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.


Red-billed Hornbill

Red-billed Hornbill

Tockus erythrorhynchus

The Tockus erythrorhynchus, or red-billed hornbill, is an African bird known for its long, curved red bill. It measures about 42 to 50 cm in length and weighs between 120 and 170 grams. Its plumage is mainly gray with white spots on the wings and a black tail. This bird is often seen in small groups or pairs, feeding primarily on insects, small reptiles, and fruits. It is known for its social behavior and loud calls. The red-billed hornbill is a diurnal bird that prefers savannas, open woodlands, and shrublands. It plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.
Yellow-billed hornbill

Yellow-billed hornbill

Tockus flavirostris

The Yellow-casqued Hornbill is a characteristic bird of the open forests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognizable by its large curved bill, adorned with a bright yellow casque that gives it a distinctive appearance. Despite its massive size, the bill is lightweight and hollow, allowing this bird to fly with agility despite its size. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with yellow accents around the bill and casque. The Yellow-casqued Hornbill is primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, berries, and insects found in trees. It is often seen in pairs or small groups, moving from branch to branch and emitting loud and distinct calls. While it is relatively widespread in its habitat, it may be threatened by deforestation and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion.
Great hornbill

Great hornbill

Buceros bicornis

The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is a large forest bird (95–120 cm long, weighing 2–3.4 kg) known for its massive yellow bill topped by a hollow casque. It inhabits humid tropical and gallery forests from India to Vietnam, at elevations from sea level to 1500 m. Primarily frugivorous, it feeds on figs and various fruits, supplementing its diet with small vertebrates and insects. Monogamous and territorial, pairs remain together year-round. During the breeding season (01.01–31.05), the male and female engage in loud duets and casque-butting displays. After pairing, the female seals herself within a tree cavity and incubates 1–2 eggs for 38–40 days, receiving food through a narrow slit provided by the male.
African Pied Hornbill

African Pied Hornbill

Tockus fasciatus

The African Pied Hornbill, or Tockus fasciatus, is a striking bird known for its black and white plumage and distinctive silver cheeks. Found mainly in West Africa, it inhabits tropical forests and wooded savannas. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Known for its social behavior, the hornbill is often seen in small groups or pairs. It nests in tree cavities, where the female is sealed in during incubation. The male provides food until the young are ready to leave the nest. This species plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, contributing to the health of forest ecosystems.
Rhinoceros Hornbill

Rhinoceros Hornbill

Buceros rhinoceros

The Rhinoceros Hornbill, or Buceros rhinoceros, is an impressive bird known for its size and distinctive appearance. It is easily recognizable by its prominent horn-shaped casque, which gives it its name. This casque, although large, is hollow and lightweight. The bird's plumage is primarily black, with white feathers on the tail and white markings on the wings. Its eyes are surrounded by brightly colored bare skin, often red or orange. The Rhinoceros Hornbill inhabits the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra. It plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a seed disperser, aiding in forest regeneration.
Bay-headed Tanager

Bay-headed Tanager

Tangara gyrola

The Bay-headed Tanager, scientifically known as Tangara gyrola, is a vibrant bird native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It is easily identified by its striking green head, which contrasts with its body adorned in shades of blue, red, and yellow. This bird measures about 14 cm in length and weighs between 19 and 22 grams. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, but it also consumes insects and nectar. Bay-headed Tanagers live in small groups and are often seen actively moving through the canopy. Their song is a soft warble, and they play a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration.
Carpet Chameleon

Carpet Chameleon

Furcifer lateralis

The Furcifer lateralis, or carpet chameleon, is a species of chameleon endemic to Madagascar. This reptile is particularly admired for its vibrant colors and ability to change hues depending on its environment or mood. It typically measures between 17 and 25 cm in length, including its tail. Males often display more vivid colors than females, with distinct band patterns. This chameleon primarily inhabits humid forests and scrub areas, but can also be found in agricultural zones. It mainly feeds on insects, capturing them with its extendable tongue. Although relatively common, deforestation threatens its natural habitat.
Nose-horned Chameleon

Nose-horned Chameleon

Calumma nasutum

The Calumma nasutum, or nose-horned chameleon, is a chameleon species endemic to Madagascar. This small reptile is easily recognizable by its prominent nasal appendage, giving it a unique appearance. It sports a green coloration that allows it to blend into its forest environment. This chameleon is primarily arboreal, inhabiting the island's humid forests. Its ability to change color is used for communication and thermoregulation. The Calumma nasutum is a diurnal animal, active mainly during the day. Its modest size and discreet behavior make it difficult to spot in the wild, making it a fascinating subject for wildlife observers.
Veiled chameleon

Veiled chameleon

Chamaeleo calyptratus

The veiled chameleon is a medium-sized arboreal reptile (35–45 cm head–tail) with a bony cranial casque and zygodactylous feet. Native to the semi-arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula, it dwells in trees and shrubs feeding on insects and occasionally leaves. During the breeding season (March 1–June 30), the male displays bright colours and performs lateral casque-waving courtship rituals.
Common chameleon

Common chameleon

Chamaeleo chamaeleon

The common chameleon, Chamaeleo chamaeleon, is a fascinating reptile known for its ability to change color. Native to Mediterranean regions, it primarily inhabits forests, scrublands, and shrub areas. This chameleon is a master of camouflage, using its color-changing ability to blend into its surroundings and evade predators. It has an extremely long and fast tongue, which it uses to catch insects. Its vision is also remarkable, with eyes capable of moving independently, allowing it to monitor its environment in 360 degrees. Although primarily arboreal, it occasionally descends to the ground to move from tree to tree.
Parson's Chameleon

Parson's Chameleon

Calumma parsonii

The Parson's chameleon, or Calumma parsonii, is one of the largest chameleons in the world, native to Madagascar. It is renowned for its impressive size, sometimes reaching up to 70 cm in length. Its skin displays a range of colors from green to blue, occasionally with hints of yellow or orange, allowing it to blend into its forest environment. This chameleon is primarily arboreal, living in the island's humid forests. It is known for its extremely long tongue, which it uses to catch insects from a surprising distance. Although it is a solitary animal, it is relatively tolerant of human presence, making it a favored subject for naturalists.
Panther chameleon

Panther chameleon

Furcifer pardalis

The Panther Chameleon is an iconic species from Madagascar, famous for its vibrant colors and impressive patterns that vary depending on its mood and environment. This chameleon is primarily arboreal, living in the humid tropical forests of the island, where it hides among branches and foliage. It is also known for its ability to change color, an adaptation that helps it camouflage but is also used during fights between males or to attract a female. Although generally calm, it can become more active during the breeding season.
Warty Chameleon

Warty Chameleon

Furcifer verrucosus

The Furcifer verrucosus, or warty chameleon, is a species of chameleon endemic to Madagascar. It is easily recognizable by its rough, warty skin, which gives it its name. This chameleon can reach a size of 23 to 25 cm, with a tail that represents about half of its total length. Its coloration varies from green to brown, with lighter or darker patterns depending on its mood or environment. It primarily inhabits the dry forests and shrublands of the island. Like most chameleons, it has independent eyes that allow it to scan its surroundings at 360 degrees. It mainly feeds on insects, which it captures with its extendable tongue.
Common vole

Common vole

Microtus arvalis

The common vole, or Microtus arvalis, is a small rodent belonging to the Cricetidae family. It is widely distributed across Europe and Western Asia. This rodent measures about 9 to 12 cm in length, with a tail of 3 to 4 cm. Its fur is typically grayish-brown on the back and lighter on the belly. It primarily inhabits meadows, cultivated fields, and roadsides. The common vole is an herbivore, feeding on grasses, roots, and seeds. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as prey for many predators such as birds of prey and foxes. Its population can fluctuate significantly from year to year, thus influencing the abundance of its predators.
Grey-breasted Sabrewing

Grey-breasted Sabrewing

Campylopterus largipennis

The Grey-breasted Sabrewing, scientifically known as Campylopterus largipennis, is a medium-sized hummingbird found mainly in the tropical rainforests of South America. This stunning bird is noted for its iridescent plumage, with shades of green and blue on its back and a grayish breast. Its tail is broad and slightly forked, giving it a distinctive silhouette in flight. Males and females are similar, although females may have slightly duller colors. This hummingbird is often seen feeding on nectar, using its long bill to reach tubular flowers. It plays a crucial role in the pollination of plants within its habitat.
Eastern Spot-billed Duck

Eastern Spot-billed Duck

Anas zonorhyncha

The Eastern Spot-billed Duck, Anas zonorhyncha, is a medium-sized waterfowl native to East Asia. It is easily recognized by its light brown plumage, iridescent wing patches, and distinctive yellow-tipped black bill. Preferring wetlands, lakes, and rivers, it feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans. This sociable duck often mingles with other duck species. Although generally tolerant of human presence, it can become wary if disturbed. Its adaptability to various habitats allows it to thrive in diverse environments, from coastal plains to mountainous regions.
Chiloe Wigeon

Chiloe Wigeon

Anas sibilatrix

The Chiloe Wigeon, or Anas sibilatrix, is a medium-sized waterfowl known for its distinctive plumage. It features a white head with metallic green bands, a brown back, and a white belly. Its bill is blue-gray with a black tip. Native to South America, it primarily inhabits wetlands, lakes, and rivers. This duck is often seen in small groups and feeds mainly on aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans. Although generally not very shy, it can be cautious in the presence of threats. Its breeding season typically extends from spring to summer, and it builds its nest near water, often hidden in dense vegetation.
Patagonian Steamer Duck

Patagonian Steamer Duck

Tachyeres patachonicus

The Patagonian Steamer Duck, Tachyeres patachonicus, is a flightless waterbird native to the southern coasts of South America, particularly Patagonia. It is easily identified by its greyish plumage and reduced wings, which it uses to paddle swiftly across the water. Often seen in small groups, this duck feeds on mollusks and crustaceans found in shallow waters. While generally discreet, it can become territorial during the breeding season. Males and females look alike, though males are slightly larger.
Gadwall

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

The Gadwall is a medium-sized dabbling duck, measuring between 46 and 56 cm in length with a wingspan of 78 to 90 cm. The male has finely patterned gray plumage with a distinctive white wing patch visible in flight, a black rump, and a dark bill. The female is mottled brown with an orange-edged dark bill. This species inhabits wetlands such as marshes, ponds, lakes, and flooded meadows rich in aquatic vegetation. It feeds mainly on leaves, stems, and seeds of aquatic plants, but also consumes aquatic invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. The Gadwall is a partial migrant, breeding in Eurasia and North America, and wintering in more southern regions. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is sensitive to wetland degradation and pollution.
Mallard

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Anas platyrhynchos is a medium-sized duck species, measuring between 50 and 65 cm in length, with a wingspan of 81 to 98 cm. The male is distinguished by its iridescent green head, white neck, and brown-roux body, while the female is brown-speckled, aiding in camouflage. They primarily inhabit freshwater wetlands such as ponds, lakes, slow rivers, and marshes. They feed on a wide variety of plant and animal matter, including seeds, roots, insects, and small fish. Reproduction occurs in spring, with the female building a ground nest near water, where she typically lays 8 to 13 eggs. Incubation lasts about 27 to 28 days, and ducklings are capable of swimming and feeding themselves shortly after hatching. A very widespread species, it is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Mandarin duck

Mandarin duck

Aix galericulata

The Mandarin Duck is a spectacular waterfowl, easily recognizable by its vibrant and colorful plumage, particularly in the male. The male displays an impressive mix of bright colors, including orange, blue, and green, with a distinctive crest on the head and feathers on the sides of the neck that resemble scales. The female, more subdued, has brown plumage with subtle white accents around the eyes and bill. Native to East Asia, the Mandarin Duck is now widely distributed in Europe and North America, often seen in parks and gardens around bodies of water. This duck prefers calm waters in lakes, ponds, and rivers, where it feeds mainly on seeds, fruits, insects, and small crustaceans. Although the Mandarin Duck is not considered endangered, its natural habitat can be threatened by pollution and the loss of wetland areas.
Northern pintail
The Northern Pintail is a migratory species of duck, easily recognizable by its slender body and long neck, which gives it an elegant and distinctive silhouette. The male during the breeding season has a colorful plumage, with a green head, brown body, and long bill. The female, on the other hand, has more subdued plumage, brown speckled, adapted for camouflage. This duck primarily inhabits wetland areas, such as marshes, ponds, and rivers, where it feeds on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and insects. The Northern Pintail is a long-distance migrant, leaving its breeding grounds in Europe and Asia to head to Africa or the Middle East during the winter. Although still fairly widespread, the species is threatened by the loss of its natural habitat due to wetland drainage and intensified agriculture.
Eurasian wigeon

Eurasian wigeon

Mareca penelope

The Eurasian Wigeon is an elegant waterfowl, easily recognizable by its distinctive plumage and characteristic whistle. The male, during the breeding season, has colorful plumage with a dark green head, light brown body, and a white stripe running across its neck. The female is more subdued, with speckled brown plumage, adapted for camouflage. This duck gets its name from the whistling sound it makes during its movements and social interactions. The Eurasian Wigeon primarily inhabits wetlands, such as lakes, ponds, and marshes, where it feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and insects. It is a long-distance migratory bird, leaving its breeding grounds in Europe to travel to warmer regions in Africa or the Middle East during the winter. While its population remains generally stable, it faces threats related to habitat loss and water pollution.
Northern Shoveler

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

The Northern Shoveler is a medium-sized dabbling duck, measuring between 44 and 56 cm in length with a wingspan of 70 to 85 cm. The breeding male features an iridescent dark green head, white chest, chestnut flanks, and a large spatula-shaped bill. The female has mottled brown plumage and a similarly shaped bill. This species inhabits shallow wetlands, such as marshes, ponds, and floodplain meadows rich in aquatic vegetation. It feeds by filtering water with its specialized bill, consuming primarily plankton, aquatic insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and seeds. Migratory, the Northern Shoveler breeds in Europe and Asia, wintering in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Although listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, it is sensitive to wetland degradation.
White-faced capuchin

White-faced capuchin

Cebus imitator

The White-faced Capuchin is a small, intelligent, and social monkey, easily recognizable by its pale face, framed by darker fur, and its agile, slender body. This primate lives in the tropical forests of Central and South America, primarily inhabiting the canopy, where it feeds on fruits, seeds, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. White-faced Capuchins are highly social animals, living in family groups or bands of up to twenty individuals. They are known for their great learning ability and curious behavior, often used in behavioral studies due to their intelligence and problem-solving skills. Unfortunately, like many other primate species, they are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss.
White-fronted capuchin

White-fronted capuchin

Cebus albifrons

The Cebus albifrons, or white-fronted capuchin, is a New World monkey found in the tropical forests of South America. It is easily recognized by its light brown fur and distinctive white face. These primates are highly social, living in groups of up to 30 individuals. They are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally leaves. Their intelligence is remarkable, and they use tools to access food. Although primarily arboreal, they sometimes descend to the ground to forage. Their habitat is threatened by deforestation, impacting their population.
Capybara

Capybara

Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

The Capybara is the largest rodent in the world, easily recognizable by its massive body and short, light brown fur. This semi-aquatic mammal primarily inhabits wetland areas of South America, near rivers, lakes, and swamps. The Capybara is an excellent swimmer and spends much of its time in the water, where it feeds mainly on aquatic grasses, plants, and fallen fruits. Naturally social, the Capybara lives in large groups of 10 to 20 individuals, often organized around a social hierarchy. The groups spend a lot of time grooming each other and protecting each other from predators. Although it is a calm and docile animal, the Capybara is threatened by the loss of its natural habitat due to urbanization and pollution of rivers. However, its population remains relatively stable, and it is often seen in protected areas.
Caracal

Caracal

Caracal caracal

The Caracal is an elegant feline, easily recognizable by its pointed ears adorned with tufts of black fur. It has a short tawny coat that allows it to blend into the dry, rocky environments where it lives, primarily in savannas, steppes, and semi-desert areas in Africa and Western Asia. This agile and fast predator primarily hunts birds, small mammals, and reptiles, often catching prey by leaping great heights to snatch them in mid-air. The Caracal is a solitary and territorial hunter. It uses its long back legs to make impressive jumps, capable of reaching up to three meters high. While the species is relatively widespread, it faces threats due to habitat loss and poaching. The Caracal is protected in several regions, and its population is monitored.
Red-throated Caracara

Red-throated Caracara

Ibycter americanus

The Red-throated Caracara, Ibycter americanus, is a fascinating bird of prey belonging to the Falconidae family. It is distinguished by its bright red throat and black and white plumage. This bird is primarily found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, where it plays an important ecological role as a predator of insects and small vertebrates. The Red-throated Caracara is known for its social behavior, often observed in noisy family groups. It is also recognized for its ability to dislodge wasp nests, feeding on the larvae. Although its conservation status is currently "least concern," deforestation poses a potential threat to its natural habitat.
Yellow-headed Caracara

Yellow-headed Caracara

Milvago chimachima

The Yellow-headed Caracara, Milvago ferrugineus, is a medium-sized raptor known for its pale head and rusty-brown plumage. It primarily inhabits open regions of South America, from savannas to agricultural areas. An opportunistic feeder, it consumes carrion, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Its flight is often slow and gliding, and it is frequently seen walking on the ground in search of food. Although a bird of prey, it is less aggressive than other raptors. Its adaptability to various environments has allowed it to thrive despite environmental changes.