Species library
Field marks, habits, and camera tips for the wildlife that visits backyard habitats.
Uinta Chipmunk
Neotamias umbrinus
A high-altitude acrobat of the American West, the Uinta chipmunk thrives in the rugged pine forests of the Rocky Moun...
Mammals
Uinta Ground Squirrel
Urocitellus armatus
The spirited 'sentinel' of the West, the Uinta ground squirrel is a master of the short summer, known for its upright...
Mammals
Umatilla Dace
Rhinichthys umatilla
A master of the Pacific Northwest's rushing currents, the Umatilla Dace is a hardy survivor of the Columbia River bas...
Fish
Unicolored Jay
Aphelocoma unicolor
A hidden gem of the high-altitude cloud forests, the Unicolored Jay is draped in a solid coat of breathtaking indigo....
Birds
Upland Chorus Frog
Pseudacris feriarum
The Upland Chorus Frog is the invisible herald of spring, filling the cool night air with its iconic comb-like call. ...
Amphibians
Vagrant Darter
Sympetrum vulgatum
A vibrant master of the late-summer garden, the Vagrant Darter is easily identified by its unique 'moustache' and its...
Insects
Vagrant Shrew
Sorex vagrans
The Vagrant Shrew is a tiny, high-velocity hunter that lives life in the fast lane, consuming its own body weight in ...
Mammals
Vancouver Bumble Bee
Bombus vancouverensis
The Vancouver Bumble Bee is a vibrant, mountain-dwelling pollinator known for its striking orange bands and sophistic...
Insects
Vancouver Island Marmot
Marmota vancouverensis
The Vancouver Island Marmot is one of the world's rarest mammals, a charismatic 'whistle-pig' found only on the mount...
Mammals
Variable Dancer
Argia fumipennis
A flash of neon purple in the reeds, the Variable Dancer is one of nature's most vibrant aerial acrobats. Found danci...
Insects
Variable Oriole
Icterus pyrrhopterus
A sleek, jet-black gymnast of the canopy, the Variable Oriole is a master of acrobatics and a frequent star of South ...
BirdsVariable Sallow
Sericaglaea signata
A master of autumn camouflage, the Variable Sallow is one of the few moths you'll spot braving the chilly winter nigh...
Insects
Variable Seedeater
Sporophila corvina
With its thick bill and surprisingly complex song, the Variable Seedeater is a charismatic staple of tropical gardens...
Birds
Variable Skink
Trachylepis varia
A shimmering, agile resident of African gardens, the Variable Skink is a master of the 'sun-and-scuttle' lifestyle. W...
Reptiles
Variable Triplefin
Forsterygion varium
The Variable Triplefin is the bold sentry of the New Zealand reef, a small fish with a big personality that can chang...
Fish
Varied Carpetshark
Parascyllium variolatum
Adorned with a striking 'necklace' of spots, the Varied Carpetshark is a shy, nocturnal beauty of Australia's souther...
Fish
Varied Thrush
Ixoreus naevius
A masterpiece of the misty woods, the Varied Thrush combines the familiar shape of a robin with a striking, high-cont...
Birds
Variegated Flycatcher
Empidonomus varius
A master of the aerial ambush, the Variegated Flycatcher is a striking, streaked visitor that brings a touch of South...
Birds
Variegated Fritillary
Euptoieta claudia
A restless nomad of the Americas, the Variegated Fritillary dazzles with its checkered orange wings and incredible sp...
Insects
Variegated Meadowhawk
Sympetrum corruptum
A master of migration and a champion mosquito hunter, the Variegated Meadowhawk brings a splash of intricate color to...
Insects
Variegated Squirrel
Sciurus variegatoides
The ultimate master of variation, this stunning tree squirrel brings a splash of color and high-energy antics to the ...
Mammals
Vedalia Beetle
Novius cardinalis
The tiny red hero of the citrus grove, the Vedalia Beetle is a master hunter that saved California's orange industry....
Insects
Veery
Catharus fuscescens
The ghost of the forest floor, the Veery is a master of camouflage with a haunting, ethereal song. Discover this shy,...
Birds
Vegetable Leafminer
Liriomyza sativae
The Vegetable Leafminer is a tiny architect of the garden, creating shimmering, winding galleries inside the leaves o...
Insects
Velvet Scoter
Melanitta fusca
A hardy voyager of the northern seas, the Velvet Scoter is a striking diver known for its jet-black feathers and bril...
Birds
Verdin
Auriparus flaviceps
The Verdin is a tiny but tough desert specialist, recognizable by its bright yellow head and its impressive ability t...
Birds
Vermilion Flycatcher
Pyrocephalus rubinus
A flash of brilliant scarlet against the sky, the Vermilion Flycatcher is a living gem of the Americas. This small bu...
Birds
Vermilion Rockfish
Sebastes miniatus
A masterpiece of the deep Pacific, the Vermilion Rockfish is famous for its stunning red scales and long-lived nature...
Fish
Verreaux's Eagle
Aquila verreauxii
The Verreaux's Eagle is the dark shadow of Africa's high peaks, a specialized hunter famous for its striking white 'V...
Birds
Verreaux's Eagle-Owl
Ketupa lactea
Africa's largest owl is a majestic grey giant known for its booming voice and unique pink eyelids. A master of the sa...
Birds
Versicolored Emerald
Chrysuronia versicolor
A shimmering gem of South American gardens, the Versicolored Emerald brings a splash of iridescent green and acrobati...
Birds
Vervain Hummingbird
Mellisuga minima
The Vervain Hummingbird is a literal heavyweight of the Caribbean bird world in spirit, if not in size. As the second...
Birds
Vervet Monkey
Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Agile, vocal, and incredibly clever, the Vervet Monkey is one of Africa’s most charismatic primates. Whether they are...
Mammals
Vesper Sparrow
Pooecetes gramineus
Named for its enchanting evening song, the Vesper Sparrow is a master of the open fields. Look for its distinctive wh...
Birds
Viceroy
Limenitis archippus
Often mistaken for the Monarch, the Viceroy is a master of mimicry and a stunning addition to any wetland garden. Wit...
Insects
Vicuña
Lama vicugna
The graceful vicuña is the golden ghost of the Andes, prized for its ethereal wool and celebrated as the wild ancesto...
MammalsNot sure what you saw?
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