Animals that Start with F

One of Australia’s most well-known birds. The fairy-wren is well known across Australia for its striking plumage, promiscuous mating behaviors, and clever foraging tricks. Most exhibit high degrees of sexual dimorphism, and males produce vivid colors during the breeding season, which they like to show off and gain popularity amongst females. Learn about these fascinating […] Read More

The falcon bird is faster than any other animal on earth, both on land and in the air! Known for their precision and speed, the falcon bird seeks out food like any bird of prey. Falcons, rather than being one species of bird, actually include 40 different species with specific traits that make each one […] Read More

A person who first sees the most common type of fallow deer may wonder why it never got rid of the white spots other deer have when they’re fawns then lose as they grow up. But a spotted, light brown coat with a black stripe that runs down the back to the tail is just […] Read More

Pretends to be a cobra Also called the hooded malpolon or the Egyptian false cobra, this snake of the deserts and semi-deserts of the Middle East and northern Africa puts on quite a show when it’s threatened. Indeed, it has evolved to mimic the much more dangerous and much larger cobra. When it’s angry it […] Read More

“The false coral snake mimics both the coral snake and the cobra to scare away predators” A false coral snake looks a lot like a coral snake but is non-venomous. Its diet consists of smaller snakes, lizards, and frogs. This snake makes its home in South America. False coral snakes are found in wetlands, forests, […] Read More

The false killer whale is a fast and agile swimmer, a peak predator, and a highly intelligent and social animal. The name obviously arises from the similarities between orcas and false killer whales. Until 1862, early taxonomists classified both species within the same genus. Despite the name, this species is sometimes mistaken for the bottle-nosed […] Read More

The false water cobra is a New World snake species that is also known as the Brazilian smooth snake. Its common name comes from the hood it raises like a true cobra does, although it stays horizontal rather than rearing up. Also, its colors and pattern are similar to those of the trueF water cobras […] Read More

With a similar dark, globular body for identification, the false widow spider is often mistaken for the black widow. While mistaken for look-alikes, they are two different spiders. Science traces the false widow’s origins to the Canary Islands and Madeira. It’s believed the creature stowed away on transatlantic trips. That’s why today, the false widow’s […] Read More

Fangtooth fish have grotesquely huge jaws with enormous, protruding fangs, and they prey on smaller fish and crustaceans as well as much larger fish and even squids. The fangtooth is a carnivorous fish that lives in the deep sea. It should not be confused with the fangtooth moray, which is an eel that lives in […] Read More

Feather stars look like flowers. They have no heart, eyes, or brain. Feather Star Facts Feather stars eat with their feet. They have sticky mucus that helps them catch their microscopic prey before flinging into their mouths.Feather stars are considered to be one of the most amazing and unique sea creatures because they look like […] Read More

It’s thought that the word feisty was derived from the Feist’s excitable temperament. The Feist dog breed is a small hunting dog that arose in the American south at some point in the 18th century. The name of the species probably derives from the obsolete word fice or fyst, which means to break wind. This […] Read More

Fennec Fox Classification and Evolution The fennec fox is a small species of fox found in the deserts of North Africa. They are the smallest canine species but have the largest ears relative to their body size which are used to both aid their hearing and to help them to control their body temperature in […] Read More

“The Most Dangerous Snake in the Americas” Camouflage helps these snakes hide from potential prey as well as potential predators, but it also hides them from barefoot people out for a walk. Unlike some snakes, this pit viper minds being stepped on, and while it may start to move away from the offending foot, it […] Read More

The ferret is a small domesticated mammal in the weasel family Mustelidae whose name comes from the Latin word furittus meaning “little thief.” If you’ve ever heard of someone “ferreting away” or “ferreting out” something, it’s thanks to the ferret’s curious and hoarding behavior in which it finds and hides items. The domestication of this […] Read More

The ferruginous hawk is among the top predators, soaring majestically with its wings outstretched over the open plains of western North America. The name of the hawk is derived from the Latin word ferrum for iron. This refers to the rusted iron color of the hawk’s feathers. Their unique color pattern, their large size, and […] Read More

The fiddler crab is one of over 100 species of crabs that live on both land and sea. Most often found along intertidal areas of lagoons and mudflats, they can also be found on sandy beaches. While some tolerate saltwater, most prefer the brackish water along the intercoastal areas. 4 Incredible Fiddler Crab Facts! The […] Read More

Field cuckoo bumblebees (Bombus campestris) are common and widespread throughout Europe. These cuckoo bumblebees lay their eggs in the nests of other bumblebees. This is why they are called cuckoos! They share their name with birds in the family Cuculidae. Cuckoo birds lay their eggs in the nests of different species, often to the detriment […] Read More

This breed makes an excellent family pet. In the late 1800s, dog shows become more popular in England. This led to breeders create more distinct breeds and types of dogs. The Field Spaniel is a mix of Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, and Sussex Spaniels. These dogs made a great companion on a hunting trip, […] Read More

The fierce snake, which is also known as the small-scaled snake or the inland taipan, is incredibly venomous, and it can kill multiple humans with the amount of venom it releases in one bite. It prefers a semi-arid habitat where it lays up to 24 eggs, depending on the amount of food that they eat. […] Read More

Figeater beetles only open their wings partially when they fly.  Summary The figeater beetle is a type of scarab beetle native to North America. The beetle is most common in the southwestern region of the United States and Mexico. These brightly colored beetles are diurnal, i.e., more active during the day than at night. They […] Read More

This breed is often on banned, aggressive, or dangerous dog breed lists due to engaging in attacks towards strange people and dogs. The Fila Brasileiro is a rare, large dog breed also known as the Brazilian Mastiff or Brazilian Molosser. Its original purpose was to catch runaway slaves when slavery was legal in Brazil. It […] Read More

The fin whale is one of the largest animals to ever exist on the earth. Residing deep within the world’s great oceans, the fin whale cuts a majestic figure as it glides effortlessly through the water. Despite their enormous size, these whales are fast and agile swimmers that have adapted supremely well to their aquatic […] Read More

Finches have strong, conical bills that help them break open tough seeds! What is a finch? That question has perplexed scientists for decades. It has only gotten more difficult to answer as groups of birds have been moved from one family to another based on DNA analyses since the 1990s. Small, usually colorful birds with […] Read More

The Sami bred the Finnish Lapphund to herd reindeer! Introduction The Finnish Lapphund is an ancient hunting and herding dog bred by the Sami people in the Lapland region of Scandinavia. Remains of dogs from this area date back almost 7,000 years. The dogs traveled with this nomadic tribe, hunting reindeer. As they gave up […] Read More

This medium-size breed makes a good family dog and is very friendly and playful. Origin and History Finnish Spitzes are believed to have originated from the spitz dogs brought from central Russia by migrants who moved to present-day Finland about 3,000 years ago. Originally bred to hunt game, they are also good companions for other […] Read More

“The fire ball python morph stands out thanks to its light golden to reddish-brown patterning.” Fire Ball Python Summary Since the early 1990s, thousands of unique ball python morphs have been developed through selective captive breeding. Most of these morphs, such as the fire variety, are color morphs. This simply means experts breed them to […] Read More

Called an eel for its long thin appearance, a Fire Eel actually isn’t a true eel at all. In fact, it is one of a species of elongated freshwater fish with pointy snouts known as spiny eels. These fish are popular aquarium pets because of their unusual color and size. These nocturnal, bottom-dwelling fish have […] Read More

The fire salamander is the best-known salamander in Europe and a common species of salamander in Central and Southern Europe. As a middle to a large-sized and strongly built salamander, it is so well-known not only due to its prevalence but bright warning colors and poisonous liquid spray. Its name comes from the old belief […] Read More

“The croak of a fire-bellied toad sounds a lot like a dog barking.” The fire-bellied toad lives in northeastern parts of China, North Korea, South Korea and parts of Russia. This toad has an underbelly made up of bright red/orange and black splotches. An adult toad measures about 2 inches long. Though they only eat […] Read More

“The firefly is a family of light-emitting insects. They produce light through a chemical reaction of oxygen, calcium, energy, and a light-emitting molecule called luciferin.“ Fireflies are some of the most popular and beloved insects in the world. Basically, all firefly larvae can produce light, but many species lose this ability in adulthood. Only a […] Read More

Firefly Ball Python Summary “Mainly electric yellow and almost jet black in color, the firefly ball python morph is stunningly bright and bold with extremely clean, defined markings.” Even out of thousands of colorful and unique ball python morphs on the market, the firefly morph manages to be one of the boldest and brightest of […] Read More

Fish are found in every ocean, lake, river and stream in all corners of the globe, in many sizes, colours and species. Most fish (depending on size) tend to eat plankton in the water, insects and smaller fish. Fish respire through gills in the sides of their heads, allowing the fish to breath underwater. Fish […] Read More

The fisher cat is secretive and difficult to find; many misconceptions about them still thrive. These misconceptions begin with the name itself. The fisher cat is not a cat at all, but a type of weasel. It also does not eat fish of any kind. Instead, the name seems to derive from its resemblance to […] Read More

Fishing Cat Classification and Evolution The Fishing Cat is a small to medium sized feline that is natively found throughout a number of countries in south-east Asia. Unlike other cat species found around the world (with the notable exception of the Jaguar) the Fishing Cat spends most of its life in areas of dense vegetation […] Read More

Fishing spiders are part of the genus Dolomedes and are found near water sources such as ponds, lakes, and streams. They get their name from their hunting behavior; they sit on the edge of a body of water and wait for prey to come close enough to snatch it up with their long, powerful legs. […] Read More

“A flamingo’s feathers don’t turn pink until it reaches 2 or 3 years old” Flamingos are omnivorous birds who eat brine shrimp, algae, and snails. They live in large groups called colonies. These birds reside in tropical climates in regions of Africa, Asia, and around South America. This bird can have a wingspan as wide […] Read More

The Flat-Coated Retriever has a very happy and outgoing temperament. Origin and History Flat-Coated Retrievers are a large dog breed that may be black or liver-colored in appearance which makes a great family pet and is great with children. They always seem to be happy and are coined the “Peter Pan” of the dog world! […] Read More

The flathead catfish is a large common species that is definitely not known for its looks. They are freshwater catfish, and fishermen often hook large specimens that put up a tough fight. These catfish play a role in commercial and recreational use and can be a decent meal if fished from a clean environment. Flathead […] Read More

Fleas are tiny blood-sucking insects that live on the external body of a host. They are a constant annoyance for cat and dog owners; more than a billion dollars is spent every year on treatment. While their bites generally cause nothing more than itching and pain, they have been known to transmit diseases to people. […] Read More

Insects in the subfamily Alticinae are commonly referred to as flea beetles. They’re among the smallest beetles in the world and are found worldwide in various habitats. Insects in this group are characterized by their ability to jump like fleas. Despite their tiny sizes, they are considered major pests in gardens. Both adult and larvae […] Read More

Fleckvieh cattle serve a dual purpose and are raised for their meat and milk production. They became popular in the 19th century and originated in Austria, but now can be found all across Europe, the USA, and certain parts of South America. These cattle result from cross-breeding native stock with Simmental cattle native to Switzerland […] Read More

The Florida gar is among the most ancient and unique freshwater fish of North America. It is not necessarily the most popular type of fish, however, since the commercial market for gar meat is relatively small, and even among recreational fishers, it’s more of a niche catch. But for the people who know about it, […] Read More

The Florida panther is the only member of the puma family known to breed in the Eastern United States. Only about 150 of these animals are left in the wild, and officials warn that there needs to be at least 240 for them not to go extinct. The tan Florida panther has a white mask, […] Read More

“The Florida woods cockroach is commonly known as the palmetto bug in the southeastern United States.” You may read the word ‘cockroach’ and think immediately of those pesky crawlers that invade homes and spread filth wherever they go. But, rest assured, the Florida woods cockroach is not one of those roaches. Actually, startlingly few species […] Read More

With its remarkably thin body, the flounder fish truly lives up to the name of flatfish. Lying almost motionless along the sandy ocean or seafloor, the flounder fish waits patiently for a tasty meal to come by so it can feed. Its entire lifestyle and physical appearance are oriented around the bottom-dwelling habitat. This is […] Read More

Flounder Fish Summary Flounder fish are a group of saltwater flatfish species that are native to South America. Their oddly shaped bodies are entirely flat, and both of their eyes are located on the top part of their bodies. They are demersal fish, which means that they are found at the bottom of oceans or […] Read More

Flour beetles are adapted to survive in very dry environments. Summary Flour beetles are darkling beetles in the genera Tribolium or Tenebrio. These beetles are well-known pests of stored cereals such as wheat and other grains. The two most common types are; the confused flour beetles and red flour beetles. Although they’re very prolific pests […] Read More

The Flowerhorn fish, also known as the Flowerhorn cichlid, is an artificial creation of human breeders, thought to originate from Southeast Asia in the 1990s. This unique freshwater hybrid was produced from crosses between several different types of cichlids, including blood parrots, red devils, and three spot cichlids (or the trimac). Today there are more […] Read More

The fluke fish (also known as summer flounder, Northern fluke, and Hirame) is a fish that is found in abundance across the United States’ eastern seaboard and is an important fish for both commercial and recreational purposes.  Fluke Fish Facts  Rebounding populations: Between 1989 and 2003, the estimated biomass of fluke fish rebounded about ten-fold off the […] Read More

The fly is one of the most common and diverse groups of animals on the planet. Although they so often share an antagonistic relationship with humans as an annoyance or a potential carrier of diseases, these insects also serve many important ecological roles. They are the second most common pollinators, behind only bees. They help […] Read More

“Most of the hundreds of varieties of flycatchers belong to the Tyrannidae and Muscicapidae families!” Flycatcher Summary Are you confused about exactly which birds qualify as flycatchers? You aren’t alone. Most flycatchers are part of two main families, the Muscicapidae, or Old-World flycatchers, and the Tyrannidae, or tyrant flycatchers. But there are flycatchers in several […] Read More

The flying fish, also known as a flying cod, is a family of ray fin marine fish, common to warm, tropical waters throughout the world’s ocean. It has a remarkable ability that sets it apart from any other fish in the world: their pectoral fins are highly modified “wings” that enable them to leap out […] Read More

The Flying Lemur is not a lemur, and it can’t fly! Of all the gliding mammals, which including flying squirrels and flying possums, flying lemurs are the most adept. This is because of their patagium, a membrane covered with fur that acts much like a parasail as they glide from one tree to the other. […] Read More

Flying Snakes don’t really fly! Though they don’t fly like birds or bats, the very sight of these brightly colored southeast Asian snakes “swimming” through the air between trees is awesome. Scientists have invested much time and money into figuring out just how flying snakes “fly,” but for the snake, it’s just another life skill. […] Read More

A flying squirrel has the power to glide 300 feet through the air. Despite its name, a flying squirrel doesn’t fly the same way a bird or a bat flies. Instead, flying squirrels are animals that glide or drift, through the air. These omnivores eat insects, mushrooms, flowers, and, of course, nuts. Flying squirrels are […] Read More

With its iconic glowing lure, the football fish is a large genus within the order of anglerfish. Found within their isolated deep-sea habitat, these are shy and elusive fish. There are currently 22 recognized species. The sight of a live one is incredibly rare. It made international news when three of them washed up on […] Read More

The highly venomous forest cobra has one of the longest lifespans of any African cobra at an average of three decades. They are incredibly dangerous to humans, though they aren’t able to spit in the same way that other cobras can. They have three different color morphs, which entirely depend on the region that they […] Read More

The forest cuckoo bumblebee (Bombus sylvestris), also called the four-coloured cuckoo bumblebee, is a species of bumblebee commonly found in Northern and Central Europe, and Russia. They have distinctive yellow and black striped, hair-covered bodies. Forest cuckoo bumblebees are brood parasites that live underground in nests that they invade and usurp from unsuspecting hosts. Keep […] Read More

One of the more interesting facts is that this breed existed on Taiwan before the arrival of people, which could make it one of the oldest and most primitive breeds in the world. Primitive in this case simply means that it still retains ancient characteristics. The Formosan Mountain Dog, also known simply as the Taiwan […] Read More

Fossa Classification and Evolution The Fossa is a medium-sized, carnivorous animal that is found exclusively on the island of Madagascar. The Fossa belongs to the Malagasy Carnivores group which are thought to have descended from Mongoose-like ancestors that arrived on Madagascar from Africa up to 24 million years ago. The Fossa is not only one […] Read More

The fox is an omnivorous, dog-like mammal, often found around urban areas in the Northern Hemisphere. Known for their cunning and a favorite subject of folklore – foxes, and stories about them are found on every continent on earth except Antarctica. Among land mammals, the red fox has the second largest natural distribution behind humans. […] Read More

Fox snakes are a type of non-venomous rat snake that inhabit areas of North America east and west of the Mississippi from Missouri north into southern Ontario, Canada. They don’t generally exceed 4.5 feet in length but can reach 6 feet. They are excellent rodent control, especially around barns and fields. Mistaken identity cases plague […] Read More

“Fox squirrels use scents to communicate with other squirrels, although it is not territorial.” The fox squirrel, also called Bryant’s fox, eastern fox, stump-eared, raccoon, and the monkey-faced squirrel is a common tree squirrel species. It is native to North America. The largest North American squirrel species that exists, is twice as large as the […] Read More

The fox terrier is the ‘gentleman of the terrier world.’ Origin and History Fox terriers originated in 19th-century England, where they took part in fox hunts with the landed gentry. Bred to hunt rodents, going underground as necessary, fox terriers are energetic and persistent. Three types of fox terriers share the breed, toy, wire, and […] Read More

Freeway ball pythons are nonvenomous constrictors that are captive-bred as pets. Ball pythons are native to Africa and became popular pets in the 1970s. Since 1975, over 3 million ball pythons have been exported. Over the years, breeders have been able to create a vast array of colors and patterns, making them one of the […] Read More

Key Points French bulldogs are one of the very best breeds for apartment living.That said, they do need about an hour’s exercise per day.In spite of their friendly and affectionate nature, they are not above exhibiting a jealous streak or being a tad stubborn. French bulldogs were originally bred to be great companions, and their […] Read More

The French bulldog became a trendy breed in the late 90s, and their popularity has soared ever since. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), French Bulldogs are the second most popular dog breed in the United States. These dogs are gentle, intelligent, well-built canines who are devoted to their loved ones and make excellent […] Read More

Summary Developed in France in the 19th century, the French Lop is one of the largest rabbits in the world. This stout, powerful breed has a large head and long ears that hang down below the jaw. French Lops come in two color varieties and several different color varieties. Although people originally raised them for […] Read More

Frenchton puppies are typically born with droopy ears that stand up at about five weeks to eight months of age. They are highly playful and sweet little dogs that love to cuddle at naptime but may keep you awake with their loud snoring! Frenchton Introduction The Frenchton is a loveable and loyal small breed designer […] Read More

Frengles can howl just like their Beagle parent. Breed a French Bulldog with a Beagle and the result is a Frengle. Frengles belong to the hybrid group. The origin date of this hybrid dog is unknown, but it has many of the favorable characteristics of its purebred parents. Frengles are friendly, alert, smart dogs. They […] Read More

“The Freshwater Crocodile can be described as ‘Almost harmless’.” Despite the fact that it can grow to about 9 feet and has about 70 teeth that are always being replaced, the freshwater crocodile is not that much of a danger to human beings. This can’t be said for its huge cousin the saltwater crocodile. The […] Read More

The freshwater drum is native to Central and North America. It is the only species belonging to the genus Aplodinotus. These interesting fish inhabit freshwater rivers and lakes with rocky beds and sand on the bottom. They go by many names like grunter, croaker, Russell fish, grinder, Graspergou, Gasper goo, grinder, and wuss fish. In […] Read More

The freshwater eel lives in freshwater as an adult but migrates to the ocean to spawn, after which they die. The type species, the European eel, is critically endangered. “Eel” refers to the European eel of the genus Anguilla, which means “European eel-shaped.” All freshwater eels belong to the family Anguillidae. 5 Freshwater Eel Facts […] Read More

“The most abundant jellyfish in the United States” Many people might be shocked to learn that the tiny, harmless Craspedacusta sowerbyi, a hydromedusan jellyfish, is the most commonly found jellyfish in the United States. Moreover, it’s not found in the waters off the coasts, but in quiet bodies of freshwater. Where did it come from, […] Read More

Summary The freshwater sunfish is a family of freshwater fish, also known as Centrarchidae, that belongs to the order of Perciformes and is one of the most popular angling species in North America. This family includes 38 different freshwater species that fall into three different subdivisions. The most distinctive feature of the freshwater sunfish is […] Read More

“The frigatebird is the bird with the largest wingspan in comparison to their body size.” There are five different species of frigatebirds that can be found near tropical and subtropical coasts around the world. These birds can fly for hours, days, or even weeks at time due to their large wingspan. They have a slender […] Read More

“Frilled lizards can stand up and run on their hind legs” A frilled lizard also goes by the names frilled-neck lizard, frilled dragon, and frilled agama. It is known for raising its neck frill, or the extra flap of skin around its neck, in an effort to intimidate predators. These lizards live in northern Australia […] Read More

Frilled Sharks are a primitive-looking species that resemble an eel. They are considered living fossils because of their primitive traits, like their brown color, long body, and placement of their jaws. Frilled Sharks spend most of their time deep beneath the surface of the water. They are most commonly found at depths between 390 and […] Read More

Summary Often mistaken for monarch butterflies, fritillary butterflies are a group of butterflies that share common physical characteristics. They get their common name from their checkerboard pattern as well as the distinctive silver markings on the undersides of their wings. Larval fritillary butterflies predominantly feed on violets and serve an important role as pollinators. Some […] Read More

The frog is the most common and populous of the three major orders of amphibians – and the only one that lacks a tail. The first true frogs evolved in the early Jurassic Period some 200 million years ago. Since then, they have spread out and diversified to almost every single major ecosystem on the […] Read More

“Frogfish – The good, the bad and the ugly” Frogfish are a group of fish that belong to the Antennariidae family. This makes them part of the anglerfish family, which uses camouflage and lures to draw in potential prey. These fish fascinate people with their behavior, as they usually lie in wait on the seafloor […] Read More

The adorable mixed frug descends from the French bulldog and the pug, two little purebred dogs with loads of personality. Also known as Frenchie pugs, these designer dogs are sweet and easygoing, boasting many of the distinctive desirable traits of the two breeds.  Their fine coats come in cream, black, white, and fawn colorings, with […] Read More

The fruit bat is a large taxonomical family of related species, mostly originating from the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and Asia. The fruit bat spends much of its time hanging upside down in trees or caves with other members of the same species. They are aptly named for their habit of feasting exclusively […] Read More

“The fruit fly has a lifespan of 25-50 days.” Fruit flies are among the most common household pests in the world. When they get into homes and feed on decomposing food, they can be a big annoyance to people. A few species are also agricultural pests and do immense damage to crops. But fruit flies […] Read More

“These noisy birds give a clear whistling call, “Kee-wee-ooo,” on the ground or while in flight.” Summary The fulvous whistling duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) is a large, oddly-shaped duck from the whistling subfamily. It lives across the tropical regions of four continents, inhabiting lowland marshes and swamps in rice fields. This species spends its days walking […] Read More

Seals that can walk on land Nine separate species of fur seals make up the genera Arctocephalus and Callorhinus. While eight of these belong to Artocephalus and live in southern seas, the ninth species belongs to Callorhinus and inhabits the North Pacific. All nine species are all pinnipeds or mammals with four flippered appendages. Fur […] Read More