Introduction to a list of animals starting with A
Welcome to our list of animals starting with the letter A. This alphabetically arranged collection of creatures will take you on a journey through the fascinating world of wildlife, covering everything from the most common animals like the ant to the exotic and lesser-known species like the amethystine python.
We will explore animals from different taxonomic groups, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects, each with their unique characteristics and adaptations. From the Ant to the African elephant, there is much to discover and appreciate about the animal kingdom.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy our compilation of animals that start with A.
List of 35 animals that start with A
- Antelope
- Aardvark
- Alligator
- Alpaca
- Armadillo
- Anaconda
- Ant
- Ape
- Axolotl
- Amur leopard
- Arctic fox
- American bison
- Atlantic puffin
- Asp
- Albatross
- Australian Shepherd
- Angelfish
- African wild dog
- Arctic hare
- Afghan hound
- Australian cattle dog
- American black bear
- Amethystine python
- Asian elephant
- Atlantic bluefin tuna
- Aye-aye
- American crow
- African buffalo
- Arctic tern
- Asian giant hornet
- Asiatic black bear
- Amazon river dolphin
- Agouti
- African elephant
- American flamingo
1. Antelope
Taxonomy: Antelopes belong to the family Bovidae, which also includes goats, sheep, and cattle.
Short description: Antelopes are a group of herbivorous mammals that are native to various parts of Africa and Asia. They are known for their slender legs, long necks, and graceful movements. There are more than 90 species of antelope, and they range in size from the tiny royal antelope, which is just over a foot tall at the shoulder, to the giant eland, which can stand over 6 feet tall at the shoulder.
Fun fuct: Some antelope species are capable of running at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, which makes them some of the fastest land animals in the world.
2. Aardvark
Taxonomy: Aardvarks belong to the family Orycteropodidae, which is a small family of mammals that are native to Africa.
Short description: Aardvarks are a type of burrowing mammal that are found throughout Africa. They have long snouts that they use to sniff out food, such as ants and termites, which they then catch with their sticky tongues. Aardvarks are nocturnal and solitary animals that spend most of their time in underground burrows.
Fun fact: Aardvarks are known for their tough skin, which is almost impervious to bee stings, ant bites, and other insect attacks. In fact, aardvarks are often called “ant bears” because of their love of ant and termite colonies.
3. Alligator
Taxonomy: Alligators belong to the family Alligatoridae, which also includes caimans and other crocodilians.
Short description: Alligators are large, semi-aquatic reptiles that are found primarily in the southeastern United States. They have broad, flat snouts, powerful jaws, and sharp teeth. Alligators are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to two hours.
Fun fact: Alligators are known for their powerful tails, which they use to propel themselves through the water and to defend themselves against predators. Alligator tails are also used by humans to make leather goods, such as belts and wallets.
4. Alpaca
Taxonomy: Alpacas belong to the family Camelidae, which also includes llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas.
Short description: Alpacas are domesticated animals that are native to South America, primarily Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. They are raised primarily for their soft, warm fleece, which is prized for use in clothing and textiles. Alpacas are social animals that are often kept in herds.
Fun fact: Alpacas are known for their unusual humming sound, which they use to communicate with one another. They are also very agile and can jump over fences that are up to 6 feet high.
5. Armadillo
Taxonomy: Armadillos belong to the family Dasypodidae, which is a family of mammals native to the Americas.
Short description: Armadillos are a group of mammals that are known for their armored bodies, which are covered in bony plates. There are 21 species of armadillo, and they range in size from the tiny pink fairy armadillo, which is only about 4 inches long, to the giant armadillo, which can weigh up to 120 pounds.
Fun fact: Armadillos are able to roll themselves into a ball to protect themselves from predators. Some armadillos are also able to swim by inflating their stomachs with air and floating on the surface of the water.
6. Anaconda
Taxonomy: Anacondas belong to the family Boidae, which is a family of non-venomous snakes found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Short description: Anacondas are a group of large, non-venomous snakes that are found in the Amazon basin of South America. They are one of the largest snakes in the world, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 30 feet. Anacondas are known for their powerful muscles, which they use to constrict their prey before swallowing it whole.
Fun fact: Anacondas are able to hold their breath for up to 10 minutes while underwater, which helps them to hunt for prey. They are also capable of eating prey that is much larger than their own heads, thanks to their highly flexible jaws and expandable stomachs.
7. Ant
Taxonomy: Ants belong to the family Formicidae, which is a family of social insects that are found all over the world.
Short description: Ants are a group of social insects that live in colonies, ranging from a few dozen individuals to millions of individuals. They are known for their ability to work together to build intricate nests, gather food, and care for their young. Ants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the species.
Fun fact: Ants are incredibly strong for their size, and can carry objects that are up to 50 times their own body weight. Some species of ants are also able to farm other insects, such as aphids, and use the honeydew they produce as a source of food.
8. Ape
Taxonomy: Apes belong to the family Hominidae, which is a family of primates that includes humans, gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, and gibbons.
Short description: Apes are a group of primates that are known for their advanced cognitive abilities, dexterity, and lack of a tail. They are generally larger than monkeys, and include some of the closest living relatives of humans. Apes are found in Africa and Asia, and are divided into two groups: lesser apes (gibbons and siamangs) and great apes (orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans).
Fun fact: Apes are capable of using tools, communicating with one another, and even exhibiting emotions such as empathy and grief. Some species of apes are also able to walk upright for short distances, a trait known as bipedalism.
9. Axolotl
Taxonomy: Axolotls belong to the family Ambystomatidae, which is a family of salamanders that are found in Mexico.
Short description: Axolotls are a type of salamander that is known for its ability to regenerate lost body parts. They have external gills and are fully aquatic, living in lakes and canals in Mexico. Axolotls are popular as pets and in scientific research because of their unique regenerative abilities.
Fun fact: Axolotls can regrow lost limbs, organs, and even parts of their spinal cord. They are also able to heal without scarring, which is a trait that scientists are studying in order to develop new treatments for human injuries and diseases.
10. Amur leopard
Taxonomy: Amur leopards belong to the family Felidae, which is a family of cats that are found all over the world.
Short description: Amur leopards are a rare subspecies of leopard that are found in the Amur-Heilong region of eastern Russia and northeastern China. They are well adapted to life in the cold, snowy forests of their range, and are known for their striking coat pattern, which consists of large black spots on a pale gold background.
Fun fact: Amur leopards are one of the most endangered big cats in the world, with only around 100 individuals remaining in the wild. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species, including habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures.
11. Arctic fox
Taxonomy: Arctic foxes belong to the family Canidae, which is a family of mammals that includes dogs, wolves, coyotes, and jackals.
Short description: Arctic foxes are small foxes that are found in the Arctic region of the Northern Hemisphere. They have thick white fur that helps them to blend in with their snowy surroundings, and they are able to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth. Arctic foxes are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including lemmings, birds, eggs, and berries.
Fun fact: Arctic foxes have some of the warmest fur of any mammal, with an undercoat that can be up to 300% denser than that of a domestic dog. This adaptation allows them to survive in temperatures as low as -50 degrees Celsius (-58 degrees Fahrenheit).
12. American bison
Taxonomy: American bison, also known as the American buffalo, belong to the family Bovidae, which is a family of mammals that includes cows, goats, and sheep.
Short description: American bison are large, shaggy, hoofed mammals that are native to North America. They are the largest land mammal in North America and were once an important part of the continent’s ecology and indigenous cultures. Today, they are found primarily in protected areas and private herds.
Fun fact: American bison were once hunted to near extinction in the late 1800s, but conservation efforts helped to bring them back from the brink. Today, there are over 500,000 bison in North America, but only a small fraction of these are considered to be wild. Most are raised for meat or as part of breeding programs.
13. Atlantic puffin
Taxonomy: Atlantic puffins belong to the family Alcidae, which is a family of seabirds that includes auks, murres, and guillemots.
Short description: Atlantic puffins are small, stocky seabirds that are found in the North Atlantic. They are known for their colorful beaks, which are bright orange with a yellow stripe during the breeding season. Puffins are excellent swimmers and divers, and can dive to depths of up to 60 meters (200 feet) to catch fish.
Fun fact: Atlantic puffins are sometimes called the “clowns of the sea” because of their distinctive appearance and behavior. During the breeding season, males will often present their mates with a beakful of brightly colored flowers as a gift.
14. Asp
Taxonomy: Asp is another name for the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), which belongs to the family Elapidae, which is a family of venomous snakes that includes cobras, mambas, and sea snakes.
Short description: The Egyptian cobra is a venomous snake that is found in North Africa and the Middle East. It is a large, heavily built snake with a broad hood and distinctive coloring, typically yellow or brown with darker markings. Egyptian cobras are highly venomous and can deliver a fatal bite to humans and other animals.
Fun fact: The Egyptian cobra was worshipped in ancient Egypt as a symbol of royalty and divine power. It was also used in the practice of mummification, where it was believed to offer protection to the deceased in the afterlife.
15. Albatross
Taxonomy: Albatrosses belong to the family Diomedeidae, which is a family of seabirds that includes 22 species.
Short description: Albatrosses are large seabirds that are found in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific. They have long wingspans and are capable of flying long distances without flapping their wings. Albatrosses are known for their distinctive flight patterns, which involve soaring and gliding over the ocean’s surface.
Fun fact: Albatrosses are known to be some of the most efficient travelers in the animal kingdom. They can fly for hundreds or even thousands of miles without stopping, and can sleep while flying by shutting down one half of their brain at a time.
16. Australian Shepherd
Taxonomy: Australian Shepherds belong to the herding group of dogs and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and other organizations as a breed.
Short description: Australian Shepherds are medium-sized, highly energetic dogs that were originally bred for herding livestock in the western United States. They are known for their distinctive coat, which can be blue merle, red merle, black, or red, and for their intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. Australian Shepherds require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy.
Fun fact: Despite their name, Australian Shepherds were not actually developed in Australia. Instead, they were developed in the United States by ranchers who were breeding dogs for their herding abilities.
17. Angelfish
Taxonomy: Angelfish belongs to the family Cichlidae, which is a family of freshwater fish that includes around 1,650 species.
Short description: Angelfish are a popular freshwater aquarium fish, known for their striking appearance and graceful movements. They are generally triangular in shape, with long, flowing fins and vibrant colors. There are different types of Angelfish, but most commonly found ones in aquariums are the Pterophyllum scalare and Pterophyllum altum species.
Fun fact: Angelfish are known for their parental behavior and often exhibit monogamous relationships. They also form hierarchical social structures with dominant and subordinate individuals, and communicate with each other using a variety of behaviors and sounds.
18. African wild dog
Taxonomy: African wild dogs belong to the family Canidae, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals.
Short description: African wild dogs, also known as painted dogs or Cape hunting dogs, are a highly social and intelligent species of wild dog that are found in sub-Saharan Africa. They have distinctive coats that are covered in patches of black, brown, and white, and they have large, rounded ears. African wild dogs are skilled hunters, often working together in packs to take down prey.
Fun fact: African wild dogs have a unique social structure in which they exhibit high levels of cooperation and communication. They often vote democratically on important decisions such as when to go hunting or where to den. Additionally, their large rounded ears help them to dissipate heat and keep their body temperature regulated, as African wild dogs are adapted to hot environments.
19. Arctic hare
Taxonomy: Arctic hare belongs to the family Leporidae, which is a family of hares and rabbits.
Short description: Arctic hares are a species of hare that are found in the Arctic tundra regions of North America and Greenland. They have a thick white fur that helps them to blend in with their snowy environment, and they have large hind legs that allow them to run quickly and maneuver through the snow. Arctic hares are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, mosses, and other vegetation.
Fun fact: Arctic hares are adapted to living in some of the harshest environments on Earth. They have a special adaptation known as “thermal windows,” which are areas on their face with less fur and more blood vessels that allow them to release heat and regulate their body temperature in extreme cold conditions.
20. Afghan hound
Taxonomy: Afghan hounds belong to the family Canidae, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals.
Short description: Afghan hounds are a breed of dog that originated in Afghanistan. They are a tall and lean breed with long, flowing coats that come in a variety of colors, including black, cream, and red. Afghan hounds are known for their elegance and grace, and are often used in dog shows.
Fun fact: Afghan hounds have been bred for thousands of years in Afghanistan, and were originally used for hunting game such as antelope and wild boar. They were also used to guard livestock and homes, and were considered a symbol of status and wealth in Afghan culture.
21. Australian cattle dog
Taxonomy: Australian cattle dogs belong to the family Canidae, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes dogs, wolves, foxes, and jackals.
Short description: Australian cattle dogs, also known as blue heelers or Queensland heelers, are a breed of dog that were developed in Australia for herding cattle. They are a medium-sized breed with a muscular build and a short, dense coat that comes in blue or red speckled patterns. Australian cattle dogs are highly intelligent and energetic, and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to thrive.
Fun fact: Australian cattle dogs were developed in the 19th century by crossing various breeds, including dingo, collie, and dalmatian. They were specifically bred to be able to withstand the harsh Australian climate and terrain, and to be highly adaptable to the needs of cattle herding.
22. American black bear
Taxonomy: American black bears belong to the family Ursidae, which is a family of carnivorous mammals that includes bears.
Short description: American black bears are a species of bear that are native to North America. They are medium-sized bears, with males typically weighing between 130 to 500 pounds and females weighing between 90 to 300 pounds. They have black fur and a brown snout, and their diet includes berries, nuts, roots, and occasionally small mammals.
Fun fact: American black bears are excellent climbers and can climb trees with ease to escape predators or find food. They can also run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, making them surprisingly fast despite their large size.
23. Amethystine python
Taxonomy: Amethystine pythons belong to the family Pythonidae, which is a family of nonvenomous snakes that includes pythons.
Short description: Amethystine pythons, also known as scrub pythons, are a species of python that are native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. They are the largest species of snake found in Australia, with individuals known to exceed 20 feet in length. They have a distinctive pattern of dark blotches on a lighter background, which helps to camouflage them in their forested habitats.
Fun fact: Amethystine pythons are known for their strong jaws and muscular bodies, which allow them to easily overpower their prey. They are also excellent swimmers and have been known to hunt and eat prey in the water, such as fish and turtles.
24. Asian elephant
Taxonomy: Asian elephants belong to the family Elephantidae, which is a family of large, herbivorous mammals that includes elephants.
Short description: Asian elephants are a species of elephant that are native to Southeast Asia. They are the largest land animals in Asia, with males typically weighing between 5,000 to 11,000 pounds and females weighing between 3,000 to 6,000 pounds. They have grayish-brown skin with small patches of hair, and their diet consists of grasses, leaves, bark, and fruits.
Fun fact: Asian elephants have been used by humans for transportation, work, and warfare for thousands of years. They are also highly intelligent and social animals, with complex social relationships and a wide range of vocalizations to communicate with one another.
25. Atlantic bluefin tuna
Taxonomy: Atlantic bluefin tuna belong to the family Scombridae, which is a family of pelagic fishes that includes tunas and mackerels.
Short description: Atlantic bluefin tuna are a species of tuna that are native to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. They are highly prized for their meat, which is used in sushi and other high-end dishes. They can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh over 1,000 pounds. They have a sleek, torpedo-shaped body and metallic blue coloring on their back and upper sides.
Fun fact: Atlantic bluefin tuna are some of the fastest swimmers in the ocean, capable of swimming at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. They are also capable of regulating their body temperature, allowing them to inhabit a wide range of water temperatures and depths.
26. Aye-aye
Taxonomy: Aye-ayes belong to the family Daubentoniidae, which is a family of primates that includes only one species – the aye-aye.
Short description: Aye-ayes are a species of lemur that are native to Madagascar. They have a distinctive appearance, with large eyes, big ears, and long, thin fingers. They are primarily nocturnal and have a unique method of foraging for food – they tap on trees with their fingers to locate insects and then use their long middle finger to extract the insects from the bark.
Fun fact: Aye-ayes are considered to be bad luck in some parts of Madagascar, and are sometimes killed on sight. However, they are also revered in some areas as a symbol of good luck and protection. They are also one of the few primate species known to use tools – they have been observed using sticks to extract insects from crevices.
27. American crow
Taxonomy: American crows belong to the family Corvidae, which is a family of birds that includes ravens, jays, and magpies.
Short description: American crows are a species of black bird that are native to North America. They are intelligent, adaptable, and often considered a nuisance by humans due to their loud vocalizations and habit of scavenging in urban areas. They have a glossy black plumage, a heavy bill, and strong legs for perching and hopping on the ground.
Fun fact: American crows have a complex social structure and are known to form large flocks that work together to forage for food and protect their territory. They are also capable of using tools – they have been observed using sticks to extract insects from crevices, and even dropping nuts onto hard surfaces to crack them open.
28. African buffalo
Taxonomy: African buffalos belong to the family Bovidae, which is a family of cloven-hoofed mammals that includes cows, goats, sheep, and antelopes.
Short description: African buffalos are a species of large, robust bovid that are native to Africa. They have a shaggy black coat and large, curved horns that are used for defense against predators and for dominance battles with other buffalos. They are known for their herd behavior, often forming large groups of up to several hundred individuals.
Fun fact: African buffalos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, and are responsible for killing more hunters on the continent than any other animal. Despite this, they are also a favorite prey of lions, and have developed a number of strategies for evading and attacking their feline predators.
29. Arctic tern
Taxonomy: Arctic terns belong to the family Laridae, which is a family of seabirds that includes gulls, terns, and skimmers.
Short description: Arctic terns are a species of seabird that have one of the longest migrations of any animal, traveling from their Arctic breeding grounds to their Antarctic feeding grounds and back each year. They have a sleek, white body, a deeply forked tail, and a distinctive black cap. They are known for their graceful flight and their ability to hover and dive for prey.
Fun fact: Arctic terns have the longest migration of any bird, traveling up to 44,000 miles round-trip each year. They are able to navigate this journey by using a combination of celestial cues, magnetic fields, and visual landmarks.
30. Asian giant hornet
Taxonomy: Asian giant hornets belong to the family Vespidae, which is a family of wasps that includes paper wasps, yellowjackets, and hornets.
Short description: Asian giant hornets are a species of hornet that are native to East Asia, but have recently been found in North America as well. They have a distinctive orange and black body, and can grow up to 2 inches in length. They are known for their highly aggressive behavior, and their potent venom, which can cause serious health problems in humans.
Fun fact: Asian giant hornets are sometimes called “murder hornets” due to their aggressive behavior and powerful venom. While they are a significant threat to honeybee populations, they generally do not pose a significant risk to humans unless provoked.
31. Asiatic black bear
Taxonomy: Asiatic black bears belong to the family Ursidae, which is a family of bears that includes brown bears, polar bears, and pandas.
Short description: Asiatic black bears, also known as moon bears, are a medium-sized species of bear that are native to parts of Asia. They have a distinctive black coat with a distinctive white or yellow “V” shape on their chest. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including berries, fruits, insects, and small mammals.
Fun fact: Asiatic black bears are known for their climbing ability, and are able to climb trees to forage for food or to escape predators. They are also considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and poaching for their body parts.
32. Amazon river dolphin
Taxonomy: Amazon river dolphins belong to the family Iniidae, which is a family of river dolphins that includes the boto and other similar species.
Short description: Amazon river dolphins, also known as pink river dolphins, are a species of freshwater dolphin that are found in the Amazon River basin in South America. They have a distinctive pink coloration and a long, narrow snout. They are known for their intelligence and are able to navigate through murky waters using echolocation.
Fun fact: Amazon river dolphins are one of the few species of dolphins that are known to exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males being significantly larger than females. They are also considered to be sacred by some indigenous communities in South America.
33. Agouti
Taxonomy: Agoutis belong to the family Dasyproctidae, which is a family of rodents that includes the acouchi and other similar species.
Short description: Agoutis are a group of rodents that are found in Central and South America. They have a stocky build with short legs and a short tail. They have brownish fur and a distinctive white or yellowish stripe on their sides. They are herbivores and feed on a variety of plant materials, including fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Fun fact: Agoutis are important seed dispersers in their ecosystems, as they bury nuts and seeds in caches for later consumption, but often forget to retrieve them, which can lead to new plant growth. They are also sometimes kept as pets.
34. African elephant
Taxonomy: African elephants belong to the family Elephantidae, which is a family of large, herbivorous mammals that includes the Asian elephant and other similar species.
Short description: African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, with males standing up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall and weighing up to 6,000 kg (13,000 pounds). They have a grayish-brown skin, large ears, and a long, prehensile trunk that they use for a variety of tasks, including breathing, drinking, and grasping objects. They are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plant materials, including leaves, grasses, and fruits.
Fun fact: African elephants have a complex social structure and are known to exhibit empathy and altruistic behavior, such as helping other elephants in distress. They are also capable of using tools, such as using sticks to scratch themselves or swatting flies away.
35. American flamingo
Taxonomy: American flamingos belong to the family Phoenicopteridae, which is a family of large wading birds that includes only six species.
Short description: American flamingos are tall, pink-colored wading birds with long, thin legs and necks. They have a wingspan of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) and can stand up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall. Their feathers are pink due to the pigments in their diet of algae and crustaceans. They are found in warm and shallow coastal waters and salt pans in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
Fun fact: American flamingos are social birds that live in large flocks and are known for their synchronized feeding and breeding behaviors. They are also known for their “dance” which is a courtship display that involves head flagging and wing salutes.
Final thoughts
Animals that start with the letter A are diverse and fascinating, ranging from exotic creatures like the axolotl and aye-aye to more common animals like the ant and ape. These animals come from a variety of taxonomic groups, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects. Each animal has its unique characteristics, behaviors, and adaptations that make it well-suited to its environment.
Learning about animals that start with A can deepen our understanding and appreciation of the natural world and all the amazing creatures that inhabit it.
Explore further; Animals that start with J, Animals that start with L, Animals that start with E, Animals that start with C, Animals that start with D, Animals that start with N, Animals that start with V, Animals that start with E, Animals that start with S, Animals that start with U, Animals that start with X.
