in plant pollination. Although generally suspicious, it can become accustomed to human presence in protected areas. Its population is stable, but deforestation poses a potential threat to its natural habitat.

The Western Wattlebird, or Anthochaera lunulata, is a bird endemic to Australia, primarily found in wooded regions and open forests. It is distinguished by its brown-grey plumage with white crescent-shaped markings on the chest, hence its name. This bird is known for its loud and varied song, often heard before being seen. It primarily feeds on nectar but also consumes insects and fruits. The Western Wattlebird is a sociable bird, often observed in small groups. It plays a crucial role in pollinating local plants. Although generally tolerant of humans, it can become territorial during the breeding season.

The Torrent Duck, Merganetta armata, is a unique aquatic bird primarily found along mountain rivers in South America. This duck is distinguished by its exceptional adaptation to fast currents and turbulent waters. The male features a distinctive plumage with a white head striped with black, while the female displays more subdued shades of brown and gray. Their beak is thin and pointed, ideal for catching aquatic insects and larvae, their main food source. Torrent Ducks are often seen in pairs or small family groups, skillfully navigating rapids with their powerful legs and sharp claws. Their ability to dive and swim against the current is remarkable, making them specialists in their habitat.

The Little Auk is the smallest of the Atlantic alcids, measuring about 19 to 21 cm in length with a wingspan of 34 to 38 cm. Its plumage is black on the back and head, with a white face and belly. It has a short, stout bill adapted for catching small marine prey. A gregarious species, it forms massive breeding colonies on Arctic rocky coasts, nesting in crevices or under boulders. Outside the breeding season, it lives in the open sea, often near pack ice. It feeds mainly on copepods, krill, and small fish, which it captures by diving. Although currently listed as Least Concern, climate change and ocean pollution pose potential threats to its habitats.

The Red-backed Fairywren is a small passerine bird endemic to Australia, belonging to the Maluridae family. It is easily recognizable by its distinctive plumage: the male sports a bright red back and a black head during the breeding season, while the female and juveniles have more subdued brown plumage. This small bird measures about 11 to 13 cm in length and weighs between 5 and 10 grams. It primarily inhabits savannas, grasslands, and open shrublands. The Red-backed Fairywren is a social bird, often seen in small groups. It feeds mainly on insects and small invertebrates, which it captures by nimbly hopping among grasses and bushes.

The Superb Fairywren, or Malurus cyaneus, is a small passerine bird native to Australia. It is easily recognizable by its striking plumage: males display a vibrant blue on their head and back, while females and juveniles are predominantly brown. This striking contrast is especially noticeable during the breeding season. The Superb Fairywren inhabits mainly open forests, scrublands, and urban gardens, where it feeds on insects and small invertebrates. Sociable by nature, it lives in family groups and practices cooperative breeding, with several individuals helping to raise the young. Despite its small size, this bird is very active and agile, often moving in quick, small hops.

The ring ouzel is a passerine bird found primarily in the mountains and coniferous forests of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is easily recognized by its dark plumage, white chest that contrasts with its black belly, and the white ring around its neck. This small bird primarily feeds on berries, insects, and small fruits, which it finds mainly in bushes and forest floors.

The American Robin, or Turdus migratorius, is a well-known bird in North America, easily identified by its bright orange-red belly and dark gray back. Measuring about 25 cm in length, it is often seen in gardens, parks, and forests. This bird is famous for its melodious song, especially noticeable in spring. The American Robin is a partial migrant, moving south in winter. It primarily feeds on earthworms, insects, and fruits. Its adaptability to various habitats and its not very shy behavior make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

The Fea's Thrush, or Turdus feae, is a rare and elusive bird primarily found in the humid forests and wooded areas of São Tomé Island. This medium-sized bird features an olive-brown plumage with lighter shades on its belly. Its melodious and varied song is often heard at dawn and dusk. Although its habitat is limited, it plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem by aiding in seed dispersal. The Fea's Thrush is a vulnerable species due to deforestation and habitat loss. Its conservation is vital to maintaining the ecological balance of its insular environment.

The Clay-colored Thrush, or Turdus grayi, is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 23 to 27 cm in length. Its plumage is primarily light brown, allowing it to blend into its natural surroundings. Known for its melodious song, it is often heard at dawn and dusk. This bird is widely distributed in Central America, from southern Mexico to northern Colombia. It prefers open habitats such as gardens, parks, and secondary forests. The Clay-colored Thrush is an omnivorous bird, feeding on fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. It is often seen foraging on the ground in search of food.

The European blackbird is a very common passerine bird found throughout Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its glossy black plumage and bright yellow beak. This passerine primarily feeds on earthworms, insects, and fruit. Although it is often seen in gardens and urban parks, it remains a relatively discreet bird. It is also highly regarded for its melodious song, especially in spring.

The Eastern Bluebird, or Sialia sialis, is a small songbird belonging to the Turdidae family. It is easily recognizable by its bright blue plumage on the back and wings, contrasting with a reddish-orange chest and white belly. Males display more vibrant colors than females, who have duller plumage. This bird primarily feeds on insects but also consumes berries, especially in winter. It inhabits open fields, orchards, and sparse woodlands. The Eastern Bluebird is known for its melodious song and its ability to adapt to artificial nest boxes, which has helped stabilize its populations after a decline due to habitat loss and competition with introduced species.

The long-tailed tit is a small passerine bird distinguished by its very long tail, nearly as long as its body. It is primarily found in mixed forests, hedgerows, and wooded parks across Europe and Asia. This small bird is often seen in groups, moving quickly from tree to tree in search of insects and spiders, which it catches with agility. Its tail helps it maintain perfect balance when perched and allows it to navigate through branches to forage.

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small bird with distinctive plumage, featuring a black cap, white cheeks, and a grayish body. It is widely distributed across North America, inhabiting forests, parks, and gardens. Known for its curiosity and friendly behavior towards humans, this bird primarily feeds on insects, seeds, and berries, often observed storing food for winter. The Black-capped Chickadee is also famous for its characteristic "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call. It symbolizes resilience, capable of surviving harsh winter conditions due to its fast metabolism and ability to enter torpor to conserve energy.

The Black-throated Bushtit, or Aegithalos concinnus, is a small bird with distinctive plumage, characterized by a black and white head, brown back, and long tail. It measures about 10 to 11 cm in length and weighs between 6 and 10 grams. It is primarily found in Asia, especially in deciduous forests and wooded areas. Known for its sociability, it tends to move in family groups. Its diet mainly consists of insects and small invertebrates, but it also consumes seeds and berries. The Black-throated Bushtit is an active and agile bird, often seen flitting between branches in search of food.