logo
Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

25 Striking Portraits Of Rare And Endangered Birds

by Damjan

Photographer Tim Flach Is best known for his stunning portraits, where he treats animals with the same care he would treat his human models. The famous photographer has captured both domesticated and wild animals, and he always managed to capture their essence, whether it was in their natural habitat or against a plain background.

His goal is to raise awareness about endangered bird species. So, meet Blue Tit, The Gouldian Finch, Northern Red Cardinal, and many other interesting and rare birds

Tim Flach adores animals; he owns three goldfish and two Burmese cats. He didn’t mention, though, how his cats and bird models are getting along.

1. The Himalayan Monal

"The Himalayan Monal is the national bird of Nepal."1. The Himalayan Monaltimflachphotography

2. Blue Tit

"Blue Tits are a common sight at bird tables in the U.K. Researchers found that the British put double the food in bird feeders than our European neighbours, which they believe is contributing to some bird species developing longer beaks."2. Blue Tittimflachphotography

Working with so many animal models requires not just creative but managerial skills as well. The photographer spends a lot of time on his photoshoots. "It really depends on the kind of project I'm doing," he say.

"If I'm doing a commission, and say, I'm most likely to be photographing a domestic animal like a cat or dog, then I probably work through a wrangler or handler because at that point, everything needs to be confirmed with the agency and the client.""But when I work on my own personal projects, it's often that I'm following a concept or an idea. And that animal then is to represent that," Flach explained. "Then the next question is, how do I access those animals?Well, then, of course, I have to take the situation, case by case. For example, if I want to access an endangered Saiga that can only be found in some national park near the Caspian Sea in Russia, then, of course, I have to get my friend in Moscow to organize something with the national park to get some kind of permission and visa."

3. Inca Tern

"This for me, is the Salvador Dali of the bird world. When it comes to the length of the Peruvian Inca tern’s moustache, longer is healthier. A longer moustache indicates a stronger immune system and therefore a more attractive proposition for courtship."3. Inca Terntimflachphotography

4. The Gouldian Finch

"The Gouldian finch from Australia for me is one of the most colourful of all finches. I was fortunate to have a model on the day that permitted me to come so close, sometimes times too close, as it decided to land on my head a number of times rather than to stay on his perch."

4. The Gouldian Finchtimflachphotography

The next thing is having someone around who is familiar with these animals' behavior. On this particular project, Flach has help from a man who's like a producer and is an expert on birds, and even keeps birds at home.

Then Flach has to develop a different approach to every case. Some birds can't be put into an aviary in the studio, and sometimes he needs to get special permissions from the zoo, and so on.

"I have to present a kind of case for why I want to get that access to them. For example, at the moment, I'm trying to get access to a very rare fossil.That fossil is unique, and I have to have a conference call with various people at the museum to convince them that it's worth me having access to such an extraordinarily rare and important fossil."

5. Silver Laced Polish Chicken

5. Silver Laced Polish Chickentimflachphotography

6. Northern Red Cardinal

"Northern red cardinals are adept songsters, with individuals being able to produce more than a dozen song variations. This particular cardinal had a fair bit of attitude, as though he could have flown straight out of Angry Birds."6. Northern Red Cardinaltimflachphotography

7. Major Mitchell

"The beautiful crest on the heads of cockatoos is one of the things that sets them apart from other parrots. However, they share the longevity of many members of the parrot family, and have a very similar life span to humans."7. Major Mitchelltimflachphotography

8. The Philippine Eagle

"I spend days travelling through the Mountains on the Philippine islands looking for this eagle, and in the end I photographed it at a rescue sanctuary. The Philippine Eagle has one of the largest wing spans of any eagle, at 2 metres, and is only found on the Philippine islands, where it is the national bird. IUCN: Critically Endangered"8. The Philippine Eagletimflachphotography

9. Jacobin Pigeon

"The Jacobins are one of the oldest domestic pigeon breeds in the world, originating from India. Their arrival in Europe during the 16th Century is what sparked their evolution into the fashionable exhibition birds we see today."9. Jacobin Pigeontimflachphotography

10. Longtail Broadbill

"This long-tailed broadbill can be found from the Himalayas to South East Asia. He reminds me of a fighter pilot - but a lot of you seem to think he looks like Elvis - with his helmet-like black cap and sleek blue patch on their crown."10. Longtail Broadbilltimflachphotography

11. Black Jacobin Pigeon

"The Jacobin received its European name because it’s hood of feathers resembles the garments worn by the Jacobin order of monks. For others it resembles a lady in feathery clothing."11. Black Jacobin Pigeontimflachphotography

12. Victoria Crowned Pigeon

"The Victoria Crowned Pigeon is considered the largest of the living pigeon species, and can be found on mainland New Guinea. The only larger member of the pigeon family would have been the Dodo."12. Victoria Crowned Pigeontimflachphotography

So naturally, each of Tim's photoshoots is different.

"I think the one thing as a photographer is that though you can have your kind of formulas and approaches to certain problem solving. When it comes to the animals, each can have different situations whether that means diving with hammerhead sharks, or tracking down polar bears in the Arctic, or penguins as I did in the Antarctic last Christmas. That's slightly different than my models in the studio."

Flach mostly photographs untrained animals.

"With a bird book, I might have over 100 birds, and yes, the parrots and the ones for shows, of course, they're quite trained, but for the vast majority of my animals, I'm there, literally perched behind a hideout with an 800mm lens, waiting for something just to turn in my direction."

13. The Toco Toucan

"The Toco Toucan’s bill is the largest relative to body size of any bird and it can be used to regulate heat distribution similar to elephants ears. While sleeping, heat loss can be reduced by placing their bill under their wing."13. The Toco Toucantimflachphotography

14. Egyptian Vulture

14. Egyptian Vulturetimflachphotography

The process is quite different and easier in the studio. Flach has a special birdcage that makes him virtually invisible to the birds. It even has a turntable.

"Often, the birds are happily perched on this, and it whizzes in circles, so I can get the exact angle I want. The opportunities where I can have control and how much control can vary enormously."

The photographer says there is a feeling of amazement in the uncertainty of photographing animals because you never really know what will happen in front of the lens. And that's why the portraits he creates are unique; he isn't pushing anything.

Flach allows his subjects to communicate and gives the audience space to imagine everything else.

15. Red Splash Jacobin Pigeon

"The Jacobin’s probably the most regal pigeon, having been kept by the likes of Charles Darwin and Queen Victoria. It gets its name because of the hood of feathers enveloping it’s head."15. Red Splash Jacobin Pigeontimflachphotography

16. Andean Cock Of The Rock

"During breeding male Cock-of-the-rock take part in “confrontation displays” which is rather like a dance battle with other males which gets more and more frenzied as the female approaches."16. Andean Cock Of The Rocktimflachphotography

17. The Grey Crowned Crane

"The Grey Crowned Crane, from Southern and Eastern Africa, has a reputation for being rather short tempered and can potentially take ones eye out with a single peck. When he started pecking at my camera and seemed intent to start on me, I didn’t hang around!"17. The Grey Crowned Cranetimflachphotography

18. Shoebill

18. Shoebilltimflachphotography

19. The King Vulture

"The Mayans once believed that the King vulture was the messenger between gods and people. Contrary to the common association between vultures and deserts, the King vulture inhabits the dense forests found in South America up to Mexico!"19. The King Vulturetimflachphotography

20. Vultrurine Guineafowl Hen

"Vultrurine Guineafowl hens can lay up to 40 eggs per season - this might be one of the reasons that this bird is not a threatened species! They are found in the bushy half-deserts of Eastern Africa and spend most of their time running rather than flying."20. Vultrurine Guineafowl Hentimflachphotography

21. Crested Miniature Duck

"This domestic duck is a Crested Miniature. Comb-like structures around the edge of their beak allow them to strain through the mud for food such as insects."21. Crested Miniature Ducktimflachphotography

22. The Nicobar Pigeon

"The Nicobar Pigeon is the closest living relative to the Dodo. They are a threatened species hunted for food and their gizzard stones are extracted for jewellery. They are a nomadic species moving from places like the Nicobar islands in India to other coastal regions in Southeast Asia."22. The Nicobar Pigeontimflachphotography

23. Bearded Tit

"Bearded tits are the only British songbird to stay and breed in reed beds all year round. There are less than 600 breeding pairs of bearded tits found in Britain, most likely because they are limited by habitat, building their nests low down in the reeds. A group of bearded tits is called a ‘banditry’."23. Bearded Tittimflachphotography

24. This Silver-Laced Rooster

"This Silver-Laced rooster has come to symbolise, in Polish literature and art, a country gentleman from medieval Poland. I took this photograph at the Federation Championship Poultry Show last week."24. This Silver-Laced Roostertimflachphotography

25. Hooded Vulture

25. Hooded Vulturetimflachphotography

Share this article:

Facebook icon Pinterest icon Tumblr icon Link icon Twitter icon

Related Articles

15 Hilarious Photos From The 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards

15 Hilarious Photos From The 2024 Comedy Pet Photo Awards

Cat Owner Made The Ultimate Cat-Sitting Manual To Ensure Her Cats Get Royal Treatment

Cat Owner Made The Ultimate Cat-Sitting Manual To Ensure Her Cats Get Royal Treatment

Here Are 30 Of The Cutest Animal Memes To Feel Your Day With Warmth And Fuzziness

Here Are 30 Of The Cutest Animal Memes To Feel Your Day With Warmth And Fuzziness

Cat Collects So Many Neighbor's Shoes, Owner Creates Facebook Group To Return Them

Cat Collects So Many Neighbor's Shoes, Owner Creates Facebook Group To Return Them

Exceptionally Rare "Doomsday Fish" Discovered Off Southern California Coast

Exceptionally Rare "Doomsday Fish" Discovered Off Southern California Coast

Here’s A Look At The World’s Largest Spider That’s Moved Into Northern South America

Here’s A Look At The World’s Largest Spider That’s Moved Into Northern South America

This Beloved Penguin Was Famous For A Fascinating Reason—And The World Is Morning Its Death

This Beloved Penguin Was Famous For A Fascinating Reason—And The World Is Morning Its Death

Lily Allen Gave Up Her Adopted Dog For The Strangest Reason

Lily Allen Gave Up Her Adopted Dog For The Strangest Reason

Toronto Zoo Orangutan's Daring Escape Attempt From Outdoor Habitat Caught On Video By Surprised Guests

Toronto Zoo Orangutan's Daring Escape Attempt From Outdoor Habitat Caught On Video By Surprised Guests

A Look At The Terrifying Moment Orca Came Into View With Trainer In Its Mouth

A Look At The Terrifying Moment Orca Came Into View With Trainer In Its Mouth

Scientists Detect DNA Of Alive Prehistoric Fish In The Connecticut River, Kicking Off A Race To Locate It

Scientists Detect DNA Of Alive Prehistoric Fish In The Connecticut River, Kicking Off A Race To Locate It

Golden Eagle Attacks 20-Month-Old Girl And Three Others In Norway, Leaving Deep Wounds

Golden Eagle Attacks 20-Month-Old Girl And Three Others In Norway, Leaving Deep Wounds

Portland Airport Gains Popularity Online For Its Therapy Liamas

Portland Airport Gains Popularity Online For Its Therapy Liamas

Artist's Reimagined Disney-Style Pet Portraits Leave Their Owners In Awe

Artist's Reimagined Disney-Style Pet Portraits Leave Their Owners In Awe

Scientists Poured Cement Into Abandoned Ant Hill And Made Interesting Discovery

Scientists Poured Cement Into Abandoned Ant Hill And Made Interesting Discovery

Gen Z Revamps Animal Shelter’s Marketing, and the Internet Can't Get Enough

Gen Z Revamps Animal Shelter’s Marketing, and the Internet Can't Get Enough

22 Heartwarming Pictures Of Overly Cute Dogs That'll Leave You Grinning From Ear To Ear

22 Heartwarming Pictures Of Overly Cute Dogs That'll Leave You Grinning From Ear To Ear

From Mischief To Fame—Raccoon Becomes TikTok Sensation

From Mischief To Fame—Raccoon Becomes TikTok Sensation

Veterinarian Sparks Debate By Naming 5 Dog Breeds He’d Avoid

Veterinarian Sparks Debate By Naming 5 Dog Breeds He’d Avoid

Philip, "The Sad Cat," Is Longer Upset After Reuniting With His Long-Distance Human After Two Years

Philip, "The Sad Cat," Is Longer Upset After Reuniting With His Long-Distance Human After Two Years

Famous "Catographer" Shares Some Of The Meanest-Looking Cat Portraits, And They Are Adorably Terrifying

Famous "Catographer" Shares Some Of The Meanest-Looking Cat Portraits, And They Are Adorably Terrifying

Canadian Border Agents Stunned By Unexpected Find After Peeking Into Mysterious Box From China

Canadian Border Agents Stunned By Unexpected Find After Peeking Into Mysterious Box From China

Four Pandas Delight Zoo Visitors With An Adorable Tea Party Picnic

Four Pandas Delight Zoo Visitors With An Adorable Tea Party Picnic

50 Rescued Cats and Their Inspiring Makeovers

50 Rescued Cats and Their Inspiring Makeovers

Cat’s Apology Card Goes Viral After Vet Visit Gone Wrong

Cat’s Apology Card Goes Viral After Vet Visit Gone Wrong

Historic 900-Year-Old English Abbey Officially Employs Two Dogs As Their Assistant Vergers

Historic 900-Year-Old English Abbey Officially Employs Two Dogs As Their Assistant Vergers

Categories

Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

Business

About Us Advertise Contact Us

Legal

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy DMCA Removal
 Logo
About Us Privacy DMCA Removal Contact Us Terms Funny Animals Interesting Freaky Pop Culture

© 2025 - All Rights Reserved

 logo

Sign In to

facebook icon Sign in with facebook
facebook icon Sign in with google

Or sign in with email

Need an account? Sign Up

Forgot Password?

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

 logo

Sign Up to

Already have an account? Sign In

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service

Edit profile

User Photo