Animals!
Discover the strongest, smartest, and fastest animals in the world by searching below, or scroll to see all animals listed from A-Z. We are the largest website of our kind for wild animal and pet lovers worldwide!
We believe that if people know more about the world’s creatures they will better care for them. That’s why we add new animals for you to discover – each and every day! Learn about any animal using the search box below or subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also be sure to check out our growing list of Animal Quizzes and Web Stories.
Discover Your Favorite Animal Today!
Latest from A-Z Animals
Do Fireflies (Lightning Bugs) Bite or Sting?
Fireflies are beautiful flying insects. Although most of us picture tiny flickering lights in the sky, not all fireflies glow or light up! Currently, there are over 2,000 recognized firefly… Read More
By Nixza Gonzalez 42 mins ago
Discover 9 Smells That Crickets Absolutely Hate
Crickets can be a nuisance when they invade your homes or gardens. Understanding their aversion to these scents can help you incorporate them into your surroundings, deterring crickets and keeping… Read More
By Heather Burdo 1 hour ago
Discover 5 of the Oldest Cities in New York
When most people hear "New York," the first image that leaps to mind is New York City. It's fair to say that it has grown truly into a global city… Read More
By Andrew Wood 2 hours ago
Discover the Clearest Lake in Tennessee
Tennessee has some of the most spectacular mountains, lakes, rivers, and ponds in the country. There are over 100,000 small lakes and ponds alone in the state! But which one… Read More
By Nixza Gonzalez 2 hours ago
Discover 5 Invasive Species in Alaska
In nature, small changes in the balance of an ecosystem can snowball into big issues. If one link in the chain is damaged, the integrity of the entire system is… Read More
By Jesse Elop 2 hours ago
Border Collie Colors: Rarest to Most Common
Border Collies are known as the smartest dogs in the world. They pick up new cues quickly, are excellent at herding, and are also incredibly active working dogs. They also… Read More
By Katelynn Sobus 2 hours ago
Discover the Most Dangerous Animals Lurking in Alabama’s Lakes and Marshes
Alabama is an interesting state. Most of the lakes in the state were created with a dam. Still, many animals call the lakes, marshes, and ponds home. Did you know… Read More
By Nixza Gonzalez 3 hours ago
Do Hawks Eat Snakes? (And Other Large Prey They Snatch)
Not all birds of prey compete for the same food source. For example, falcons and raptors primarily catch smaller animals like rats, rabbits, and squirrels. However, hawks and eagles prefer… Read More
By Chanel Coetzee 3 hours ago
Blue Fin Tuna Size Comparison: Just How Big Do They Get?
One of the largest fish in the ocean and the largest species of tuna, bluefin tuna are amazing ocean predators. They are sought after for dishes like sushi and sashimi.… Read More
By Katie Melynn Wood 5 hours ago
The 7 Main Types of Animals And Their Characteristics
There are many different types of animals in the world, but some of the largest categories include:
Mammals
The official mammal class is Mammalia. Animals that are considered mammals include warm-blooded vertebrates that have hair or fur and whose babies drink milk. Unlike other animal types like birds and insects, all mammal babies drink milk that comes from their mother’s bodies. This is one of the key ways to know if an animal is a mammal.
See the complete list of mammals.
Reptiles
Lizards, dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, and snakes – all belong to that ancient and stout class of animals known as the reptiles. This is a diverse group with more than 10,000 different species and a huge representation in the fossil record. Once the dominant land vertebrates on the planet, reptiles still occupy just about every single ecosystem outside of the extreme north and south.
See the complete list of reptiles.
Fish
Fish are aquatic vertebrates. They usually have gills, paired fins, a long body covered with scales, and tend to be cold-blooded. “Fish” is a term used to refer to lampreys, sharks, coelacanths and ray-finned fishes, but is not a taxonomic group, which is a clade or group containing a common ancestor and all its descendants.
See the complete list of fish.
Birds
Birds, members of the class Aves, include more than 10,400 living species. Their feathers distinguish them from all other classes of animal; no other animals on earth have them. If you see an animal with feathers, it’s undoubtedly a bird. Like mammals, birds are warm-blooded vertebrates with four-chambered hearts. However, they are more closely related to reptiles and are believed to have evolved from dinosaurs.
See the complete list of birds.
Amphibians
The official class of amphibians is Amphibia. To have the classification of an amphibian, an animal must be a vertebrate, require water to survive, be cold-blooded, and spend time both on land and in water. Though other animals only live on land or in the water, amphibians have the unique ability to thrive equally in both. Amphibians cover over 6,000 different species across the globe, but about 90% are frogs.
See the complete list of amphibians.
Invertebrates
The definition of an invertebrate is any animal that does not have a backbone or vertebral column. The most prolific and easily recognizable members of the invertebrate family are insects. It’s estimated that upwards of 30 million individual species of invertebrates may exist accounting for between 90-95 percent of all organisms on the planet.
See the complete list of invertebrates.
Insects
All insects are part of the taxonomical phylum Arthropoda, and they are collectively referred to as arthropods. It is common to see this name misspelled as “anthropod,” but this is not the correct term. They can be found in nearly every environment on the planet, and they currently account for over half of all known living organisms in the world. They have undergone many cycles of evolution depending on the resources available to them.
See the complete list of insects.
Explore Types of Wild Animals from Around the World
We track thousands of animals from every continent and corner on earth, and are adding more every day!
- African Animals – Africa is home to some of the most incredible and dangerous animals in the world.
- Asian Animals – Asia has the world’s longest coastline, and an amazing diversity of exotic animals, birds, and more.
- Central American Animals – Discover the the nearly 400 different animals we track in Central America today.
- Eurasian Animals – Eurasia has some of the rarest animals in the world, like Siberian Tigers and Snow Leopards.
- European Animals – We track over 500 different animals in Europe, including wolves and bears.
- North American Animals – North America has many beautiful national parks that house some of the rarest animals on earth.
- Marine (Ocean) Animals – The ocean is teaming with life, from the smallest shrimp to the largest animal ever – the Blue Whale!
- Oceanian Animals – Oceania has many islands, and the world’s highest concentration of marsupials.
- South American Animals – Home to the stealthy Jaguar, the friendly Capybara, and many more!
See Endangered and Extinct Animals Lists
A-Z Animals follow’s the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species definitions of threatened and endangered animals. Please consult the lists below to learn more about which animals need our help the most
- Extinct – Species that no longer exist on earth
- Extinct in the Wild – Species that are only known to survive in captive or cultivated environments
- Critically Endangered – Animals that face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
- Endangered – Animal species that face a high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable – Animal species that face a risk of extinction in the wild
- Near Threatened – Species that are facing population challenges and likely to become vulnerable to extinction soon
- Least Concern – Animals with strong populations that are not expected to face extinction risk in the near future
- Data Deficient – Species where we lack adequate information to assess the risk
- Not Evaluated – Animal species that have not been evaluated yet
Types of Animals By Letter: Explore A to Z Animal Lists
See lists of animals that start with every letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. We track all types of animals like lions and tigers, dogs and cats, even dinosaurs and spiders. Choose your favorite letter below to see all animals that start with it today.
Animals that Start with A
Example: The American Foxhound
Animals that Start with B
Example: The Belgian Malinois Mix
Animals that Start with C
Example: The Comfort Retriever
Animals that Start with D
Example: The Doedicurus
Animals that Start with E
Example: The Elephant
Animals that Start with F
Example: The Fire Ball Python
Animals that Start with G
Example: The Giant Schnoodle
Animals that Start with H
Example: The Humboldt Penguin
Animals that Start with I
Example: The Indian Cobra
Animals that Start with J
Example: The Jungle Carpet Python
Animals that Start with K
Example: The Kakapo
Animals that Start with L
Example: The Liger
Animals that Start with M
Example: The Megatherium
Animals that Start with N
Example: The Nile Perch
Animals that Start with O
Example: The Opaleye (Rudderfish)
Animals that Start with P
Example: The Plymouth Rock Chicken
Animals that Start with Q
Example: The Quetzal
Animals that Start with R
Example: The Rockfish
Animals that Start with S
Example: The Sika Deer
Animals that Start with T
Example: The Tiger
Animals that Start with U
Example: The Urial
Animals that Start with V
Example: The Vaquita
Animals that Start with W
Example: The Western Hognose Snake
Animals that Start with X
Example: The Xiphactinus
Animals that Start with Y
Example: The Yokohama Chicken
Animals that Start with Z
Example: The Zebra Pleco
Everything To Know About Pet Dogs, Cats Birds, and More
Some of the most popular types of animals on earth are pets. A pet is a domesticated animal that lives with a person or family, usually in a house. The most common pets include dogs, cats, fish, and birds, but there are also many amazing exotic pets like reptiles, lizards, and more! Horses, goats, and pigs can also be pets too.
Pet Dogs
Dogs are the most popular type of pet on earth with nearly 500 million worldwide. Thats almost one dog for every 15 people on earth! There are hundreds of different dog breeds. The Irish Wolfhound is the largest dog breed, and was bred to hunt wolves. Chihuahuas are the smallest, and were likely bred for companionship or to hunt small rodents. The most popular dog breeds are below.
Irish Setter
Has a beautiful coat that's flowing and feathered!
Boston Terrier
Friendly, lovable and very strong!
Golden Retriever
Trusting, kind and gentle!
Pet Cats
Cats are the second most popular pet on earth with nearly 400 million worldwide. Thats almost one pet cat for every 20 people on earth! You can read about the hundreds of different cat breeds, from the large to the small. The most popular cat breeds are below
Abyssinian
One of the oldest cat breeds in the world!
Australian Mist
The only cat breed to originate in Australia.
Ragdoll
One of the larger breeds of domestic cat!
Pet Product Reviews
Pets are important members of our families and should be cared for. The AZ Animals team reviews the latest research on pet health, consults veterinarian best practices, and works directly with vet health specialists to review the best products for your dog, cat, and other pets. We’re excited to share our expert pet product recommendations with you, including the best dog food, best cat food, and best tanks for your pet fish
More Animal News, Facts, Rankings, and More!
Discover the Ohio Town Most Likely to Experience an Earthquake
Earthquakes can devastate entire communities and ecosystems, and some unfortunate areas are more likely to experience them than others. Although Ohio doesn’t seem like it would be particularly earthquake-prone, a… Read More
By Hailey Pruett 5 hours ago
Red River of the South Wildlife, Size, Activities, and More
The Red River of the South, sometimes known as the Red River, is a significant waterway that runs through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana in the southern United States. Before… Read More
By Em Casalena 5 hours ago
Discover the 12 Most Popular Tall and Skinny Dog Breeds
Dogs are great friends. They are active, sweet, charming, and have their own unique personalities. Did you know there are over 200 dog breeds in the world? Technically, this number… Read More
By Nixza Gonzalez 5 hours ago
Year of the Tiger: Chinese Zodiac Meaning and Years
The powerful Tiger is one of the most driven and intelligent signs in the Chinese zodiac. According to Chinese mythology, people born in the Year of the Tiger are fierce… Read More
By Jennifer Haase 6 hours ago
Rose Troubleshooting: Common Pests And Problems
Roses are so much fun to grow. Whether you have a potted indoor rose or a vast outdoor rose garden, chances are you love the look of the classic rose.… Read More
By Em Casalena 6 hours ago
Discover the 7 Water Snakes Lurking in Michigan Waters
Snakes are some of the most common animals in the US, with approximately 100 species living across the country. There are 18 species in Michigan and these can be found… Read More
By Hannah Ward 6 hours ago
Meet the World’s Smallest Wild Dog Family
Somewhere in the five and a half million square miles of sand that is the Sahara Desert, there are some small paw prints! They belong to the world’s smallest wild… Read More
By Sharon Parry 6 hours ago
Discover the Official Florida State Freshwater Mammal
There aren’t many states that have an official state freshwater mammal, but the state of Florida sure does! In this article, we’ll take a look at the legendary and graceful… Read More
By Em Casalena 7 hours ago
The Most Snake-Infested Lakes in North Carolina
In North Carolina, there aren't any lakes that are infamous for being "snake-infested" per se. However, several types of snakes are frequently found in and around water basins across the… Read More
By Em Casalena 8 hours ago
111 Angel Number: Discover the Powerful Meanings and Symbolism
Humans see patterns and numbers everywhere but sometimes number sequences keep appearing and you might wonder why. Seeing repetitional numbers could be a sign from the universe to help guide… Read More
By Rebecca Mathews 8 hours ago
80 Beautiful Flowers That Start With M
Many flowers' names start with M. They are beautiful, and you will find them in different settings. Many of these flowers are common, like marigolds and magnolias. These flowers have… Read More
By Mitchelle Morgan 8 hours ago
Discover the Official State Fish of Utah (And Where You Might Spot It This Summer)
Utah is known for its great expanses of natural areas. Some people flock to the state to enjoy its ski resorts and others go to explore its national parks. Still,… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 8 hours ago
Discover the Official Vermont State Insect
Many states have a state animal, or even a specific state butterfly or state fish. But did you know that many states also have a state insect? States from Arizona… Read More
By Em Casalena 9 hours ago
See Trap Door Spiders Rise Out of the Ground To Feast on Prey
These are clever spiders! They have evolved to use a cunning technique to capture prey - the trap door spiders literally make a trap door! They use whatever substrate they… Read More
By Sharon Parry 9 hours ago
Discover Why Colorado Is Called the Centennial State
Colorado is renowned for many things including its mountains, ski resorts, and abundant wildlife. Yet, none of those things contributed to the state’s nickname. Instead, Colorado earned its nickname in… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 9 hours ago
The 8 Best Fishing Lakes in Massachusetts (And the Types of Fish to Expect!)
Fishing is almost synonymous with Massachusetts, and the coastal state has a long history of people earning a living on the water. Fishing is also a popular pastime in the… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 9 hours ago
Snakes in Lake Hartwell: Is it Safe to Swim?
Lake Hartwell is a reservoir that stretches into both South Carolina and Georgia. The lake has a surface area of about 56,000 acres with over 900 miles of shoreline. Although… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 9 hours ago
Discover the Largest Dam in Utah
Dams are some of the most important structures for any civilization. By halting the flow of water from a river, dams can form reservoirs to provide hydropower, drinking water, and… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 9 hours ago
Florida vs. Michigan: Which Has More Bald Eagles Roaming Its Skies?
Bald eagles are carnivorous birds that live throughout large areas of North America. The bald eagle has been the national bird of the United States since 1782, serving as a… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 9 hours ago
Discover 10 Animals Prowl Near Charles Mound – Illinois’s Highest Point
The Midwest is not known for having mountainous high points. Yet, every state, Illinois included, has one part of its land that’s higher than the rest, even if it’s not… Read More
By Kyle Glatz 9 hours ago
See all of A-Z Animals News and Information.
Animal Reference Guides And Educational Resources
We believe if people are more educated about the world’s animals, they will better car for them. That’s why we are building the world’s greatest animal encyclopedia, completely free to you. Please take a moment to learn more about animals today using these helpful guides and resources:
- Reference Library – See helpful information on conservation, classification, animal evolution, and more
- Glossary – A list of scientific and technical animal terms, with definitions
- Animal Habitats – Learn all about different animal habitats
- Diet – The different animal diets like omnivores, herbivores, and carnivores defined with examples
- Behavior – Learn all about animal intelligence, communication, community, language, migration, and more.
Animal Encyclopedia With Facts, Pictures, Definitions, and More! FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the 6 types of animals?
The 6 types of animals are mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and invertebrates. Additionally, animals are classified in many different ways, which you may learn about in this complete guide to animal classification.
What are the 10 most popular animals?
The 10 most popular animals on AZ Animals are:
How many animals are there?
There are over 1 million known animal species and more than 98% of those are insects, which are indeed animals.
