The migrations of the wild geese have inspired many stories and the species was also one of the first birds to be the subject of behavioural studies, in particular by the ethologist Konrad Lorenz who highlighted the phenomenon of the imprinting of...
The grey crowned cranes are just as majestic as their name suggests. These birds have grey bodies, white wings with brown and golden feathers, white cheeks, long legs and bright red caruncles below the beak. Their most beautiful feature? The spray...
In 1963, the Indian peafowl became the national bird of India. However, the magnificent blue bird with its exquisite plumage was an icon long before and far beyond the Indian subcontinent. The Indian peafowl, symbolises opulence, royalty, beauty...
The great white pelican is an imposing bird; its huge beak has a bag of skin attached to its underside which is used to collect the fish it has caught. The decreasing numbers of this species is mainly due to human related activities. While once it...
The rock dove, also known as common pigeon, is a bird with which we have a rather controversial relationship. It often populates city squares and is rather despised because it’s considered a carrier of diseases such as salmonella. In truth, it’s not...
The house sparrow is probably the most widespread and well-known species in Europe, both in cities and in the countryside. It’s a very sociable bird and, out of the reproductive period, it usually meets in groups of at least ten individuals. It...
If you have ever spent an hour or so paddling around a lake or pond, odds are you have heard the beautiful call of Gavia immer, otherwise known as the common loon. With a jet black face, two red eyes, and a large, sharp beak, this bird is easily...
On the banks of streams and small mountain creeks, it’s not difficult to meet a striking and lively species due to the bright lemon color of the feathers and the snappy movements of the tail: it’s the grey wagtail! Unlike most species, the grey...
The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), also known as the common puffin,is one of three species of puffin found worldwide. They are members of the auk family, which also includes the guillemots, murres and auklets.
The Bullfinch is the jewel of our woods: the bright colours of the male contrast with the elegant sobriety of the female. However, it is a discreet bird, which does not like to show itself in the open. Its short, sharp-edged beak is a great tool for...