Animals That Start With V – A List With Pictures & Facts

Isn’t it fascinating how the vast and varied animal kingdom spreads its wings across every letter of the alphabet? Some letters, like V, might seem uncommon when considering animals beginning with V. Yet, they hold their unique surprises. As you embark on this journey, you’ll uncover animal names with V, ensuring young and old readers enhance their kids’ vocabulary. Especially for little ones, introducing the ‘V’ letter animal names for preschoolers and kids can be a delightful and educational experience. So buckle up as we delve deep into the vast world of creatures with one thing in common: they all start with the letter V!

List of Common Animals Starting With V

Our planet is brimming with diverse creatures, many of which remain unnoticed or unfamiliar to most of us. When it comes to animals beginning with the letter V, you might be surprised at the variety and uniqueness they bring to the table. Let’s explore some common and intriguing animals that start with this vibrant letter (1).

1. Vulture

Vultures are scavenging birds of prey, often spotted circling high in the sky. They predominantly feed on the remains of dead animals, ensuring a clean and balanced ecosystem.

Fun Facts:

• Unlike other birds, vultures have a bald head, which helps them stay clean while feeding.
• There are 23 different species of vultures, split between the Old World (Africa, Asia, and Europe) and the New World (the Americas).

2. Vervet Monkey

Vervet Monkeys are medium-sized primates found mainly in East Africa. Their social behaviour and clear communication system make them captivating subjects for study.

Fun Facts:

• These monkeys are known for their striking blue scrotum, which plays a role in their social communication.
• Vevet Monkeys have been observed using tools, showing an advanced level of cognition.

3. Vicuna

The Vicuna is a wild relative of the llama and alpaca, found in high alpine areas of the Andes.

Fun Facts:

• Vicuna’s wool is one of the finest and most expensive in the world (2).
• These animals are protective, often forming family groups with a dominant male guarding against potential threats.

4. Viper

Vipers are a large family of venomous snakes found in various parts of the world. They’re known for their potent venom and hinged fangs.

Fun Facts:

• Vipers have heat-sensing pits on their faces, which help them locate warm-blooded prey in the dark (3).
• The Gaboon Viper, a member of this family, possesses the longest fangs of any snake.

5. Vaquita

The Vaquita is a rare species of porpoise found only in the northern part of the Gulf of California.

Fun Facts:

• Vaquita means “little cow” in Spanish.
• It’s the most endangered marine mammal, with estimates of fewer than 30 individuals left in the wild.

6. Velvet Worm

Velvet Worms are ancient creatures that reside in tropical forests and look like a cross between a worm and a caterpillar.

Fun Facts:

• They’ve been around for more than 500 million years!
• These worms shoot a sticky slime from their heads to trap prey.

7. Vampire Squid

Contrary to its name, the Vampire Squid doesn’t suck blood. It dwells in the deep oceans and has an intriguing appearance.

Fun Facts:

• Its scientific name translates to “vampire squid from hell.”
• Instead of ink, this squid releases a bioluminescent mucus to deter predators.

8. Vizsla

The Vizsla is a breed of dog known for its hunting skills and deep reddish coat.

Fun Facts:

• Vizslas are incredibly loyal and often referred to as “Velcro dogs” because of their tendency to stick close to their owners.
• They have an extraordinary sense of smell and are excellent at tracking.

9. Veery

The Veery is a small North American thrush characterised by its rust-coloured back and spotted chest. These birds are known for their unique and ethereal song that rings through the forests.

Fun Facts:

• The Veery’s song has been described as a downward spiral of notes, creating a haunting echo effect.
• This bird migrates all the way from North America to South America, covering thousands of miles annually.

10. Vole

Voles are small, burrowing rodents often mistaken for mice or shrews. They are found primarily in North America, Europe, and northern Asia.

Fun Facts:

• Voles are often called “meadow mice” due to their preference for grassy habitats.
• They have a strong reproductive system and can produce a new litter every three weeks under the right conditions.

11. Vinegaroon

Vinegaroon’s, also known as whip scorpions, are arachnids that get their name from their ability to spray a vinegar-like substance as a defense.

Fun Facts:

• The spray is made up of 85% acetic acid, which gives it the vinegar smell.
• Vinegaroon’s use their long, whip-like tail as a sensory organ.
• Despite their intimidating appearance, they are harmless to humans and are not venomous

12. Viscacha

Viscacha’s are rodents that closely resemble rabbits and are native to South America. They are known for their large ears and bushy tails.

Fun Facts:

• Viscacha’s are known to create extensive burrow systems (4).
• They are mainly herbivorous but have been known to eat insects occasionally.
• These creatures are most active during dawn and dusk, avoiding the intense midday sun.

13. Virginia Opossum

The Virginia opossum, commonly just referred to as ‘opossum’, is North America’s only marsupial. They have a flexible diet and are known for their “playing dead” defence mechanism.

Fun Facts:

• Opossums have a prehensile tail, which they can use to grasp branches.
• They have more teeth than any other North American mammal—50 in total (5).
• Instead of running or fighting, opossums often “play dead” when threatened, falling limp and exuding a foul-smelling fluid.

Also Read: Interesting Facts About Opossums for Kids

14. Vampire Bat

Vampire bats are the only mammals that feed exclusively on blood. They are found in the Americas and are particularly known for their nighttime feeding habits.

Fun Facts:

• Despite their scary reputation, vampire bats only consume about a tablespoon of blood a night.
• They have heat sensors in their noses to detect the blood vessels of their prey.
• After feeding, they often regurgitate blood to share with other bats that haven’t found food.

15. Vanga

Vangas are a diverse group of birds that are endemic to Madagascar. They vary greatly in size and appearance, but most species have strong, hooked bills, which they use to catch their prey.

Fun Facts:

• The Vanga family is an excellent example of adaptive radiation, where species diversify from an ancestral species into a variety of species to fit different ecological niches.
• Their diet includes insects, spiders, and even small vertebrates.
• The helmet vanga, one of the species, is particularly notable for its large, deep-blue bill.

There you have it—a delightful and enlightening list of animals beginning with the letter V. Whether you’re expanding your knowledge or introducing these creatures to young learners, there’s a world of discovery waiting at your fingertips.

Animal Names That Start With the Letter V Chart

Exploring the myriad creatures in our world can sometimes be daunting. To make it easier, we’ve prepared a concise chart showcasing animals that start with V with pictures. This visual guide is perfect for those who want a quick reference or are simply curious about V-letter animal name inclusions.

Animal Names Beginning With V by Habitat

Diverse habitats around the world host a variety of animals, each uniquely adapted to their environment. Exploring animals by habitat gives us insights into their lifestyles, behaviours, and ecological roles.

Wild Animals Names With V

Our planet’s wild, untouched realms are home to numerous species, many of which have names starting with the letter ‘V’. These creatures, whether they soar in the skies or roam vast terrains, exemplify the wonders of the natural world.

1. Vulture

2. Viper

3. Vaquita

4. Vicuna

5. Velvet Worm

6. Vampire Bat

7. Vervet Monkey

8. Virginia Opossum

9. Viscacha

10. Vinegaroon

11. Vanga

12. Veery

Domestic Animals That Start With V

Domestication has led to a symbiotic relationship between humans and various animals. Here are some animals whose names start with ‘V’ and have found their way into human homes or farms.

1. Valais Blacknose Sheep

2. Vizsla

3. Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig

4. Vendeen Sheep

5. Vorwerk Chicken

6. Vlaamperd

7. Valdostana

8. Victoria Crowned Pigeon

9. Vallhund

10. Vogelkop Bowerbird

Zoo Animals That Begin With V

Zoos worldwide strive to educate visitors about diverse species. The following are animals starting with ‘V’, often found in zoos due to their captivating nature or conservation needs.

1. Vampire Bat

2. Vervet Monkey

3. Vicuna

4. Vaquita

5. Vinegaroon

6. Vanga

Extinct Animal With V

Extinction has sadly claimed various species throughout history. The following is a list of animals that start with ‘V’ and are no longer found in the wild.

1. Vaquita Porpoise

2. Velociraptor

3. Verhoeven’s Giant Pouched Rat

4. Vespersaurus Paranaensis

5. Vincetoxicum hirundinaria

6. Virgin Islands Giant Rice Rat

7. Viscacha Megalomys

8. Vitalius dubladoi

9. Volutodon diplomylos

10. Voltzia heterophylla

11. Vulcanops jennyworthyae

12. Vulpes mathisoni

13. Vulpes praeglacialis

14. Vultur gryphus

15. Vulturine Guinea Fowl

Animals That Start With V by Type

The vast kingdom of animals is often categorised by types, offering a systematic approach to understanding their diverse features and lifestyles. Delving into the animal name with V letter categorisation, we find many fascinating species that intrigue and inspire.

Mammals That Begin With V

Mammals, characterised by their hair and milk-producing glands, encompass many species. Here’s a list of mammals starting with the letter ‘V’ that have captivated our attention over time.

1. Vervet Monkey

2. Vaquita

3. Vicuna

4. Vampire Bat

5. Vizsla

6. Virginia Opossum

7. Vietnamese Pot-bellied Pig

8. Vole

9. Vlaamperd

10. Valais Blacknose Sheep

11. Vendeen Sheep

12. Vallhund

13. Vicugna

14. Vizcachas

15. Vontsira

Insects That Start With V

Insects play pivotal roles in ecosystems due to their vast diversity and adaptation capabilities. When considering the V animal name list, we unearth some particularly intriguing members of this vast arthropod class

1. Velvet Ant

2. Vinegaroon

3. Variegated Cutworm Moth

4. Violet Ground Beetle

5. Virginia Ctenucha Moth

6. Vegetable Weevil

7. Vine Weevil

8. Velvet Bean Caterpillar

9. Violet Carpenter Bee

10. Viceroy Butterfly

11. Varied Carpet Beetle

12. Violet-tailed Sylph

13. Veined White Butterfly

14. Velvet Mite

15. Vestal

FAQs

1. What are some sea animal names that start with V?

Sea animals beginning with v include Viperfish, Vampire squid, Vermillion snapper (fish), Velella (jellyfish-like creature), and Vaquita (small dolphin-like creature).

2. What are some known zoo animals that start with the letter V?

Vulture, Viper snake, Vervet monkey, and Vaquita (a small dolphin-like creature) are some known alphabet V starting animals.

3. What are some bird names that start with the letter V?

Victoria Crowned Pigeon, Verreaux’s Eagle, Vermilion Flycatcher, Veery, Varied thrush, Violet-Green Swallow, Virginia Rail, Vaux’s Swift, Venezuelan Troupial, Vesper Sparrow, Village Weaver, Verdin, Vermilion Cardinal, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Victoria’s Riflebird, Violet Turaco, Violet Sabrewing, and Verditer Flycatcher are some gorgeous bird species that start with letter V (6).

In diving deep into the realm of animals whose names start with the letter ‘V’, we’ve traversed various habitats and types, from wild terrains to the confines of our homes. This exploration underscores the vast diversity and richness of life on our planet, reminding us of the wonders in every nook and cranny.

References/Resources:

1. A-Z Animals – Animals that Start with V

2. Britannica – vicuña

3. Britannica – viper

4. Britannica – viscacha

5. Britannica – Virginia opossum

6. Animalia – ANIMALS STARTING WITH LETTER V

Also Read:

Animals that Start with S
Animals that Starting with T
Names of Animals Begins with U
Animals Beginning with Letter X
List of Animals that Starts with Z

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