Animals that Start with N

Updated: November 6, 2023
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Common animals that start with the letter N include the Narwhal, Naked Mole Rat, Newfoundland, Newt, Nile Crocodile, Nile Perch, Nilgai, Nightingale, Northern Cardinal, Norwegian Elkhound, Nurse Shark, and Nyala.

On the page below, you’ll find information on 65 different animals that start with the letter N. The most popular animal that starts with the letter N are Numbats. It is believed there are only 1,500 remaining in the wild. The least popular N animal is the nightingale, a vocal bird species known for its early morning song. Some fun facts about letter N name animals are:

  • Newts can regrow damaged or lost limbs
  • Nurse sharks are largely docile and non threatening to humans
  • Due to extensive conservation efforts, north american black bears are one of only two bear species not listed on IUCN’s endangered species list

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List of Animals That Start with N

Animals that Start with N

Nabarlek

Nabarlek Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Diprotodontia
Family
Macropodidae
Genus
Petrogale
Scientific Name
Petrogale concinna

Fun Fact: Nabarleks have teeth like a shark, with new molars continuously emerging from the back.

Nabarleks have teeth like a shark, with new molars continuously emerging from the back! The nabarlek, also known as the pygmy rock-wallaby or little rock-wallaby, is a tiny member of the Macropodidae family. It is a relative of kangaroos, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, quokkas, and several other marsupial species native to Australia. Nabarleks are an endangered species, […] Read More


Naegleria

Naegleria Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Order
Schizopyrenida
Family
Vahlkampfiidae
Genus
Naegleria
Scientific Name
Naegleria fowleri

Fun Fact: Causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis

Summary Also known as the “brain-eating amoeba,” Naegleria fowleri is a pathogenic, bacteria-eating microorganism. Part of the genus Naegleria, it technically does not classify as a true amoeba but rather as a free-swimming amoeboflagellate. First discovered in 1965, it can cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and incredibly deadly brain infection. You can find […] Read More


Naked Mole Rat

Naked Mole Rat Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Rodentia
Family
Heterocephalidae
Genus
Heterocephalus
Scientific Name
Heterocephalus glaber

Fun Fact: Naked mole rats don’t get cancer

“A Naked Mole Rat is the world’s weirdest land animal.” One of the amazing things about life on earth is that it takes many forms, even if those forms are weird to the human eye. One of the weirdest types of land animals must be a creature called the naked mole rat. It is a […] Read More


Narwhal

Narwhal Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Cetacea
Family
Monodontidae
Genus
Monodon
Scientific Name
Monodon monoceros

Fun Fact: Lives and hunts in the frigid Arctic!

With its massive tusk, the narwhal has rightly earned the nickname of the unicorn of the sea. Narwhals are animals that roam the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and Northern Atlantic in search of prey. They sometimes surface for oxygen in larger groups, allowing tourists and any other passerby to take in a captivating […] Read More


Natterjack

Natterjack Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Anura
Family
Bufonidae
Genus
Epidalea
Scientific Name
Epidalea calamita

Fun Fact: Can lay up to 7500 eggs

“A natterjack toad can lay up to 7500 eggs in a single clutch” The Natterjack toad is native to Europe. It looks a lot like a common toad with the exception of a vertical yellow line on its back. It’s carnivores eating woodlice, worms, and spiders. These amphibians are active at night looking for prey. […] Read More


Nautilus

Nautilus Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Mollusca
Class
Cephalopoda
Order
Nautilida
Family
Nautilidae
Genus
Nautilus
Scientific Name
Nautilus pompilius

Fun Fact: Living fossils that evolved over 500 million years ago

Summary Named after the Ancient Greek word for sailor, the nautilus is a marine mollusk in the family Nautilidae. A close relative of the octopus, squid, and cuttlefish, the nautilus is a living fossil whose ancestors evolved nearly 500 million years ago. These deep-dwelling scavengers navigate using jet propulsion and a complicated system of chambers […] Read More


Neanderthal

Neanderthal Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Primates
Family
Hominidae
Genus
Homo
Scientific Name
Homo Sapiens Neanderthalensis

Fun Fact: Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Although Neanderthals were at the top of the food chain, their demise was likely hastened by a newcomer on the scene: modern humans. Neanderthals, the oldest extinct relatives to humans, existed between 400,000 and 40,000 years ago. From the time the first Neanderthal fossils were discovered in 1829, the relationships between these hominids and that […] Read More


Neapolitan Mastiff

Neapolitan Mastiff Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: Fearless and extremely protective of it's home!

Neapolitan Mastiff is a sizeable dog, finding its place in many moments in history. The floppy and wrinkled pup may not seem that agile, but they are fairly confident, quick, and active. They love being lapdogs, though they have a hard time grasping that they aren’t as small as they were as puppies. These dogs […] Read More


Nebelung

Nebelung Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Scientific Name
Felis Catus

Fun Fact:

“In German, the word Nebelung means ‘creature of the mist’.” Nebelung Traits: What to Know Before You Buy Although they are recognized by TICA as their own breed, Nebelung cats are essentially longer-haired Russian blues. They have the Russian blue cat’s coat color of blue-gray with silver tips, but with medium-long strands of a double […] Read More


Needlefish

Needlefish Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Actinopterygii
Order
Beloniformes
Family
Belonidae
Genus
Platybelone
Scientific Name
Platybelone argalus

Fun Fact: no stomach to digest food

Needlefish are one of the odder inhabitants of the oceans, given their looks and behavior. The name of the needlefish comes from its jaws containing numerous sharp teeth and thin, elongated bodies, which resemble North American freshwater gars. In the wild, needlefish live in social groups and will migrate between adjacent areas like the Atlantic […] Read More


Nelore Cattle

Nelore Cattle Picture
Kingdom
Animalia

Fun Fact: Nelore cattle make up about 65% of the total world beef-producing population!

Nelore cattle make up about 65% of the total world beef-producing population! Summary This Brazilian cattle breed descended from the Ongole cattle breed, which was originally from India. Their main use is for meat and milk production, but they are also used for draft and riding animals. Nelore is a widespread breed, accounting for more […] Read More


Nematode

Nematode Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Nematoda
Scientific Name
Nematoda

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

80% of all animals on Earth are nematodes. Nematode Summary The most numerous animal on earth is the nematode or roundworm. Actually, this is a name for the whole phylum Nematoda, which includes anywhere from 25,000 to 1 million species. Nematodes are simple creatures that are on average made of about 1,000 cells and can […] Read More


Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Actinopterygii
Order
Characiformes
Family
Characidae
Genus
Paracheirodon
Scientific Name
Paracheirodon innesi

Fun Fact: Neon Tetras are very social and peaceful fish.

The Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is one of the most popular tropical fish in the world. These small fish are native to clearwater and blackwater streams located in the Amazon basin in South America. This fascinating fish has a bright and reflective coloration that makes them a common choice as a pet for tropical fish […] Read More


Neptune Grouper

Neptune Grouper Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Actinopterygii
Order
Perciformes
Family
Serranidae
Genus
Cephalopholis
Scientific Name
Cephalopholis igarashiensis

Fun Fact: The largest recorded specimen ever caught was 17" long

The Neptune grouper is a rare, hard-to-catch marine species of ray-finned fish. The Neptune grouper lives mainly in the deep waters of the Western Pacific Ocean and among the coral reefs of the Indo–Pacific. The price of the fish ranges between $6,000-8,000. It is known in Asia for its bright red and yellow patterns and […] Read More


Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Lagomorpha
Family
Leporidae
Genus
Oryctolagus
Scientific Name
Oryctolagus cuniculus

Fun Fact: The Netherland dwarf rabbit is the smallest domestic rabbit breed in the world.

Quick Facts Netherland dwarf rabbits are the smallest domestic rabbit breed.Netherland dwarf rabbits are so small because they possess dwarf genes. Their size makes them a popular rabbit breed to own as a pet.Regardless of their small stature, Netherland dwarf rabbits are one of the most energetic and lively rabbit breeds. They are known for […] Read More


New Hampshire Red Chicken

New Hampshire Red Chicken Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Galliformes
Family
Phasianidae
Genus
Gallus
Scientific Name
Gallus gallus domesticus

Fun Fact: New Hampshire reds are known for being quite food aggressive towards other chickens and won't hesitate to push other flock mates out of the way to get to the feed.

New Hampshire red chickens may look similar to the Rhode Island red, but they never received the same success. The latter completely outshined the New Hamshire red despite these two breeds being created a few years apart. It’s a pity because these chickens have a lot to offer any home because of the hen’s true […] Read More


Newfoundland

Newfoundland Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis Lupus

Fun Fact: Introduced by Vikings more than 1,000 years ago!

The Newfoundland is one of the few dog breeds with webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. The Newfoundland (or the Newfie for short) is a very talented work and guard dog that originated from the Canadian province that bears its name. It was bred by early settlers to save drowning fishermen from the cold, frigid […] Read More


Newfypoo

Newfypoo Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: Newfypoos have a thick oily coat that can be hard to groom.

Newfypoos prefer to spend time with those they love. This breed is especially prone to separation anxiety. The Newfypoo is a designer dog achieved by crossing a Newfoundland with a standard poodle. It can weigh up to 150 pounds and stands 20 and 28 inches tall. Most likely originating in the U.S., this breed did […] Read More


Newt

Newt Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Amphibia
Order
Caudata
Family
Salamandridae

Fun Fact: Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

“Newts are able to regrow legs, eyes, intestines and other organs” Newts are found in Asia, northern Africa, North America, and Europe. They are carnivores eating frogs’ eggs, tadpoles, slugs, worms, and other insects. Some types of newts display yellow, orange, and other bright color combinations. A female can have as many as 400 eggs. […] Read More


Nguni Cattle

Nguni Cattle Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Bovidae
Genus
Bos
Scientific Name
Bos taurus

Fun Fact: Nguni cattle are the most profitable breed for beef farmers.

Nguni cattle are hardy, profitable, and low maintenance for beef farmers. Summary Nguni cattle are native to the Southern region of Africa. They are widely known and revered for their eye-catching speckled and multi-patterned hides. This cattle breed is also known for its good temperament and ability to withstand harsh climate conditions. Nguni cattle originated […] Read More


Nicobar pigeon

Nicobar pigeon Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Columbiformes
Family
Columbidae
Genus
Caloenas
Scientific Name
Caloenas nicobarica

Fun Fact: Unlike other pigeons, Nicobar pigeons don't fly in haphazard flocks but in columns or single file.

“The Nicobar pigeon is the last of the Caloenas pigeons” The Nicobar pigeon is the only member of the Caloenas genus and is believed to be the only living relative of the poor dodo as well as a creature called the Rodrigues solitaire. It’s famous for its amazing, glittery feathers but unfortunately hunted for food […] Read More


Nigerian Goat

Nigerian Goat Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Calvo
Genus
Capra
Scientific Name
Capra aegagrus hircus

Fun Fact: Produces a lot of milk for its small size

The Nigerian dwarf goat is a small goat species from the West African Dwarf goat breeds like the American Pygmy Goat. The American breed was specifically developed to be a miniature, small-scale dairy goat. It has the same proportions as larger dairy goat breeds but much smaller. Popular for its characteristics of small size, easy […] Read More


Night Adder

Night Adder Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Viperidae
Genus
Causus

Fun Fact: Night adders are small, slender snakes that, despite the name, are actually most active during the day.

Night adders are small, slender snakes that, despite the name, are actually most active during the day. Night adders belong to the genus Causus. Seven species of night adders are currently recognized in this genus, including the common rhombic night adder and snouted night adder. Although they belong to the viper family, night adders are […] Read More


Night Heron

Night Heron Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Pelecaniformes
Family
Ardeidae
Genus
Nycticorax
Scientific Name
Nycticorax nycticorax

Fun Fact: When they feel threatened juvenile night herons vomit their stomach contents.

Night herons have a wingspan of 45 to 47 inches. Night herons can be seen walking on the shorelines of marshes and wetlands in search of fish, frogs, and insects to eat. This bird is known for its long, thin legs, intense gaze, and crown of feathers. The territory of various types of night herons […] Read More


Night Snake

Night Snake Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Colubridae
Genus
Hypsiglena
Scientific Name
Hypsiglena torquata

Fun Fact:

Key Points: Night snakes are easily mistaken for young rattlesnakes due to their triangular-shaped heads and elliptical pupils.There are 17 different types of night snakes including the Texas night snake, California night snake, and San Diego night snake.The bite from a night snake is poisonous, but the venom only affects smaller animals like lizards, frogs, […] Read More


Nightingale

Nightingale Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Muscicapidae
Genus
Luscinia

Fun Fact: Named more than 1,000 years ago!

The Nightingale is a small songbird of the Old World. Its rather ordinary appearance conceals a tremendous voice, which has been a favorite of birdwatchers for many centuries. The name nightingale tends to refer specifically to the common nightingale species of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Nightingale can also refer to the closely related thrush nightingale, […] Read More


Nightjar

Nightjar Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Caprimulgiformes
Family
Caprimulgidae
Genus
Eurostopodus, Caprimulgus, and others
Scientific Name
Caprimulgus ruficollis, Eurostopodus argus, and others

Fun Fact: There are 97 nightjar species across 20 genera!

“These birds are difficult to spot as they blend in with their environment and only come out at night.” Summary The nightjars (Caprimulgidae) are a family of nocturnal birds with flat heads, long wings, and large eyes. These birds have a mottled coloring that camouflages them against tree bark, making them difficult to spot. They […] Read More


Nile Crocodile

Nile Crocodile Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Crocodilia
Family
Crocodylidae
Genus
Crocodylus
Scientific Name
Crocodylus niloticus

Fun Fact: Unlike other reptiles, the male Nile crocodile will stay with a female to guard their nest of eggs.

A female Nile crocodile has a special pouch in her throat where she hides her young from predators. An adult Nile crocodile can be as long as 20 feet! They are carnivores that can subdue and eat large mammals. This crocodile lives in various places throughout sub-Saharan Africa as well as in the Nile basin […] Read More


Nile Monitor

Nile Monitor Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Varanidae
Genus
Varanus
Scientific Name
Varanus niloticus

Fun Fact: The Nile monitor is the world's fourth-largest lizard!

Nile Monitor Summary “The Nile Monitor is the world’s fourth-largest lizard!” The Nile monitor is one of the largest lizards on the planet, averaging 4 to 7 feet long and weighing anywhere from 13 to 44 pounds. Its body is large and muscular, with a long, heavy tail, a long, bulky neck, and a large […] Read More


Nile Perch

Nile Perch Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Actinopterygii
Order
Perciformes
Family
Centropomidae
Genus
Lates
Scientific Name
Lates niloticus

Fun Fact: Nile perch will sometimes eat those within its own species

The Nile perch is a freshwater fish species native to the Ethiopian region on the African continent.  Read More


Nilgai

Nilgai Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Bovidae
Genus
Boselaphus
Scientific Name
Boselaphus tragocamelus

Fun Fact: Nilgai were hunted for their meat as far back as 8,000 years ago.

“The largest Asian antelope.” Nilgai means “blue cow” in Hindi and describes the lovely bluish-gray color of the male’s coat. It’s not only the biggest antelope found in Asia, it’s one of the oldest species of antelope in the world. Scientists believe that this big-bodied animal with its slender legs showed up as long as […] Read More


No See Ums

No See Ums Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Diptera
Family
Ceratopogonidae

Fun Fact: There are more than 5,000 species.

Have you ever ended up with an itchy bug bite from an insect you did not see? You may have been the victim of a no-see-um! What are no-see-ums? As the name suggests, they are insects that are so small they are difficult to see. They are biting insects that feed on vertebrate blood or […] Read More


Norfolk Terrier

Norfolk Terrier Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: Fearless but not aggressive!

The Norfolk terrier is a loyal, affectionate dog with a lot of energy packed into their tiny frame. They have an independent streak and a stubborn persistence that are hallmark qualities of the terrier breed. These pups are protective of their family and always up for a game of fetch or a lively walk! Though […] Read More


Norrbottenspets

Norrbottenspets Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: Getting your hands on one of these pups might be a challenging task. At one point, the breed was on the brink of extinction.

Summary The Norrbottenspets English name is Norrbotten spitz and sometimes Nordic spitz. These stunning dogs were named after the region of Sweden where they originated, Norrbotten province. However, they are also native to the Lappland area in Finland, which is why they go by the more generic name, Nordic spitz. Their captivating nature and features […] Read More


North American Black Bear

North American Black Bear Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Ursidae
Genus
Ursus
Scientific Name
Ursus americanus

Fun Fact: Short claws make them good tree climbers!

Classification and Evolution The Black Bear (also known as the American Black Bear) is a medium-sized species of bear that is found inhabiting a variety of forested habitats across North America. The Black Bear is not only the most widespread bear on the North American continent but is also the most numerous bear species in […] Read More


Northern Alligator Lizard

Northern Alligator Lizard Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Anguidae
Genus
Elgaria
Scientific Name
Elgaria coerulea

Fun Fact: Unlike other lizards, these give livebirth to their young

“The tail of the Northern Alligator Lizard can break off, then grow back again” Northern alligator lizards are carnivores with a diet of crickets, mealworms, spiders, and sometimes baby mice. They earned their name because their scale pattern and short legs are similar to an alligator’s. These lizards live in a forest habitat mostly in […] Read More


Northern Bobwhite

Northern Bobwhite Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Galliformes
Family
Odontophoridae
Genus
Colinus
Scientific Name
Colinus virginianus

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

Northern Bobwhite Summary “The northern bobwhite is named for its distinctive whistling call that sounds like ‘bob-white’.” The northern bobwhite is also known as the Virginia quail or bobwhite quail. Unlike many other species of bird, the northern bobwhite does not migrate. They are found year-round throughout their native habitat in North America. There are […] Read More


Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Cardinalidae
Genus
Cardinalis
Scientific Name
Cardinalis cardinalis

Fun Fact: Males are a bright red color, also called "cardinal red"

Males are a bright red color, also called “cardinal red” The northern cardinal is a mid-sized songbird also called by its common names cardinal, red cardinal, common cardinal or redbird. It lives in North and South America. Introduced to Bermuda in 1700, it was also introduced to southern Arizona, southern California and Hawaii. The bird […] Read More


Northern Flicker

Northern Flicker Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Piciformes
Family
Picidae
Genus
Colaptes
Scientific Name
C. Auratus

Fun Fact: Northern Flickers often make their homes in dead trees.

Unlike you’d expect from a woodpecker, the Northern Flicker finds most of its food on the ground. You’ve probably seen these large, brown woodpeckers if you live in North America, where they make their home. Unlike most woodpeckers, these birds spend a lot of time on the ground, as they eat mostly ants and beetles. […] Read More


Northern Fur Seal

Northern Fur Seal Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Pinnipedia
Genus
Callorhinus
Scientific Name
Callorhinus ursinus

Fun Fact: Dense underfur means they don’t need blubber to stay warm

“The Northern Fur Seal is the largest member of the fur seal family.” The fur seal is well-suited to the cold northern waters of its habitat. Blessed with extremely dense fur and a thick underfur, this large marine mammal can stay warm in freezing temperatures. Although the northern fur seal was hunted almost to extinction, […] Read More


Northern Harrier

Northern Harrier Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Accipitriformes
Family
Accipitridae
Genus
Circus
Scientific Name
Circus Hudsonius

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

“They fly low to the ground, weaving through fields.” Summary The northern harrier (Circus Hudsonius) is a medium-sized hawk native to the Americas, primarily North America. They inhabit wetlands and grasslands from Canada through Colombia, where they spend their time perched in trees, roosting on the ground in groups, or soaring low over open fields. […] Read More


Northern Inuit Dog

Northern Inuit Dog Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact:

Northern Inuit Dogs may look very similar to wolves, but they actually do not have any wolf DNA. Northern Inuit dogs were bred from dogs such as Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, and Alaskan Malamutes to look like a wolf while still retaining positive traits that are associated with domesticated dogs. Inuit Dogs can make a […] Read More


Northern Jacana

Northern Jacana Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Charadriiformes
Family
Jacanidae
Genus
Jacana
Scientific Name
Jacana Spinosa

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

“Their huge feet and claws allow them to walk on floating vegetation.” Summary The northern jacana (Jacana Spinosa) is a medium-sized wader from North America, primarily in the tropics in Central America. It inhabits marshes and swamps near coastal areas, where it spends its days walking across floating vegetation and picking insects off aquatic plants. […] Read More


Northern Parula

Northern Parula Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Parulidae
Genus
Setophaga
Scientific Name
Setophaga Americana

Fun Fact: They live in coffee and citrus plantations during the winter

“They flutter around the upper forest canopies.” Summary The northern parula is a small warbler that lives in forest canopies during summer and tropical plantations in the winter. They spend their days fluttering near the ends of branches, foraging for insects and berries. And you may hear them before you see them. Their trilling songs […] Read More


Northern Pintail

Northern Pintail Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anatidae
Genus
Anas
Scientific Name
Anas acuta

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

Northern Pintail Summary “Northern pintails migrate at night with speeds reaching 48 miles per hour!” The northern pintail is a species of dabbling duck native to the majority of the world. Despite having such a large range of migration, there are no known geographical subspecies. They are known for their long necks and tails. It […] Read More


Northern Potoo

Northern Potoo Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Nyctibiiformes
Family
Nyctibiidae
Genus
Nyctibius

Fun Fact: You can find them near golf courses in urban areas

It forages rotten branches for beetle larvae. The northern potoo, like other potoo birds, is a strange creature native to the tropical regions in the Americas. These birds are solitary, nocturnal creatures that are hard to spot due to their camouflaging plumage and propensity for tall trees in forests and mangroves. This potoo is mainly […] Read More


Northern Screamer

Northern Screamer Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Anseriformes
Family
Anhimidae
Genus
Chauna
Scientific Name
Chauna Chavaria

Fun Fact: They are closely related to magpie geese

The northern screamer is attracted to seasonally flooded plains. The northern screamer, also known as the black-necked screamer, is a water bird endemic to small South American regions. Its limited range puts it at risk for habitat loss and pollution, and spotting one of these birds is a rare treat. They are sturdy birds with […] Read More


Northern Water Snake

Northern Water Snake Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Serpentes
Genus
Nerodia
Scientific Name
Nerodia sipedon

Fun Fact: Northern watersnakes’ teeth help them nab fish as they swim by.

The northern water snake is often confused for the venomous cottonmouth and the copperhead, although it is nonvenomous. The northern water snake is a species of common water snake that is native to North America and found in the eastern and central regions. Related to garter snakes, it is also called a water snake or […] Read More


Norway Rat

Norway Rat Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Rodentia
Family
Muridae
Genus
Rattus
Scientific Name
Rattus norvegicus

Fun Fact:

The Norway rat or brown rat is native to China, but due to human travel, they have been able to access ships and populate every continent except Antarctica. As a result, these rats are currently the most common in North America and occupy our cities, farmlands, and even our homes. Identifying a Norway Rat The […] Read More


Norwegian Buhund

Norwegian Buhund Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: The Norwegian Buhund once worked on Norse homesteads

The name buhund is actually a combination of two different Norwegian words. Bu usually refers to a homestead or hut where a shepherd would raise sheep, whereas hund simply means dog. The Norwegian Buhund is an all-purpose farming and herding dog that originated from the coasts of Norway and was once associated with the Vikings. […] Read More


Norwegian Elkhound

Norwegian Elkhound Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: This breed traveled with the Vikings!

Images of these dogs have appeared in ancient Norse artwork. Besides that honor, these dogs also made their way into early Viking legends. Norwegian Elkhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe, perhaps in existence for thousands of years. They were used as hunting and guard dogs by the Vikings. Not a Hound, […] Read More


Norwegian Forest

Norwegian Forest Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Scientific Name
Felis catus

Fun Fact: Has a long, thick double coat of fur!

The big-boned and heavily furred Norwegian Forest cat is often mistaken for the similarly built Maine Coon, but it has a big personality all its own. These cats get along well with just about everyone, but they’re also protective of their territory and endlessly inquisitive. Breed History There are a couple of theories as to […] Read More


Norwegian Lundehund

Norwegian Lundehund Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: This breed is also called the Norsk Lundehund and the Norwegian Puffin Dog

The Norwegian Lundehund has an extremely flexible body and elastic neck that enable it to turn around inside of narrow passages while hunting. Flexible shoulder joints enable it to spread out its forelegs to prevent from slipping on steep rocks. This breed can also close its ear canals to prevent dirt and water from entering. […] Read More


Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terrier Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: Though Norwich terriers are small, they have a reputation for being feisty.

Norwich Terriers are smart and fast making them a common sight at dog agility competitions. A Norwich Terrier is a small dog with a big personality. They are smart, energetic, and sometimes stubborn. This breed originated in rural East Anglia, England in the late 19th century. They were bred to hunt down rodents in a […] Read More


Nose-Horned Viper

Nose-Horned Viper Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Viperidae
Genus
Vipera
Scientific Name
Vipera ammodytes

Fun Fact: The fangs of a nose-horned viper can be as long as half an inch!

Nose-horned vipers have potent venom. However, they are not aggressive snakes and will try to move away from a threat if possible. The most noticeable thing about the nose-horned viper is the fleshy horn atop its snout. This viper grows to a size of 2.5 feet to a little over 3 feet long. It lives […] Read More


Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Fun Fact: The Toller is one of only two breeds that hunters use as decoys while hunting.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is one of only two breeds that hunters use as decoys while hunting. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the Toller, was bred to use when hunting waterfowl. The behavior used when hunting is known as tolling, which is how the breed earned its name. When […] Read More


Nubian Goat

Nubian Goat Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Bovidae
Genus
Capra
Scientific Name
Capra aegagrus hircus

Fun Fact: The Nubian is a relatively large, proud, and graceful dairy goat that traces its ancestry to India and Egypt.

Lop-ear Nubian goats have African, Middle Eastern, and British ancestry. This mixed-breed, domestic goat is famous for its rich milk, long ears, and vocal personality. Nubian goats are friendly, intelligent, and highly curious. Read on to learn interesting facts about these popular goats. 5 Nubian Goat Facts Nubian goats are the most popular dairy goat […] Read More


Nudibranch

Nudibranch Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Mollusca
Class
Gastropoda
Order
Nudibranchia
Scientific Name
Nudibranchia

Fun Fact: They get toxins from their prey to use it against predators.

The nudibranch is a soft-bodied marine gastropod mollusk, also called a sea slug, that sheds its shell after the larval stage. Its name means “naked gill.” Some species steal the nematocysts, or stinging cell organelles, of predators in order to release the toxins as a defensive mucus against them. The creature lives in all depths […] Read More


Numbat

Numbat Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Dasyuromorphia
Family
Myrmecobiidae
Genus
Myrmecobius
Scientific Name
Myrmecobius fasciatus

Fun Fact: There are less than 1,000 left in the wild!

Numbats eat up to 20,000 termites each day! A numbat is a marsupial found in the western part of Australia. This small mammal uses its long, sticky tongue to capture termites that live underground. It hunts for termites by day and sleeps at night, making its home in hollow logs and burrows. Once widespread across […] Read More


Nuralagus

Nuralagus Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Lagomorpha
Family
Leporidae
Genus
Nuralagus

Fun Fact: the Nuralagus is the biggest rabbit on record

Nuralagus is a genus of giant rabbits that lived between 3 to 5 million years ago. The Nuralagus rex is the only member of this genus identified so far. The giant rabbit is considered the largest rabbit ever discovered. This giant rabbit was several times bigger than present-day rabbits, and scientists think the reason it […] Read More


Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Chondrichthyes
Order
Orectolobiformes
Family
Ginglymostomatidae
Genus
Ginglymostoma
Scientific Name
Ginglymostoma cirratum

Fun Fact: Commonly found in Central American waters!

“Nurse sharks have smoother skin than most sharks, though it feels like sandpaper.” Sometimes called the couch potatoes of the sea, nurse sharks are large, peaceful fish. They slowly drift along the bottom of the ocean in shallow water, sucking up food as they go. They hunt alone at night but return to the same […] Read More


Nut Weevil

Nut Weevil Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Curculionidae
Genus
Curculio

Fun Fact: Bore holes in tree nuts and lay their eggs inside

Summary A severe pest of nut orchards, nut weevils are beetles in the family Curculionidae. These insects lay their eggs inside of and feed upon nuts, which is where they get their name. Different species target certain kinds of nuts and have common names associated with their host nut. They have a pronounced snout known […] Read More


Nuthatch

Nuthatch Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Sittadae
Genus
Sitta

Fun Fact: Nuthatches spend a lot of their time upside down.

Nuthatches spend a lot of their time upside down! You may have seen a nuthatch foraging for food up and down the trunk of a tree. They look like some sort of tiny woodpecker, with their long, sharply pointed beaks and the way they peck against the bark of trees. It’s usually easy to tell […] Read More


Nutria

Nutria Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Rodentia
Family
Echimyidae
Genus
Myocastor
Scientific Name
Myocastor coypus

Fun Fact: An invasive species, one female nutria can birth up to 200 babies in just a few years of living!

An invasive species, one female nutria can birth up to 200 babies in just a few years of living! Facts Although the record life span of nutria in captivity is 12 years old, most nutria don’t live past the age of three. Some even die within their first year of life. Nutria are considered to […] Read More


Nyala

Nyala Picture
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Artiodactyla
Family
Bovidae
Genus
Tragelaphus
Scientific Name
Tragelaphus angasii

Fun Fact: They have a high-pitched alarm call that sounds like a barking dog.

“The Nyala is one of the oldest antelopes in Africa.” Scientists believe that this shy member of the Bovidae family has been around for close to 6 million years and has been a separate species since the end of the Miocene era, which makes it only second to the lesser kudu when it comes to […] Read More



A Neanderthal
Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

A Norfolk Terrier
Norfolk Terrier

Fearless but not aggressive!

Newest Animals that Start with N

The most recently added Animals that start with the letter N.

A Nile Monitor
Nile Monitor

The Nile monitor is the world's fourth-largest lizard!

A Nematode
Nematode

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

A Northern Pintail
Northern Pintail

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

Animals that start with the letter N, including the Narwhal & Newt
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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.

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