Looking for animals that start with N? You’ve come to the right place.
From the Arctic’s Narwhal to the tiny Numbat of Australia, there are plenty of unique animals that make the letter N stand out in the animal kingdom.
Whether you’re writing a school project, teaching kids about animals, or just curious, this list will help you discover some amazing creatures — all starting with “N.”
Popular Animals That Start With N
These are some of the most well-known animals that start with N you might have heard of:
| Animal Name | Habitat | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Narwhal | Arctic Ocean | Known as the “unicorn of the sea,” it has a long spiral tusk that can grow up to 10 feet. |
| Newt | Ponds and wetlands | A small amphibian that can regrow its tail and limbs. |
| Nightingale | Forests and gardens | Famous for its beautiful song at night. |
| Numbat | Australia | Feeds mostly on termites using a long sticky tongue. |
| Nurse Shark | Warm coastal waters | A calm bottom-dwelling shark that rests during the day. |
Lesser-Known Animals With N
Here are some interesting but less familiar animals with N from around the world:
| Animal Name | Habitat | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Nyala | Southern Africa | A shy antelope with spiral horns and striped fur. |
| Nene (Hawaiian Goose) | Hawaii | The state bird of Hawaii, once endangered but now protected. |
| Nilgai | India | Also called the “blue bull,” it’s the largest Asian antelope. |
| Nautilus | Deep ocean | A sea creature with a spiral shell, related to squids. |
| Nutria | South America | A semi-aquatic rodent that looks like a mix between a beaver and a rat. |
Full List of Animals That Start With N
| Animal Name | Type | Where It’s Found |
|---|---|---|
| Narwhal | Marine Mammal | Arctic Ocean |
| Newt | Amphibian | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Numbat | Marsupial | Australia |
| Nightingale | Bird | Europe, Africa, Asia |
| Nurse Shark | Fish | Tropical Oceans |
| Nyala | Mammal (Antelope) | Southern Africa |
| Nene (Hawaiian Goose) | Bird | Hawaii |
| Nilgai | Mammal (Antelope) | India |
| Nautilus | Marine Animal | Indo-Pacific Ocean |
| Nutria | Rodent | South America, USA |
| Nighthawk | Bird | North & South America |
| Newfoundland Dog | Mammal (Dog) | Canada |
| Naked Mole Rat | Rodent | East Africa |
| Needlefish | Fish | Tropical and Subtropical Seas |
| Northern Pike | Fish | North America, Europe |
| Nubian Goat | Mammal (Goat) | Africa |
| Northern Cardinal | Bird | North America |
| Nicator | Bird | Africa |
| Nandu (Greater Rhea) | Bird | South America |
| Nile Crocodile | Reptile | Africa |
| Northern Flicker | Bird | North America |
| Nuthatch | Bird | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Noolbenger (Honey Possum) | Marsupial | Australia |
| Natterjack Toad | Amphibian | Europe |
| Norwegian Elkhound | Dog | Norway |
| Norwegian Forest Cat | Cat | Northern Europe |
| Nightjar | Bird | Worldwide |
| Napu (Lesser Mouse Deer) | Mammal | Southeast Asia |
| Northern Goshawk | Bird | Northern Hemisphere |
| Nudibranch | Marine Mollusk | Worldwide Oceans |
| Nile Monitor | Reptile (Lizard) | Africa |
| Northern Pygmy Owl | Bird | North America |
| Northern Harrier | Bird | North America, Europe |
| Northern Shoveler | Duck | North America, Asia |
| Norwegian Lundehund | Dog | Norway |
| Nightfish | Fish | Australia |
| Numbfish | Electric Ray | Indian and Pacific Oceans |
| Northern Fur Seal | Marine Mammal | North Pacific Ocean |
| Northern Elephant Seal | Marine Mammal | Pacific Coast |
| Nabarlek | Marsupial (Rock Wallaby) | Northern Australia |
| Neotropic Cormorant | Bird | Central & South America |
| Noisy Miner | Bird | Australia |
| Northern Lapwing | Bird | Europe, Asia |
| Northern Brown Bandicoot | Marsupial | Australia |
| Northern Bettong | Marsupial | Queensland, Australia |
| Northern Red Bishop | Bird | Africa |
| Northern Wheatear | Bird | Eurasia |
| Northern White Rhinoceros | Mammal | Central Africa (rare) |
| Northern Snakehead | Fish | Asia, invasive in USA |
| Northern Shrike | Bird | North America |
| Northern Short-tailed Shrew | Mammal | North America |
| Night Monkey | Primate | South America |
| Night Adder | Snake | Africa |
| Northern Leopard Frog | Amphibian | North America |
| Northern Alligator Lizard | Reptile | North America |
| Northern Bobwhite | Bird | USA |
| Nile Perch | Fish | Africa |
| Northern Anchovy | Fish | Pacific Ocean |
| Nudie Fish | Fish | Indo-Pacific |
| Night Skink | Reptile | Australia |
| New Guinea Singing Dog | Dog | Papua New Guinea |
| New Caledonian Crow | Bird | New Caledonia |
| Nepal Grey Langur | Primate | Nepal |
| North Island Brown Kiwi | Bird | New Zealand |
| North American Beaver | Mammal | USA, Canada |
| North American River Otter | Mammal | North America |
| North Pacific Giant Octopus | Marine Animal | Pacific Ocean |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Mammal | North America |
| Northern Palm Squirrel | Rodent | India |
| Northern Potoo | Bird | Central America |
| Northern Raccoon | Mammal | North America |
| Northern Royal Albatross | Bird | New Zealand |
| Northern Spotted Owl | Bird | North America |
| Northern Tamandua | Mammal (Anteater) | Central & South America |
| Northern Water Snake | Reptile | North America |
| Northern Wheatear | Bird | Europe, Asia |
| Northern Yellow Bat | Mammal | Americas |
| Nubian Ibex | Mammal (Goat) | Middle East |
| Nubian Bustard | Bird | Africa |
| Nubian Giraffe | Mammal | Africa |
| Nunbird | Bird | South America |
| Nutmeg Mannikin | Bird | Asia |
| Nyctalus (Common Noctule Bat) | Mammal | Europe |
| Nyala | Antelope | Africa |
| Nankeen Kestrel | Bird | Australia |
| Nicator | Songbird | Africa |
| Noodlefish | Fish | East Asia |
| Neotropic Otter | Mammal | South America |
| Nigerian Goat | Domestic Animal | Nigeria |
| Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat | Rodent | Philippines |
What Animal Starts With N? (Quick List)
Here’s a quick list of more animals that start with N you can explore:
- Nighthawk
- Newfoundland Dog
- Needlefish
- Northern Cardinal
- Nandu (South American Rhea)
- Naked Mole Rat
- Nicator (African songbird)
- Neotropical Otter
- Nubian Goat
- Northern Pike
Each of these animals has unique habits, looks, and places they call home — showing just how diverse nature can be.
Where These Animals Live
- Australia: Numbat, Nandu, Night Parrot
- Africa: Nyala, Nile Crocodile, Naked Mole Rat
- North America: Northern Cardinal, Armadillo, Nighthawk
- Oceans & Seas: Narwhal, Nautilus, Nudibranch, Nurse Shark
From cold Arctic waters to the hot deserts of Australia, “N” animals are spread across every part of the world.
Quick Animal Facts
- The Narwhal’s tusk can grow up to 10 feet long.
- Numbats can eat more than 20,000 termites in a single day.
- The Nightingale can sing over 200 different notes.
- Nudibranchs are some of the most colorful creatures in the sea.
- Nurse Sharks rest on the ocean floor during the day and feed at night.
Common Questions
1. What’s the most popular animal that starts with N?
The Narwhal — often called the “unicorn of the sea.”
2. Are there extinct animals starting with N?
Yes, such as the Neanderthal and Notosuchus (an ancient crocodile).
3. Which N-animal makes a good pet?
The Neon Tetra — a small, peaceful aquarium fish.
4. What’s the cutest animal starting with N?
The Numbat — small, striped, and adorable.
5. Which N-animals are dangerous?
The Nile Crocodile and Northern Pike are known predators.
6. What birds start with N?
Nightingale, Nighthawk, Nutcracker, Northern Cardinal, and Nene.
7. What do Numbats eat?
They feed mainly on termites.
8. What kind of animal is a Narwhal?
A whale that lives in icy Arctic waters.
9. Where can you find a Nyala?
In the forests and grasslands of southern Africa.
10. What sea animals start with N?
Narwhal, Nautilus, Nurse Shark, and Nudibranch.
Final Thoughts
From the bright Neon Tetra to the powerful Narwhal, animals that start with N show just how amazing nature can be.
Each one plays a special role — whether it’s keeping the oceans clean, spreading seeds, or balancing the food chain.
So, next time you’re teaching kids about animals or exploring wildlife facts, remember — the letter N holds some of nature’s most incredible creatures.