The topic of this blog post is animals that start with the letter “J”. It will provide a list of animals that start with J, as well as brief descriptions of each animal’s physical characteristics, habitat, diet, and interesting facts. The purpose of this article is to introduce readers to some of the fascinating and diverse creatures that exist in the animal kingdom, and to encourage them to continue learning about these amazing animals.
Learning about these creatures can inspire a sense of wonder and awe, and can help us connect with the natural world in a deeper way.
List of 25 animals that start with J
- Jaguar
- Jellyfish
- Jackal
- Jerboa
- Javelina
- Jabiru
- Jacana
- Jackdaw
- Jaguarundi
- Jardine’s Parrot
- Jay
- Jumping Spider
- Jungle Cat
- Japanese Quail
- Jacobin Pigeon
- Jentink’s Duiker
- Japanese Beetle
- John Dory
- Johnstone’s Whistling Frog
- Jubilee Butterflyfish
- Javanese Frogmouth
- Javan Rhinoceros
- Jerusalem Cricket
- Johnson’s Seahorse
- Javanese Lutung
1. Jaguar
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus: Panthera
- Species: Panthera onca
Short Description: Jaguars are the largest feline species in the Americas, with a muscular build, tan or orange coat covered in black spots or rosettes, and a broad head and powerful jaws. They are solitary animals and are known for their strength, agility, and ability to climb trees.
Fun Fact: Jaguars are excellent swimmers and are known to hunt fish, turtles, and caimans in the water. They are also apex predators, meaning they are at the top of the food chain in their habitat, and play a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of their ecosystems.
2. Jellyfish
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Cnidaria
- Class: Scyphozoa
Short Description: Jellyfish are gelatinous, umbrella-shaped marine animals that are characterized by their long, trailing tentacles. They have no bones, brains, or hearts, and move by contracting their umbrella-shaped bodies to propel themselves through the water. There are over 2,000 species of jellyfish, ranging in size from a few millimeters to over two meters in diameter.
Fun Fact: Jellyfish are among the oldest multi-organ animal species on Earth, with fossils dating back over 500 million years. Some species of jellyfish are bioluminescent, meaning they can produce light through a chemical reaction in their bodies. They are also an important food source for many marine animals, including sea turtles and some species of fish.
3. Jackal
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Canidae
- Genus: Canis
Short Description: Jackals are medium-sized members of the canine family, characterized by their pointed ears, bushy tails, and yellowish-brown fur. They are found in Africa and parts of Asia, and live in a variety of habitats including savannas, deserts, and forests. There are three species of jackals: the black-backed jackal, the side-striped jackal, and the golden jackal.
Fun Fact: Jackals are known for their highly social behavior, and are often found living in groups called packs. They are also opportunistic hunters and scavengers, feeding on a wide variety of prey including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. In some cultures, jackals are associated with death and the underworld, and are featured in myths and legends.
4. Jerboa
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Rodentia
- Family: Dipodidae
Short Description: Jerboas are small, nocturnal rodents that are known for their long hind legs and distinctive hopping gait. They are found in the deserts and grasslands of Asia and Africa, and are adapted to living in arid environments. Jerboas have large ears that help them detect predators and locate prey, and can jump up to six feet in a single bound.
Fun Fact: Jerboas are often compared to kangaroos because of their hopping behavior, but they are not closely related to kangaroos or other marsupials. They are also able to survive without drinking water for long periods of time, getting moisture from the food they eat. Some species of jerboas are popular as pets, but they can be difficult to care for due to their specialized needs.
5. Javelina
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Tayassuidae
- Genus: Pecari
Short Description: Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, are medium-sized pig-like mammals found in parts of North, Central, and South America. They are known for their sharp tusks and distinctive scent, which they use for communication and to mark their territory. Javelinas are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plants and small animals.
Fun Fact: Javelinas are social animals and live in groups called “sounders.” They communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, and also use scent marking to establish dominance and communicate with other groups. Javelinas have a symbiotic relationship with certain birds, such as the thrasher, which follow them and feed on the insects that they disturb while foraging.
6. Jabiru
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Ciconiiformes
- Family: Jabiru
Short Description: Jabirus are large wading birds found in parts of Central and South America. They are known for their distinctive black necks, white feathers, and long, sharp bills. Jabirus live in wetland habitats, such as swamps, marshes, and flooded grasslands, and feed on fish, insects, and small animals.
Fun Fact: Jabirus are the tallest flying birds in South America, and can stand up to 5 feet tall. They are also known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve dancing, bill-clapping, and vocalizations. Jabirus are considered sacred by some indigenous cultures, and are featured in art and mythology.
7. Jacana
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Jacanidae
Short Description: Jacanas are a group of wading birds found in tropical regions of South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. They are known for their distinctive long toes and nails, which enable them to walk on floating vegetation and lily pads without sinking. Jacanas have colorful plumage and feed on small insects, crustaceans, and aquatic plants.
Fun Fact: Jacanas are one of the few bird species where the females are larger and more colorful than the males. The males take care of the eggs and chicks, while the females mate with multiple males and compete with each other for access to resources. Jacanas have also been known to “taste” the water with their beaks to detect the presence of prey.
8. Jackdaw
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Corvidae
- Genus: Corvus
- Species: C. monedula
Short Description: Jackdaws are small, black-plumed birds that are part of the crow family. They are found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa and have distinctive grey napes and pale eyes. Jackdaws are social birds and can be seen in large flocks, especially during the winter months. They feed on a variety of insects, fruits, and grains.
Fun Fact: Jackdaws are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They have been observed using tools, such as twigs and sticks, to extract food from hard-to-reach places. Jackdaws also have a unique call, which sounds like “jack-jack,” and have been known to imitate the calls of other birds.
9. Jaguarundi
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus: Herpailurus
- Species: H. yagouaroundi
Short Description: Jaguarundis are a small wild cat species that are found in Central and South America. They have slender bodies, short legs, and a long tail. Jaguarundis have a unique coloration, which can range from dark brown to reddish-brown, and a uniform coat without spots or stripes. They feed on a variety of small animals, including rodents, birds, and reptiles.
Fun Fact: Jaguarundis are known for their ability to climb trees and swim, which is unusual for most wild cat species. They are also sometimes referred to as “otter cats” due to their otter-like appearance and aquatic abilities. Jaguarundis are primarily solitary animals and have a vocalization that sounds like a bird chirping.
10. Jardine’s Parrot
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Genus: Poicephalus
- Species: P. gulielmi
Short Description: Jardine’s parrots, also known as the Red-fronted parrots, are a medium-sized species of parrot native to Africa. They have bright green feathers with a distinctive red patch on their forehead, yellowish eyes, and a short tail. Jardine’s parrots are social birds and can be found in small flocks in savannas and woodlands. They feed on a variety of seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Fun Fact: Jardine’s parrots are known for their playful and curious personalities and can be trained to perform various tricks. They are also popular as pets due to their beautiful appearance and sociable nature. However, they require a lot of attention and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
11. Jay
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Corvidae
- Genus: Cyanocitta
Short Description: Jays are a medium-sized species of bird that are found in North and Central America. They have striking blue and black feathers on their heads, wings, and tails, and a white belly. Jays are known for their noisy calls and can be found in woodland and urban areas. They feed on a variety of foods including nuts, seeds, insects, and small animals.
Fun Fact: Jays are known for their intelligence and are able to mimic human speech, along with other sounds such as sirens and barking dogs. They are also known for their habit of hiding food for later use, and have been observed caching food in up to 2,000 different locations over the course of a year.
12. Jumping Spider
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Family: Salticidae
Short Description: Jumping spiders are a group of spiders known for their jumping ability and impressive eyesight. They are found worldwide and can be identified by their large, forward-facing eyes and compact, agile bodies. Jumping spiders are typically small in size and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They are active predators and feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Fun Fact: Jumping spiders are known for their unique courtship behavior, in which males perform elaborate dances and visual displays to attract mates. They are also capable of adjusting their vision to focus on objects at different distances, and have been observed using their excellent eyesight to hunt prey and navigate their environment.
13. Jungle Cat
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Carnivora
- Family: Felidae
- Genus: Felis
- Species: Felis chaus
Short Description: The Jungle Cat is a medium-sized wild cat species that is found in the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia. They have a sandy or greyish-brown coat with darker spots or stripes, and are adapted for life in wetland habitats. Jungle cats are active during both day and night, and primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Fun Fact: Jungle cats have been known to engage in play, and have been observed carrying objects such as sticks and feathers in their mouths. They are also able to swim and hunt in water, and have been observed catching fish and crustaceans. Additionally, they are known to make a wide range of vocalizations, including growls, hisses, and meows.
14. Japanese Quail
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Galliformes
- Family: Phasianidae
- Genus: Coturnix
- Species: Coturnix japonica
Short Description: The Japanese Quail is a small ground-dwelling bird species that is native to East Asia. They have a brown and white speckled plumage and a distinctive white throat. Japanese quails are commonly raised for meat and egg production, and are known for their fast growth rate and high egg production.
Fun Fact: Japanese quails are able to produce eggs year-round, and have been used in scientific research as a model organism for reproductive biology. They are also capable of producing different vocalizations for different situations, such as a contact call to locate other members of their group, and a distress call in response to a potential predator.
15. Jacobin Pigeon
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Columba
- Species: Columba livia
Short Description: The Jacobin Pigeon is a breed of domestic pigeon that is known for its distinctive feathered hood on the back of its head. They have a compact and rounded body with a short beak and small feet. Jacobin Pigeons are primarily kept for exhibition and breeding purposes, and come in a variety of colors including black, blue, red, and white.
Fun Fact: The name “Jacobin” comes from the hooded robes worn by the Jacobin order of monks during the French Revolution, which the feathered hood of the pigeon is said to resemble. Jacobin pigeons are known for their elegant and graceful movements, and are often described as being “prancing” or “dancing” birds.
16. Jentink’s Duiker
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Artiodactyla
- Family: Bovidae
- Genus: Cephalophus
- Species: Cephalophus jentinki
Short Description: Jentink’s Duiker is a small to medium-sized antelope species that is found in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. They have a reddish-brown to black coat with white spots on their sides and a distinctive white stripe on their face. Jentink’s Duikers are known for their shy and elusive behavior, and are primarily active during the day.
Fun Fact: Jentink’s Duiker is named after the Dutch zoologist Fredericus Anna Jentink, who first described the species in 1892. They are also known as the “whistling duiker” due to their vocalizations, which include a distinctive whistling sound that is used to communicate with other members of their group.
17. Japanese Beetle
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Family: Scarabaeidae
- Genus: Popillia
- Species: Popillia japonica
Short Description: The Japanese beetle is a small beetle species that is native to Japan and was accidentally introduced to the United States in the early 1900s. They have a metallic green body with copper-colored wing covers and small white tufts of hair along their sides. Japanese beetles feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of various plants, and can cause significant damage to crops and ornamental plants.
Fun Fact: Japanese beetles are known for their distinctive flying pattern, which involves flying a short distance, landing, and then taking off again in a series of erratic hops. They are also attracted to light and can often be found clustered around streetlights and porch lights at night.
18. John Dory
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Zeiformes
- Family: Zeidae
- Genus: Zeus
- Species: Zeus faber
Short Description: The John Dory is a marine fish that is found in the waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. They have a distinctive appearance, with a flat, disc-shaped body and a large, dark spot on their side that is said to resemble the thumbprint of St. Peter. John Dory have a long dorsal fin that runs along their back and is lined with sharp spines. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small fish and crustaceans.
Fun Fact: John Dory are known for their unusual hunting behavior, which involves stalking their prey from behind and then rapidly opening their large, extendable mouth to engulf their prey whole. They are also a popular target for recreational and commercial fishermen, as they are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.
19. Johnstone’s Whistling Frog
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Amphibia
- Order: Anura
- Family: Myobatrachidae
- Genus: Austrochaperina
- Species: Austrochaperina johnstonei
Short Description: Johnstone’s Whistling Frog is a small species of frog that is found in the rainforests of northeastern Australia. They have a distinctive appearance, with a narrow, pointed head, a broad, triangular body, and a rounded snout. Their coloration varies from dark brown to reddish-brown, with irregular markings that can be either light or dark. Johnstone’s Whistling Frog gets its name from the high-pitched, whistle-like call that it makes.
Fun Fact: Johnstone’s Whistling Frog is one of only a few frog species that do not lay their eggs in water. Instead, they lay their eggs on land, in moist, shady areas near streams or other water sources. After hatching, the tadpoles develop inside their eggs and emerge as fully formed frogs, skipping the tadpole stage altogether.
20. Jubilee Butterflyfish
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Chaetodontidae
- Genus: Chaetodon
- Species: Chaetodon jubatus
Short Description: The Jubilee Butterflyfish is a species of marine fish that is found in the waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They have a disc-shaped body with a rounded snout and a small mouth. Their coloration is striking, with a bright yellow body, black stripes, and a black spot behind the eye. The Jubilee Butterflyfish is a relatively small fish, growing to a maximum length of around 15 cm.
Fun Fact: The Jubilee Butterflyfish is also known as the “Yellow Butterflyfish” or the “Golden Butterflyfish”. They are a popular aquarium fish, known for their striking coloration and peaceful demeanor. In the wild, they feed primarily on plankton and small invertebrates.
21. Javanese Frogmouth
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Caprimulgiformes
- Family: Podargidae
- Genus: Batrachostomus
- Species: Batrachostomus javensis
Short Description: The Javanese Frogmouth is a species of bird found in Indonesia, particularly on the island of Java. They have a distinctive appearance, with a large head, a broad, flattened bill, and large eyes. Their coloration is primarily gray-brown, with mottled markings that help them blend in with their surroundings. The Javanese Frogmouth is a nocturnal bird that feeds on insects and other small prey.
Fun Fact: The Javanese Frogmouth is known for its unique vocalizations, which include a variety of calls, hoots, and trills. They are also known for their unusual breeding habits. Unlike most birds, which build nests in trees or on the ground, Javanese Frogmouths lay their eggs on a bare branch, without any nesting material to support them. The male and female take turns incubating the eggs by pressing them between their bodies.
22. Javan Rhinoceros
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Perissodactyla
- Family: Rhinocerotidae
- Genus: Rhinoceros
- Species: Rhinoceros sondaicus
Short Description: The Javan Rhinoceros is one of the rarest and most endangered large mammals in the world, with only a few dozen individuals remaining in the wild. They are native to the dense tropical rainforests of Indonesia and Vietnam. They are a medium-sized rhinoceros, with a short, stocky body, and a single horn on their nose. They have a grayish-brown skin, which is often covered in mud to help regulate their body temperature and protect them from insects.
Fun Fact: The Javan Rhinoceros is one of the most ancient species of rhinoceros, dating back at least 3 million years. They are also known for their shy and elusive behavior, which has made them difficult to study and protect. Despite their size, they are excellent swimmers and are often found near rivers and streams.
23. Jerusalem Cricket
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Family: Stenopelmatidae
- Genus: Stenopelmatus
- Species: Stenopelmatus fuscus
Short Description: The Jerusalem Cricket is a large, flightless insect that is native to the western United States and parts of Mexico. They have a distinctively round, bulbous head, which is sometimes referred to as a “potato bug” or “child of the earth”. They are often brown or reddish-brown in color and have strong, spiny legs that allow them to burrow into the ground.
Fun Fact: Jerusalem crickets are nocturnal and feed on a variety of insects, as well as plant roots and tubers. They are also known for their unique ability to produce a loud, buzzing sound by rubbing their hind legs together. This sound is often mistaken for the sound of a rattlesnake.
24. Johnson’s Seahorse
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Syngnathiformes
- Family: Syngnathidae
- Genus: Hippocampus
- Species: Hippocampus johnsoni
Short Description: Johnson’s Seahorse is a small species of seahorse that is found in the waters around Australia. They are named after the Australian ichthyologist, J. W. Johnson. They have a distinctive horse-like head and a long, slender body, which is covered in bony plates. They range in color from brown to green and can change their color to match their surroundings.
Fun Fact: One of the most interesting things about Johnson’s Seahorses is that it is the males that carry and give birth to the young. The female deposits her eggs into a pouch on the male’s abdomen, where they are fertilized and then carried until they are ready to hatch. The male will then give birth to fully formed miniature seahorses.
25. Javanese Lutung
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Family: Cercopithecidae
- Genus: Trachypithecus
- Species: Trachypithecus auratus
Short Description: The Javanese Lutung is a species of Old World monkey found on the island of Java, Indonesia. They have long, black fur and a distinctive white band of hair around their face. They are arboreal and spend most of their time in trees.
Fun Fact: The Javanese Lutung is known for its complex social behavior. They live in large groups and communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations and body language.
Final thoughts
I encourage you to continue learning about the animal kingdom and the many fascinating creatures that inhabit our planet. Whether you are interested in studying animals as a profession, or simply enjoy learning about them as a hobby, there is always more to discover and explore.
By continuing to learn about animals, you can deepen your understanding of the natural world and the complex relationships between different species. You may also develop a greater appreciation for the beauty and diversity of life on Earth, and gain a deeper sense of empathy and respect for the living beings with whom we share our planet.
There are many ways to continue learning about animals, from reading books and scientific papers, to watching documentaries and nature shows, to visiting zoos and wildlife parks. Whatever your preferred method of learning, I encourage you to stay curious and keep exploring the amazing world of animals.
Explore further; Animals that start with Q, Animals that start with L, 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 A.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.