The Brown Thrasher, Toxostoma rufum, is a medium-sized bird known for its reddish-brown plumage and piercing yellow eyes. It is primarily found in North America, inhabiting open forests, thickets, and gardens. This bird is famous for its melodious and varied song, often mimicking other species. It feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and seeds. The Brown Thrasher is territorial, especially during the breeding season, vigorously defending its area. It builds its nest in bushes or low trees, using twigs and leaves. Although generally discreet, it can become aggressive if threatened.
The Broad-billed Motmot, scientifically known as Electron platyrhynchum, is a colorful bird found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. It is distinguished by its vibrant plumage, which includes shades of green, blue, and orange, and its broad, flattened bill. This bird measures about 28 to 30 cm in length. It is often seen perched quietly in the canopy, where it hunts insects and small reptiles. The Broad-billed Motmot is also known for its distinctive tail, which ends in two racket-shaped feathers. It uses this tail to communicate with its peers, especially during courtship displays.
The Blue-throated Toucanet, Aspatha gularis, is a fascinating bird from the Ramphastidae family. It is distinguished by its striking blue throat, contrasting with its bright green plumage. This toucanet primarily inhabits humid forests and wooded areas in Mexico and Central America. It is often observed in small groups, feeding on fruits, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. Its beak, although less imposing than that of larger toucans, is robust and adapted to its varied diet. While relatively tolerant of human presence, it prefers remote and undisturbed areas. Its conservation status is currently stable, but deforestation could threaten its habitat in the future.
The Blue-capped Motmot is a fascinating bird, recognizable by its striking blue head and long racket-shaped tail. It primarily inhabits the tropical and subtropical forests of Central America, where it feeds on insects, small reptiles, and fruits. This motmot is often seen perched motionless, scanning its surroundings for prey. Its green and blue plumage allows it to blend into the dense vegetation, making it difficult to spot. Although generally solitary, it can sometimes be seen in small family groups. The Blue-capped Motmot is a territorial bird, using its melodious song to mark its territory.
The Black Phoebe, Sayornis nigricans, is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Tyrannidae family. It is characterized by its black and white plumage, with a black head, back, and tail contrasting with a white belly. This bird is often seen near streams, ponds, or wetlands, where it hunts flying insects. Its flight is marked by rapid wing beats and short glides. The Black Phoebe is a sedentary bird, primarily found in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It is known for its melodious and repetitive song, often heard in spring and summer.
The Bonaparte's Gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia, is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 28 to 38 cm in length with a wingspan of 76 to 84 cm. It is distinguished by its black head during the breeding season, slender black bill, and reddish legs. Outside the breeding season, its head turns white with a dark ear spot. It frequents lakes, rivers, and coasts, feeding mainly on small fish, insects, and crustaceans. A migratory bird, it breeds in the boreal regions of North America and winters along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Its flight is agile and swift, often compared to that of a tern.
The Brown-hooded Gull, or Chroicocephalus maculipennis, is a medium-sized bird known for its chocolate-brown head during the breeding season and its white and grey plumage. It primarily inhabits wetlands, lakes, and coastal areas in South America. Its diet is varied, including fish, insects, and small crustaceans. Often seen in groups, it gracefully flies over water or rests on shores. Although its conservation status is currently of least concern, it is sensitive to environmental changes, particularly pollution and habitat destruction.
The black-headed gull is a small gull easily recognized by its black head (in summer), white plumage, and light gray wings. It is primarily found in Europe and Asia and is often seen near bodies of water, in harbors, and estuaries. It is omnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, and sometimes human scraps. This gull is also known for its aerial acrobatics, often seen flying and diving into the water to catch its food.
The Black-legged Kittiwake is a medium-sized gull, measuring about 40 to 45 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90 to 110 cm. It is easily recognizable by its white plumage with light gray wings and a black head during the breeding season. What particularly distinguishes this gull is the shape of its tail, which is deeply forked, hence its name "tridactyla." It primarily inhabits coastal regions of the North Atlantic, notably in rocky areas, cliffs, and subarctic islands. The Black-legged Kittiwake feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, and marine insects. It is often seen flying over the water in search of food or resting on rocks. Although the population of this species is stable, it may be threatened by human disturbances, particularly the disruption of breeding colonies and marine pollution.
The Barbary sheep, or Ammotragus lervia, is a robust caprid native to the mountains of North Africa. It is characterized by a mane of long hair that runs down its neck and forelegs. Its coat is typically tawny, allowing it to blend into the arid, rocky landscapes it inhabits. Adapted to desert environments, it can survive with minimal water, extracting necessary moisture from its food. Males have large, backward-curving horns used in dominance battles. The Barbary sheep lives in small groups and primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, and shrubs.
The bighorn sheep, or Ovis canadensis, is a mammal native to the mountainous regions of North America. Known for its large, spiraled horns, it primarily inhabits rocky terrains. Males, called rams, are particularly striking with horns that can weigh up to 30 pounds. Females, or ewes, have smaller, less curved horns. These animals live in herds and are well adapted to rugged landscapes thanks to their specialized hooves. Their coat ranges from light brown to gray, with a distinctive white patch on the rump. They primarily feed on grasses, plants, and shrubs.
The Brown Noddy, Anous stolidus, is a medium-sized seabird belonging to the family Laridae. It is easily recognizable by its dark brown plumage and distinctive white cap. This bird is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, often nesting on isolated islands. It feeds mainly on fish and squid, which it catches by diving into the water. The Brown Noddy is an excellent flyer, using air currents to travel long distances over the ocean. Although generally not very shy, it can become suspicious during the breeding season.
The Buff-fronted Owl, or Aegolius harrisii, is a small nocturnal bird of prey belonging to the Strigidae family. It is recognized by its distinctive white eyebrows that contrast with its brown and buff plumage. Measuring about 20 to 25 cm in length, it has a wingspan of 50 to 60 cm. This owl primarily inhabits the humid forests and wooded areas of South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It mainly feeds on small mammals, insects, and occasionally small birds. Its call is a soft hoot, often heard during the night. Although discreet, it plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations.
The Bar-headed Goose, Anser indicus, is a remarkable bird species known for its ability to fly at high altitudes. It is easily recognizable by its white head adorned with two distinct black bars. These migratory birds travel long distances, crossing the Himalayas to reach their breeding grounds in Central Asia. They often gather in large flocks and are known for their V-formation flight. Their plumage is primarily gray with lighter shades on the belly. They mainly feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates. Their adaptation to various environments, from plains to mountains, demonstrates their resilience and adaptability.
The Bean Goose, Anser fabalis, is a medium-sized migratory bird belonging to the Anatidae family. It is recognizable by its brown-grey plumage, orange legs, and black bill with an orange band. Found mainly in wetlands, marshes, and open fields across Europe and Asia, it migrates south in winter, sometimes reaching North Africa. The Bean Goose is a gregarious species, often seen in large flocks. It primarily feeds on aquatic plants, seeds, and cereals. Although its conservation status is concerning, it remains widespread within its range.
The Bare-throated Tiger Heron, Tigrisoma mexicanum, is a medium-sized heron known for its distinctive plumage and elongated neck. It features gray plumage with black and white stripes on the neck and chest, and a bare yellow throat. Preferring wet habitats like mangroves, marshes, and slow rivers, it is found mainly in Central America. Often solitary, it stands still waiting for prey, primarily fish and amphibians. Though generally discreet, it can be seen at dawn or dusk. Its population is stable, but it is sensitive to habitat degradation.
The Bornean orangutan is a large primate, measuring about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in height and weighing between 40 and 90 kg. It is easily recognized by its reddish fur and long arms, which allow it to move effortlessly through the trees. This species is native to the island of Borneo, where it primarily inhabits tropical forests. The Bornean orangutan is an herbivore, feeding mainly on fruits, leaves, bark, and small insects. It is a solitary animal, with very discreet behaviors and a great ability to adapt to its environment. Due to deforestation, illegal hunting, and the loss of its natural habitat, this species is classified as endangered.
The Blue-naped Chlorophonia, or Chlorophonia cyanea, is a small, colorful bird found in the tropical forests of South America. It is easily recognizable by its vibrant plumage, featuring a bright blue head, emerald green back, and striking yellow belly. Measuring about 13 cm in length, this bird primarily feeds on fruits and berries, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal. It typically lives in small groups and is often seen in the canopy of humid forests. Although its habitat is threatened by deforestation, it remains relatively common in some areas. Its song is soft and melodious, adding a musical touch to its natural surroundings.
The Baltimore Oriole, Icterus galbula, is a medium-sized songbird known for its striking plumage. The male boasts vibrant colors with a bright orange body and black wings, while the female is more subdued with shades of yellow and brown. This bird is often seen in open forests, parks, and gardens across North America, feeding mainly on insects, fruits, and nectar. Its melodious song is a distinctive feature of its presence. A migratory species, it winters in Central and South America. The Baltimore Oriole plays a crucial role in pollination and insect population control.
The Bullock's Oriole is a colorful songbird found primarily in the western United States. It is easily recognizable by its bright plumage: males display a striking mix of black, bright orange, and white, while females are more subdued with shades of yellow and gray. This bird prefers open habitats such as deciduous forests, orchards, and riparian areas. It feeds mainly on insects, fruits, and nectar. During the breeding season, the Bullock's Oriole builds hanging nests in trees, often at the tips of branches. Although its song is melodious, it is often difficult to spot due to its wary behavior.
The Beisa Oryx is a large antelope found primarily in the arid and semi-desert regions of East Africa, particularly in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. It stands between 1.2 and 1.5 meters at the shoulder and weighs around 100 to 150 kg. The Beisa Oryx is easily recognized by its long, straight horns, which can reach up to 1 meter in length. Its coat is sandy-colored, with black markings on the flanks, legs, and around the eyes, helping it blend into its desert environment. This herbivore feeds primarily on bushes, grasses, and succulent plants. Although the Beisa Oryx is capable of tolerating extremely high temperatures, it is also well adapted to cover large distances in search of food and water. This species is currently listed as "near threatened" due to habitat loss and hunting.
The Bat-eared Fox is a small carnivore primarily found in the savannas and semi-arid areas of Southern Africa. It measures about 40 to 50 cm in length, with a tail of 25 to 30 cm, and weighs between 1 and 2 kg. Its fur is primarily light gray or beige, with dark markings on the legs and face. What distinguishes it most are its large ears, which resemble those of a bat, and which are highly sensitive, allowing it to locate its prey, primarily insects, small mammals, and birds, through its acute hearing. The Bat-eared Fox is a nocturnal and highly social animal, often living in small groups. While its population remains relatively stable, it can be threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
The Blue-winged Goose, Cyanochen cyanoptera, is a bird species endemic to the Ethiopian highlands. It is characterized by its grey-brown plumage with bluish tints on the wings, giving it its name. This medium-sized bird, measuring about 70 to 80 cm in length, is often found near lakes and marshes. Its bill is black, and its legs are dark grey. The species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses and aquatic plants. Although relatively discreet, it can be seen in small family groups. Habitat conservation is crucial, as it is classified as vulnerable due to the degradation of its natural environment.
The Brown Bear is one of the largest terrestrial carnivores, measuring between 1.5 and 2.5 meters in length and weighing between 100 and 800 kg, depending on the subspecies and habitat conditions. Its coat ranges from light brown to dark brown, and it is often denser during the winter. The Brown Bear primarily lives in forests, mountains, and Arctic regions, but can also be found in tundra and prairie areas. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, roots, small mammals, fish, and even carrion. The Brown Bear is also an excellent swimmer and climber. Due to hunting, habitat loss, and conflicts with humans, some subspecies of Brown Bears are threatened or endangered.
The Bornean clouded leopard is a large forest-dwelling cat, measuring 70–110 cm excluding tail, with a distinctive cloud-patterned coat against a pale background. Endemic to Borneo and Sumatra, it inhabits tropical rainforests and cloud forests at low to mid elevations, moving adeptly both on the ground and in the canopy. Solitary and crepuscular, it is an expert hunter of mammals, birds, and reptiles thanks to its strong limbs and tail.
The Bearded Tit is a small passerine bird primarily found in marshy areas and reed beds of Europe and Asia. It measures about 15 to 20 cm in length and weighs between 15 and 20 g. What particularly distinguishes the Bearded Tit is its plumage in shades of brown and cream, with long black moustaches that give it its name. It is often observed in reed beds and wetlands, where it primarily feeds on seeds, insects, and arthropods. Although it is an excellent climber and stealthy thief, the Bearded Tit is unfortunately threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat and the reduction of reedbed areas. This species is currently listed as "near threatened" by the IUCN.
The Black Sicklebill, or Epimachus fastuosus, is a bird of the Paradisaeidae family, renowned for its spectacular plumage and elaborate courtship displays. Native to New Guinea, it primarily inhabits montane tropical rainforests. Males are distinguished by their glossy black plumage with metallic sheens and long sickle-shaped tails. They perform complex dances to attract females, who are duller and brown. These birds primarily feed on fruits and insects. Their habitat is threatened by deforestation, leading to a decline in their population. They are currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
The Common Sloth is an arboreal mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America, particularly in South America, from Costa Rica to Brazil. It measures between 50 and 70 cm in length, with a tail of 4 to 6 cm, and weighs between 4 and 8 kg. Its fur is long and thick, gray-brown in color, with lighter and sometimes greenish patches due to algae growing on its hair. The Common Sloth primarily feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers, which it eats very slowly. It is known for its extreme slowness, moving at a speed of 0.03 km/h, making it one of the slowest animals in the world. This behavior is due to its slow metabolism and a diet that is low in calories. Although the population of common sloths is not immediately threatened, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbances.
The Blue-winged Warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera, is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family. It is easily identified by its bright yellow plumage and distinctive blue wings. This passerine measures about 11 to 13 cm in length with a wingspan of 17 to 20 cm. The male features a bright yellow crown and a black eye stripe, while the female displays duller colors. It inhabits open forests, thickets, and regenerating forest areas. Its song is a distinctive buzzing sound that echoes through its habitat. The Blue-winged Warbler is migratory, wintering in Central America and spending summers in the eastern United States.
The Black-cheeked Warbler is a small songbird from the Parulidae family, primarily found in the humid montane forests of Central America, especially in Costa Rica and Panama. Its plumage is marked by a distinctive black cap, contrasting with white cheeks and an olive back. It measures about 12 cm in length and weighs between 9 and 12 grams. This bird is often seen in pairs or small groups, feeding on insects and spiders found in dense foliage. Although its habitat is relatively limited, it is not considered threatened due to the preservation of its forested areas.