Animals that Start with K

The endangered kagu is the only bird in the world with nasal corns! Kagus are endemic to the main island of New Caledonia. They are the only living species in their family, and one of only two species in the Eurypygiformes order. They are flightless, carnivorous birds that live on the forest floor and forage […] Read More

Though Kai Ken refers to one breed overall, it could easily be divided into two. While one variation has a stocky body, the other has a foxlike body and face. Kai Ken goes by many names including “Tora Inu” or “Tiger dog,” but either represents the same rare breed from Japan, near Mt. Fuji. Originally […] Read More

Originating on the island of New Zealand, the kakapo is a large flightless bird that has evolved to fill a similar ecological niche as land mammals in the way that it roams the forest floor in search of food at night. Though it was largely free of predators for millions of years, the introduction of […] Read More

Summary The Kaluga sturgeon is a large, carnivorous fish found throughout the Amur River basin in Russia and China. One of the most massive species in the sturgeon family, it is highly prized for its roe. As a result, they have been hunted almost to extinction and are listed as a Critically Endangered species by […] Read More

Kangal dogs can run up to 35 miles per hour (56km). Their speed is one of their best features, along with their protective personality, making this breed perfect for livestock herd protection. The Kangal is the national dog of Turkey, where the fawn-colored and black-masked breed originated in the district of Kangal in the Sivas […] Read More

The kangaroo is among the most remarkable leapers of the animal kingdom. When it’s in motion, the kangaroo hops completely clear off the ground, covering up to 30 feet in a single swift motion. No other large animal of this size has the same ability. As the national symbol of Australia, the kangaroo adorns a […] Read More

Kangaroo Mouse Summary  The Kangaroo Mouse is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States. It is a tiny, nocturnal mouse with more giant hind legs, much like the Australian Kangaroo. It has a habit of bipedal locomotion by hopping about on its hind legs. There are two species of Kangaroo Mouse; both can […] Read More

Though the kangaroo rat is an immensely cute beast, it is one of the champions of the animal kingdom when it comes to jumping prowess. One of these little animals can jump as much as 9 feet. If an average human could jump that distance, they would be able to jump over 20 feet at […] Read More

Summary Found on every continent except Antarctica, Katydids are a family of primarily nocturnal insects. They closely resemble grasshoppers and used to go by the name long-horned grasshoppers. However, in reality, they are more closely related to crickets, hence their other common name, the bush cricket. Male Katydids produce trilling songs through a process known […] Read More

Known for its loud and distinctive call, the Kaua’i ‘ō‘ō was a member of the family Mohoidae or Hawaiian honeyeaters. As of 1987, it represented the last remaining species in its family. However, predation by invasive species, habitat loss, and mosquito-borne diseases decimated the remaining Kaua’i ‘ō‘ō. No one has seen or heard a Kaua’i […] Read More

The kea (Nestor notabilis) is a large parrot endemic to New Zealand’s South Island, where they inhabit steep mountains. Nicknamed the “naughty alpine parrot,” this species is playful, curious, and highly intelligent. If you ever get the chance to visit their natural habitat, hang on to your wallets! They are notorious for messing with tourists, […] Read More

The Keagle is a designer breed that results from crossbreeding the Beagle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This breed was initially bred in Australia during the 1990s to create an easy-going and energetic dog. In addition, they hoped that mixing these two breeds would weed out some of the Beagles’ hunting instincts and scent […] Read More

“Keel-billed Toucan’s bills are the colors of the rainbow!” Keel-billed toucans are also known as “rainbow” toucans due to their large, colorful bills. They are also called “sulfur-breasted toucans” because they have a bright yellow patch on their breasts. These tropical birds thrive in the humid climates of Central and South America. They are not […] Read More

“Are the Keelback Venomous? It Depends” The keelbacks are a huge family of colubrid snakes that are found in the Old World. There are not only a lot of them, but many are unusual. Some are harmless, some are poisonous, some are venomous, and some are both poisonous and venomous. There’s even one that practices […] Read More

Keeshonds are friendly, alert dogs that are loyal to their owners. When pronouncing the word ‘keeshond,’ remember it sounds like you’re saying the words ‘case haunt.’ This medium-sized canine has a thick double coat and dark, searching eyes. The history of the keeshond dates back to the 18th century. This dog was a companion and […] Read More

The kelp greenling is a species of fish that inhabits kelp beds and sand bottoms in the rocky nearshore regions of the northern Pacific. They consume small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, polychaete worms, and brittle stars. Large predators like Ling cod and halibut eat the young. Divers frequently obtain them by spears, hook, and line fishing […] Read More

The Kentucky Warbler appears to wear bright yellow cat-eye glasses! The Kentucky Warbler is a member of the Parulidae family of New World or wood warblers. It lives primarily in the eastern United States, from Nebraska to New York and south to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as parts of Mexico, Central America and […] Read More

Kenyan sand boas are native to the East Africa coast, living from Tanzania up into Egypt, and across the Red Sea in Yemen. The species has increasingly become a popular pet snake in recent years thanks to its small size and easy-going temperament. With females growing no larger than three feet (most are just a […] Read More

The Kermode, often referred to as the spirit bear, is native to the coastal regions of Canada in a province called British Colombia. These bears are subspecies of the American black bear, but what makes them so unique is a handful are born with a genetic mutation that renders their fur white or cream. Kermode […] Read More

Kerry Blue terriers were almost made the national dog of Ireland! Kerry Blues are a breed of terrier that is known for their blue-toned coats. They are working dogs, bred to hunt rodents and herd sheep. Kerry Blue terriers are loving, loyal, and intelligent dogs. They are protective and make great family dogs. Because they […] Read More

The kestrel, also called sparrowhawk, is a type of small falcon. In the United States, it’s the smallest and most colorful falcon around. This bird of prey lives in open habitats and is about the size of a blue jay to a mourning dove. The best-known raptor in North America is easily identifiable with its […] Read More

“The keta salmon is a salmon of the North Pacific” Call it the keta, chum, dog or silverbrite salmon, this medium-sized member of the Salmonidae family isn’t as majestic as the Chinook and doesn’t change its look as spectacularly as the sockeye. Yet it is a worthy fish that features in a slew of recipes […] Read More

“Smallest North American white-tailed deer species.” Key deer, like their name implies, are deer that are native to the Florida Keys. They are the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer in North America. They look almost identical to their relatives but are more like a miniature version. This is why some people call them “toy deer.” […] Read More

Native to South America, keyhole cichlids are freshwater fish that live in slow-moving bodies of water covered in thick vegetation. They are primarily found in coastal streams, tributaries, and river basins. Venezuela’s lower Orinoco basin is home to where many of the keyhole cichlids live. Keyhole Cichlids Facts Natives of Venezuela have called the keyhole […] Read More

The Khao Manee is one of the rarest cat breeds in the world. Facts They always have striking white fur. Some kittens might be born with colored spots which go away later in life.Khao Manee cats are talkative. If they are happy or upset, their owners would hear about it.These cats have separation anxiety. They […] Read More

Khapra beetles are persistent pests native to South Asia but are now found in various locations worldwide. They eat seeds, grains, and cereal products and can survive long periods without food. On introduction to a new environment, the population multiplies rapidly and becomes a problem because of its resistance to pesticides. They reduce the economic […] Read More

Kiko goats breed year-round, and they are not good at defending themselves. Originally created as a crossbreed between dairy goats and feral goats, the Kiko goat is a rather friendly species. It has a self-regulating coat, which means that they don’t typically need to be sheared between seasons. The primary purpose is to provide meat […] Read More

In order to communicate, the killdeer makes a shrill “kill-deer” sound for which it’s named. The killdeer is a member of the plover group. These are small wading birds that congregate near large bodies of water to feed and mate. Although they may look rather plain, their behavior is incredibly complex and interesting to observe. […] Read More

Designer ball pythons like the killer clown ball python are extremely popular because of their striking beauty. This ball python combines two ball python color mutations into one beautiful snake. This species is one of the most popular snake pets because of the vast array of color patterns from which to choose and their generally […] Read More

“An adult Killer Whale eats up to 300 pounds of food each day” Killer whales are the biggest members of the dolphin family. They are easy to recognize due to their black back and white underside. Orca is another name for them. These animals are carnivores eating a diet of fish and seals and are […] Read More

Killifish are vibrant freshwater fish widely distributed across the world. Antarctica and Australia are the only two places where they don’t occur. Because of their strikingly beautiful colors, they are very popular among fish enthusiasts with home aquariums. These fish are often sold under their scientific names, making it hard for novice fish enthusiasts to […] Read More

“Though the Kinabalu Giant Red Leech is called a leech, it doesn’t feed on blood” The Kinabalu giant red leech definitely lives up to its name. This insect is bright reddish-orange in color and is twenty or more inches long. It’s found on a mountain in Borneo. Kinabalu giant red leeches are carnivores eating a […] Read More

The kinder goat is a medium-sized goat with a laid-back, friendly temperament. Its high-fat, sweet milk and easygoing personality have made it a new favorite. It is the product of crossing an American pygmy with a Nubian goat. The kinder goat is a relative newcomer to the world of domestic dairy goats. It first appeared […] Read More

"The king cobra holds the title as the longest venomous snake in the world"

Most king cobras measure from 12 to 18 feet long. They live in southern China, India, and southeastern Asia. Their habitat includes streams, forests, bamboo thickets and swamps. This snake is a carnivore eating other snakes, birds, and lizards. King cobras live about 20 years in the wild.

The king crab is one of the most enormous crab species known to man. It can weigh more than 11 pounds, which is heavier than a house cat, and have a total leg span of over 5 feet, which means that it can be as long as a human is tall. Some of the most […] Read More

The king eider (Somateria spectabilis) is a large sea duck inhabiting Arctic tundra habitats over three continents. These ducks are highly social and vocal birds who spend their days diving underwater for mollusks and other marine creatures. Due to their preferred environment, this species faces several threats, including oil spills and shifting habitats. Find out […] Read More

King mackerel is a species of fish that is popular in recreational fishing as well as commercial fishing for seafood lovers. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, with two large stock populations that are tracked by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. They are considered sustainable […] Read More

“The king penguin is second in size only to the emperor penguin.” Standing as tall as the average toddler, the king penguin is large for its species. Only the emperor penguin is larger. Taxonomy places both the king and emperor penguins in the Aptenodytes genus. Both are experts in the water and can dive to […] Read More

“They are capable of flying but prefer to spend their time on the ground.” Summary King quail (Synoicus chinensis) are small “true quail” native to Asia and Australia. They inhabit shrublands, grasslands, and swamps and spend much of their time foraging on the ground in flocks. These birds have rounded bodies and come in varying […] Read More

When threatened or frightened, the king rat snake has the ability to produce a foul-smelling substance out of self-defense. The king rat snake is named for its habit of consuming other snakes, including venomous cobras and vipers. It appears to be highly immune to their dangerous venom. While they can be kept as a pet, […] Read More

Summary The largest and most sought-after of Pacific salmon, the king salmon, goes by many names, including the Chinook salmon, blackmouth, or Tyee. King salmon hatch in freshwater, migrate to saltwater to develop, and eventually return to freshwater to spawn. Anglers prize king salmon for their excellent taste, size, and high degree of difficulty to […] Read More

The King Shepherd is available with either a straight or curly coat. In both cases, the King Shepherd’s coat is a combination of multiple colors including brown, black, tan, and white. The King Shepherd was first introduced in the 1990s as an attempt to retain the strong personality traits of the German Shepherd while minimizing […] Read More

“King Snakes eat other types of snakes.” King snakes can climb trees and swim. They are carnivores eating rodents, birds, birds’ eggs, lizards, and other snakes. These snakes are not venomous; instead, they squeeze their prey to death. Their lifespan is 10 to 15 years. 4 King Snake Amazing Facts They are not harmed by […] Read More

The king vulture is among the largest land-based birds in the world. This bird can be seen soaring far above the lowlands of Central and South America in search of dead prey. Their enormous wingspan and broad chest are impressive sights against the backdrop of the sky. Given their size, the name is an accurate […] Read More

The kingfisher is a family of brightly colored and unusual looking birds that live near rivers and bodies of water all over the world. With their vivid plumage and loud, shrill calls, the kingfisher bird really stands out from the crowd. You can often catch sight of them perched in a tree, barely moving. But […] Read More

The kinkajou is a nimble forest-dwelling mammal of Central and South America. Because of its prehensile tail and hand-like feet, people originally mistook the kinkajou for a type of primate or lemur, but it actually belongs to the same order, Carnivora, as dogs, cats, and bears. Arboreal in nature, this loud, chattering species is often […] Read More

Kirtland’s snake is a small snake, about 14-28 inches long, that inhabits areas in the north-central Midwest. It’s frequently confused with several other snakes including Dekay’s Brown Snake and the Northern Red-bellied Snake, but its belly is what you’ll use to confirm its identity. They always live near a water source and their prey includes […] Read More

The Kishu ken is actually recognized by the Japanese government as a national treasure. It made history by earning this designation in 1934. You’d be hard-pressed to find a dog breed more loyal than the Kishu — also known as the Kishu Ken. This Japanese breed has a history that dates back thousands of years […] Read More

Kissing bugs are members of the Reduviidae family, and they originate from Central America. However, presently, they occur on every continent except Antarctica. This family includes a massive group of closely related insects, around 7000 species. Every species in this family share a characteristic: its sharp-tipped, curvy mouth, referred to as a three-segmented beak. This […] Read More

The kissing gesture that the kissing gourami is known for is not a mating gesture. Summary The kissing gourami is one of the most distinct species in the gourami family. The puckered mouth of this species is a distinctive feature that has made it a popular pet among aquarists. The kissing gourami is both a […] Read More

“The kit fox is the smallest fox in North America.” Though the dainty kit fox may look adorable, these tiny predators are actually surprisingly hardy and expertly designed to thrive in the desert climates they inhabit. Their enormous ears lend them both an exceptional sense of hearing and help disperse the desert heat from their […] Read More

Kitefin sharks are solitary hunters, with their cigar-shaped bodies, they swim well off the bottom. Summary The kitefin shark (or seal shark) is a squaliform shark that lives sporadically in different locations across the world. This shark is the largest luminous vertebrate in the world. It is fished commercially for its meat, skin, and most […] Read More

A national symbol of New Zealand, the flightless kiwi is among the most unique birds in the world. Evolving in the absence of most large predators, the kiwi bird fills a similar ecological niche as many land mammals elsewhere, a fact reflected by the kiwi’s anatomy. Like many mammals, their bones are filled with marrow. […] Read More

Klipspringers are monogamous and mate for life. Klipspringers derived their names from the Afrikaans language, and their name is directly translated to “rock jumper.” This is due to their unique ability to navigate their rocky habitat by jumping from rock to rock. They are fiercely loyal animals and live in pairs and in small families. […] Read More

Summary Capable of producing electric fields, knifefishes belong to the order Gymnotiformes. The order currently contains 5 families and over 250 distinct species, including several species of electric eels. They live in freshwater streams and rivers throughout Central America and South America. Although they lack pelvic and dorsal fins, they can deftly maneuver in the […] Read More

When threatened, the promiscuous knight anole rises on all fours, turns bright green, and gives a menacing look. Summary Knight anoles are the largest anole species. An average anole can grow to be as long as 20 inches. The vertebrates were originally natives of Cuba but have been introduced to Florida. They are quite common […] Read More

The koala is one of the most loved mammals in the world with its adorable round face, unique nose, and gentle demeanor. The name “koala” actually comes from the language of the Aborigines, and believed to mean “no drink.” Ironically, koalas don’t need to consume much water like most animals because the eucalyptus leaves they […] Read More

Kodiak bears are the second largest in the world after the polar bear.  The Kodiak brown bear predominantly inhabits the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago in Southwest Alaska, USA, within the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Kodiak Island is the largest in the US, covering almost 9,000 square kilometers (3,475 square miles). Summary The Kodiak brown […] Read More

The kodkod (also known as the güiña or the Chilean cat) is a wild feline species located in South America. Ranking among the smallest cats in the entire world, the kodkod roams the dense forests of the southern Andean region in pursuit of prey. They spend much of their time divided between terrestrial and arboreal […] Read More

The Koi is called “The Brocaded Carp” The beautiful koi have captivated humans and brightened their ponds since at least the 19th century. People who have some money in the bank aren’t shy about paying great sums for a champion fish of noble lineage. There are at least 16 types of koi, each with its […] Read More

The kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) is a non-anadromous type of sockeye salmon. Alternate names for this fish include kokanee trout, silver trout, Kennerly’s trout, Kennerly’s salmon, little redfish, kikanning, and Walla. Like other Pacific salmon, it only spawns once and then dies, limiting its lifespan to four or five years. It inhabits land-locked freshwater lakes […] Read More

Key Facts Komodo dragons are apex predators in their environment.They prefer to ambush their prey and attack with great speed and ferocity.Their young are independent from the time they hatch and take to tree branches for safety. Classification The Komodo Dragon is a large species of lizard that is only found on a handful of […] Read More

No, that’s not a mop – the Komondor is a white, dread-haired dog hailing from a long, noble, centuries-old heritage as Hungarian sheep guardians. These natural herding dogs face a storied history: after World War II and the Cold War stopped the importing of Komondors from Hungary, the breed dwindled nearly to the point of […] Read More

If Kooikerhondjes look familiar, it’s because old Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Jan Steen liked to paint them. The word “Kooikerhondje” looks as though its pronunciation will be so difficult, most people don’t even try. Instead, they call this engaging canine a “cookie hound.” Really, though, the pronunciation isn’t that hard. Kooikerhondje is pronounced “COY-ker-HUND-che,” […] Read More

“The kookaburra is the world’s largest kingfisher!” The kookaburra, often called the laughing kookaburra, is a large subgroup of the kingfisher bird. It is diurnal, meaning it is most active in the daytime. They will sleep for about 12 hours at night. They are commonly found in eucalyptus trees, which also may be recognized as […] Read More

Koolies can have a different nose and eye colors, as dogs with darker coats have darker noses and eyes and lighter coats have lighter noses and eyes. They can even have blue eyes, but blue eyes are associated with deafness. The Koolie, also called the Australian Koolie, Coulie, Welsh Heeler, Welsh Merle, German Koolie, or […] Read More

Introduction The Korean Jindo is an ancient hunting dog from the non-sporting group that developed over thousands of years on the Island of Jindo, southwest of South Korea. They freely roamed the countryside alongside their masters, hunting small game on their own, bringing the prey back to their owners, and hunting deer and boar in […] Read More

The Kori bustard is the largest animal able to fly, especially the male, which is heavier than the female. This bird species is a member of the bustard family, and like all bustards, is a ground-dwelling bird. It is an opportunistic omnivore that is present in southern Africa and lives in open grassy areas. Scarce […] Read More

The kouprey (also known as the Cambodian forest ox or wild forest ox) is a type of ox that is native to Southeast Asia. They are the national animal of Cambodia and mainly dwell in a forest environment. The kouprey is considered to be one of the rarest animals on the planet, and at one […] Read More

The kowari does not drink or take water; all they get is the water content in their diet.   Summary The kowari is a species of Australian marsupial. They are small carnivorous bushy-tailed rats distinguished by their hairy tails. Kowaris are mostly found in central Australia and prefer dry lands or deserts. They are the only […] Read More

A painless bite that can result in death. Unlike the bite from many venomous snakes, the bite from a krait is relatively painless. That doesn’t mean it isn’t doing damage. The highly dangerous snake will inject venom that results in paralysis over a period of hours. Without prompt medical treatment, death by suffocation is a […] Read More

As one of the most abundant animals in the entire food chain, the krill fish is the lynchpin of many of the world’s marine ecosystems. It provides food for hundreds of different species of animals, especially in the otherwise harsh Arctic and Antarctic waters. The krill fish is also an interesting creature in its own […] Read More

“Fast, powerful and peaceful members of the African ecosystem.” The name kudu describes two different antelope species, called greater kudu and lesser kudu, that are found in southern and eastern regions of Africa. Both kinds are characterized by the long, twisting horns that grow on the heads of mature males. They also share similar habitats, […] Read More

The kudzu bug is one of the biggest agricultural pests of beans and legumes. However, many people know them by the name “globular stink bug.” But they go by many names like bean plataspid and lablab bug. These tiny olive-colored bugs originate from India and China, but they were first documented in the USA in […] Read More

The name Kuvasz is believed to a Hungarian form of the Turkish word kawasz, meaning the armed guard of the nobility. The Kuvasz (pronounced koo-vahz) is a big, strong Hungarian working dog whose main task was originally to guard livestock. The history of this breeds dates all the way back to Middle Ages, when the […] Read More