The common moorhen is an aquatic bird easily recognized by its black plumage, bright red beak, and white frontal shield. It is primarily found in wetlands, lakes, and marshes across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The common moorhen is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. It is also known for its territorial behavior and quick flights when disturbed.
The Nahan's Francolin, or Francolinus nahani, is a shy and elusive bird native to the dense tropical forests of Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. It is characterized by its speckled brown plumage, reddish head, and black bill. Preferring dense undergrowth, it feeds mainly on seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. Although its behavior is not well-documented, it is generally considered shy and difficult to spot. Its population is declining due to deforestation and hunting, making it vulnerable. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure its long-term survival.
The Common Pochard is a medium-sized diving duck, measuring between 42 and 49 cm in length. The male has a reddish-brown head, black breast, and light grey body, while the female displays a more subdued brown-grey plumage. This species inhabits lakes, ponds, and slow-flowing rivers rich in aquatic vegetation. It feeds mainly on aquatic plants but also consumes invertebrates. The Common Pochard is migratory, breeding in Europe and Asia, and wintering further south. It is currently classified as vulnerable due to population declines, primarily caused by habitat loss and pollution.
The scaup is a diving duck found primarily in lakes, ponds, and wetlands across Europe, Asia, and North America. It is easily recognizable by its contrasting black and white plumage, blue-green beak, and rounded head. This duck primarily feeds on aquatic plants and small invertebrates, which it captures by diving underwater. During the breeding season, it builds its nest in aquatic vegetation or near the shores.
The Tufted Duck is a medium-sized, elegant diving duck, measuring 40 to 47 cm in length. The male displays glossy black plumage with striking white flanks and a distinctive black tuft on the back of the head. The female is dark brown with paler flanks and a more modest tuft. Both sexes have a bluish-grey bill and bright yellow eyes. This species frequents lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and slow-moving rivers, often in flocks, and prefers areas rich in aquatic vegetation. It feeds mainly on mollusks, insect larvae, crustaceans, and aquatic seeds. A partial migrant, it is present year-round in temperate regions. Generally of Least Concern, though locally threatened by water pollution and wetland loss.
The Ferruginous Duck is a small diving duck measuring between 38 and 42 cm in length with a wingspan of 63 to 67 cm. The male has a dark chestnut plumage with white undertail coverts and distinctive white eyes. The female is duller brown with dark brown eyes. This species inhabits shallow lakes, marshes, and ponds rich in aquatic vegetation, preferring calm areas with dense reed beds. It feeds mainly on seeds and aquatic plants, supplemented by mollusks, aquatic insects, and small fish. The Ferruginous Duck is migratory, breeding in Eastern Europe and Asia, and wintering in North Africa, South Asia, and around the Mediterranean. Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, it faces habitat loss, pollution, and illegal hunting.
The Northern Fulmar, or Fulmarus glacialis, is a robust seabird often mistaken for a gull due to its grey and white plumage. However, it is stockier with a short, hooked bill. This bird is primarily found in Arctic and subarctic regions, nesting on coastal cliffs. Known for its graceful gliding flight, it can cover long distances at sea. The Northern Fulmar feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, and marine waste. It is also famous for its olfactory defense, emitting a foul-smelling oil to deter predators. Although generally not very shy, it remains cautious of human intrusions.
The Eurasian moorhen is an aquatic bird found mainly in wetlands, marshes, lakes, and rivers across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its dark plumage, bright red and yellow beak, and prominent forehead. This aquatic passerine primarily feeds on aquatic plants, small invertebrates, and insects. The moorhen is also known for its discreet behavior and tendency to hide in dense vegetation.
The Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, or Pterocles alchata, is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Pteroclidae family. It is recognizable by its cryptic plumage, which allows it to blend into its desert environment. Males have more colorful plumage with distinctive patterns on the chest and wings, while females are duller. This bird is primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds found in arid and semi-arid areas. It is often seen in small groups, especially near water sources where it comes to drink. The Pin-tailed Sandgrouse is a partial migrant, moving according to resource availability. It is known for its fast, direct flights, often at low altitudes.
The Pterocles orientalis, or black-bellied sandgrouse, is a medium-sized bird known for its cryptic plumage that blends seamlessly into arid landscapes. Males feature a distinctive black belly, contrasting with their sandy-brown plumage. Females are duller, providing effective camouflage during nesting. This bird is primarily terrestrial, feeding on seeds and dry vegetation. It is often seen in flocks, especially around water sources at dawn and dusk. Its flight is swift and direct, often accompanied by noisy wingbeats.
The Pterocles coronatus, or crowned sandgrouse, is a medium-sized bird known for its sandy-brown plumage, which provides excellent camouflage in desert landscapes. Its head is adorned with a distinctive crown, giving it its name. This bird is primarily found in the arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. It is well adapted to dry environments, capable of traveling long distances in search of water. Crowned sandgrouse feed mainly on seeds and small insects. They are often seen in groups, flying swiftly and at low altitudes. Their social behavior is fascinating, with elaborate courtship rituals.
The Common Goldeneye is a medium-sized diving duck, measuring about 42 to 50 cm in length. The breeding male has a glossy dark green head, a distinct white spot below the eye, and a bright yellow eye. The female is brown with a chocolate-colored head and a subtle white collar. It inhabits lakes, slow rivers, and coastal bays in Europe, Asia, and North America. A migratory species, it nests in tree cavities or artificial nest boxes. Its diet includes mollusks, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and small fish. Though generally of Least Concern, it may be impacted locally by the loss of natural nesting sites.
The smew is a small diving duck, 38–42 cm long, with the male’s striking black-and-white plumage and the female’s more subdued brownish tones. It inhabits lakes, ponds, and calm rivers with riparian vegetation in boreal and temperate regions. An expert diver, it feeds on small fish and aquatic invertebrates.
The Cyanocorax affinis, or White-throated Magpie-Jay, is a striking bird known for its vivid blue plumage and distinctive white face with a black crest. It is primarily found in Central America, particularly in Costa Rica and Panama. This social bird lives in family groups and is noted for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds. It inhabits tropical dry and humid forests, forest edges, and cultivated areas. The White-throated Magpie-Jay is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Its curious behavior and adaptability to human-altered environments make it a fascinating species to observe. Although not currently threatened, deforestation could impact its populations in the long term.
The Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata, is a striking bird with predominantly blue plumage accented with white and black. Easily recognizable by its distinctive crest and loud call, this bird is omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. It is commonly found in deciduous and mixed forests, as well as urban parks and gardens. Known for its intelligence, the Blue Jay can mimic sounds, including the calls of other birds. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration.
The Japanese Jay is a medium-sized bird known for its colorful plumage and distinctive crest. It features a mix of colors from pinkish-brown to bright blue on the wings, with black and white markings. This bird is primarily arboreal, inhabiting deciduous and coniferous forests in Japan. It is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic sounds. Omnivorous, it feeds on acorns, insects, and small animals. The Japanese Jay plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, aiding forest regeneration.
The Green Jay, or Cyanocorax yncas, is a striking bird with vibrant plumage, primarily green with shades of blue and yellow. It inhabits the tropical and subtropical forests of Central and South America. This sociable bird lives in groups and is known for its intelligence and tool-using abilities. It primarily feeds on insects, fruits, and seeds. The Green Jay is also an excellent mimic of sounds, allowing it to communicate effectively with its peers. Its presence is often marked by its distinctive calls and agile flight through the dense canopy.
The Hazel Grouse is a small, terrestrial bird belonging to the pheasant family, easily recognizable by its subtly colored plumage and robust build. It measures about 40 to 45 cm in length and weighs between 500 and 700 g. Its plumage is primarily brown and gray, with patterns of spots and bars that allow it to blend effectively into the dense vegetation of forests. The Hazel Grouse primarily inhabits dense deciduous and mixed forests, where it feeds on seeds, berries, young shoots, and insects. Although it is rather discreet and difficult to spot, it is often heard through its soft, deep call. The Hazel Grouse is a fairly sedentary bird, but it may migrate short distances depending on weather conditions. It is also an emblematic bird of wooded areas and forest landscapes. While it is not endangered, the Hazel Grouse may be threatened by the loss of its forest habitat and the degradation of its breeding sites.
The Pyrocephalus rubinus, or Vermilion Flycatcher, is a small bird with striking plumage, especially the male, which displays a bright red on its chest and head, contrasting with its dark brown back. This passerine is often seen perched on low branches, watching for insects to feed on. It is mainly found in South America, but can also be seen in parts of Central and North America. Its habitat ranges from open forests to semi-arid areas, including grasslands and riverbanks. The Vermilion Flycatcher is known for its spectacular courtship display, where the male performs acrobatic flights to woo the female.
The pied flycatcher is a small migratory passerine, 11–13 cm long, with striking black-and-white plumage: the male has a glossy black back and head contrasting with a white belly, while the female shows duller brownish tones. It inhabits open woodlands, forest edges, and parks, feeding mainly on insects and spiders caught in flight or gleaned from foliage. During the breeding season, the male performs aerial chases and sings to attract the female and defend his territory.
The herring gull is a large seabird in the family Laridae, up to 66 cm long with a wingspan of up to 1.4 m. It has a white head, body and tail, grey back and wings with black wingtips marked with white spots, and pink legs. It breeds in coastal colonies on islands, cliffs and urban roofs, foraging on fish, crustaceans, invertebrates and human refuse. The breeding season runs from April to June, when it lays 2–3 eggs in a simple ground scrape.
The Glaucous Gull is a large seabird, easily recognizable by its imposing size and distinctive plumage. It measures between 60 and 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 140 to 150 cm, and weighs between 1.2 and 2.5 kg. Its plumage is primarily white, with light gray wings and black markings on the tips of the feathers. The head and beak are generally yellow, with a red band on the beak. This gull is an excellent swimmer and an opportunistic hunter, feeding mainly on fish, crustaceans, and human waste when near urban areas or ports. The Glaucous Gull primarily inhabits coastal regions of the Arctic and North Atlantic and is well adapted to cold, marine environments. Although it is not endangered, it faces risks related to pollution, habitat loss, and human disturbances.
The common gull, or Larus canus, is a medium-sized seabird, identifiable by its light grey back and white underparts. Its wings feature a black band with distinctive white spots. The bill is yellow with a greenish tip, and its legs range from green to yellow. It inhabits coasts, lakes, and rivers, often in colonies. An opportunistic feeder, it consumes fish, invertebrates, and human waste. Partially migratory, it moves southward in winter. Its population is stable, though sensitive to environmental changes. The common gull is a social bird, often seen in groups, playing a crucial role in coastal ecosystems.
The Audouin's Gull, Larus audouinii, is a rare and elegant gull species primarily found in the Mediterranean basin. Recognizable by its pure white plumage, light gray wings, and bright red bill with a black tip, it stands out with its slender silhouette and graceful demeanor. This gull mainly nests on rocky islands and isolated coasts, forming dense colonies. It primarily feeds on fish, skillfully diving into the water to catch its prey. Although its population experienced a significant decline in the 20th century, conservation efforts have led to some stabilization. However, it remains vulnerable to human disturbances and environmental changes.
The Thayer's Gull, Larus thayeri, is a medium-sized seabird belonging to the Laridae family. It is characterized by its pale gray plumage on the back and wings, contrasting with a white belly. Its bill is yellow with a red spot on the lower mandible, and it has pink legs. Found mainly in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, particularly in Canada and Alaska, it nests on coastal cliffs and islands. As a migratory bird, it winters along the Pacific coast from southern Alaska to California. An opportunistic feeder, it consumes fish, invertebrates, and human waste. Although often confused with other gull species, it is recognized for its graceful flight and distinctive calls.
The Pallas's Gull is a large seabird, easily identifiable by its distinctive black head and bright yellow bill. It primarily inhabits the lakes and rivers of Central Asia but migrates to the southern coasts of Asia and the Middle East during winter. Its plumage is mostly white with grey wings and black wingtips. It feeds mainly on fish but also consumes crustaceans and small mammals. Its call is harsh and loud, often heard when defending its territory. The Pallas's Gull nests in colonies on islands or sandbanks, typically laying two to three eggs.
The yellow-legged gull is a large seabird found primarily along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. It is easily recognized by its white plumage, gray wings, and yellow legs. This gull is omnivorous and feeds on fish, marine invertebrates, and food waste, making it an opportunist. It is also known for its nesting behaviors on rocky coastlines and cliffs and can occasionally be seen in urban areas.
The Great Black-backed Gull, Larus marinus, is the largest gull, with an impressive wingspan of up to 1.7 meters. Its plumage is mainly white with a black back, and it has pink legs. Found primarily along the North Atlantic coasts, it feeds on fish, smaller birds, and carrion. Opportunistic, it often ventures into ports and landfills for food. Although often solitary, it can be seen in groups during nesting. Its call is loud and harsh, typical of gulls. During the breeding season, it builds its nest on cliffs or rocky islands, usually laying three eggs.
The Laniarius aethiopicus, or Ethiopian Boubou, is a bird with distinctive plumage, primarily black with a bright red chest. It inhabits wooded regions and savannas of East Africa. Known for its melodious song and vocal duets, it is often heard at dawn and dusk. It primarily feeds on insects but can also consume fruits and small vertebrates. The Ethiopian Boubou is a territorial bird, often seen in pairs or small family groups. Although relatively common in its natural habitat, it can be challenging to spot due to its discreet behavior and dark plumage that blends into the shadows of the vegetation.
The Bluethroat is a small songbird, easily recognizable by its bright blue throat, bordered by a black band, forming a distinctive "mirror" pattern. It measures about 13 to 14 cm in length, with a wingspan of 22 to 25 cm, and weighs around 15 to 20 g. Its plumage is generally brownish on the back and light on the belly, with white and orange markings on the sides of its chest. The Bluethroat is primarily found in marshy areas, shrublands, and riverbanks in Europe and Central Asia, although some populations migrate to North Africa during the winter. It is especially known for its melodious song, which is often heard during the breeding season. The species primarily feeds on insects, worms, and small berries. While the Bluethroat is not endangered, it faces risks related to the loss of its natural habitat and changes in wetland areas.