Animals in Mexico

Updated: February 15, 2023
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Below you can find a complete list of Mexican animals. We currently track 449 animals in Mexico and are adding more every day!

Mexico is among the world’s most diverse countries for exotic animal wildlife. Straddling the line between temperate and tropical America, the Mexican ecosystem is a rich blend of deserts and shrublands, grasslands, temperate forests, tropical forests, mountains, and wetlands. While Mexico may be rich in native species, it’s also an important destination for birds and insects migrating from the north. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán state is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The Official National Animal of Mexico

The official national animal and national bird of Mexico is the golden eagle. As an important symbol of Mexican culture dating back to Pre-Columbian times, it is featured almost everywhere. An image of the golden eagle eating a rattlesnake even adorns the country’s flag. Other important animals in Mexico include the jaguar (the national mammal) and the Xoloitzcuintli (national dog).

Where to Find the Top Wild Animals in Mexico

The best place to find Mexico’s diverse animals is at its rich national parks. The Basaseachic Falls National Park is located in the center of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range within the state of Chihuahua. The mountains, valleys, and rich forests are home to a diverse range of exotic wild animals. The Palenque National Park, located among Mayan ruins in the southern state of Chiapas, is home to many birds and arboreal mammals (like the iconic howler monkey) in the dense foliage of the surrounding rainforests. Mexico City itself is home to several national parks such as the Cumbres del Ajusco and the Nevado de Toluca. Finally, visitors might also want to check out the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park near the Sierra Madre and Iztaccíhuatl-Popocatépetl National Park within the volcanic range of Puebla and Morelos.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Mexico Today

Mexico is home to many dangerous predators and poisonous snakes and sea creatures that can cause serious injury or death. Here is a small sample of them:

  • Rattlesnake – Found in the deserts of western Mexico, the rattlesnake has a very painful toxin that can cause tingling, weakness, nausea, vomiting, swelling, and in very extreme cases, heart failure. Fortunately, this snake almost always gives a warning before it strikes.
  • Fer-de-lance Snake – Located in southern Mexico, this reptile can deliver a toxin that causes nausea, vomiting, swelling, numbness, fever, and internal bleeding, though death is relatively rare.
  • Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake – Black on top and yellow along the belly, this snake has a neurotoxin that can cause serious tissue damage. As a marine animal, it isn’t often encountered by people.
  • Jaguar – Although jaguar attacks are exceedingly rare, their bite is strong enough to pierce a thick shell. The closely related cougar also has a very strong and dangerous bite.
  • Box Jellyfish – Famous for its sublime, ethereal beauty, the box jellyfish can also deliver a very painful sting that can sometimes be fatal to swimmers in the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific. As with many other poisonous animals, though, documented deaths are rare.

You can read about another snake in Mexico, Crotalus basiliscus, which is also the largest snake found in Mexico.

Strongest animal bite – jaguar

The jaguar is one of the wild animals in Mexico. It possesses such a powerful bite, it can pierce the shell of turtles and tortoises.

 

©L-N/Shutterstock.com

©L-N/Shutterstock.com

Endangered Animals in Mexico

Wild animals in Mexico face serious threats from urbanization, pollution, and deforestation. Many species are now in danger of complete extinction.

  • Axolotl – Also known as the Mexican walking fish, the unique Axolotl is actually a species of salamander. Since it does not undergo the typical amphibian metamorphosis, this species retains several juvenile characteristics, including external gill stalks behind the head. The Axolotl is native to some lakes near Mexico City, but urbanization and water pollution have nearly driven it to extinction.
  • Vaquita – Roughly translated as “little cow,” the unique Vaquita is the smallest of all living cetaceans. This tiny porpoise lives in the northernmost part of the Gulf of California.
  • Mexican Wolf – This distinct subspecies of the gray wolf has a very small range in northern Mexico.
  • Mexican Howler – This howler monkey is a critically endangered subspecies of the vulnerable mantled howler. The most prominent characteristics of this monkey are the prehensile tail and distinctive howling sound.

Flag of Mexico

The Mexican flag consists of three vertical stripes in green, white, and red. The red represents the struggle for freedom from Spain, after being under the country’s control for over 300 years. The green band symbolizes hope, with the white band standing for unity. In the center of the flag, sits the Mexican Coat of Arms, which depicts an eagle sitting on a cactus with a snake in its mouth. This image references a famous legend in Mexico and reminds the Aztec people of their history.

Spiders Found in Mexico

Did you know that Mexico has more tarantula species than every other region in the world (except Central and South America)? Some of these spiders are harmless to humans, but others have incredibly potent venom. You’ll find green lynx spiders, woodlouse hunters, and many more in Mexico! Some of the spiders in Mexico will send chills down your spine!

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Mexican Animals

Acadian Flycatcher

Their nests are sloppily held together and have an abandoned appearance

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Agouti

The agouti is one of the only animals that can crack open Brazil nut pods!

Alligator Gar

The alligator gar has toxic eggs to protect against predators

Amazon Parrot

These parrots can be trained to be "talking birds" that mimic human speech

American Eel

Don't eat raw eel! Their blood is poisonous to humans when consumed raw.

American Robin

The color “Robin egg blue” is named after the hue of their eggs.

Anhinga

Their name means snake bird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird wings beat 40-50 times per second during normal flight

Anole Lizard

There are just under 400 species, several of which change color.

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Anteater

Has the longest tongue of any animal in relation to its body size!

Apple Head Chihuahua

Apple Head Chihuahuas are toy breed dogs with a history dating back to ancient Mexico. They are lovable, loyal, smart and courageous with a lengthy lifespan despite being the world's smallest canines.

Arctodus

The South American spectacled bear is its closest relative living today.

Arizona Bark Scorpion

Under UV light they glow a bright blue or green, making them easy to spot.

Arizona Blonde Tarantula

They are covered in thousands of fuzzy blonde hairs.

Armadillo

Can curl into a hard, protective ball!

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Asian Lady Beetle

Asian lady beetles infest indoor spaces, but they do not reproduce indoors.

Australorp Chicken

Australorp chickens are among the best egg producers in the world, Hens in Australia set consecutive world records with one laying 364 eggs in a single year!

Axolotl

Found only in one complex of lakes!

Bagworm Moth Caterpillar

They continually enlarge their protective cases

Baird’s Rat Snake

Baird’s rat snake subdues its prey through suffocation.

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Barred Owl

Like other owls, the barred owl swallows its prey whole.

Basilisk Lizard

Can run/walk on water.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bear

There are 8 different species!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Beewolf wasp

They hunt bees

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn rams can run at speeds up to 40 miles per hour when fighting for dominance.

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck

They have bright pink bills.

Black Sea Bass

Black sea bass males become fluorescent blue and green during the breeding season.

Black-Tailed Rattlesnake

One of the most beautiful rattlesnakes, they have solid black tails.

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Black Witch Moth

Some folklore associate Black Witch Moths with bad luck (and even death!), while other associates them with good fortune.

Blackburnian Warbler

They are the only songbird in North America with an orange throat!

Blind Snake

The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.

Blue Belly Lizard

This species can detach its tail to escape from predators

Blue Catfish

It's a strong fighter when caught on a fishing line

Blue Death Feigning Beetle

When threatened, blue death feigning beetles will pretend like they’re dead.

Blue Dragon Sea Slug

They inflict a painful, venomous sting

Blue Gray Gnatcatcher

Joy and happiness are the spiritual meaning of this bird.

Blue grosbeak

Blue grosbeak parents take off the head, legs and wings of an insect before feeding it to their baby.

Blue Tanager (Blue-Grey Tanager)

They travel and forage in pairs or groups

Blue Tang

One of the most colorful members of the genus Acanthurus

Bluegill

The world record for longest bluegill is 15 inches.

Boas

Boas are considered primitive snakes and still have vestigial legs, called spurs.

Bobcat

About double the size of a domestic cat!

Booby

Seabirds found across the South Pacific!

Bowfin

The bowfin is a primitive fish that first evolved in the Jurassic

Box Jellyfish

Venomous marine animals

Box Turtle

This reptile has an S-shaped neck allowing it to pull its entire head into its shell.

Brahminy Blindsnake

These snakes have been introduced to all continents, except Antarctica!

Brazilian Treehopper

“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Brown Headed Cowbird

Males are generally monogamous during mating season and will protect the female from other males. However, females tend to venture from their partners and mate with other males.

Buffalo Fish

The oldest Buffalo fish recorded was 112 years old!

Bullfrog

Has loud cow-like calls!

Bullsnake

Considered “The farmer’s friend” because it eats mice and other vermin.

Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl lives in underground burrows

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Cactus Wren

It is the largest wren in the United States

Caecilian

Some species' babies use their hooked or scraper-like teeth to peel off and eat their mother's skin

Caiman

Can grow to up 6 meters long!

California Condor

They are the largest bird in North America

California Kingsnake

A full-grown California kingsnake can be about 3.5 feet long, though there are some cases in Mexico of the snake being almost twice this size.

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Camel Spider

Fast, carnivorous arachnid with a painful bite.

Cantil

Cantils heads are marked with bright white lines on each side of their heads.

Canvasback

They're the largest diving duck in North America!

Cardinal

There are 14 genera and 53 species in the cardinal family

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat

May have been domesticated up to 10,000 years ago.

Cat-Eyed Snake

Evidence indicates that females can delay fertilization and store sperm for later years to produce eggs even in the absence of contact with a male!

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Cedar Waxwing

Their feathers have red, waxy tips that can be hard to identify unless you’re up close.

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Checkered Garter Snake

It has the ability to expel a stinky liquid from its body as a way to make predators (and humans) retreat!

Chestnut-Sided Warbler

They inhabit regrowing forests

Chickadee

Chickadees are named for the sound they make: Chick-a-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Chihuahua

Curious and devoted personality!

Cichlid

There are more than 2 000 known species!

Clearnose Skate

The skate with translucent nose patches

Coachwhip Snake

Coachwhip snakes pose little danger to people

Coati

Found in dense forests and wet jungles!

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Collared Peccary

Form bands of up to 12 individuals!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common Goldeneye

They're known as whistlers because of the sound of the wind in their feathers.

Common Grackle

Common grackles are a pest species that damage crops and spread disease.

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Common Raven

A group of ravens is called an unkindness or a conspiracy.

Common Yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat stays close to the ground and uses stealth to survive!

Cooper’s Hawk

Eyes change color as they age

Copperhead

Copperheads get their name, unsurprisingly, from their bronze-hued heads.

Coral Snake

There are over 80 species of coral snake worldwide.

Costa’s Hummingbird

Costa's Hummingbird males have iridescent purple feathers on their heads and necks.

Coues Deer

Coues deer are smaller than other white-tail deer, following Bergmann's Rule that average size is greater for animals farther from the equator.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Coyote

Also known as the Prairie Wolf!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile

Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crocodylomorph

Crocodylomorphs include extinct ancient species as well as 26 living species today.

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cucumber Beetle

Adults cucumber beetles cause the most damage to cucurbit plants.

Dark-Eyed Junco

They are called snowbirds because many subspecies reappear in the winter.

De Kay’s Brown Snake

They have specialized jaws for removing snails from shells.

Death’s Head Cockroach

People buy Death's Head Cockroach nymphs and raise them as pets!

Deer Head Chihuahua

The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world.

Deer Mouse

Roughly 60 different species of deer mice range from Canada to Central America!

Deinosuchus

Deinosuchus was probably the biggest crocodilian that ever lived

Desert Tortoise

Lives in burrows underground!

Desmostylus

Desmostylus has no living descendant.

Dickcissel

They have a unique call that they are named for.

Diminutive Woodrat

The presence of a Nelsonia tail in a tree indicates that these woodrats may be arboreal at times.

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Dubia Cockroach

The most popular species of feeder roach

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Dusky Shark

The Dusky Shark sometimes eats trash discarded by humans.

Dwarf Boa

Some species can change color from dark to light, and back again.

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eastern Bluebird

Bluebirds drop straight down on their prey from their perch, much like leopards.

Eastern Fence Lizard

Females are usually larger than males.

Eastern Kingbird

The eastern kingbird is a fierce fighter once known as the butcher king!

Eastern Meadowlark

They can live up to 9 years.

Eastern Phoebe

This passerine bird can sing its song without ever hearing another bird vocalize first.

Eastern Racer

Fast and Furious!

Eastern Turkey (Wild Turkey)

You can hear their gobbles up to a mile away!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Elegant Tern

Have a lifespan of 20 years or more

Elephant Beetle

The males have multiple horns at the front of their bodies.

Elf Owl

The elf owl is the smallest and lightest owl in the world

Emerald Toucanet

Emerald Toucanets spend their lives high in the canopy of tall forests, almost never coming to the ground!

European Starling

European starlings are accomplished mimics, often copying songs or sounds of other birds and animals (frog calls, goats, cats), or even mechanical sounds and human speech!

Evening Grosbeak

They are friendly and non-aggressive to those in their species.

Executioner Wasp 

The Executioner Wasp's sting is one of the most painful in the world. 

Eyelash Viper

While the eyelash viper can be a pet, be cautious – they are extremely venomous!

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Fer-de-lance Snake

The Most Dangerous Snake in the Americas

Ferruginous Hawk

The ferruginous hawk comes in both light and dark morphs

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Figeater Beetle

Figeater beetles only open their wings partially when they fly.

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flamingo

Sleeps on just one leg!

Flathead Catfish

The only predators that prey on flathead catfish are members of their own species and humans who catch them for commercial and recreational purposes.

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox Squirrel

Although it is a tree squirrel, it spends most of its time on the ground.

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Fulvous Whistling Duck

They build a ramp from their nest, which leads to a nearby water source

Gar

Can grow to more than 3m long!

Garter Snake

Female garter snakes give birth to live young rather than laying eggs!

Gecko

There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Giant Desert Centipede

They are the largest centipede in North America

Giant Leopard Moth

When giant leopard moths mate, their mating sessions last over 24 hours.

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Golden-Crowned Kinglet

They huddle together for warmth

Golden Eagle

Their calls sound like high-pitched screams, but they are quiet most of the time.

Golden Tortoise Beetle

Golden tortoise beetles have a metallic gold color which can change to dull brown when disturbed.

Goliath Grouper

Massive reef fish with a strong tail

Gopher

They dig large networks of tunnels!

Gopher Snake

Gopher snakes can reach up to 9 feet long.

Grass Snake

Use acute hearing to hunt

Grass Spider

Their fangs aren't big enough to penetrate human skin.

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Grasshopper Mouse

The grasshopper mice attack predators using the poison of their venom.

Gray Catbird

Their songs have cat-like qualities and can mimic other birds and animals, like tree frogs.

Gray Fox

The gray fox has retractable claws and a rotating wrist that allow it to climb trees with some proficiency

Great Blue Heron

Their wingspan is larger than an eagle’s; both males and females help hatch the eggs; rich in symbolism

Great Crested Flycatcher

This species makes use of some truly unusual nesting material, including snakeskin and garbage

Great Plains Rat Snake

This snake vigorously shakes its tail as a way to frighten away predators.

Great Potoo Bird

At night, they make a terrifying low call that sounds like a distressed moan or growl.

Green Snake

There are two types of green snakes: smooth green snakes and rough green snakes

Green Sunfish

Juvenile Green Sunfish are less colorful than their parents because they need to blend in with their surroundings to avoid predators.

Ground Snake

It’s sometimes called a miter snake due to the marking on its head that looks like a bishop’s miter

Grunion

Their whole bodies are edible

Guppy

Also known as the Millionfish!

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hairy Woodpecker

They are natural pest controls

Hammond’s flycatcher

“Hammond’s flycatcher has a call known as a sharp peek!”

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Harlequin Coral Snake

Red touches yellow kills a fellow, red touches black a friend of Jack.

Harpy Eagle

Talon's the size of a grizzly bear's claws!

Harris’s Hawk

Their vision is eight times better than a human's

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hepatic Tanager (Red Tanager)

Parents and their young sing sweetly to each other

Hercules Beetle

This dynastine scarab beetle makes a weird huffing sound when it’s disturbed.

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Herring Gull

They are loud, spirited birds with raucous cries that sound like bursts of laughter.

Hobo Spider

The Hobo Spider travels city to city like an actual Hobo and is often found near railroad tracks!

Hogfish

Hogfish can change their sex from female to male

Hognose snake

Prima Donnas of the Snake World

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Hooded Oriole

Hooded orioles have a strong sweet tooth that makes nectar and jelly among its favorite foods.

Horned Lizard

The horned lizards are able to squirt blood from their eyes.

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Horseshoe Crab

Changed little in over 500 million years!

House Finch

The house finch can become redder depending on what it eats

House wren

The wren’s epithet, aedon, comes from a Greek queen who accidentally killed her only son. She was actually aiming for her nephew, and Zeus took pity on her and turned her into a nightingale.

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Hummingbird

Beat their wings up to 80 times per second!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Iguana

Uses visual signals to communicate!

Imperial Moth

Since the imperial moth doesn’t eat, it does die shortly after it lays its eggs. Its lifespan is only about one week.

Indigo Snake

Indigo snakes use brute force to overpower their prey.

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Io Moth

The larvae of the Io Moth has a poisonous and painful sting.

Jabiru

They form lifelong pair bonds and live in groups near water sources.

Jacana

The jacana has the ability to swim underwater

Jack Crevalle

One of the biggest species in the Caranx genus

Jackrabbit

They can run as fast as 45 mph.

Jaguar

The largest feline on the American continent!

Jaguarundi Cat

These cats are expert swimmers.

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

Kangaroo Rat

Merriam’s kangaroo rats literally never have to drink water

Keel-Billed Toucan

It's beak can reach nearly 20 cm long!

Kentucky Warbler

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

Killdeer

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

King Vulture

The king vulture is the second largest New World vulture species

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Kinkajou

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

Kit Fox

The kit fox is the smallest canid in North America.

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Largemouth Bass

Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida all claim the largemouth bass as the state fish or state freshwater fish.

Leafcutter Ant

Leafcutter ants have been farming fungus under the forest floor for up to 50 million years!

Least Flycatcher

They can travel up to 72 miles in a single day.

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Leopard Frog

They can jump up to three feet

Leopard Lizard

Can jump a distance of two feet to capture prey

Lesser Scaup

Young lesser scaups learn to dive as soon as their down dries.

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Lizardfish

The lizardfish can camouflage itself against the sandy bottom to avoid predators.

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Loggerhead Shrike

Its nickname is the butcherbird!

Lone Star Tick

Only females have the ‘lone star’ marking

Macaw

The largest species of parrot in the world!

MacGillivray’s Warbler

The complicated story of how MacGillivray’s Warblers got their name involves three ornithologists, a physician and a compromise.

Maggot

Will only live in wet areas

Magnolia Warbler

They line their nests with fungi strands

Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish)

It's called the rabbit of the ocean because it multiplies so quickly.

Mallard

With an appropriate tail wind, the mallard can travel hundreds of miles a day

Margay

Margays are one of the world’s most highly adapted cat species for climbing trees!

Marine Toad

Produces a toxin used in arrow darts!

Massasauga

The name “Massasauga” comes from the Chippewa language, meaning “Great River Mouth”.

May Beetle

May Beetles are also known as June Bugs Because they’re more active during the month of June

Mayan Cichlid

Mayan cichlids live longer in captivity than they do in the wild.

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Merganser

They line their nests with their feathers

Mexican Alligator Lizard

Mexican alligator lizards shed their skin like snakes.

Mexican Eagle (Northern crested caracara)

The northern crested caracara mates for life with its partner

Mexican Fireleg Tarantula

Mexican fireleg tarantulas have bright reddish-orange legs.

Mexican Free-Tailed Bat

Some colonies have millions of bats

Mexican Mole Lizard

They can break off part of their tail, but it will not grow back.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mockingbird

Mockingbirds are incredible mimics that can learn hundreds of songs!

Mojave Rattlesnake

"The Mojave rattlesnake is the most venomous rattlesnake in the world."

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Cricket

Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Molly

Known for their calm and peaceful nature!

Monarch Butterfly

During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monkey

There are around 260 known species!

Moonglow Boa

Moonglow boas are the result of mixing three genetic traits.

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Morpho Butterfly

Collectors prize them for their bright wings

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mountain Bluebird

Depending on the time of the year, the mountain bird can live as far north as Alaska.

Mountain Lion

Has no real natural predators!

Mourning Dove

It is almost always the male who makes the famous sad sound, which is a wooing call

Mourning Warbler

The Mourning Warbler was named for its gray head, which resembles a mourning veil!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Mule Deer

Mule deer can run up to 45 miles per hour.

Muscovy Duck

Unlike most duck species, the Muscovy is silent and only makes noise when excited or threatened.

Muskrat

The muskrat can stay underwater up to 17 minutes at a time

Mussurana Snake

Mussurana snakes help keep rodents from overrunning farms.

Needlefish

no stomach to digest food

Nematode

Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Northern Bobwhite

The northern bobwhite is named for its distinctive whistling call that sounds like ‘bob-white’.

Northern Cardinal

Males are a bright red color, also called "cardinal red"

Northern Flicker

Northern Flickers often make their homes in dead trees.

Northern Harrier

They can reach speeds of 25 Mph but prefer to soar low and slow.

Northern Jacana

The northern jacana is one of two species found in the Americas, from the United States to Panama.

Northern Parula

They live in coffee and citrus plantations during the winter

Northern Pintail

Northern pintails migrate at night with speeds reaching 48 miles per hour!

Northern Potoo

You can find them near golf courses in urban areas

Nut Weevil

Bore holes in tree nuts and lay their eggs inside

Ocellated Turkey

These birds are timid and hard to spot, but their noisy gobbles give them away.

Ocelot

Also known as the Painted Leopard!

Opaleye (Rudderfish)

Some indigenous people of the Pacific coast of North America consider opaleye fish sacred food and use it in traditional ceremonies.

Orange-Crowned Warbler

Often mistaken for the Tennessee Warblers, which are equally dull.

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Orchard Oriole

They use rapid wingbeats to hover over foliage as they search for food.

Ornate Black-Tailed Rattlesnake

Ornate black-tailed rattlesnake mothers stay with their newborn babies for up to a month.

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Owl Butterfly

Owl butterflies derive their name from big spots on each hindwing that resemble owl eyes

Owlfly (Ascalaphidae)

Adult owlflies can capture prey while flying in the air.

Painted Bunting

They are one of the most colorful species of birds.

Palo Verde Beetle

The palo verde beetle is one of the largest beetles in North America

Panther

Prefers to hunt at night than during the day!

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Parrot Snake

The parrot snake shows off with bright green and bronze colors that cover its entire body.

Parrotlet

Parrotlets aren't the world's tiniest parrot — that would be the pygmy parrot of Australasia.

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pine Beetle

Female pine beetles can lay up to 75 eggs at once, and the males will stay with their mates for up to 3 weeks after fertilizing the eggs

Pine Siskin

When foraging, pine siskins hang upside down to pick through the leaves and bark, collecting seeds from coniferous trees.

Pit Viper

Pit vipers's fangs fold up into their mouths when they don't need them.

Plains Hognose Snake

The plains hognose snake gets its name from the upturned end of its snout.

Poison Dart Frog

Inhabits the jungles of Central and South America!

Polyphemus Moth

The Polyphemus moth doesn’t and can't eat, except when it's a caterpillar!

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Potoo

The potoo’s eyelids have slits that let them see even when their eyes are closed.

Prairie Dog

Prairie dog “towns” can consists of hundreds of individuals

Prairie Rattlesnake

The striking distance of a prairie rattlesnake is 2/3rds the length of its body.

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Pronghorn

While pronghorns are the fastest runner of any Western Hemisphere land animal, they are not good jumpers.

Puma

Has longer back legs than front legs!

Purple Gallinule

They build their nests on the water, anchoring it to nearby aquatic vegetation.

Quahog Clam

Their hinged shell protects their soft body

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Quetzal

The tail feathers of the male can be 1m long!

Raccoon

Known to wash their food before eating it!

Racer Snake

The racer snake can speed away at up to 3.5 miles per hour

Rainbow Grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor)

They have strikingly bright colors

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes may have evolved their rattle to warn bison away from them.

Red Diamondback Rattlesnake

A rattlesnake can shake its rattle back and forth 20-100 times per second.

Red-Eared Slider

Sliders spend lots of time basking in the sun. As cold-blooded animals, they need the sun to heat up.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Despite their spectacular coloration, red-eyed tree frogs aren’t poisonous and can be kept as pets.

Red Finch

Red finches can form flocks of over 100 birds.

Red Knee Tarantula

Inhabits the Pacific Mountains of Mexico!

Red-Shouldered Hawk

Red-Shouldered Hawks reuse the same nesting area each year.

Red Tail Boa (common boa)

Red tailed boas don’t suffocate their prey, they squeeze until the heart stops circulating blood to the brain.

Red-winged blackbird

The male red-winged blackbird can sing to attract mates

Ring-billed Gull

The ring-billed gull feeds on vast quantities of human waste and garbage.

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Roadrunner

Roadrunners are one of the few animals that prey on rattlesnakes and tarantula hawk wasps.

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

This bird is also called cut-throat because the male looks like his throat has been cut and has bled over his breast.

Roseate Spoonbill

The only Spoonbill in the western hemisphere!

Rosy Boa

One of the few snakes that naturally comes in a rainbow of colors!

Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)

Its scientific name, lagopus, is Ancient Greek for “hare” and “foot,” referring to its feathered feet and toes.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated hummingbirds can beat their wings more than 50 times per second.

Ruddy Duck

Ruddy duck breeding males have bright blue bills!

Rufous Hummingbird

The males have a glowing iridescent orange patch on their chests.

Saber-Toothed Tiger

Canines up to 7 inches long!

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Saddleback Caterpillar

Saddleback caterpillars are solitary in nature, unlike many of their cousins that live in pairs or groups. They only intermingle when it's time to mate and lay eggs.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Savannah Sparrow

The Savannah sparrow gets its name because one of the first of this type of bird was found in the city of Savannah, Georgia.

Scarlet Macaw

Like many parrots, the scarlet macaw is capable of vocal mimicry.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Scissor-tailed flycatchers are known for their dramatically long tails!

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Bass

Sea bass can grow up to 880 pounds in weight!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seagull

Some gulls are capable of using tools

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Senepol Cattle

Senepol cattle have a distinctive red color and no horns.

Sharp-Shinned Hawk

In captivity, sharp-shinned hawks can live up to 13 years. However, in the wild, this number is significantly reduced to 3 years!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Short-Eared Owl

The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.

Short-Faced Bear

The modern Spectacled Bear, which lives in South America, is related to the Short-Faced Bear!

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Sloth

It's body temperature is between 30 - 34 degrees!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smallmouth Bass

A fierce fighter!

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Snook Fish

Males change into females after the spawning season

Snow Goose

The snow goose has a dark line along their beaks known as a ‘grinning patch’!

Song Sparrow

Pumps its tail when it flies!

Southern Black Racer

These snakes live underground, beneath piles of leaf litter or in thickets, and they are expert swimmers.

Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

Southern Pacific rattlesnakes hibernate in dens that hold hundreds of snakes.

Spanish Goat

They have long, horizontal ears.

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Monkey

Belongs to the only family of primates in the world with full prehensile tails!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Spotted Gar

They are commonly mistaken as logs in the water due to their cylindrical body.

Spotted Skunk

Spotted skunks are known for their acrobatic abilities. They perform handstands before spraying their enemies.

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Summer Tanager

They remove bee stingers by rubbing them against a tree

Swainson’s Hawk

Their wings form a “V” shape when flying.

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Teacup Chihuahua

Teacup Chihuahuas are not a separate breed but result from breeding the smallest pups from litters.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Texas Blind Snake

These snakes grow to just 11 inches long

Texas Coral Snake

Texas coral snakes have the second most powerful venom in the world

Texas Indigo Snake

Texas Indigo Snakes are known for chasing down, overpowering, and eating rattlesnakes.

Texas Spiny Lizard

They hold push-up competitions!

Theropod

Some theropods had feathers and may have been ancestors of modern birds.

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tiger Rattlesnake

These rattlesnakes have the smallest heads of any rattlesnake.

Tomato Hornworm

The tomato hornworm is a ferocious pest that can eat all parts of a plant, including the fruits.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Toucan

There are more than 40 different species!

Tree Cricket

They make music with their wings

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Tree swallow

The tree swallow can make more than a dozen distinct vocalizations

Turkey

Closely related to pheasants and chickens!

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Umbrellabird

Migrates up and down the mountains!

Upland Sandpiper

They make jerky movements as they walk through the grass, searching for food.

Vampire Bat

Have a heat sensor on the end of their nose!

Veery

The veery is named for its sharp "veer" call.

Vermilion Flycatcher

They have a fast song that lasts up to 10 syllables at max.

Vine Snake

A slender body and elongated snout give the vine snake a regal look.

Vinegaroon

Vinegaroons can spray 19 times before the glands are depleted

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Warbler

Warblers are so called because of the trills of their song.

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Western Blind Snake

Western blind snakes are flourescent in black light!

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

They replace their fangs 2-4 times per year!

Western Kingbird

Western kingbirds have hidden red crown feathers that they can raise when threatened!

Western Tanager

They migrate farther north than any other tanager.

Whiptail Lizard

Many whiptail species reproduce asexually.

White Catfish

White catfish can grow up to 37 inches in size.

White-Crowned Sparrow

Males learn distinct songs from the community they grew up in and continue to sing in the same dialect as adults.

White-Eyed Vireo

During courtship, males put on exciting displays by fluffing their plumage, spreading their tails, and letting out a whining call.

White-Faced Capuchin

One of the world's most intelligent monkeys!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

White Sturgeon 

They don't have any teeth!

White-tail deer

White-tail deer are good swimmers

Whitetail Deer

Although deer are herbivores, they will sometimes eat mice and birds when they can catch them.

Willow Flycatcher

These birds live in the understory and are named for their propensity for flitting between willows and shrubs.

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Wood Duck

Adult male wood ducks sport a striking red eye and bill year-round!

Wood Turtle

Temperature determines the sex of turtle eggs

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Writing Spider

males pluck webs like strings on a guitar

Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)

They follow after seals and whales to eat their scraps.

Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli is the national dog of Mexico

Yellow Aphids

These aphids are primarily wingless; however, once the infestation on their host gets too crowded, they develop wings, allowing them to fly to a new host plant.

Yellow Bellied Sapsucker

The males are responsible for choosing the nesting tree most of the time. Luckily, cavity nests are often reused for multiple breeding seasons (up to 7 years.)

Yellow Crazy Ant

One of the top 100 worst invasive species!

Yellow Spotted Lizard

Gives birth to live young.

Yellowthroat

They forage near the ground, searching leaves for insects

Mexican Animals List

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AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and -- of course -- pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.

Animals in Mexico FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What kind of cat species are found in Mexico?

Mexico has two main species of exotic big cats: the jaguar and the cougar. It also has four species of medium-sized cats: the ocelot, jaguarundi, margay, and Mexican bobcat.

What extinct animals once lived in Mexico?

Based on written evidence and the fossil record, we know that Mexico was once home to its own unique species of the grizzly bear, a large genus of short-faced bears (which went extinct around 11,000 years ago), and the Texas wolf (a subspecies of the gray wolf).

What's the tallest mountain in Mexico?

At 18,490 feet, Pico de Orizaba is the highest peak in Mexico. It is one of the many magnificent mountains in Mexico worth exploring.