40 Animals that Start with N and Photos
It may be a little hard to think of animals that start with N. Nature is full of amazing and interesting creatures, each with its own story and importance.
These creatures can be found on land, air, or sea. If you need some animal facts for kids, you will find them here.
Read on and get ready to impress your friends and family. Here you will find a list of animals that starts with N.
List of Animals that Start with N
Here are some of the animals that start with N:
1. The Naked Mole Rat
A Naked Mole Rat is the first in the list of animals that start with N.
One of the weirdest types of land animals must be a creature called the naked mole rat. It is a rodent but is neither a rat nor a mole.
Nearly blind and mostly hairless, it spends much of its life underground in colonies comprised of 75 to 80 mole rats, though a colony can contain as many as 200 individuals.
The life of the colony revolves around a queen, who is the only female who is allowed to breed.
2. Narwhals
The narwhal is an animal that has played an important role in the cultures of the Inuit, Vikings, Scottish, and English.
Its horn was believed to contain magical properties and cures.
Vikings fashioned the tusks into cups under the assumption that they could effectively stop the poison.
Narwhals are animals that roam the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and Northern Atlantic in search of prey.
3. Nightingale
The common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) has inspired poets and writers for thousands of years with its beautiful and complex song.
It makes appearances in Homer’s Odyssey (8th Century BC), Shakespeare, to John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale.”
Found across much of Europe and Asia, Nightingales are one of the few birds who sing at night (as well as during the day) which is what earned the common name, meaning “night singer”.
4. Needlefish
Needlefish are a family of long, thin fishes that have a long beak full of sharp teeth (the Belonidae family).
Some species grow up to four feet long! The mouth is full of needle teeth because they are very sharp.
Those sharp teeth may look a little scary but you’re more likely to get impaled by a needlefish than bitten by one.
Needlefish live near the surface and often leap above the water to travel quickly.
They get particularly excited around sources of artificial light at night and may accidentally “fly” straight into people on boats!
5. The Newt
Newts are amphibians in the salamander family, but there is a lot of confusion over what exactly a newt is because in some parts of the world “newt” and “salamander” are used interchangeably.
More technically, newts are a subfamily of the salamanders called Pleurodelinae.
The crazy thing about newts is that they start life as aquatic larvae with gills, then metamorphose into a juvenile terrestrial stage with lungs (called an eft);
And then transform again back to an aquatic (or semi-aquatic) adult stage to reproduce!
6. Natterjack
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 except for a vertical yellow line on its back.
It’s a carnivore eating woodlice, worms, and spiders. These amphibians are active at night looking for prey.
Their lifespan is 15 to 20 years. They live in a habitat with marshes and dunes
7. Nabarlek
The Nabarlek is a tiny wallaby found only in the extreme northwest corner of Australia; also known as the Little Rock Wallaby.
It is the second smallest member of the Macropodid family (kangaroos and wallabies), standing less than a foot tall and weighing less than 3 pounds!
The Nabarlek spends most of its life hiding in rugged rocky landscapes and only emerges at night to feed on grasses.
The Nabarlek is the only marsupial in the world that can grow an unlimited number of molars!
8. Nandu
While it is known locally in South America as the Nandu, people in the U.S. are probably more used to hearing it referred to as a Rhea.
The Greater Rhea (Rhea americana) is the biggest bird in all the Americas. It’s almost as tall as me!
It’s also one of the largest birds in the world (after the ostrich, emu, and cassowary). Like those other huge birds, it cannot fly.
The other two species of Ñandú: The Lesser Rhea (Rhea pennate) and Puna Rhea (Rhea tarapacensis) are a bit smaller but no less impressive.
9. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
The Netherland Dwarf rabbit is a favorite among pet owners for several reasons.
It was bred to look adorable, and its small size is due to special genes found in rabbits back in the mid-1900s.
This breed is loved for its tiny size and lively personality, making it a popular choice for people all over the globe.
10. Neapolitan Mastiff Dogs
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.
Neapolitan Mastiff dogs are giant dogs. The females are about 24 to 29 inches in size while the males are 26 to 31 inches.
When it comes to their weight, females reach 120 to 175 pounds while males weigh around 150 to 200 pounds.
These dogs are highly protective of the owner’s families, giving very strong and fearless stares.
11. Nebelungs
In German, the word Nebelung means ‘creature of the mist’. They have long, muscular, and athletic bodies with slightly pointed heads.
Their foreheads are straight and nose tips are shallow with a concave curve. Nebelungs are adored for their affectionate, loving, loyal, and sweet personalities.
They are gentle yet playful, making them a perfect companion for family members of all ages. These intelligent cats closely bond with their owners.
Their devotion to their humans often leads these cats to follow family members around the house.
12. Nightfish
The Nightfish (Bostockia porosa) is an ambush predator who hunts only at night.
But don’t get too nervous, it only grows to about the length of your hand (6 inches).
A member of the perch family, the Nightfish can only be found in freshwater streams, lakes, and ponds in coastal Southwestern Australia.
It hunts other small fish, as well as crayfish and aquatic insects.
13. Nautilus
This animal is a special member of a very special group of animals: the Cephalopods (which includes the octopuses, squid, cuttlefish, and nautiluses).
Nautilus are living fossils because they have existed on the planet for more than 500 million years!
They have empty chambers inside their spiral shell which are filled with an inert gas to maintain neutral buoyancy, and they swim around with jet propulsion!
14. Newfoundland Dogs
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 originally bred to save drowning fishermen from the cold, frigid waters around Newfoundland.
The webbed feet and thick fur made it an ideal rescue dog. The thick, heavy double coat of fur is typically all-black, brown, or gray.
There is also a black-and-white version called a Landseer. According to the American Kennel Club, it is one of the more popular types of large breeds in the United States.
15. Newfypoos
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 Newfoundland with a standard poodle. It can weigh up to 150 pounds and stands 20 and 28 inches tall.
The chances are that breeders did not start breeding this crossbreed until the early 2000s.
They love to work and would love to go on a swim after a full day of guarding your children and your property.
16. Nicobar Pigeon
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 and its gem-quality gizzard stone.
The bird’s gizzard stone is so hard that it can grind nuts that humans need a hammer to, it’s made into jewelry.
The gizzard is one of the adaptations the bird has for grinding down seeds and nuts that might otherwise be too hard to eat.
17. Nigerian Dwarf Goat
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 is much smaller.
It is a favorite for small livestock as well as a companion animal. It’s one of the most expensive goat species.
It produces a lot of milk compared to its size. The higher butterfat of the breed’s milk makes it popular for making cheese, cream, yogurt, and soap.
18. Nile Crocodile
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 and western Madagascar.
These reptiles communicate with one another by hissing and growling. They can live to be at least 45 years old in the wild.
19. Nightjar
The Nightjars comprise about 100 species of nocturnal and crepuscular birds in the family Caprimulgidae.
They are masters of camouflage and, unlike most birds, will often perch lengthwise along a branch to blend in perfectly.
Nightjars are found around the world. We often see them flying up from the dirt roads during night drives in South Africa.
And right here in our backyard in North Carolina, we hear the call of an American nightjar species: the Eastern Whip-poor-will.
20. Nalolo
The Nalolo is a tiny fish found in coral reefs of the western Indian Ocean, growing to only 2.5 inches long.
The Nalolo (Ecsenius nalolo) is a member of the Combtooth Blennies family, meaning it has a row of tiny comb-like teeth in its mouth!
Like other blennies, they rest on the bottom and “walk” on their pectoral
21. Nematode
It’s a little unfair to refer to the Nematode as an animal when in fact nematodes are a group of many thousands of different species of animals.
Nematodes (also known as roundworms) are probably the most numerous multi-cellular animals on the entire planet in terms of both biomass and number of species.
22. Ningaui
The Ningaui is a tiny carnivorous marsupial found only in Australia.
There are three species: the Wongai Ningaui, the Pilbara Ningaui, and the Southern Ningaui.
Amazingly, these secretive little animals were discovered in 1975! Weighing less than 10 grams (smaller than a mouse)
They are voracious predators of insects, attacking them with their sharp teeth.
They are named after tiny hairy creatures from Aboriginal mythology that only come out at night.
23. Nilgai
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 5 million years ago and hasn’t changed much since.
24. No-See-Ums
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!
No-see-ums are insects that are so small they are difficult to see. They are biting insects that feed on vertebrate blood or other insects.
No-see-ums can be pesky bugs, but they are also amazing animals.
There are more than 5,000 species of these insects, and they live in every part of the world except the polar regions. Some species are known from bugs preserved in amber fossils.
25. Norfolk Terrier
The Norfolk terrier is a loyal, loving dog with a lot of energy in its little body.
They have a streak of independence and an obstinate determination that are the characteristic traits of the terrier breed.
These puppies are fiercely loyal to their family and are always ready to play fetch or go for a vigorous walk.
Norfolk terrier and Norwich terrier are the two names of this dog. The names originate from the British county and town, where they were bred.
26. The Noolbenger
Think of a small, lively being with a snout, a long tongue, and feet like those of a tarsier. That’s the Noolbenger!
It’s a unique marsupial found in the far southwest of Australia. Unlike other marsupials, it has its own family called Tarsipedidae.
This tiny animal is special because it’s the only marsupial that solely feeds on flower nectar and pollen.
Despite being called the Honey Possum, it’s not a possum and doesn’t eat honey.
27. Northern Alligator Lizard
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 rocky areas where they can hide.
Northern alligator lizards have a lifespan of up to ten years and sometimes live longer. This small reptile is sometimes kept as a pet.
28. Nënë
The Nënë is a beautiful goose that lives only on the Hawaiian Islands.
Also known as the Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis). “Animals That Start With N”
The Nënë had nearly gone extinct by 1950 due to extensive habitat loss and predation on nests by non-native animals like cats, dogs, pigs, rats, and the small Indian mongoose.
29. Nase
The name Nase usually refers to the Common Nase (Chondrostoma nasus).
But Nase is also sometimes used to refer to any of the 20 fish species in its genus Chondrostoma.
In Ancient Greek, Chondrostoma means lump mouth, which may refer to its strange bumpy rasping teeth.
The common name Nase derives from the German word for nose, referring to the funny protrusion of the Nase’s upper jaw past its mouth.
The Common Nase is found in European rivers around the Black Sea, and the Baltic.
30. Northern Cardinal
The 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 is one of many species of cardinal, so named for having the northernmost range, plus its cardinal-red color.
31. Northern Fur Seal
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, its population has rebounded.
32. Northern Inuit Dogs
Northern Inuit Dogs may look very similar to wolves, but they do not have any wolf DNA.
They were bred from dogs such as Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, and Alaskan Malamutes to look just like a dog while still retaining positive traits that are associated with domesticated dogs.
This breed’s lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. Northern Inuit Dogs can make a great family pet.
They are very loyal and friendly. However, they can be a challenge to train for first-time owners, so this breed will do best with an experienced owner.
33. Northern Water Snake
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.
It is related to garter snakes. It is called a water snake or a common water snake.
Along with the banded or southern water snake, it was introduced to California, where it competes with the native giant garter snake.
34. Norwegian Buhund
The Norwegian Buhund, originating from the coasts of Norway and once associated with the Vikings, is an all-purpose farming and herding dog.
It has a rather square body, erect ears, a curled tail, and a long muzzle.
The dense double coat of fur, consisting of a thick outer coat and soft, woolly undercoat, comes in black or wheaten color with a black mask on the face or white markings around the body.
The fur is longest around the neck, chest, and thighs and shortest on the head and front of the legs.
35. Numbray
The Numbray (Narke dipterygia) is the most shocking of all the animals that start with n.
Literally. If you try to touch one then you’re in for a jolt. This ray can emit a powerful electric shock!
Hence the name numb-ray, meaning it will make your arm go numb.
Also known as the Spottail Sleeper Ray, the Numbray is native to Australia and hides in the sand before ambushing its prey, wrapping around it, shocking it, and then swallowing it whole with a large expandable mouth.
36. Noctule
The Common Noctule (Nyctalus Noctula) is one of the animals that start with N. It’s a mid-sized bat found across much of Europe and parts of Asia.
The name Noctule is also sometimes used to refer to any of the 8 species of bats in the genus Nyctalus.
In summer, Noctule bats feed on large moths and beetles over forests and wetlands. In winter they hibernate inside rock caves or in human-built structures.
They are the most common bat found in many Eastern European cities! “Animals That Start With N”
37. Nunlet
Nunlets are South American puffbirds in the genus Nonnula. “Animals That Start With N”
There are 6 species but here is the adorable little Brown Nunlet which is found only in a tiny range in Western Amazonia.
38. Nudibranch
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 to release the toxins as a defensive mucus against them.
The creature lives in all depths mostly saltwater around the world, while a few species live in brackish water.
39. Nurse Sharks
Nurse sharks have smoother skin than most sharks. This makes it feel like sandpaper.
Sometimes called the couch potatoes of the sea, nurse sharks are large, peaceful fish that 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 comfortable resting place during the day where they enjoy dozing in piles.
Although their habitat is alongside humans, these fish are rarely harmful; they will only bite if startled or provoked.
These gentle sharks are quite comfortable in zoo aquariums and can live up to 25 years in captivity.
40. Nyala
The Nyala is the last in the list of animals that start with N. It 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.
So, which makes it only second to the lesser kudu when it comes to species longevity.
Because of this, some believe it’s high time to put the nyala in its genus, but for now, it remains a member of Tragelaphus.
Discovering animals that start with N is like unlocking a door to a whole new world of nature. From the cool narwhal to the tiny newt, each creature has its own story.
Whether you’re a fan or just curious, exploring these animals is a fun way to appreciate the amazing variety of life on Earth.
