Common name: Flamingo

Scientific name: Phoenicopterus

Class: Aves

Order: Phoenicopteriformes

Family: Phoenicopteridae

Nutrition: Crustaceans, molluscs.

Features: It has very long paws and neck. The beak has a characteristic shape: massive, elongated and curved downward. Flamingos prove to be social birds grouped in large flocks near aquatic areas, aesthetically reaching up to 1.5 m in height with characteristic pink or red depending on the different species. It lives in large flocks near aquatic areas.

Curiosity: Flamingos belong to one of the oldest family of birds, in fact the earliest fossils date back to 30 million years.

Common name: Crane

Scientific name: Grus grus

Class: Aves

Order: Gruiformes

Family: Gruidae

Nutrition:  Omnivorous, it eats both plants and animals.

Features: They are very characteristic birds with long paws and slender neck, whose dimensions goes from 90 cm to 150 cm in length. In flight the flock moves in a typical V-shaped formation. In Italy it gets over winter at large marshessurrounded by meadows and cultivated lands and located within large protected areas.

Curiosity: In the ancient cultures, it was a symbol of caution. In Japan and in China they are symbols of fortune.

Common name: Beech marten

Scientific name: Martes foina

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Mustelidae

Nutrition: Mice, rabbits, birds, bats, insects, fruits, wild berries.

Features: Similar to the marten, it can be distinguished by the white spot on the throat and on the chest. The fur is shaggy, short and thick, brownish in color. The ears are round and have a typical white border, while the muzzle is rather small.

Curiosity: It is an animal with nocturnal habits, it uses hollows, sheltered ravines in old ruins, barns, woodpiles, natural cavities in rocks as daytime refuges.

Common name: European polecat

Scientific name: Mustela putorius

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Mustelidae

Nutrition:  ratti, topi, conigli, uccelli e loro uova, rane, lucertole, serpenti.

Features: It has a slender shape and a thick tail. The snout is characterised by a white mask surrounding the eyes and mouth. It can live in very different habitats, from humid environments to forested mountain areas and agricultural areas. However, it prefers wooded terrain with rivers or streams in adjacent areas. It is a solitary animal, which strenuously defends its territory.

Curiosity: Like other Mustelids, the polecat has a pair of anal glands that emit a strong, unpleasant smell when the animal is excited or threatened.

Common name: Least weasel

Scientific name: Mustela nivalis

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Mustelidae

Nutrition:  Hares, rabbits, mice, small birds, frogs, insects and small snakes.

Features: It has a long, slender body, long neck and short legs. The fur is brown on the back and white with brown patches on the underside. It can survive in many habitats: forests, grasslands, steppes, semi-desert areas, swamps. It leads an active life both during the day and at night, preferring, however, the time of sunset.

Curiosity: It is said that the weasel could kill the basilisk, a legendary animal.