Wildlife Species Library

Insects

Western Tent Caterpillar Moth

Malacosoma californica

Famed for their communal silk fortresses, Western Tent Caterpillars are one of the most visible signs of spring in th...

Insects

Western Thatching Ant

Formica obscuripes

The Western Thatching Ant is a legendary architect, building massive organic mounds that dot the North American lands...

Fish

Western Tubenose Goby

Proterorhinus semilunaris

With snorkel-like nostrils and a suction-cup belly, the Western Tubenose Goby is a fascinating master of the riverbed...

Birds

Western Wood-Pewee

Contopus sordidulus

The Western Wood-Pewee is the understated acrobat of the western skies, known for its persistent buzzing call and its...

Birds

Western Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flava

A flash of gold in the grass, the Western Yellow Wagtail is a master of the meadows. Known for its elegant 'tail-wag'...

Insects

Western Yellowjacket

Vespula pensylvanica

The Western Yellowjacket is the bold architect of the backyard underground. Recognized by its striking yellow 'specta...

Birds

Westland Petrel

Procellaria westlandica

The Westland Petrel is the mysterious 'ghost of the forest,' a seafaring giant that travels thousands of miles across...

Mammals

Weyns's Duiker

Cephalophorus weynsi

The Weyns's Duiker is the elusive 'forest diver' of the African tropics, known for its vibrant reddish coat and secre...

Fish

Whale Shark

Rhincodon typus

The Whale Shark is the ocean's largest fish, a docile filter-feeder that carries a galaxy of stars on its back. These...

Birds

Whinchat

Saxicola rubetra

The Whinchat is a master of the open meadow, a striking migratory songbird known for its bold eye stripe and vibrant ...

Insects

Whirlabout

Hedone vibex

A golden-hued speedster of the garden, the Whirlabout is famous for its rapid-fire flight and intricate wing patterns...

Birds

Whiskered Auklet

Aethia pygmaea

A tiny marvel of the North Pacific, the Whiskered Auklet is defined by its ornate facial plumes and mysterious noctur...

Birds

Whiskered Screech-Owl

Megascops trichopsis

A tiny master of disguise with a voice like Morse code, the Whiskered Screech-Owl is a hidden gem of the Southwestern...

Birds

Whiskered Tern

Chlidonias hybrida

A graceful master of the marsh, the Whiskered Tern combines the elegance of a swallow with the precision of a predato...

Fish

Whiskery Shark

Furgaleus macki

Meet the 'whiskered' specialist of the Australian reefs. This unique houndshark is a master of the seafloor, easily i...

Birds

Whistling Kite

Haliastur sphenurus

With its soulful, descending whistle and graceful sandy-colored wings, the Whistling Kite is the quintessential sound...

Birds

White-backed Vulture

Gyps africanus

The White-backed Vulture is the industrious cleaner of the African savanna, a social giant known for its incredible s...

Birds

White-banded Mockingbird

Mimus triurus

A master of mimicry with a flash of silver, the White-banded Mockingbird is the virtuoso of the South American scrubl...

Fish

White Bass

Morone chrysops

A shimmering silver powerhouse of the inland waterways, the White Bass is famous for its dramatic spring migrations a...

Birds

White-bellied Emerald

Chlorestes candida

A shimmering jewel of the Central American lowlands, the White-bellied Emerald is easily identified by its snowy whit...

Birds

White-bellied Hummingbird

Elliotomyia chionogaster

With its snowy-white underside and shimmering golden-green coat, the White-bellied Hummingbird is a sparkling gem of ...

Mammals

White-bellied Pangolin

Phataginus tricuspis

Often called the 'living pinecone,' the White-bellied Pangolin is a shy, scale-covered marvel of the African forest. ...

Birds

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

Icthyophaga leucogaster

A majestic master of the coastal wind, the White-bellied Sea-Eagle is easily identified by its striking white-and-gre...

Birds

White-breasted Guineafowl

Agelastes meleagrides

Meet the 'Ghost of the Upper Guinea Forest,' a bird defined by its striking white plumage and legendary shyness. Rare...

Birds

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

The acrobat of the backyard, the White-breasted Nuthatch is famous for its head-first descent down tree trunks. With ...

Birds

White-browed Foliage-gleaner

Anabacerthia amaurotis

A restless acrobat of the Atlantic Forest, the White-browed Foliage-gleaner is a master at finding life hidden in the...

Birds

White-browed Meadowlark

Leistes superciliaris

With a chest as red as a sunset and a striking white racing stripe above the eye, the White-browed Meadowlark is the ...

Birds

White-cheeked Pintail

Anas bahamensis

Elegant and unmistakable, the White-cheeked Pintail is a master of the brackish lagoon. With its striking white face ...

Birds

White-chested Emerald

Chrysuronia brevirostris

Meet the White-chested Emerald, a shimmering garden visitor that combines brilliant metallic greens with a snowy-whit...

Birds

White-chinned Petrel

Procellaria aequinoctialis

Often called the 'Shoemaker' for its rhythmic calls, the White-chinned Petrel is a dark-cloaked giant of the Southern...

Birds

White-crested Elaenia

Elaenia albiceps

A master of the 'fio-fio' whistle, the White-crested Elaenia is a charismatic summer visitor to South American garden...

Fish

White Croaker

Genyonemus lineatus

Meet the 'King of the Pier,' a silvery bottom-dweller known for its unique vocalizations and social schooling habits....

Birds

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

With its dapper black-and-white crown and sweet, whistling song, this elegant sparrow is a favorite of backyard birdw...

Birds

White-eared Hummingbird

Basilinna leucotis

A bold mountain gem with a striking white mask and a vibrant red bill. The White-eared Hummingbird brings a flash of ...

Insects

White Ermine

Spilosoma lubricipeda

The White Ermine is a masterpiece of nocturnal camouflage and elegance, sporting a snowy-white coat and hidden flashe...

Birds

White-eyed Foliage-gleaner

Automolus leucophthalmus

A master of the Atlantic Forest undergrowth, the White-eyed Foliage-gleaner is easily identified by its piercing pale...