Animals that Start with K

Kagu

The endangered kagu is the only bird in the world with nasal corns!

Kai Ken

Kai Ken are a very rare breed of dog from Japan, though pure breeds are even harder to come by.

Kakapo

The heaviest species of parrot in the world!

Kaluga Sturgeon

One of the world's largest freshwater fish

Kamehameha Butterfly

State insect of Hawaii

Kangal Shepherd Dog

Can run up to 35 miles per hour (56km).

Kangaroo

Females have a deep pouch on their front!

Kangaroo Mouse

The Kangaroo Mouse is a tiny mouse that stands and hops around on its hind legs, much like a kangaroo.

Kangaroo Rat

Merriam’s kangaroo rats literally never have to drink water

Katydid

Kaua’i ‘Ō‘ō

Calls could be heard up to a quarter mile away

Kea

This lovable pest may come to you asking for food or attempting to steal your belongings! They are named for their loud vocalizations, “kee-aaa!”

Keagle

These adorable dogs are known for their love of children, strangers, and other animals because of their docile demeanor.

Keel-Billed Toucan

It's beak can reach nearly 20 cm long!

Keelback

The checkered keelback of the east Indies can detach its tail and grow it back, much like a lizard.

Keeshond

Friendly, alert dogs that are loyal to their owners

Kelp Greenling

Male Kelp Greenlings participate in an unusual mating ritual by fertilizing eggs in the nests of other males.

Kentucky Warbler

The Kentucky Warbler appears to wear bright yellow cat-eye glasses!

Kenyan Sand Boa

A popular pet snake that comes in dozens of morphs!

Kermode Bear (Spirit Bear)

The cubs are usually weaned after 6 to 8 months; however, they will remain with their mothers through their second winter until they reach 17 months old.

Kerry Blue Terrier

They are born black, and turn gray-blue as they age.

Kestrel

Can hang suspended on wind currents

Keta Salmon

During spawning the look of the male changes. Among other things, he grows a beak called a kype that bears fangs.

Key Deer

Bucks grow new antlers every year.

Keyhole Cichlid

When these fish feel stressed, their skin color will change from yellow-cream to brown.

Khao Manee

The Khao Manee is one of the rarest cat breeds in the world.

Khapra Beetle

Khapra beetles are among the most invasive insect species in the world.

Kiang

The kiang, native to the Tibetan Plateau, is the largest of the wild asses!

Kiko Goat

Kiko goats breed year-round, and they are not good at defending themselves.

Killdeer

The killdeer feigns injury to draw a predator away from its nest.

Killer Clown Ball Python

Killer clown ball pythons can cost several thousand dollars.

Killer Whale

Typically consumes over 200 kg of food a day!

Killifish

Killifish are highly sought after for their peaceful nature and ability to adapt to most aquarium communities.

Kinabalu Giant Red Leech

Comes out only during a rainstorm or just afterward

Kinder Goat

Best jumper of all goats

King Cobra

They are the longest venomous snake in the world.

King Crab

Can have a leg span of nearly 2 meters!

King Eider

The species name, spectabilis, is Latin for “showy” or “remarkable,” referencing the attractiveness of the adult male’s plumage.

King Mackerel

King Penguin

More than 2 million breeding pairs!

King Quail

Females look similar to males but don’t come in shades of blue

King Rat Snake

When threatened or frightened, the king rat snake has the ability to produce a foul-smelling substance out of self defense.

King Salmon

Largest of the Pacific salmon

King Shepherd

This hybrid breed is the largest among the shepherd class.

King Snake

King Snakes eat other types of snakes.

King Vulture

The king vulture is the second largest New World vulture species

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Kingklip

A delicacy in South Africa

Kinkajou

The kinkajou is a nimble forest-dwelling mammal of Central and South America.

Kirtland’s Snake

It is considered to be the least aquatic of water snakes.

Kishu

Once raised to hunt dangerous game like boar, today's kishu ken are more likely to be used as guard dogs.

Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs derive their name from the location they prefer to bite, which is usually close to the lips of the host

Kissing Gourami

The kissing gesture that the kissing gourami displays is not a mating gesture

Kit Fox

The kit fox is the smallest canid in North America.

Kitefin Shark

Kiwi

Only found in the forests of New Zealand!

Klipspringer

Klipspringers can jump as high as 10-12ft!

Knifefish

Produce weak electric fields

Knight Anole

When threatened, the promiscuous knight anole rises on all fours and turns bright green, and gives a menacing look.

Koala

Spends up to 80% of the time sleeping or resting!

Kodiak Bear

Kodiak bears are the second largest bear in the world after the polar bear.

Kodkod

The kodkod is among the smallest species of cats in the entire world

Koi Fish

In Japanese, the word koi sounds like the word for love. So the fish is a symbol of love among other good things.

Kokanee Salmon

A non-anadromous type of sockeye salmon

Komodo Dragon

Only found on five Indonesian islands

Komondor

Kooikerhondje

If Kooikerhondjes look familiar, it’s because old Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Jan Steen liked to paint them.

Koolie

The name "koolie" comes from the German mispronunciation of "collie."

Korean Jindo

At the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Jindos marched in the opening ceremonies.

Kori Bustard

It's easily identified by its crest, large size, and wingspan

Kouprey

The kouprey is one of the rarest mammals in the world

Kowari

Kowaris do not drink or take water; all they get is the water content in their diet.

Krait

A painless bite that can result in death.

Krill

The krill is perhaps the most important animal in the marine ecosystem!

Kudu

Lives in herds of up to 24 individuals!

Kudzu Bug

Kudzu bugs don't bite humans, but they secrete a substance that can irritate people's skin. That irritation is often confused for a bite.

Kuvasz

Ownership of this dog was once restricted to the Hungarian nobility

Komodo Dragon

Only found on five Indonesian islands

King Cobra

They are the longest venomous snake in the world.

Kamehameha Butterfly

State insect of Hawaii

Kiang

The kiang, native to the Tibetan Plateau, is the largest of the wild asses!

Kingklip

A delicacy in South Africa