The European Bison is the largest land mammal in Europe, characterized by its imposing size, thick fur, and arched back. Once widespread across the forests of Europe, it nearly went extinct in the early 20th century, but thanks to conservation programs, wild populations have been reintroduced in several European regions. The European Bison primarily inhabits forests and wooded meadows, where it feeds on grasses, leaves, twigs, and young tree shoots.
This bison is a social animal, living in small groups or large herds, with males fighting for dominance. While its population is growing, the European Bison remains a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and fragmentation of its territory. The protection and management of its habitats remain essential for its survival.
The European Badger is a medium-sized carnivorous mammal, easily recognizable by its gray fur, white stripes on its head, and stocky build. It primarily inhabits forests and hedgerows in Europe, where it digs complex burrows called "setts" for shelter and raising its young. The European Badger is omnivorous, feeding mainly on worms, insects, fruits, roots, and small mammals. Its nocturnal habits and solitary nature make it a difficult animal to observe.
It is an excellent digger and uses its powerful claws to modify its environment in search of food or to expand its burrow. While its population is generally stable, the European Badger faces threats such as habitat loss and road accidents. Protecting its habitats and managing its territories are crucial for the species' conservation.
The Great Bittern is a large, secretive heron, easily recognized by its brown spotted and striped plumage, which allows it to blend perfectly into the reeds and vegetation of wetland areas where it lives. This nocturnal and solitary bird primarily inhabits marshes, ponds, and reed beds in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It feeds mainly on fish, amphibians, and small birds, which it hunts by silently creeping through aquatic plants or standing still to wait for its prey.
The Great Bittern is an excellent master of camouflage, using its plumage to conceal itself in its environment, making it difficult to observe. Migratory, it leaves its breeding grounds to travel to Africa during the winter. While it is listed as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List, it remains vulnerable to habitat loss due to wetland drainage and urbanization.
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.
The European Beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent renowned for its exceptional ability to alter its environment. This rodent is easily identifiable by its brown fur, large orange incisors, and flat, scaly tail. It primarily inhabits rivers, lakes, and wetlands, where it builds dams to create ponds and wetlands that serve as refuges. The European Beaver is an excellent swimmer, capable of staying underwater for several minutes to move or escape danger.
It feeds mainly on bark, roots, and young tree shoots. In addition to its ability to modify waterways, the European Beaver plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by promoting the regeneration of wetland areas, which benefits many other animal species. Although its population was historically threatened by hunting and habitat loss, conservation efforts have stabilized its numbers, and the species is now protected in many regions.
The European Wildcat is a small, nocturnal, and discreet feline, often considered the ancestor of the domestic cat. It has a thick coat, typically gray-brown with dark stripes, which allows it to blend into its forested environment. Its size and behavior make it an agile and efficient hunter, primarily active at dusk. The European Wildcat has pointed ears and a slender body, with relatively long legs that allow it to move easily in varied environments, such as deciduous forests and mountainous regions.
This solitary cat feeds mainly on small mammals, birds, and insects, hunting them stealthily. While its population remains stable in some regions, it faces threats, including habitat loss, hybridization with domestic cats, and poaching. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this species, which is considered an important part of the forest ecosystem.
The Eurasian Pygmy Owl is the smallest owl in Europe, easily recognized by its tiny size and large, piercing yellow eyes. It has gray-brown plumage, with white markings on the chest and abdomen, and dark spots on its head. It has a stocky body and a small, round head, without the ear tufts found in other owls. This nocturnal predator primarily inhabits coniferous forests, where it hides in tree cavities or old nests to rest during the day.
The Eurasian Pygmy Owl primarily hunts small birds, insects, and rodents, which it captures at dawn or dusk. While its population remains relatively stable in some regions of Northern and Eastern Europe, it is threatened by deforestation and disruption of its habitats. This owl is protected by conservation measures aimed at preserving its coniferous forests and nesting sites.
The Siberian Roe Deer, also known as the Asian Roe Deer, is a slightly larger species of cervid compared to the European Roe Deer. It is easily recognizable by its darker coat, ranging from brown to gray, with white markings around the mouth and belly. Males carry antlers that, while smaller than those of other large cervids, are still distinct and visible. This species primarily inhabits coniferous forests and wooded areas of Siberia, Central Asia, and Mongolia, where it hides during the day and becomes more active at dusk and night.
The Siberian Roe Deer is an herbivore, primarily feeding on vegetation, including young shoots, leaves, fruits, and bark. It is known for its great agility and speed, allowing it to move easily through the rugged terrain of its habitat. While its population remains stable in some regions, it is threatened by deforestation, hunting, and habitat fragmentation.
The European Pond Turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle, measuring between 12 and 20 cm in length. Its carapace is oval, slightly domed, dark brown to blackish, with yellow spots. The plastron is yellow with dark spots. The feet are webbed, adapted for swimming. This species inhabits stagnant or slow-flowing waters, such as ponds, marshes, and slow rivers, with dense aquatic vegetation. It is omnivorous, feeding on small aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and plant matter. Reproduction occurs in spring, with the female laying 8 to 10 eggs in loose, sunny soil. Incubation lasts about 80 to 110 days, with hatchlings emerging in late summer or the following spring. Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, the European Pond Turtle is protected in many European countries.
The Macaroni Cormorant is a large aquatic bird, easily recognized by its slender silhouette, glossy black plumage, and the tuft of feathers on top of its head, which gives it its name. It has a long, pointed beak, perfectly adapted to catching fish, which it captures by diving underwater. Macaroni cormorants are often seen on rocky coastlines, islands, or along marine shores, where they form large breeding colonies.
This cormorant primarily feeds on fish, but also consumes crustaceans and mollusks. It is an exceptional diver, capable of diving to considerable depths to hunt its prey. Although its population remains relatively stable, it is threatened in certain regions by habitat disruption, water pollution, and competition with other fishing birds. It is mainly found in the Mediterranean and along certain Atlantic coasts of Europe.
The Eurasian Curlew is a large wader, easily recognizable by its long, down-curved bill and gray-brown plumage with dark speckling. This wader has a slender silhouette, long legs, and broad wings. It measures about 50 to 60 cm in length, with a wingspan of 90 to 105 cm. During the breeding season, the Eurasian Curlew has brighter and more contrasting plumage, but it becomes more subdued during winter, with duller tones.
The Eurasian Curlew primarily feeds on earthworms, invertebrates, and small crustaceans, which it captures in marshy areas, wet meadows, or along riverbanks. It is mainly observed in coastal areas or estuaries, where it forages by probing the ground for food. Although it is migratory, the Eurasian Curlew breeds mainly in Europe and winters in North Africa and southern Europe. It is currently classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and disturbances in its breeding areas.
The Red Squirrel is a small tree-dwelling mammal, well-known for its reddish-brown fur and long ears, often tipped with tufts of hair. It typically measures between 20 and 25 cm in length, with a bushy tail that can reach up to 25 cm in length. This rodent is mainly found in deciduous and mixed forests across Europe and Asia, but it is also present in urban parks and gardens. The Red Squirrel is omnivorous, feeding mainly on nuts, seeds, mushrooms, and occasionally insects or bird eggs. Highly agile, it moves with ease between trees, using its tail as a stabilizer. It is a territorial animal that builds ball-shaped nests made of twigs, moss, and leaves, often placed in tree trunks or branches. While the species is still fairly widespread, it faces threats such as habitat loss, competition with the introduced Grey Squirrel, and collisions with vehicles.
Emu
Dromaius novaehollandiae
The Emu is a large flightless bird, belonging to the ratite family, which also includes the ostrich and the kiwi. It typically stands between 1.5 and 1.9 meters tall and weighs between 40 and 60 kg. Its plumage is generally brown-gray, with fine feathers that give it a slightly ruffled appearance. The Emu is recognizable by its long bare neck and small wings, which prevent it from flying. It is endemic to Australia, where it inhabits a variety of environments, from open forests to savannas and semi-desert areas. This bird is primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits, roots, and young shoots. Although it cannot fly, the Emu is a fast runner, capable of reaching speeds up to 50 km/h over short distances. It is often solitary or lives in small groups, except during the breeding season. The Emu plays an important role in seed dispersal, contributing to the regeneration of vegetation. While the species is currently listed as of least concern, it faces threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and collisions with vehicles.
The European Nightjar is a nocturnal bird, often difficult to spot due to its perfectly camouflaged plumage that helps it blend into its surroundings. It measures about 23 to 26 cm in length, with a wingspan of 50 to 55 cm. Its plumage is primarily brown, with complex patterns of spots and streaks that perfectly mimic the colors and textures of forest floors or dry meadows. The European Nightjar primarily feeds on nocturnal insects, which it captures in flight with its wide mouth open. It hunts at dusk and during the night, using its broad, rounded wings to maneuver silently through the air. This bird is often seen flying in circles or zigzags above fields, forests, or open areas. During the breeding season, the female lays its eggs directly on the ground, often in well-hidden spots. While the species is not currently endangered, it faces threats such as habitat loss, light pollution, and the decline of nocturnal insects.
The European Sparrowhawk is a small raptor from the Accipitridae family, easily recognizable by its gray-brown plumage and narrow wings adapted for hunting in forests. It measures about 30 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 60 to 90 cm, and weighs between 150 and 250 g. The male is generally smaller than the female. Its plumage varies depending on sex and age, but adults have bluish-gray feathers on the back and brownish horizontal bars on the belly. The European Sparrowhawk primarily inhabits dense forests and wooded areas in Europe, but it can also be found in urban parks and gardens. This raptor is an excellent hunter, primarily feeding on smaller birds, which it captures in flight after a rapid pursuit through trees. It often hunts using a silent, swift flight technique and is capable of capturing prey in confined spaces. Although the European Sparrowhawk is currently listed as of least concern, it faces threats such as habitat loss, disturbance of its nesting sites, and persecution by humans.
The Hobby Falcon is a small diurnal raptor, often confused with other falcons due to its similar size, but it is distinguished by its elegant plumage and unique characteristics. It measures about 30 to 40 cm in length, with a wingspan of 70 to 90 cm, and weighs between 150 and 250 g. Its plumage is primarily grayish, with a darker head and back and a lighter belly. Males have a lighter plumage than females, which are generally larger and darker. This falcon primarily inhabits open areas such as meadows, heathlands, and sparse forests, as well as mountains and agricultural zones. It hunts by flying at high speed, capturing small birds, insects, and sometimes small mammals. Its flight is fast and direct, often interrupted by sharp turns and dives to capture its prey. While the species is not endangered, it faces threats such as habitat loss and the reduction of its prey populations.
The Mountain Gorilla is a subspecies of gorilla, primarily found in the volcanic mountains of Central Africa, notably in the forests of the Virunga region, between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This gorilla is smaller than its cousin, the lowland gorilla, with an average height of 1.4 to 1.8 meters and a weight ranging from 140 to 220 kg for males, and 90 to 120 kg for females. Its fur is dense, typically black, with silver-gray hair on the backs of adult males, hence the name "silverback." Mountain Gorillas live in family groups led by a dominant male, the silverback, who is responsible for the protection and well-being of the group. They primarily feed on plants, fruits, leaves, and stems. Although they are peaceful and shy animals, Mountain Gorillas are critically endangered due to habitat loss, illegal hunting, and diseases transmitted by humans.
The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is a large nocturnal raptor, one of the most imposing owls in the world. It measures between 60 and 70 cm in length, with a wingspan of 1.6 to 1.8 meters, and weighs between 1.5 and 4.5 kg. Its plumage is primarily brown, with white and black mottled patterns, and its eyes are bright orange, giving the bird a piercing gaze. It also has tufts of feathers on its head that resemble ears, which give it a distinctive appearance. The Eurasian Eagle-Owl primarily inhabits forests, mountains, and rocky areas in Europe, Western Asia, and the Middle East. It is an opportunistic hunter, feeding mainly on small mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles or amphibians. The Eurasian Eagle-Owl is a solitary and territorial bird, known for its powerful and deep calls, often heard at night. While the species is not endangered, it may be affected by the destruction of its natural habitat and human disturbances.
The Eared Grebe is a small grebe measuring between 28 and 35 cm in length with a wingspan of 57 to 59 cm. In breeding plumage, it has a black head adorned with golden feathers forming a crest, a black neck, a black chest, and chestnut flanks. In non-breeding plumage, it is more subdued, with a black back, black cap, white cheeks, and a white belly. It frequents shallow lakes and ponds, rich in aquatic vegetation, where it primarily feeds on small fish and aquatic invertebrates. Reproduction occurs in summer, with a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs laid in a floating nest. The young are capable of swimming shortly after hatching and can be carried on the parents' backs. A migratory species, it winters in the Mediterranean and warmer regions. Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
The Common Frog is a widespread species of frog in Europe, easily recognized by its brown or green skin, often spotted with dark markings. It primarily lives in wetland areas such as marshes, ponds, and riverbanks. This frog is an opportunist, feeding mainly on insects, worms, and small invertebrates that it captures with its quick tongue. The Common Frog is often seen during its movements toward water for breeding, a characteristic behavior in spring. It is active during the day and evening, although its habits are more pronounced during the breeding season.
The European Bee-eater is a small, colorful bird, easily recognizable by its vibrant plumage, which features a combination of bright colors, mainly blue, green, yellow, and orange. It measures about 28 to 30 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm, and weighs between 30 and 40 g. Its beak is long and pointed, perfectly adapted to catching insects in flight, primarily wasps, bees, and other flying insects. The European Bee-eater primarily inhabits open areas, grasslands, forest edges, and steppes in Europe, as well as North Africa and Western Asia. It is migratory and mostly travels to sub-Saharan Africa for the winter. This small bird lives in colonies, and its nests are often dug into cliffs or riverbanks. The European Bee-eater is known for its swift flights and acrobatic behavior while capturing its prey. Although the species is not endangered, it may be threatened by habitat loss and human disturbances, such as the degradation of natural habitats.
The Eurasian Oystercatcher is a coastal bird easily recognizable by its black and white plumage and long orange beak. It measures about 40 to 45 cm in length, with a wingspan of 75 to 85 cm, and weighs between 300 and 400 g. Its beak is long and straight, ideal for digging up shellfish and other mollusks, which it primarily consumes, though it also feeds on worms and marine insects. The Eurasian Oystercatcher primarily inhabits the coasts of Europe, north-west Africa, and parts of Asia. It prefers beaches, estuaries, and mudflats where it can forage at low tide. This bird is very territorial and can be seen in small colonies during the breeding season, but typically lives alone or in small groups outside of that period. Although the species is not immediately endangered, it is sensitive to habitat loss, beach pollution, and human disturbance.
The European Rabbit is a small herbivorous mammal, widely distributed across Europe and in certain parts of the world where it has been introduced. It measures about 40 to 50 cm in length, with a short tail and soft fur that varies from light gray to brown, with a white belly. The European Rabbit is known for its long ears, bright eyes, and powerful hind legs that allow it to leap quickly. It typically lives in groups in burrows called "warrens," which it digs in soft soils or dense vegetation. This rabbit is primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, roots, leaves, and fruits. While it is an excellent breeder, with several litters a year, it is vulnerable to predators such as foxes, birds of prey, and carnivores. Despite its large population, the European Rabbit is threatened in some areas by excessive hunting, habitat loss, and the spread of diseases. It plays an important role in ecosystems as prey for many carnivores and as an ecological engineer, digging burrows that alter soil structure.
The Garden Dormouse is a small nocturnal rodent, often compared to a miniature squirrel, found primarily in Europe and Asia. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a tail of around 12 cm, and weighs between 100 and 150 g. Its coat is typically light gray or brown, with a dark line running from its eyes to its back and a lighter area on its belly. The Garden Dormouse is primarily nocturnal and arboreal, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, as well as small insects and larvae. It is an excellent climber and takes refuge in trees or crevices to sleep during the day. This rodent is a hibernator, retreating into its nest in the fall to survive the winter, which is essential for its survival in the cold. Although the Garden Dormouse is protected in some areas, it is threatened by deforestation and the reduction of its natural habitat.
The European Hare is a large herbivorous mammal, easily recognizable by its long ears and powerful hind legs. It measures about 50 to 70 cm in length, with a short tail and a wingspan of 70 to 90 cm, and weighs between 3 and 5 kg. Its coat varies with the seasons: in winter, it becomes lighter, while in summer, it takes on a brown or gray hue, allowing it to blend effectively into fields and meadows. The European Hare is a solitary and territorial animal, primarily found in open areas such as fields, meadows, and sparse woodlands. It is particularly fast and agile, capable of running at speeds of over 60 km/h when pursued. This hare primarily feeds on grasses, leaves, fruits, and roots. Although the species is widespread in Europe, it faces threats from hunting, habitat loss, and human disturbances.
The Gray Dormouse is a small nocturnal rodent, closely related to the Common Dormouse, found mainly in Europe in forests, hedgerows, and gardens. It measures between 10 and 15 cm in length, with a tail of about 8 to 12 cm, and weighs between 40 and 100 g. Its coat is generally light gray or brown-gray, with lighter shades on the belly and dark eyes that give it a lively expression. The Gray Dormouse is an excellent climber and is primarily arboreal. It feeds on fruits, seeds, nuts, and sometimes insects and small worms. This rodent is known for its ability to hibernate during the winter, retreating into natural cavities or nests made of leaves and moss to survive the cold temperatures. While it is relatively common, it is threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, and disturbances caused by human activity.
The European Golden Oriole is a brightly colored bird, easily recognizable by its striking plumage. The male is particularly vivid yellow with black wings, while the female has a more subdued plumage, mainly olive green and yellow. It measures about 25 cm in length and weighs between 40 and 60 g. This migratory passerine bird primarily inhabits open forests, orchards, and hedgerows, mostly in Europe, and migrates to North Africa for the winter. The European Golden Oriole is known for its melodious and powerful song, consisting of clear and repetitive notes. Its diet is primarily insectivorous, feeding on caterpillars, wasps, and other insects, but it also consumes fruits such as berries. This bird is discreet and hard to observe as it spends most of its time high up in trees. While its population is stable in some regions, it is threatened by deforestation, the loss of its natural habitat, and the reduction of its food sources due to pesticide use.
The Eastern Wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf, primarily found in the regions of Eastern Europe, notably in Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. It measures about 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length, with a tail of 35 to 45 cm, and weighs between 25 and 45 kg, with males generally being larger and more massive than females. Its coat is thick and generally light gray to dark gray, with brown and white shades on the belly and legs. The Eastern Wolf primarily inhabits forests, mountains, and protected areas, where it hunts prey such as deer, wild boars, roe deer, and sometimes small mammals. It is a social predator, living in packs, and cooperates with other members of its group to capture prey. Although this subspecies has been the subject of conservation programs, it remains vulnerable to hunting, habitat loss, and conflicts with humans.
The Eurasian Otter is a semi-terrestrial aquatic mammal found primarily in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas of Eurasia. It measures between 60 and 90 cm in length, with a tail of about 30 to 40 cm, and weighs between 5 and 12 kg. Its coat is thick and waterproof, dark brown on the back and lighter on the belly, allowing it to stay warm and move easily in the water. The Eurasian Otter is an excellent swimmer, using its hind limbs to propel itself and its tail to stabilize. It primarily feeds on fish but can also hunt amphibians, crustaceans, and small mammals. It is a solitary animal or lives in small family groups, marking its territory with traces and droppings. Although the species is protected in many areas, it is threatened by water pollution, habitat loss, and poaching.
The European Kingfisher is a small aquatic bird, easily recognized by its vivid plumage and bright colors. It measures about 17 to 19 cm in length and weighs between 30 and 40 g. Its back is a brilliant metallic blue, while its belly is a bright orange. Its bill is long, straight, and pointed, perfectly suited for catching fish and aquatic insects. This kingfisher primarily lives along rivers, lakes, and canals in Europe, where it perches on branches or rocks near the water. When hunting, it dives quickly in a headfirst plunge to capture its prey, often using its excellent vision to locate fish underwater. The European Kingfisher is a solitary bird, defending its territory by emitting a sharp call. While it is relatively common in many parts of Europe, it can be threatened by water pollution and habitat destruction.
The Stone-curlew is a large, ground-dwelling bird primarily found in open and arid regions of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It measures about 40 to 45 cm in height and weighs between 350 and 500 g. What distinguishes the Stone-curlew is its cryptic plumage, generally brown-gray in color, allowing it to blend effectively among vegetation or rocks. It has large yellow eyes and a distinctive call, which is often heard during the night, hence its name. This bird primarily feeds on insects, worms, and small invertebrates found on the ground. The Stone-curlew is mostly active at dusk and at night, feeding slowly while scanning its surroundings. While not in immediate danger, it faces threats from habitat loss, intensive agriculture, and human disturbance.
The Northern Pygmy Owl is a small nocturnal owl found primarily in North America, from southern Canada to Mexico. It measures about 20 to 25 cm in length, with a wingspan of 50 to 60 cm, and weighs between 70 and 100 g. Its plumage is mainly gray-brown, with spots and streaks that help it blend perfectly into foliage and tree trunks. The Northern Pygmy Owl primarily feeds on small mammals, insects, and reptiles that it hunts during the night. It is an excellent hunter, using its keen eyesight and sharp hearing to locate its prey in the darkness. While this species is not currently threatened, it can be affected by deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
The Three-toed Woodpecker is a small bird from the woodpecker family, primarily found in coniferous forests of Europe and Asia. It measures about 20 cm in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 cm, and weighs between 50 and 70 g. Its plumage is primarily black and white, with a distinctive yellow patch on the top of its head, and white streaks on its wings. What distinguishes the Three-toed Woodpecker is the presence of three toes on each foot, which allows it to climb with great agility. It primarily feeds on insect larvae, which it extracts from the bark of trees using its strong beak. The Three-toed Woodpecker lives in old forests and dense wooded areas, and although it is not currently threatened, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbance.
The European Polecat is a small carnivore found primarily in Europe, inhabiting a variety of environments such as forests, meadows, and agricultural areas. It measures about 45 to 60 cm in length, with a tail of 20 to 30 cm, and weighs between 0.8 and 1.5 kg. Its fur is generally light brown or gray, with lighter underparts and a distinctive black mark on its face, surrounding its eyes. The European Polecat is a nocturnal and opportunistic predator, primarily feeding on small mammals, birds, eggs, as well as fruits and insects. While it is often perceived as a pest by farmers, it plays an important role in regulating populations of small animals. Its population is generally stable, but it can be threatened by habitat loss and road collisions.
The Wild Boar is a large omnivorous mammal found primarily in forests, wooded areas, and mountains of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It measures between 1.2 and 1.8 meters in length, with a tail of 15 to 25 cm, and weighs between 50 and 100 kg, though some specimens can reach up to 200 kg. Its fur is typically brown, with darker hair on the back and lighter on the sides. The Wild Boar is a nocturnal animal, primarily feeding on roots, fruits, seeds, insects, and small animals. While it is considered game, it can sometimes pose a threat to agricultural crops due to its tendency to root through the soil. This species is widely distributed, and its population remains relatively stable, although it is sometimes threatened by excessive hunting and habitat loss.
Anas crecca is the smallest dabbling duck in Eurasia, measuring between 33 and 38 cm in length with a wingspan of 53 to 58 cm. The male in breeding plumage is distinguished by a chestnut head with an iridescent green band from the eye to the nape, a white collar, and a body finely vermiculated grey. The female is brown speckled, with a light line at the eye and a light spot on the rump. It frequents shallow wetlands such as marshes, ponds, rice fields, and mudflats, often with dense aquatic vegetation. It primarily feeds on seeds of aquatic plants, algae, small invertebrates, and insect larvae. Reproduction occurs between May and July, with the female building a well-hidden nest in vegetation, where she lays 8 to 11 eggs. Incubation lasts about 21 to 23 days. A migratory species, it winters in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
The Coral Snake is a venomous species found primarily in Central and South America, notably in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. It typically measures between 50 and 80 cm in length, although some specimens can reach up to 1 meter. It is distinguished by its red, black, and yellow rings, giving it a vibrant and easily recognizable appearance. Although coral snakes are venomous, their bite is rarely fatal due to their small size and the difficulty of delivering the bite, but it can cause severe symptoms due to their neurotoxin. These snakes typically live in tropical forests, where they hide under dead leaves or in shrubs. They primarily feed on small reptiles, amphibians, and young snakes.
The Eurasian Wryneck is a small bird of the woodpecker family, primarily found in open forests and clearings across Europe, especially in France, Spain, Italy, and Russia. It typically measures about 22 cm in length and weighs between 50 and 60 g. Its plumage is mainly brown, with dark spot-like patterns on the back and wings, and a light-colored throat. The Eurasian Wryneck feeds primarily on ants and other insects that it finds on tree trunks or branches. It is often observed pecking at tree bark in search of food. While its population is generally stable, the Eurasian Wryneck is sometimes threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and changes in agriculture.
The Emerald Toucanet is a small forest toucan recognizable by its vibrant green plumage, bicolored bill, and compact size. Males and females are very similar, though males may have a slightly longer bill. It inhabits humid mountain forests of Central and South America, from Mexico to northern Bolivia, often seen in small groups in the canopy or foraging for fruit. It is omnivorous, feeding on fruit, insects, small reptiles, and occasionally bird eggs. Though locally threatened by deforestation, it remains widespread overall.
The Turtle Dove is a small, slender dove measuring between 25 and 28 cm in length with a wingspan of 45 to 50 cm. Its plumage is characterized by a rosy chest, a back speckled with black, and a gray-blue head adorned with black and white spots on the neck. It emits a soft, rolling cooing sound, often heard in spring and summer. It frequents clear woods, hedges, and open agricultural areas, where it feeds primarily on seeds fallen to the ground. Breeding occurs from May to July, with one or two clutches of two white eggs. The young leave the nest between 19 and 21 days after hatching. A migratory species, it winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN.
The Eurasian Collared Dove is a medium-sized dove, measuring about 32 cm in length with a wingspan of 47 to 55 cm. Its plumage is grayish-beige with pinkish hues on the head and chest. It is characterized by a black half-collar edged with white on the back of its neck. It emits a soft cooing sound, often described as "hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo." Originally from South Asia, it has rapidly expanded into Europe, North Africa, and the Americas. It frequents urban, suburban, and agricultural areas, feeding primarily on seeds, berries, and buds. Breeding can occur year-round, with an average of three to four broods per year. The young leave the nest about 19 days after hatching. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
The European Mink is a small carnivorous mammal primarily found in wetlands, rivers, and marshes of Eastern Europe, notably in Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and Hungary. It typically measures between 45 and 55 cm in length, with a tail of about 15 to 20 cm, and weighs between 700 g and 1 kg. Its fur is generally dark brown on the back and lighter on the belly, with a distinctive black band running across its face. The European Mink is an excellent swimmer and fisher, primarily feeding on fish, crustaceans, and small mammals. Unfortunately, it is critically endangered due to habitat loss, water pollution, and competition with the American Mink, an invasive species. Its population has significantly declined, and it is now classified as an endangered species.