Animal Names that Start with N

By SEO Internal Link | Updated: 13/08/2025

Every time we begin to explore the vast animal kingdom, it’s like diving into a delightful book full of stories and mysteries. Can you name an animal beginning with N right now? If you think for a moment, you may find that it’s a tad trickier than you expected! This list, dedicated to animals beginning with N, promises to be an exciting vocabulary for kids, especially for preschoolers and children just starting to delve into the fascinating world of animals. Each animal name that starts with N has a unique factor to it and is super exciting to learn about, perfect to enhance kids’ vocabulary. Whether it’s for fun or educational purposes, these N letter animal names for preschoolers and kids will certainly pique their curiosity.

List of Common Animals That Start With Letter N

There are numerous intriguing creatures in our vast animal kingdom that have their names starting with the letter N. From soaring birds to nimble mammals, this compilation of N start animal names will expand your knowledge and surprise you with some fun tidbits!

1. Newt

newt

Newts are amphibians that belong to the salamander family. They spend part of their lives in water and part on land.

Fun Facts

Newts can regenerate lost body parts, including limbs, intestines, heart tissues, and even parts of their eyes (1)!

2. Nuthatch

Nuthatches are small songbirds known for their unique ability to climb down trees headfirst, something most birds can’t do.

Fun Facts

The name ‘nuthatch’ derives from their habit of jamming large nuts into tree bark and then “hatching” them open using their sharp beaks (2).

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3. Nightingale

The nightingale is renowned for its powerful and melodic nocturnal song, mostly sung by males to attract females.

Fun Facts

Nightingales were named so because they frequently sing at night as well as during the day (3).

4. Numbat

Numbat

A small marsupial native to Australia, the numbat feeds primarily on termites, consuming up to 20,000 in a single day (4)!

Fun Facts

Unlike other marsupials, numbats do not have a pouch for their young.

5. Nyala

Nyala

Native to southern Africa, the nyala is a type of antelope recognized by its spiral horns and distinct body markings (5).

Fun Facts

Female nyalas are orange/brown without horns, while males are darker with prominent spiral horns.

6. Nematode

Nematodes, or roundworms, are microscopic worms that can be found in virtually every type of environment, from soil and desert to ocean and Antarctica (6).

Fun Facts

Scientists estimate that four out of every five animals on Earth are nematodes!

7. Nase

Nase

The nase is a freshwater fish mostly found in the rivers of Europe. It adorns beautiful scales of blueish-grey metallic colour and an orange tail (7).

Fun Facts

Nases have adapted to life in fast-flowing streams with their flattened bodies and strong swimming abilities.
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8. Napu

Napu

The napu, or lesser mouse deer, is a small hoofed mammal found in Southeast Asia (8).

Fun Facts

Although Napus are tiny, they are known to stand their ground, using their sharp fangs in defence against threats!

9. Norwegian Rat

Also known as the brown rat or Norway rat, the Norwegian rat is among the most widespread rats globally (9).

Fun Facts

These rats are highly adaptable and are often found living near human populations.

10. Nicator

Nicator

Nicators are songbirds native to Africa and are known for their loud and varied calls.

Fun Facts

Despite their pleasant songs, nicators can be aggressive and often dominate other birds in their habitat.

11. Noodlefish

Found in the North Pacific, noodlefish are small, slender fish.

Fun Facts

Their name “noodlefish” comes from their long, noodle-like appearance!

12. Nalolo

Nalolo

The nalolo is a type of wrasse fish, mainly found in the Indian Ocean.

Fun Facts

Nalolos are known to change their gender from female to male as they mature.

13. Nightcrawler

A popular bait for fishing, nightcrawlers are large earthworms that come out at night. These earthworms help aerate the soil, making it more fertile (10).

Fun Facts

Nightcrawlers can eat up to one-third of their body weight in a single day!

14. Nightfish

Native to Western Australia, the nightfish is a freshwater species often found in slow-moving rivers and lakes.

Fun Facts

The nightfish gets its name due to its nocturnal habits, feeding mainly at night.

15. Noodle Snake

Found in Asia, the noodle snake is a non-venomous snake species known for its slender body.

Fun Facts

Unlike many other snakes, noodle snakes have a unique, iridescent sheen to their scales.

This fascinating list offers just a glimpse into the vast array of animals with names that begin with the letter N. Each one possesses unique traits and behaviours that make them stand out in the animal kingdom.

Animal Names Beginning With Letter N Chart

When visuals accompany learning, the experience becomes all the more engaging and memorable. Especially for young learners, connecting names with images can be a powerful tool. Here, we present an illustrative chart of animals that start with N with pictures. This colourful reference will not only make learning fun but will also spark curiosity about the broader animal kingdom.

Animal Names That Start With N By Habitat

Habitats play a vital role in shaping the characteristics and behaviours of animals. As we continue our exploration, we’ll categorise N letter animal names based on their primary habitats. This organisation gives a richer understanding of the environments these animals call home.

Wild Animals That Start With N

The wild is an expansive domain where animals roam free, unbridled by human interference. This ecosystem houses some of the most captivating and diverse creatures.

1. Nyala

2. Nicator

3. Noodle Snake

4. Numbat

5. Newt

6. Nase

7. Nightcrawler

8. Nightfish

9. Napu

10. Nightingale

11. Noodlefish

12. Nalolo

13. Nematode

14. Nuthatch

15. Norwegian Rat

Domestic Animals Beginning With N

Domesticated animals have been a part of human culture for centuries. These creatures are often reared for companionship, work, or other benefits, and they hold special places in our hearts.

1. Nubian Goat

2. Newfoundland Dog

3. Norwich Terrier

4. Nankin Chicken

5. Norwegian Forest Cat

6. Nebelung Cat

7. Nigerian Goat

8. Norfolk Terrier

9. Norfolk Spaniel

10. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

11. New Zealand White Rabbit

12. Navajo Churro Sheep

13. Norwegian Buhund Dog

14. Norwegian Elkhound

15. Nureongi (Korean breed of dog)

Sea and Ocean Animals Beginning With N

Oceans and seas represent a world of wonder, teeming with a plethora of marine life that continues to intrigue us with their beauty and mystery.

1. Nudibranch

2. Nurse Shark

3. Nautilus

4. Noodlefish

5. Nalolo

6. Needlefish

7. Northern Fur Seal

8. Narwhal

9. Nase

10. Northern Right Whale Dolphin

11. Nacunda Nighthawk

12. Neotropical Otter

13. North Pacific Giant Octopus

14. Nassau Grouper

15. Neon Tetra Fish

Zoo Animals Starting With N

The zoo showcases a wide variety of animals from around the globe, offering us a chance to witness their charm and learn about their unique features.

1. Nile Crocodile

2. Nilgai

3. North American Porcupine

Zoos educate visitors about the fascinating wildlife and their habitats, making it an ideal place to see and appreciate these N-starting creatures.

Extinct Animals With Letter N

History tells us about creatures that once roamed the Earth but have now disappeared. Let’s journey back in time and discover some of these majestic beings.

1. Neanderthal

2. Neovenator

3. Nothosaurus

4. Notoungulate

5. Neoceratops

6. Nothronychus

7. Nannopterygius

8. Nodosaurus

9. Nuralagus

10. Neptunidraco

These bygone animals begin with the letter N and serve as a reminder of the fragile balance in nature and the importance of conservation efforts to protect the existing species.

Animal Names With N By Types

One of the most enriching ways to study animals is by categorising them based on their distinct types or classifications. This not only helps in understanding their unique physical and behavioural attributes but also highlights their role in the broader ecosystem.

Mammals Starting With Letter N

Mammals are warm-blooded vertebrates known for their hair or fur and the capability of nursing their young. Let’s delve into some of the marvelous mammals that have their names starting with the letter N.

1. Numbat

2. Nyala

3. Napu (lesser mouse-deer)

4. Nalolo

5. Nureongi

6. Nubian Goat

7. Newfoundland Dog

8. Norwich Terrier

9. Norwegian Forest Cat

10. Nebelung Cat

11. Nigerian Goat

12. Norfolk Terrier

13. Norfolk Spaniel

14. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

15. New Zealand White Rabbit

16. Navajo Churro Sheep

17. Norwegian Buhund Dog

18. Norwegian Elkhound

19. Nilgai

20. North American Porcupine

Insects That Start With the Letter N

The world of insects is vast, intricate, and incredibly diverse. From tiny creatures with fascinating life cycles to those with brilliant colouration, let’s explore some insects starting with the letter N.

1. Nematode (though often considered a worm, many species are insect-like)

2. Net-winged Beetle

3. No-See-Um (or biting midge)

4. Nymph (immature form of some insects)

5. New Zealand Flatworm

6. New England Aster Borer

7. Nettle Caterpillar

8. Nicrophorus (burying beetle)

9. Nut Weevil

10. Nematoceran Flies

11. Notodontid Moth

12. Northern Caddisfly

13. Nymphalid Butterfly

14. Nightcrawler Moth

15. Needle Ant

Reptiles Beginning With Letter N

Reptiles, with their scaly skin, are an intriguing group of cold-blooded vertebrates. Let’s identify some of the reptiles that have their names beginning with the enigmatic letter N.

1. Nile Crocodile

2. Newt (though an amphibian, it’s commonly mistaken as a reptile)

3. North American Racer (snake)

4. Northern Alligator Lizard

5. Nodosaurus (extinct reptile)

6. Neochelys (an extinct turtle)

Reptiles, spanning from modern-day lizards to prehistoric dinosaurs, remind us of the vast evolutionary journey of life on Earth.

Benefits of Learning About Animal Names Starting With N

Understanding the myriad of creatures in the animal kingdom can be both enlightening and enjoyable. Knowing about animals, especially those starting with specific letters like N, offers various advantages. Here are some benefits of learning the letter N animal names:

Vocabulary Expansion: By recognising animal names that start with the letter N, learners, especially young ones, can expand their vocabulary, improving both their reading and communication skills.
Enhanced Curiosity: Exploring the unique traits and habitats of animals starting with N can stimulate curiosity, leading to a broader interest in biology, ecology, and the natural world.
Cultural Awareness: Many “N” animals, like the Nubian Goat or the Nureongi, have cultural significance in certain regions. Learning about them can offer insights into different cultures and traditions.
Cognitive Development: Associating names with animal images or their characteristics can enhance memory skills, pattern recognition, and logical thinking.
Conservation Awareness: Understanding various animals, including lesser-known ones starting with the letter N, can lead to increased awareness about conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats.

Activities for Kids to Learn Animal Names That Begin With N

For young minds, learning becomes truly enriching when it’s interactive and enjoyable. Engaging kids in activities centred around animal names, especially those starting with the letter N, offers a fun-filled way to enrich their knowledge. Here are some captivating activities for kids to get acquainted with the N alphabet animal name and to discover the intriguing N name of the animal.

Animal Alphabet Flashcards: Create a set of flashcards with an image of an animal on one side and its name on the other. As you show them the image, prompt them to identify the name of the animal from ‘N’.
N-Animal Colouring Book: Provide kids with a colouring book that focuses exclusively on animals starting with N. As they colour, discuss fun facts about each animal to reinforce learning.
Memory Matching Game: Use cards featuring images of animals and their corresponding names. Spread them out face down, and have kids try to match the animal picture with its name, focusing especially on those that begin with N.
“Guess the N Animal” Game: Describe characteristics of a particular n alphabet animal name without mentioning its name. Let the kids guess the animal based on the description, promoting active listening and recall.
Animal Name Scavenger Hunt: Prepare a list of animals that start with N. Hide corresponding images or toy figurines around the house or yard, and have kids hunt for them, ticking off the names on their list as they find each one.

FAQs

1. Are there any endangered animals that start with “N”?

Yes! The Numbat and New Zealand Falcon are endangered because of habitat loss and predators.

2. What is the biggest animal that starts with “N”?

The Narwhal is the biggest! It’s a type of whale that lives in the Arctic Ocean.

Animal Names That Start With N Chart

Exploring the vast world of animals, especially those beginning with the letter N, opens up a realm of discovery and wonder. By engaging in such learning journeys, we not only enrich our knowledge but also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the incredible biodiversity that our planet has to offer.

References/Resources:

1. One Kind Planet – Newt

2. Southwick Country Park Nature Reserve – Five fun nuthatch facts

3. British Trust for Ornithology – Nightingale

4. Project Numbat – Numbats are amazing!

5. My Wildlife Sea – Animal Facts – Nyala

6. UC Riverside – What are Nematodes?

7. iNaturalist UK – Common Nase

8. Animal Diversity Web – Tragulus napu greater mouse-deer

9. Alaska Department of Fish and Game – Invasive Species — Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

10. University of Minnesota Extension – Nightcrawler

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