There is more to this species than its majestic coat of thick white feathers and piercing yellow eyes

These owls have specialized feathers that make their flight nearly silent

Has the body of a duck, neck of a goose, and voice of a goose having a bad day

Males sport a big, bumpy black “knob” on top of their bill — like a bird-sized bike helmet

They flip the script — literally!

Believed to have naturally spread across much of Asia

One of the most widespread and adaptable herons in the world

Famous snake-fighter — with strategy

In Iceland, its arrival is eagerly awaited as it signifies the end of the harsh winter

Look a bit like a cross between a beaver and a rat

Officially designated as Natural Monument No. 205 and classified as a first-class endangered species in South Korea

This bird taps its feet to imitate rain to make the prey reach the surface

This shy, nocturnal predator spends its life in open areas of grassland and cane fields but is rarely seen

One of the rarest and most critically endangered crane species in the world

A symbol of immortality and peace in many Asian cultures

Renowned for their spectacular aerial displays during courtship, including steep dives and intricate flight patterns

The flocks of this social and gregarious bird are fond of migration, flying over the horizon and creating a V-shaped formation

Its long, serrated beak, often called a “sawbill,” is perfectly adapted for catching slippery prey like fish

They don’t actually fly, but they glide! A special flap of skin helps them soar between trees, covering impressive distances

The masters of catching oysters, clams, and cockles

Brilliant mimics, they can copy bird calls and even human-made sounds like car alarms and ringing phones!

Got their name from their ability to quickly slide off logs or rocks into the water when they feel threatened

One of the most endangered birds in the world and once thought to be extinct in the wild

Can fly several kilometers each night to find the fruits they need

Its appearance is what really sets it apart—it looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie

One of the largest beaks of any eagle, perfect for tearing apart tough fish and other prey

A bird that can change its color to match its surroundings!

Smaller than most dolphins, but still very smart and playful

They’re kind of like big, furry rats but with a different shape

Amazing flyers — they can even drink water while they’re flying!

Can dive down to the bottom of a lake and rest there, safe from predators!

They might not look like much, but they have an incredible talent: singing!

One of the rarest birds in the world with feathers that change color depending on the season

Males are particularly eye-catching with their black and white plumage, looking like they’re wearing a little tuxedo

Can be quite friendly and will often come close to humans, especially if they’re offered food

Its colorful pattern makes it stand out, earning it the name “Beauty”

Really good at climbing trees and fences because their feet have special sticky pads that help them stick to almost anything!

Its imperial imagery and fierce demeanor have made it a symbol of power and nobility throughout history

A tiny bird, one of the smallest in fact!

Most common and widely distributed swallow globally

The smallest of all the crane species and is known for its elegance and grace

Very active and noisy, with a loud, piercing call that sounds like “pee-wit”

Known to be fiercely protective of their nesting sites and will aggressively defend their territory from intruders, including humans

Unlike the smooth shells of most turtles, its carapace is ridged and gnarled, resembling a piece of ancient armor

The biggest of all the hammerhead sharks, with a massive head that looks like a giant, flat hammer

Popular food fish, prized for its mild flavor and firm texture

A champion swimmer and a social butterfly of the warm seas

They bob their heads up and down as they fly, which is actually how they earned the nickname “Noddy”

Known for their acrobatic leaps, twisting and turning gracefully as they jump completely out of the water

Often seen riding the bow waves of boats or performing acrobatic leaps out of the water

Known for their graceful movements and the distinctive “S” shape of their neck

Can switch from winter white to summer grey – truly a nature’s savvy survivors!

Very loyal partners! Once they find a mate, they usually stay together for life

Notoriously difficult to spot due to their preference for dense, shadowy forest habitats

The toxin from their parotoid glands has potential antimicrobial and anticancer medicinal properties

The “living tractors of the East”—vital in traditional agriculture, particularly in Asia

Not just a pond fish but a cultural icon, especially in Japan where they are most famously cultivated

Japan’s quake-alert national bird

Introduced to many regions where it is now considered an invasive species

Known for their elaborate courtship dances, which involve leaping, bowing and trumpeting

Revered in many cultures for their beauty, grace, and symbolism of love and fidelity

During breeding, they transform with elegant white plumage, adorned by decorative plumes on the head, neck, and back

It can catch insects that are disturbed by the animals’ movements

Holds cultural symbolism in some societies, representing good luck

Adaptable raptor known for its hovering hunting technique and striking appearance

They are skilled mimics, capable of imitating various sounds from their surroundings

Speed and power embodied, they rule the seas with their sleek bodies and jaw-dropping leaping prowess

Majestic giants of the sea, they peacefully glide through the ocean with mouths agape, filtering the waters for sustenance

Graceful and stealthy, these reef dwellers navigate the coral maze with finesse, showcasing their iconic black-tipped fins

Opportunistic predators of the open ocean, their aggressive and persistent feeding behaviour strikes fear into the hearts of their prey

Gentle giants of the sea, with mouths wide open to filter the ocean’s bounty

Majestic ocean predators, embodying power, speed, and precision in their pursuit of prey

One of the largest and strongest sea turtles in the world

Its slender frame and narrow head bear a beak curved like a hawk’s, earning this marine marvel its name

As it grows older, it undergoes a metamorphosis that is nothing short of extraordinary

With a robust body adorned in iridescent hues of emerald and turquoise, it is an underwater jewel that dazzles the eye

Uncovering the mystery of the vanished sea lion: a legend of the waves that once roamed Japan’s shores, now lost to the tides of time

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the world’s most widely distributed carnivore!

Possessed with special visual adaptations to catch fish

A skilled predator with a unique coat and playful personality

Fiercely territorial, marking their territory with scent to communicate with other otters

In Vietnam, these bears are caught, crammed into tiny cages, have their teeth removed to extract bile – sold as “medicine”

The second largest bear, right after the polar bear. Sadly, it well might top the list soon

These elegant acrobats perform a perfectly timed and skilled somersault as they approach their chosen resting site

The smallest carnivorous predator in the world and so have limited fat stores and need to eat more than 50% of the body weight

A small, fierce predator known for its agility, hunting skills, and color-changing fur

Due to their adaptability and willingness to migrate to more favorable habitats, great cormorants are found worldwide

An impressively acrobatic bird that can catch flying fish mid-jump

These birds spend weeks in the air and hunt, preen and even sleep while in flight

If you ever forget the tune of a song, don’t worry; this bird has your back

This species is found in all world oceans except the north Pacific Ocean

These petrels stylishly ride the ocean waves like they own the winds

The humongous bird with the largest wing span of 3.5 m (11.5 ft) – seems straight out of a fantasy movie

This cute and small bird is one of the most elite hunters below the water’s surface

They dance along with their gorgeous red tails to attract partners in a faithful courtship

These ocean wanderers can be spotted from a distance showing awe-inspiring aerial tricks