Species library
Field marks, habits, and camera tips for the wildlife that visits backyard habitats.
Lesser Amberjack
Seriola fasciata
The Lesser Amberjack is a hidden gem of the deep Atlantic, a streamlined hunter that thrives among the shadows of anc...
Fish
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus
A sophisticated traveler with striking slate-colored wings and bright yellow legs, the Lesser Black-backed Gull is a ...
Birds
Lesser Blue-eared Starling
Lamprotornis chloropterus
A shimmer of living metal in the African savanna, the Lesser Blue-eared Starling dazzles with its iridescent plumage ...
Birds
Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
Noctua janthe
A master of disguise with a hidden flash of gold, this common garden moth is a nighttime jewel waiting to be discover...
Insects
Lesser Capybara
Hydrochoerus isthmius
Meet the world's second-largest rodent, a shy and social semi-aquatic specialist of the Neotropics. Perfectly adapted...
Mammals
Lesser Crested Tern
Thalasseus bengalensis
An elegant master of the coastline, the Lesser Crested Tern is instantly recognizable by its shock of black hair and ...
Birds
Lesser Elaenia
Elaenia chiriquensis
A small bird with a buzzy personality, the Lesser Elaenia is a master of the 'sally-strike' hunt. Recognized by its s...
Birds
Lesser Flamingo
Phoeniconaias minor
The Lesser Flamingo is the vibrant soul of the Rift Valley, forming the largest and most breathtaking avian spectacle...
Birds
Lesser Frigatebird
Fregata ariel
Often called the 'Man-o'-War' bird, the Lesser Frigatebird is the ultimate pirate of the tropical skies. With a massi...
Birds
Lesser Goldfinch
Spinus psaltria
The smallest goldfinch in North America, the Lesser Goldfinch is a bundle of yellow energy that lights up backyards f...
Birds
Lesser Grison
Galictis cuja
With its iconic white 'racing stripe' and inquisitive nature, the Lesser Grison is one of South America's most striki...
Mammals
Lesser Guitarfish
Acroteriobatus annulatus
Meet the 'Sandshark' that isn't a shark at all—the Lesser Guitarfish is a beautifully patterned ray that glides throu...
Fish
Lesser Kestrel
Falco naumanni
A social and striking falcon of the open plains, the Lesser Kestrel is famous for its acrobatic flight and preference...
Birds
Lesser Kiskadee
Philohydor lictor
A slender specialist of the shoreline, the Lesser Kiskadee is the elegant, water-loving relative of the Great Kiskade...
Birds
Lesser Kudu
Tragelaphus imberbis
A master of camouflage in the African scrub, the Lesser Kudu is famous for its stunning spiraled horns and intricate ...
Mammals
Lesser Marsh Grasshopper
Chorthippus albomarginatus
A slender and adaptable resident of Europe's meadows, the Lesser Marsh Grasshopper is a master of camouflage. Famous ...
Insects
Lesser Masked Weaver
Ploceus intermedius
The Lesser Masked Weaver is the savanna's most industrious architect, known for weaving complex hanging nests and lig...
Birds
Lesser Oriental Chevrotain
Tragulus kanchil
Discover the 'mouse-deer' of Southeast Asia, a tiny, ancient survivor that navigates the jungle floor with pencil-thi...
Mammals
Lesser Rhea
Rhea pennata
Often called Darwin's Rhea, this flightless speedster is the spirit of the Patagonian wilderness. With its speckled p...
Birds
Lesser Spot-nosed Monkey
Cercopithecus petaurista
Meet West Africa’s heart-nosed acrobat. The Lesser Spot-nosed Monkey is a social canopy-dweller famous for its striki...
Mammals
Lesser Spotted Eagle
Clanga pomarina
A majestic transcontinental traveler, the Lesser Spotted Eagle is as comfortable walking through a Polish meadow as i...
Birds
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Dryobates minor
The Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is a sparrow-sized master of the canopy, known for its rapid-fire drumming and striking...
Birds
Lesser Stag Beetle
Dorcus parallelipipedus
The Lesser Stag Beetle is a sturdy, matte-black 'lumberjack' of the backyard. Frequently found near old wood, these f...
Insects
Lesser Thick-legged Flower Beetle
Ischnomera cyanea
A shimmering jewel of the late spring garden, the Lesser Thick-legged Flower Beetle dazzles with its metallic blue-gr...
Insects
Lesser Vespillo Burying Beetle
Nicrophorus vespilloides
The forest's most colorful undertaker, the Lesser Vespillo Burying Beetle, is a master of recycling. Known for its de...
Insects
Lesser Violetear
Colibri cyanotus
A shimmering jewel of the high-altitude cloud forests, the Lesser Violetear is as famous for its aggressive personali...
Birds
Lesser Whitethroat
Curruca curruca
A master of the thicket, the Lesser Whitethroat is a subtle beauty known for its distinctive dark mask and mechanical...
Birds
Lesser Yellow Underwing
Noctua comes
A common yet stunning visitor to the night garden, the Lesser Yellow Underwing carries a secret splash of saffron hid...
Insects
Lesser Yellowlegs
Tringa flavipes
A long-distance traveler with stilt-like golden legs and a refined silhouette, the Lesser Yellowlegs brings a touch o...
Birds
Lesson's Motmot
Momotus lessonii
The 'pendulum of the forest,' Lesson's Motmot is famous for its stunning turquoise crown and a unique racket-tipped t...
Birds
Lesson's Seedeater
Sporophila bouvronides
A dapper little songbird of the South American grasslands, the Lesson's Seedeater is a master of the 'weed-patch' sta...
Birds
Letter-winged Kite
Elanus scriptus
Meet the ghost of the Australian outback, the world's only nocturnal kite. With its striking red eyes and iconic 'M' ...
Birds
Lettered Aracari
Pteroglossus inscriptus
Admired for the cryptic, ink-like markings on its bill, the Lettered Aracari is the smallest and most social of the A...
Birds
L'Hoest's Monkey
Allochrocebus lhoesti
The L'Hoest's monkey is a regal, white-bearded primate that rules the forest floors of the Albertine Rift. Known for ...
Mammals
Lichtenstein's Green Racer
Philodryas olfersii
The Lichtenstein's Green Racer is a vibrant, emerald-hued marvel of the South American landscape. Known for its light...
Reptiles
Light Dusky Rockfish
Sebastes variabilis
A social wanderer of the North Pacific kelp forests, the Light Dusky Rockfish is a master of the mid-water reefs. Wit...
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