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
- Nabarlek
- Naegleria
- Naked Mole Rat
- Narwhal
- Natterjack
- Nautilus
- Neanderthal
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Nebelung
- Needlefish
- Nelore Cattle
- Nematode
- Neon Tetra
- Neptune Grouper
- Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
- New Hampshire Red Chicken
- Newfoundland
- Newfypoo
- Newt
- Nguni Cattle
- Nicobar pigeon
- Nigerian Goat
- Night Adder
- Night Heron
- Night Snake
- Nightingale
- Nightjar
- Nile Crocodile
- Nile Monitor
- Nile Perch
- Nilgai
- No See Ums
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norrbottenspets
- North American Black Bear
- Northern Alligator Lizard
- Northern Bobwhite
- Northern Cardinal
- Northern Flicker
- Northern Fur Seal
- Northern Harrier
- Northern Inuit Dog
- Northern Jacana
- Northern Parula
- Northern Pintail
- Northern Potoo
- Northern Screamer
- Northern Water Snake
- Norway Rat
- Norwegian Buhund
- Norwegian Elkhound
- Norwegian Forest
- Norwegian Lundehund
- Norwich Terrier
- Nose-Horned Viper
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Nubian Goat
- Nudibranch
- Numbat
- Nuralagus
- Nurse Shark
- Nut Weevil
- Nuthatch
- Nutria
- Nyala
Animals that Start with N
Nabarlek
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Hypsiglena
- Scientific Name
- Hypsiglena torquata
Fun Fact:
Night snakes are sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes due to some shared characteristics. The range of the night snake stretches from the southern part of Canada, through the western part of the United States from Idaho to Texas, then down into Mexico. Their habitat includes deserts, meadows, forests, and rocky areas. It’s considered fairly small in […] Read More
Nightingale
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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