Wildlife Species Library

Birds

Western Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus

The Western Marsh Harrier is the graceful ghost of the wetlands, easily recognized by its steady, low-level glide and...

Birds

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

The Western Meadowlark is a vibrant symbol of the open prairie, easily recognized by its brilliant yellow chest and i...

Fish

Western Mosquitofish

Gambusia affinis

The ultimate backyard survivor, the Western Mosquitofish is a tiny powerhouse known for its voracious appetite for pe...

Birds

Western Orphean Warbler

Curruca hortensis

With its piercing pale eyes and sophisticated song, the Western Orphean Warbler is a crown jewel of the Mediterranean...

Mammals

Western Polecat

Mustela putorius

The wild ancestor of the domestic ferret, the Western Polecat is a masked marauder of the night. Once rare, this elus...

Insects

Western Pondhawk

Erythemis collocata

The Western Pondhawk is the 'blue bomber' of the garden, a fierce and beautiful aerial acrobat that provides natural ...

Mammals

Western Red-backed Vole

Clethrionomys californicus

A mahogany-furred treasure of the Pacific Northwest, the Western Red-backed Vole is the silent gardener of the forest...

Fish

Western Red Scorpionfish

Scorpaena sumptuosa

A master of disguise found in the rugged waters of Western Australia, the Western Red Scorpionfish is the ultimate am...

Mammals

Western Roe Deer

Capreolus capreolus

Elegant, elusive, and unexpectedly vocal, the Western Roe Deer is a master of the woodland edge. Often called the 'ga...

Birds

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

A tiny but mighty traveler, the Western Sandpiper is a master of the mudflats, using its specialized bill like a prec...

Birds

Western Screech-Owl

Megascops kennicottii

A pint-sized predator with a haunting song, the Western Screech-Owl is the ultimate backyard ghost, perfectly camoufl...

Reptiles

Western Spiny-tailed Iguana

Ctenosaura pectinata

A prehistoric master of the Mexican coast, the Western Spiny-tailed Iguana is a sun-loving sprinter with armor-like s...

Mammals

Western Spotted Skunk

Spilogale gracilis

The Western Spotted Skunk is the acrobat of the skunk family, known for its stunning white-spotted coat and its uniqu...

Insects

Western Striped Cucumber Beetle

Acalymma trivittatum

A striking but tiny visitor to the summer garden, the Western Striped Cucumber Beetle is easily identified by its bol...

Birds

Western Subalpine Warbler

Curruca iberiae

A vibrant jewel of the Mediterranean thickets, the Western Subalpine Warbler is famous for its striking terracotta br...

Insects

Western Subterranean Termite

Reticulitermes hesperus

The Western Subterranean Termite is a hidden architect of the underground world, essential for forest health but a ch...

Birds

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

A splash of tropical color in the Western woods, the Western Tanager is one of North America's most stunning migrator...

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...