Discover, Appreciate, & Understand the Animal World!
Search or scroll below to dive into the wonders of the natural world.
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
Watch a Mother Giraffe Protect Her Baby From a Group of Hyenas Lurking Nearby
As most mothers are in the wild, they are very protective over their babies within the first year. Animals of all different species will go to great lengths to protect… Read More
By Hannah Crawford 10 mins ago
Why Did My Cat Poop on My Bed? Top Reasons and How to Prevent It
Why did my cat poop on my bed? It's an incredibly frustrating question for any cat owner to have to ask. No one wants to pull back the sheets at… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 48 mins ago
See These Peregrine Falcons Play Pass the Squirrel in Mid-Air
This is just a Mom playing catch with her kids. What makes it a bit different is that the family are peregrine falcons and the ball is a live squirrel!… Read More
By Sharon Parry 1 hour ago
8 Animals With Regenerating Teeth
For us humans, once our baby teeth fall out and our permanent teeth come in around six years of age we're stuck with that set for life. Damage, inconsistent hygiene… Read More
By Cammi Morgan 1 hour ago
The Largest Black Bear Ever Caught in Pennsylvania Was a Goliath
With rugged mountains and dense hardwood forests, the terrain in Pennsylvania provides a home for over 16,000 black bears. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, black bears are not considered endangered… Read More
By Joyce Nash 1 hour ago
The 7 Best Places and Times to See Bald Eagles in North Carolina
Bald eagles are located throughout North Carolina, soaring gracefully through the skies near large bodies of water. Their resurgence in the state followed a period of decades with no confirmed… Read More
By Joyce Nash 1 hour ago
This Is How Long Your Leopard Gecko Can Go without Eating, and When It’s Dangerous
Leopard geckos are adorable little lizards with a penchant for going long stretches without food. While this behavior may be alarming to new pet owners, it’s actually a natural aspect… Read More
By Kathryn Dueck 2 hours ago
Discover the 9 Volcanoes in New Zealand (All Are Still Active!)
New Zealand is a large island country that consists of two main islands and approximately 600 smaller ones. Much of New Zealand’s landscape was formed by volcanism, and there are… Read More
By Hannah Ward 2 hours ago
10 Reasons Your Dog Is Hiding or Sleeping Under Your Bed
Why is your dog sleeping or hiding under the bed? And should you be concerned? Sometimes dogs surprise us with the new behaviors they start to display, like sleeping or… Read More
By Crystal 3 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 Arizona Blonde Tarantula
Animals that Start with B
Example: The Braque Francais
Animals that Start with C
Example: The Canadian Horse
Animals that Start with D
Example: The Dalmadoodle
Animals that Start with E
Example: The Eastern Phoebe
Animals that Start with F
Example: The Flamingo
Animals that Start with G
Example: The Grapevine Beetle
Animals that Start with H
Example: The Horgi
Animals that Start with I
Example: The Irish WolfHound
Animals that Start with J
Example: The Jabiru
Animals that Start with K
Example: The Koolie
Animals that Start with L
Example: The Lurcher
Animals that Start with M
Example: The Mountain Cur
Animals that Start with N
Example: The Numbat
Animals that Start with O
Example: The Oyster Toadfish
Animals that Start with P
Example: The Psittacosaurus
Animals that Start with Q
Example: The Quail
Animals that Start with R
Example: The Red-handed Tamarin
Animals that Start with S
Example: The Seagull
Animals that Start with T
Example: The Tapanuli Orangutan
Animals that Start with U
Example: The Ural owl
Animals that Start with V
Example: The Volcano Snail
Animals that Start with W
Example: The White Bass
Animals that Start with X
Example: The Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)
Animals that Start with Y
Example: The Yakutian Laika
Animals that Start with Z
Example: The Zebra Mussels
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!
How Deep Is the South’s Iconic Chattahoochee River?
Have you ever wondered, “How deep is the Chattahoochee River?” Unfortunately, if you have, you still won’t get your answer. There doesn’t seem to be any information on the deepest… Read More
By Kaylee Keech 3 hours ago
Discover How Much Snow the South Pole Gets Every Year
The mere mention of the South Pole has most people shivering, and rightfully so! One of the remotest and most inaccessible places in the world, the South Pole is among… Read More
By Devika Khosla 4 hours ago
Watch This Baby Owl Limber Up for Its First Ever Flight Like a Pro Athlete
There’s nothing like some preflight stretches to get you off to a good start! In this adorable clip, we see a baby owl going through its preflight routine like a… Read More
By Sharon Parry 4 hours ago
See These Rescuers Release a Bird as Big as They Are Back Into the Wild
This clip captures the incredible moment when a magnificent condor is released back into the wild. It steps out of its crate and is at least as tall as the… Read More
By Sharon Parry 5 hours ago
These Are the 20 Most Common Backyard Winter Birds
Depending on your location in the United States, you may see more or fewer birds during the winter months. Many of our flying friends move to warmer locations when the… Read More
By Niccoy Walker 5 hours ago
Watch This Massive Sable Dare These Dogs To Attack
Not all prey is scared of the predators who hunt them. Some prey is much larger than the predators that chase them. And they know their best course of action… Read More
By Hannah Crawford 5 hours ago
Watch a Black Bear Suddenly Crash a Friends’ Picnic
Warning: Video contains strong language. Wild animals don’t always stay to themselves. Sometimes they are very curious about the ways of humans and will integrate themselves where we live. Let’s… Read More
By Hannah Crawford 5 hours ago
23 Mind-Blowing Facts About Missouri You Won’t Believe
For a lot of people, Missouri is one of those states that flies under the radar somewhat. Nestled in between regions with stronger personalities, sometimes it feels like the state… Read More
By Samuel Christopher 5 hours ago
See This Furious Woodpecker Drag a Trespassing Snake Out of Its Nest
This is exactly what this northern flicker did not want to see when it arrived back at its nest. The bird lands on a tree trunk right next to the… Read More
By Sharon Parry 6 hours ago
Zoysia Grass in the Winter: 5 Helpful Tips as Your Lawn Turns Dormant and Brown
Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass that goes dormant in the winter as the ground and air temperatures get cold. Dormancy is normal and doesn’t interfere with the grass's health or the… Read More
By Sarah Barkley 8 hours ago
The 4 Most Notable Snake Bite Incidents in North Carolina This Year
North Carolina has 37 snake species, and six of them are venomous. You're more likely to see snakes, and bite incidents increase when temperatures get warmer. Read about some of the most notable… Read More
By Sarah Barkley 8 hours ago
Moon in Gemini: Personality Traits, Compatibility, and Meaning
Have you recently grown interested in the world of astrology? Then you may have heard all the talk about Moon signs and their importance in the birth chart. In your… Read More
By Volia Schubiger 9 hours ago
What is the Global Plastic Pollution Treaty? Everything You Need to Know
The ever-growing global problem of plastic pollution is killing millions of animals each year. While plastic production revolutionized many industries, from medicine and space travel to clean drinking water and… Read More
By Niccoy Walker 9 hours ago
The 7 Poorest Capital Cities in the United States
Unfortunately, we live in a crushing capitalist society. We are forced to toil day in and out to prove ourselves worthy of basic necessities such as food, housing, and medicine.… Read More
By Zoe Carina 9 hours ago
Small Dog Syndrome: What It Is and How to Prevent It
"Small dog syndrome" is a term used to describe behavioral problems that often occur in smaller breeds. Due to their size, small dogs are often treated differently from larger dogs.… Read More
By Kristin Hitchcock 10 hours ago
How Did Dragonflies Get Their Name? Origin and Meaning
Though there are several stories regarding how and why the dragonfly got its name, the term dragonfly is from Old English. The name reflects the essence of these airborne beings,… Read More
By Kathryn Koehler 10 hours ago
The Largest Great White Sharks Ever Found Off New South Wales Waters
The oceans are the world's last great expanse of untamed wilderness. While they comprise 70 percent of our planet's surface, 80 percent of their watery depths remain unexplored. What lurks… Read More
By Tina Page 10 hours ago
Watch These Hungry Crocs Snatch a Swimming Zebra
Key Points: Crocodiles roll to kill and dismember their kills. Crocodiles are social animals that often hunt in groups. The scene begins dramatically. Two zebras rush through the river, seeming… Read More
By Trey Fox 11 hours ago
Moon in Virgo: Personality Traits, Compatibility, and Meaning
When it comes to understanding ourselves through astrology, there is no placement more mindblowing than our Moon sign. This is because our Moon sign is the most raw and honest… Read More
By Volia Schubiger 11 hours ago
Discover The 4 Largest Ice Skating Rinks In Georgia This Winter
Is there anything more magical than ice skating in the winter? Indoors or outside, the cool air, the sound of the skates, and just pure fun of skating seem irresistible.… Read More
By Beth Brown 11 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.
