Discover, Appreciate, & Understand the Animal World!
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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
The Birds From the 12 Days of Christmas and Their Significance
The 12 Days of Christmas song is a classic, and people often debate the meaning of the lyrics. In the song, the lyrics discuss gifts given by a true love,… Read More
By Sarah Barkley 32 mins ago
Do Grubs Die in the Winter?
As the summer has drawn to a close and winter is swiftly approaching, you may be tempted to believe that you can finally stop worrying about those pesky grub intruders.… Read More
By Priyanka Paul 35 mins ago
Indiana Is Home to 43 National Historic Landmarks… These 6 Are the Best Ones to Visit
The United States has a unique history from its inception. From the American Revolution to Manifest Destiny to the Civil Rights Movement, every era in American history has made waves… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 45 mins ago
15 Birds That Spend Their Winters in West Virginia
West Virginia has a diverse bird population, even in winter. While dozens of birds make their home in this eastern state year-round, others fly in from other areas to spend… Read More
By Niccoy Walker 51 mins ago
The Biggest Christmas Snowstorm to Ever Hit Maryland Was a Holiday Miracle
Winter in the United States is very diverse. Some places are sunny and amazing during the winter months. There are also places in the country that are gloomy, rainy, and… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 1 hour ago
Scary Barbie: How a Supermassive Black Hole is Shredding a Star
Scary Barbie is the nickname for 2012lwx, also known as ZTF20abrbeie, and it is a supermassive black hole that’s over 7 and a half billion light years away from our… Read More
By Kristen Holder 1 hour ago
57 Interesting and Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Michigan
Michigan, 'the Great Lakes State' is a state of striking contrasts. On the one side, you will find huge industrial cities, and on the other, you will find miles of… Read More
By Priyanka Paul 2 hours ago
Here’s What I Did To Help My Cat Lose Weight
My cat, a two-year-old orange tabby named Archie, was always flawless in my eyes. However, in his vet's eyes, there was one thing that needed an adjustment: His weight. There's… Read More
By Sam Hindman 3 hours ago
The 7 Cities in Georgia with the Most Expensive Gas Prices
While gas prices have dropped since 2022, they are slowly creeping back up. Georgia had a record-high price of $4.49 last year, compared to an average price this year of… Read More
By Niccoy Walker 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 Achrioptera Manga
Animals that Start with B
Example: The Bandicoot
Animals that Start with C
Example: The Crayfish
Animals that Start with D
Example: The Dungeness Crab
Animals that Start with E
Example: The Eagle
Animals that Start with F
Example: The False Water Cobra
Animals that Start with G
Example: The Golden Newfie
Animals that Start with H
Example: The Horned Lizard
Animals that Start with I
Example: The Ivy Bee
Animals that Start with J
Example: The Jagdterrier
Animals that Start with K
Example: The Komodo Dragon
Animals that Start with L
Example: The Leaf-Tailed Gecko
Animals that Start with M
Example: The Masked Palm Civet
Animals that Start with N
Example: The Nose-Horned Viper
Animals that Start with O
Example: The Olingo
Animals that Start with P
Example: The Porcupinefish
Animals that Start with Q
Example: The Queen Snake
Animals that Start with R
Example: The Red Tail Boa (common boa)
Animals that Start with S
Example: The Scarlet Macaw
Animals that Start with T
Example: The Tyrannosaurus Rex
Animals that Start with U
Example: The Uinta Ground Squirrel
Animals that Start with V
Example: The Virgin Islands Dwarf Gecko
Animals that Start with W
Example: The Wire Fox Terrier
Animals that Start with X
Example: The Xoloitzcuintli
Animals that Start with Y
Example: The Yorkiepoo
Animals that Start with Z
Example: The Zebra Tarantula
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!
Bengal Kittens: Pictures, Adoption Tips, and More!
Has the beautiful Bengal cat captured your heart? You're not alone! This playful yet elegant breed has gained a loyal audience in recent years due to its spitfire personality and… Read More
By Alanna Davis 4 hours ago
Corgis as Hunting Dogs: 9 Pros and Limitations to Know
Corgis are one of the most popular dog breeds. They are cute, loyal, and have outgoing personalities. According to history, the Celts introduced this ancient breed to Wales from Central… Read More
By Joanne Paiva 5 hours ago
Witness an Alien-Like Octopus Leave the Water to Travel Across Land
Octopus Changes the Name of the Game by Effortlessly Climbing Across Solid Ground! In the astonishing video at the top of the page, an alien-like octopus sets off across a… Read More
By Chris Madden 5 hours ago
Does It Snow in Seattle? Snowiest Places and Average Amounts
With a multitude of nicknames such as “Emerald City,” Jet City,” and “The Coffee Capital of the World,” Seattle is perhaps best known as “Rain City.” It gets its name… Read More
By William Mullane 5 hours ago
Discover the #13 Most Dangerous Places in Virginia
Planning a trip with the family or even a solo road excursion by yourself can be challenging and mysterious. It behooves us all to know the ins and outs of… Read More
By William Mullane 6 hours ago
8 Healthy Treats for Dogs During the Holidays
Key Points Dogs can safely eat a healthy assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, excluding the stems and seeds. Pet owners should provide their dogs with fruits with a high… Read More
By Jorelle Baker 6 hours ago
Kentucky Airports Ranked: The Ultimate List of Best-to-Worst Places to Fly
Kentucky is a gorgeous state, centrally located just south of the Midwest. There's a lot to do and see in Kentucky, from the hip cities to the peaks of the… Read More
By Em Thomas 7 hours ago
The Complete List of 30 Birds With Webbed Feet
There are approximately 11,000 species of birds in the world, and they live in a wide variety of habitats. However, a large number of them inhabit areas around water, and… Read More
By Hannah Ward 7 hours ago
Who Really Invented Christmas: Exploring The Early Roots of the HolidayÂ
Celebrated by diverse cultures all around the world, Christmas is both a sacred holiday and a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders. For hundreds and even thousands of years, individuals from… Read More
By Kellianne Matthews 9 hours ago
National Pit Bull Awareness Day 2024: Date, Origin, and Ways to Celebrate
National Pit Bull Awareness Month occurs every October, with National Pit Bull Awareness Day falling on the last Saturday of the month. The next National Pit Bull Awareness Day is… Read More
By Gerald Dlubala 9 hours ago
Male vs Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: 6 Key Differences
Cavalier King Charles spaniels are one of the most beautiful breeds of small dogs in existence. If you're considering taking one of these sweethearts home, you might be curious to… Read More
By Em Thomas 10 hours ago
9 Animals and Mythological Creatures Associated With the Moon
The moon has sometimes been associated with dark, evil, and scary presences. Also, in many cultures, there have been goddesses representing the moon and darkness with a correlation tied to… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 10 hours ago
200 Fancy Cat Names to Make Your Cat Sound Like Majestic Royalty
Fido or Spot are great cat names, but not for your distinguished feline. Your furry king or queen deserves a name befitting royalty. Here’s a list of 200 fancy cat… Read More
By Asia Mayfield 10 hours ago
St. Augustine Grass in the Winter: 7 Helpful Tips to Keep Your Lawn Thriving
If you live in Florida or one of the Gulf states, you likely have St. Augustine grass. This is one of the most popular types of grass in the region… Read More
By Kirstin Harrington 12 hours ago
Discover the Oldest Currency Still Being Used Today (Over 1,200 Years Old!)
In today’s world, especially in the immediate outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, people started using their bank cards or credit cards to pay for products. Before the pandemic, the switch… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 12 hours ago
These Are the 7 Most Valuable Crops Grown in America
The United States of America is home to one of the largest agricultural industries in the world. The country is home to many different agricultural regions, producing a diverse breadth… Read More
By Em Thomas 13 hours ago
Discover the 10 U.S. States That Grow the Most Cotton
The United States has a history when it comes to cotton. With the invention of the cotton gin in the late 1700s, the amount of cotton produced by the Southern… Read More
By Patrick MacFarland 13 hours ago
Discover How Fast Polar Bears Can Swim: Top Speeds and Interesting Facts!
Polar bears are not only the largest of the world's eight living bear species but also the most aquatic. Their scientific name, Ursus maritimus, translates to "sea bear," and they… Read More
By Deniz Martinez 14 hours ago
Watch Dolphins Skate By the Shore To Grab Their Food
Animals have the unique ability to provide for each other together as a group or family. We see this happening in many species such as elephant groups, lion prides, and… Read More
By Hannah Crawford 14 hours ago
Watch a Lone Bull Sneak Up Behind a Pride of Lions
Being taken off guard is never fun. Whether it is walking down a dark alley and someone appearing, getting out of the car and you’re met by a stranger, or… Read More
By Hannah Crawford 14 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.
