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

They flip the script — literally!

The only long-distance migratory dove in Europe

Timid by nature, often flying off at the slightest sign of danger

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

Famous for stealing chips, sandwiches, and even ice cream right out of people’s hands

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

Arguably among the most beautiful songbirds in the world — they enjoy singing after a rain shower

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

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

A common sight in coastal regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere

Can withstand harsh winter conditions, often remaining at sea even when the water is frozen

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

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

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

Only males possess a unique, inflatable, balloon-like nose that they can inflate into a large red shape

Most common and widely distributed swallow globally

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

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

The males, in particular, produce a rich and intricate song that contributes to their charm

Holds cultural symbolism in some societies, representing good luck

Adaptable raptor known for its hovering hunting technique and striking appearance

Facing the consequences of global warming, they quickly lose their habitat and are pushed northward with the receding cold

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

Living life on top of the world, but his kingdom is ever-narrowing

The most cosmopolitan of owls with home ranges extending across the globe

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

Exhibit powerful flight, with distinctive slow wing beats and an extended neck, defining features during their aerial movements

Like those bulging red eyes weren’t scary enough, they eat their innocent chicks when hungry

Living around smelly brackish marshes is unthinkable, but these birds love their isolated habitat or don’t have a sense of smell

The most numerous wild bird species in the world

Largest of falcons: can grow up to 60cm (2 ft) in height

Jack Sparrow of the bird kingdom

The penguins that can fly

This incredible bird can hold up to 30 fish in its beak at once

This bird can give any cross-country runner a run for their money

The most elegant of all godwit species

These enthusiastic travelers can be seen almost worldwide in different seasons

Dependable wings and a muscular build. Nope, we aren’t talking about the next Redbull ad campaign

This invasive species is the ancestor to most of the modern ducks

A highly intelligent species that is the world’s only tool-using vulture with a long migratory range

Extinct and reintroduced – What’s the story behind these so-called ‘flying barn doors’?

Better call the ambulance before the Sparrowhawk comes to devour all those who are injured

Named after the black, curved marking on their backs that resembles a harp!

Slows the heartbeat from 80 bpm to 3-4 bpm before a deep dive; quickly accelerates after surfacing

Tusked marine mammals heralding climate emergency!

Their large ivory tusk which is a protruding canine tooth of the male makes them The ‘unicorns of the sea’

Known as the “canaries of the sea,” due to their wide range of sounds

They hold the title of heaviest animals, weighing about 100,000 kg