List of Animal Names that Start With U

Embarking on a fun and informative journey through the animal kingdom, it’s always exciting when we reach a letter as unique as the letter ‘U.’ Searching for an animal name with U might seem like a challenge at first, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the variety that exists. The ‘U’ alphabet animal name list is intriguing and an excellent addition to the kids’ vocabulary. In this guide, we’ll introduce ‘U’ letter animal names for preschoolers and kids that satiate their curiosity and expand their horizons. So, let’s dive in and learn together!

List Of Animals Beginning With U

Every letter of the alphabet brings us closer to the diverse world of animals, and ‘U’ has its own set of unique creatures. From mammals to insects, animals that start with the letter U are intriguing, and some might be new even to the avid animal lover. Let’s get to know them better!

1. Unicorn

Though mythical, the Unicorn is a legendary horse-like creature with a single spiralled horn on its forehead.

Fun Facts:

• The unicorn is a symbol of purity and grace in many cultures.
• In the Middle Ages, unicorn horns were believed to have healing powers (1).

2. Uinta Ground Squirrel

The Uinta Ground Squirrel resides in the western United States and is particularly interesting due to its hibernation habits.

Fun Facts:

• These squirrels spend more of their lives hibernating than being active.
• They are also known as “potguts” due to their round belly.

3. Ural Field Mouse

The Ural Field Mouse is a rodent species found predominantly in the Ural Mountains and other parts of Russia.

Fun Facts:

• They are known to stockpile food in burrows for the long winter months (2).
• Their diet primarily consists of seeds, fruits, and sometimes insects.

4. Utah Coral

The “Utah Coral” refers to the coral-like formations created by the tiny, sand-dwelling caddisfly larvae in Utah’s freshwater streams, which build protective cases around themselves using pebbles, sand, and plant material. These delicate, coral-like structures are unique to the region’s aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the complexity of the streambed habitat.

Fun Facts:

• The caddisfly larvae use silk produced from their salivary glands to glue together materials from their surroundings, creating intricate and sturdy cases that serve as shelter and camouflage against predators.
• The unique “coral” formations created by the caddisfly larvae in Utah are not only an ecological marvel but have also caught the attention of artists and scientists alike for their aesthetic and structural complexity.

5. Uakari

Uakari are a type of monkey found primarily in the Amazon Basin. Their bright red faces and short tails make them easily distinguishable from other primates.

Fun Facts:

• Uakaris have bald heads, which makes their bright red faces even more noticeable.
• Their red face indicates health; the brighter it is, the healthier the monkey (3).

6. Urutu

A highly venomous snake found in South America, the Urutu is known for its beautifully patterned body.

Fun Facts:

• Their venom is used in some medicinal research to test their biomedical applications (4).
• They have a heat-sensing pit, which helps them locate prey.

7. Ulysses Butterfly

Native to Australia, the Ulysses Butterfly is striking with its vibrant blue wings.

Fun Facts:

• They are also known as the Blue Mountain Swallowtail or Blue Mountain Butterfly (5).
• Their bright colour helps them deter potential predators.

8. Ursine Shrew

The Ursine Shrew is a small mammal found in Southeast Asia. With a long nose and tiny eyes, it’s adapted to a life of foraging on the forest floor.

Fun Facts:

• Their diet consists of insects and small invertebrates.
• They have a keen sense of smell, which helps them locate their prey.

9. Urchin

Urchins, or sea urchins, are spiny sea creatures found in oceans worldwide.

Fun Facts:

• They move with tiny tube feet (6).
• Their mouth, interestingly named ‘Aristotle’s lantern’, has five teeth that can drill into rocks.

10. Urial

A wild sheep species, the Urial, can be found in parts of Central Asia.

Fun Facts:

• Males have impressively curled horns.
• They prefer grassy slopes and are well-adapted to mountainous terrain (7).

11. Urutu Cruzeiro

Another name for the South American rattlesnake, the Urutu Cruzeiro, is a force to be reckoned with in the wild.

Fun Facts:

• They possess a rattle at their tail end, which they shake as a warning signal.
• Their venom can be fatal, but they usually warn intruders first.

12. Utahraptor

A dinosaur from the early Cretaceous period, the Utahraptor was a fierce predator with large, curved claws.

Fun Facts:

• They are the largest known member of the raptor family.
• Their name originates from Utah, where their fossils were first found.

13. Utonagan Dog

A dog breed developed in the U.K., the Utonagan Dog closely resembles a wolf but is gentle.

Fun Facts:

• Their name means “spirit of the wolf” in Chinook (8).
• They are a mix of Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, and Alaskan Malamutes.

14. Undulate Ray

The Undulate Ray is a species of ray found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Its name derives from the beautiful wavy patterns on its dorsal side.

Fun Facts:

• They are bottom-dwellers and can often be found buried in sand or mud with only their eyes showing.
• The undulate ray is under threat due to habitat degradation and overfishing (9).

15. Usumacinta Mud Turtle

This turtle is native to parts of Mexico and Central America. As the name suggests, it thrives in muddy waters and marshy areas.

Fun Facts:

• They have dark-coloured shells that can blend with the muddy waters, offering camouflage.
• Their diet is omnivorous, consuming everything from aquatic plants to small fish.

This is just a glimpse of the fascinating world of animals, starting with the letter ‘U’. Each one, with its unique features and behaviours, adds to the diverse tapestry of life on Earth.

Animal Names Starting With Letter U Chart

Visuals play a pivotal role when teaching or simply sparking an interest in wildlife. A chart showcasing animals that start with U with pictures can be an instrumental tool for educators, parents, or anyone keen to delve into the world of these unique creatures. Not only does it help in identification, but it also ingrains the image of the animal in one’s memory, creating a lasting impression.

Animal Names Starting With U (By Habitat)

One exciting way to explore the wide variety of ‘U’- letter animal names is to categorise them based on their habitats. This division provides structure and enhances our understanding of the environment in which these animals thrive.

Wild Animals Beginning with U

The wild is teeming with life, and many animals that start with the letter ‘U’ call it their home. Let’s explore some wild creatures from diverse landscapes across the globe.

1. Uakari

2. Uinta Ground Squirrel

3. Uguisu (Japanese Bush Warbler)

4. Umbrellabird

5. Urutu (South American snake)

6. Urial

7. Utahraptor

8. Ulysses Butterfly

9. Upupa (Hoopoe bird)

10. Umber

11. Urutu Cruzeiro (South American rattlesnake)

12. Urial Sheep

13. Udzungwa Forest Partridge

14. Ukari (another spelling for Uakari)

15. Uguisu Plover

Domestic Animals With U

Domestication has led to the evolution of some unique pets and livestock. Here’s a collection of animals with names starting with ‘U’ that are part of our daily lives.

1. Utonagan Dog

2. Umbra (a type of domesticated fish)

3. Ukrainian Riding Horse

4. Upland Goose (often domesticated for ornamental purposes)

5. Ushant Sheep

6. Ugandan Goat

7. Udderback (a domesticated cattle breed)

8. Uri Backyard Chicken

9. Umbrian Pig

10. Ullapool Sheepdog

11. Uzbek Tazy

12. Utrecht Waterfowl

13. Umbra Catfish

14. Ulster White Setter

15. Umbrian Donkey

Sea and Ocean Animals Beginning with U

The underwater realm hides numerous mysteries, including stunning animals, starting with the letter ‘U.’ Dive in to explore these water wonders.

1. Urchin (Sea Urchin)

2. Unicorn Fish

3. Uaru (a type of cichlid fish)

4. Upside-down Jellyfish

5. Umbrella Squid

6. Urutu Sea Snake

7. Unicorn Tang

8. Urchin Crab

9. Umbra Shark

10. Ural River Sturgeon

11. Urchin Starfish

12. Umpire Batfish

13. Urutu Electric Ray

14. U-shaped Worm

15. Umbo Shell

Zoo Animals Names with U

Zoos worldwide showcase a variety of animals, including some starting with the letter ‘U.’ Here are some you might encounter during your visit:

1. Uakari Monkey

2. Umbrellabird

3. Uinta Ground Squirrel

4. Uguisu (Japanese Bush Warbler)

5. Urial

6. Urutu

7. Utonagan Dog

8. Ulysses Butterfly

9. Upupa (Hoopoe bird)

10. Umber

11. Uguisu Plover

12. Ukrainian Riding Horse

13. Uaru (a type of cichlid fish)

14. Unicorn Fish

15. Ushant Sheep

Extinct Animals That Start With U

The annals of history are rich with creatures that once roamed our planet. Let’s take a trip back in time to discover some extinct animals, starting with ‘U.’

1. Utahraptor

2. Uintatherium (an ancient mammal)

3. Udanoceratops (a type of dinosaur)

4. Urbacodon (small theropod dinosaur)

5. Ulemosaurus (Russian therapsid)

6. Unga (a prehistoric bony fish)

7. Unaysaurus (early sauropodomorph)

8. Undorosaurus (a type of ichthyosaur)

9. Uloborus (prehistoric spider)

10. Upupiformes (ancestral Hoopoe-like bird)

Exploring animals by their habitat provides a contextual understanding, allowing us to appreciate nature’s ecosystems and intricate balance. The letter ‘U’ offers a fascinating array of animals, each with its unique tale.

Animal Names That Start With U (By Types)

Categorizing animals by their type or biological classification is an enlightening way to understand the animal kingdom’s diversity. Let’s embark on a fresh journey, discovering animal names that begin with U by sorting them into their respective types.

Mammals With the Letter U

Mammals, warm-blooded animals with hair or fur mainly bearing young, play a pivotal role in our ecosystem. Delve into the world of mammals to uncover some fascinating animal names with the ‘U’ letter.

1. Uakari (a monkey species native to the Amazon)

2. Uinta Ground Squirrel

3. Urial (a wild sheep species)

4. Utonagan Dog (a breed resembling wolves)

5. Ukrainian Riding Horse

6. Udmurt Horse (originating from Russia)

7. Ushant Sheep (from the French island of Ushant)

8. Umbrian Fowl (chicken breed from Umbria, Italy)

9. Ukrainian Skvortsov Steppe Cow (a dairy breed)

10. Uzbek Tazy (sighthound dog from Uzbekistan)

11. Ulster White Setter (an old breed of setter dog)

12. Umbrian Donkey (from the Umbria region in Italy)

13. Uintatherium (an ancient mammal, now extinct)

14. Upland Cotton Rat (found in the southern U.S.)

15. Udzungwa Forest Partridge (a rare bird from Tanzania)

Insects that Start With the Letter U

Insects, the tiny creatures often elude our notice, are integral to many ecosystems. Let’s explore some insects with names starting with the letter ‘U.’

1. Ulysses Butterfly (bright blue butterfly from Australia)

2. Umbonia Spinosa (thorn bug native to America)

3. Underwing Moth (known for its camouflaged forewings)

4. Unicorn Caterpillar (distinct for its horn-like structure)

5. Uraba Lugens (also known as the gum-leaf skeletonizer)

6. Uroleucon (a genus of aphids)

7. Uvarovistia (a genus of grasshoppers)

8. Ulysses Moth (related to the Ulysses Butterfly)

9. Unadorned Rock Katydid (found in Australia)

10. Ural Damselfly (from the Ural mountains)

11. Unmarked Cutworm (a type of moth)

12. Urticating Beetle (known for its irritating hairs)

13. Upperside Witch (a butterfly species)

14. Upside-down Beetle (known for its unique posture)

15. Utah Giant Crab Spider (found in the deserts of Utah)

Reptile Names Starting With Letter U

The cold-blooded reptiles, bearing scales and often laying eggs, have existed for millions of years. Discover the variety of reptile animal names that begin with U.

1. Urutu (a highly venomous snake from South America)

2. Urutu Cruzeiro (another name for the South American rattlesnake)

3. Uromastyx (spiny-tailed lizards found in Africa and Asia)

4. Utah Raptor (a giant predatory dinosaur)

5. Uraeus (refers to the Egyptian cobra, used as a symbol of royalty)

6. Udzungwa Forest Chameleon (a species from Tanzania)

7. Utropis (a genus of skinks found in South Asia)

8. Uatchitodon (an extinct genus of reptiles)

9. Uintasaurus (an extinct marine reptile)

10. Ujung Kulon Ground Gecko (found in Indonesia)

Understanding animal names that begin with U by their types offers an organized perspective. Whether you’re a budding biologist or an animal enthusiast, there’s always something new to learn and explore.

FAQs

1. Which animal has horns and starts with U?

The animal with horns that start with the letter ‘U’ is the Urial, a type of wild sheep native to parts of Central Asia.

2. Which animal ends with U?

1. Caribou: A species of deer found in North America.

2. Cockatoo: A bird species native to the Australian region.

3. Gnu: Another name for the wildebeest, native to Africa.

4. Emu: A large, flightless bird from Australia.

5. Tabu: A fish species, specifically a variety of carp.

6. Shih Tzu: A breed of toy dog originating from Tibet.

In our journey through the vast tapestry of the animal kingdom, the letter ‘U’ has showcased a diverse and captivating array of species. Whether you’re an educator, a curious learner, or simply an animal enthusiast, exploring these unique creatures broadens our appreciation for nature’s wonders.

References/Resources:

1. The Unicorn Myth; World History; https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1629/the-unicorn-myth/

2. Wood (or Long-tailed field) mouse; People’s Trust For Endangered Species; https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/wood-long-tailed-field-mouse/

3. Mayor, P., Mamani, J., Montes, D., González-Crespo, C., Sebastián, M. A., & Bowler, M.; Proximate causes of the red face of the bald uakari monkey (Cacajao calvus); Royal Society open science; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4632585/; 2015

4. Cañas, C.A., Castaño-Valencia, S., Castro-Herrera, F., Cañas, F., and Tobón, G.J.; Biomedical applications of snake venom: from basic science to autoimmunity and rheumatology; Journal of Translational Autoimmunity; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589909020300435; 2021

5.Ulysses Butterfly; Western Oregon University; https://people.wou.edu/~pward05/web/ulysses.html

6. Sea Urchins – Tube Feet Up Close; Arizona State University; https://askabiologist.asu.edu/tube-feet

7. Shawl, T., Takpa, J., Tashi, P., and Panchaksharam, Y.; Field Guide – Mammals of Ladakh; Worldwide Fund for Nature; https://wwfin.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/field_guide_mammals_of_ladakh.pdf

8. Utonagan Dog – Guide and Top Facts; Animal Corner; https://animalcorner.org/dog-breeds/utonagan-dog/

9. Understanding Undulate Rays in Sussex; Sussex Wildlife Trust; https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/understanding-undulate-rays-in-sussex