Animals that start with N

Nabarleks have shark-like teeth with new molars constantly growing in the back! The nabarlek, also known as the pygmy rock wallaby or the little rock wallaby, is a small member of the macropod family. It is a close relative of the kangaroo, wallaby, tree kangaroo, quokka, and several other marsupials native to Australia. Nabarleks are an endangered species, […] read more

Abstract Naegleria fowleri, also known as "brain-eating amoeba", is a pathogenic bacteria-eating microorganism. Part of the genus Naegleria, it's not technically a true amoeba, but a free-swimming flagellate amoeba. First identified in 1965, it causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and extremely deadly brain infection. You can find […] read more

"The naked mole rat is the strangest land animal in the world." One of the amazing things about life on Earth is that it comes in many forms, even if those forms are weird to the human eye. One of the strangest land animals has got to be a creature called the naked mole rat. It is a […] read more

With its huge tusks, the narwhal has rightfully earned the nickname the unicorn of the sea. Narwhals are animals that roam the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic Ocean in search of prey. They sometimes surface in large groups in search of oxygen, offering tourists and any other passers-by a fascinating […] read more

"One yellow croaker toad can lay up to 7,500 eggs in one litter" The yellow croaker toad is native to Europe. It looks a lot like a normal toad, except for a vertical yellow line on its back. It is a carnivore that eats lice, worms and spiders. These amphibians are active at night in search of prey. […] read more

Abstract Nautilus is named after the meaning of sailor in ancient Greek, and it is a marine mollusc in the family Nautilus. A close relative of the octopus, squid and cuttlefish, the nautilus is a living fossil whose ancestors evolved nearly 500 million years ago. These deep-dwelling scavengers navigate using jet propulsion and a complex system of chambers […] read more

Although Neanderthals were at the top of the food chain, their demise was likely hastened by a newcomer on the scene: modern humans. Neanderthals are the oldest extinct relatives of humans, existing between 400,000 and 40,000 years ago. Beginning with the discovery of the first Neanderthal fossil in 1829, the relationship between these hominids and […]

Large in size, the Neapolitan Mastiff has featured at many points in history. This floppy, wrinkled pup may not look that agile, but they are quite confident, agile, and active. They love being pugs, though it's hard for them to realize that they're not as small as they were puppies. These dogs […] read more

"In German, the word Nebelung means 'creature of the mist.'" Nebelung Traits: Know Before You Buy Although TICA considers them their own breed, Nebelung cats are essentially long-haired Russian Blues. They have the blue-gray coat color of the Russian Blue with silver tips, but with double strands of medium length […] read more

Considering their appearance and behavior, needlefish are one of the ocean's odder inhabitants. The needlefish gets its name from its jaw, which has many sharp teeth and an elongated body, similar to the North American freshwater damselfish. In the wild, needlefish live in social groups and will migrate between adjacent areas such as the Atlantic […] read more

Nelore cattle account for approximately 65% of the world's total beef producing population! Summary This Brazilian cattle breed is descended from the Ongole cattle breed native to India. Their primary use is to produce meat and milk, but they are also used for livestock and riding animals. The Nelore is a widespread breed that accounts for more […] read more

Neon tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) is one of the most popular tropical fish in the world. These small fish are native to the clear and black water streams of the Amazon Basin in South America. The bright and reflective colors of this fascinating fish make them a common choice for tropical fish pets […] read more

The Neptune Grouper is a rare and elusive ocean ray-finned fish. The Neptune grouper lives mainly in the deep waters of the western Pacific and between coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific. Prices for this fish range from $6,000-8,000. It is known for its bright red and yellow patterns and […] read more

Tips The Dutch Dwarf Rabbit is the smallest breed of rabbit. The reason Dutch dwarf rabbits are so small is because they have dwarf genes. Their size makes them a popular breed of rabbit to keep as pets. Despite their diminutive stature, the Dutch Dwarf rabbit is one of the most energetic and lively rabbit breeds. They start with […] read more

New Hampshire red chickens may look similar to Rhode Island red chickens, but they never had the same success. The latter completely outperforms New Hampshire Red, even though the two varieties were bred several years apart. It's a pity because these chickens have so much to offer any home, because hens are really […] read more

The Newfoundland is one of the few dog breeds with webbed feet and a water-resistant coat. The Newfoundland (or Newfie for short) is a highly gifted working and guard dog that originated in the Canadian province that bears its name. It was bred by early settlers to save drowning fishermen from the cold, freezing […] read more

Newfypoos prefer to spend time with their loved ones. This breed is especially prone to separation anxiety. The Newfypoo is a designer dog obtained by crossing Newfoundland with Standard Poodles. It weighs 150 lbs and stands 20" and 28" tall. The breed likely originated in the United States, indeed […] read more

"Newts can regrow legs, eyes, intestines and other organs" Salamanders are found in Asia, North Africa, North America and Europe. They are carnivorous and eat frog eggs, tadpoles, slugs, worms and other insects. Certain types of salamanders display yellow, orange, and other bright color combinations. Females can lay up to 400 eggs. […] read more

Nguni cattle are hardy, profitable, and low maintenance for cattle farmers. Summary The Nguni cattle are native to the southern regions of Africa. They are widely known and admired for their eye-catching speckled and multi-patterned leathers. This cattle breed is also known for its good temperament and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. Nguni cattle originated from […] read more

"The Nicobar pigeon is the last of the Calonas pigeons" The Nicobar pigeon is the only member of the genus Calonas and is believed to be the poor dodo along with a species of unicorn called Rodriguez The living creature's only living relative. It is famous for its stunning, glittering plumage, but unfortunately, it is hunted for food […] read more

The Nigerian dwarf goat is a small goat breed of the West African dwarf goat breed, like the American pygmy goat. The American breed was developed specifically as a miniature, small dairy goat. It has the same proportions as the larger dairy goat breeds, but is much smaller. Popular for its small size and easy […] read more

Night adders are small, slender snakes that, despite their name, are actually most active during the day. Night adders belong to the genus Causus. Seven species of night adder are currently identified in this genus, including the common diamond-shaped night adder and the rostral night adder. Although they belong to the family of venomous snakes, nightja snakes are […] read more

Night herons have a wingspan of 45 to 47 inches. Night herons can be seen walking the shorelines of the marshes and wetlands, looking for fish, frogs and insects for food. This bird is known for its slender legs, intense gaze, and crest of feathers. The territory of various types of night herons […] read more

Key Points: With its triangular head and oval pupils, the night snake can easily be mistaken for a baby rattlesnake. There are 17 different species of night snakes, including Texas night snake, California night snake, and San Diego night snake. Night snakes are venomous, but the venom only affects smaller animals such as lizards, frogs, […] Read more

The nightingale is a small songbird native to the Old World. Its rather ordinary exterior hides a huge voice, and it has been a favorite of birdwatchers for centuries. The name nightingale often refers specifically to species of nightingale common in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Nightingale may also refer to the closely related thrush nightingale, […] read more

"These birds are hard to spot because they blend in with their environment and only come out at night." Summary Nightjars (Caprimulgidae) are nocturnal birds with flat heads, long wings and large eyes. These birds have a mottled color that camouflages them on tree bark, making them difficult to spot. They […] read more

A female Nile crocodile has a special pouch in its throat to protect her young from predators. Adult Nile crocodiles can grow up to 20 feet long! They are carnivorous and can tame and eat large mammals. This crocodile lives in various places throughout sub-Saharan Africa and in the Nile Basin […] read more

Nile perch is a freshwater fish native to the Ethiopian region of the African continent. read more

"The largest Asian antelope." Nilgai means "blue cow" in Hindi, describing the lovely blue-gray color of the male's fur. It is not only the largest antelope in Asia, but also one of the oldest antelope species in the world. Scientists believe that as long as […] read more

Have you ever been itchy from an insect bite you haven't seen before? You may be a victim of no-see-um! What are no-see-ums? As the name suggests, they are insects so small that they are hard to see. They bite insects that feed on vertebrate blood or […] Read more

The Norfolk Terrier is a loyal, affectionate dog with a lot of energy in their small size. They have independent personalities and dogged perseverance, hallmark qualities of the terrier breed. These pups are protective of their families and are always ready for a game of fetch or a lively walk! Although […] read more

Summary The English name for Norrbottenspets is Norrbotten spitz, sometimes Nordic spitz. These stunning dogs are named for the Norrbotten province in Sweden where they originated. However, they are also native to the Lapland region of Finland, which is why they go by the more common name Nordic spitz. Their fascinating nature and characteristics […] read more

Classification and Evolution The black bear (also known as the American black bear) is a medium-sized bear that inhabits a variety of forest habitats in North America. Not only is the black bear the most widespread bear on the North American continent, it is also the most numerous bear species in […]

"The tail of the alligator lizard can snap off and then grow back" Alligator lizards are carnivores that feed on crickets, mealworms, spiders and sometimes small mice. They get their name because of their scale pattern and short legs resemblance to alligators. These lizards mainly live in forest habitats in […] read more

The male bird is bright red and is also known as the "cardinal". The northern cardinal is a medium-sized songbird also known as the cardinal, cardinal, common cardinal, or cardinal. It lives in North and South America. Introduced to Bermuda in 1700, it has also been introduced to southern Arizona, southern California and Hawaii. The bird […] read more

Unlike what you'd expect from a woodpecker, northern woodpeckers eat most of their food on the ground. If you live in North America, you've probably seen these large brown woodpeckers, where they make their home. Unlike most woodpeckers, these birds spend most of their time on the ground, as they primarily eat ants and beetles. […] read more

"The northern seal is the largest member of the seal family." Fur seals are well suited to the cold northern waters of their habitat. This large marine mammal has extremely dense fur and a thick undercoat to keep it warm in freezing temperatures. Although the northern fur seal has been nearly hunted to extinction, […] read more

"They fly low, across fields." SUMMARY The northern harrier (Circus Hudsonius) is a medium-sized hawk native to the Americas, primarily North America. They inhabit wetlands and grasslands from Canada to Colombia, where they perch in trees, on the ground in large groups, or soar above open fields. […] read more

Northern Inuit dogs may look very similar to wolves, but they don't actually have any wolf DNA. They were bred from breeds like the Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute to look just like a dog while retaining the positive traits associated with domestic dogs. The breed has a lifespan of 12 […] read more

"Their huge feet and claws allow them to walk on floating vegetation." Summary The northern otter (Jacana Spinosa) is a medium-sized wading bird from North America that lives primarily in tropical regions of Central America. It inhabits swamps and swamps near coastal areas, spending its day walking on floating vegetation and picking insects from aquatic plants. […] read more

"They fly around the upper forest canopy." Summary The northern parula is a small warbler that lives in the forest canopy in summer and in tropical plantations in winter. They flit around the ends of branches throughout the day, foraging for insects and berries. You may hear them before you see them. Their trembling songs […] read more

It feeds on decaying twigs for beetle larvae. The northern kangaroo, like other kangaroo birds, is a strange creature native to tropical America. These birds are solitary nocturnal creatures that can be difficult to spot due to their camouflaged plumage and their preference for moving among tall trees in forests and mangroves. This potoo is mainly […] read more

Northern screechers are drawn to the seasonally flooded plains. The northern screechbird, also known as the black-necked screechbird, is a water bird endemic to a small area of South America. Its limited range puts it at risk of habitat loss and pollution, and spotting one of these birds is a rare treat. They are sturdy birds […] read more

Although the northern water snake is non-venomous, it is often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth and copperhead. The northern water snake is a common water snake native to North America and found in the eastern and central regions. Related to the garter snake, it is also known as the water snake or […] read more

Norway rats or brown rats are native to China, but thanks to human travel they have been able to board ships and populate every continent except Antarctica. As a result, these rats are currently most common in North America, taking over our cities, our farmlands, and even our homes. Identifying the Norway rat […] read more

The name buhund is actually a combination of two different Norwegian words. Bu usually refers to a homestead or hut where a shepherd keeps his sheep, while hund simply means a dog. The Norwegian Setter is a versatile farming and herding dog that originated on the coast of Norway and was once associated with the Vikings. […] read more

Images of these dogs appear in ancient Norse artwork. In addition to appearing in artwork, the dogs entered early Viking lore. The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the oldest dog breeds in Europe. These dogs are agile, alert, and ready for adventure with their family. Besides being a fun family […] read more

The big-boned, shaggy Norwegian Forest cat is often mistaken for the similarly built Maine Coon, but it has a distinct personality all its own. These cats get along well with just about everyone, but they're also territorial and endlessly curious. Breed History There are several theories about the […] read more

The Norwegian Lundehund has an extremely flexible body and elastic neck, allowing it to turn around in narrow passages while hunting. Flexible shoulder joints allow it to spread its front legs to prevent slipping on steep rocks. This breed can also close the ear canal to keep out dust and water. […] read more

Norwich terriers are smart and quick, making them regulars in canine agility competitions. The Norwich Terrier is a small dog with a distinct personality. They are smart, energetic, and sometimes stubborn. The breed originated in England in the late 19th century. They were bred to hunt rodents in homes or barns […] read more

Nosed vipers have a strong venom. However, they are not aggressive snakes and will try to avoid threats if possible. The most striking feature of the horn viper is the fleshy horns on its snout. This venomous snake grows to a little over 2.5 feet to 3 feet long. It lives […] read more

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is one of only two species that hunters use as bait when hunting. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as the Toller, was bred for hunting waterfowl. The behavior used while hunting is called charging, which is how the breed got its name. When […] read more

The lop-eared Nubian goat has African, Middle Eastern, and British ancestry. This domestic goat mix is known for its rich milk, long ears, and vocal personality. Nubian goats are friendly, intelligent and curious. Read on to learn interesting facts about these popular goats. 5 Nubian Goat Facts The Nubian goat is the most popular dairy goat […] read more

Nudibranchs are soft-bodied marine gastropod molluscs, also known as sea slugs, that shed their shells after the larval stage. Its name means "nudibranch". Some species steal nematocysts, or cnidarian organelles, from predators to release toxins as a defensive slime against them. The creature lives in various depths […] read more

Anteaters eat up to 20,000 termites a day! Numbats are marsupials that live in Western Australia. This small mammal uses its long, sticky tongue to catch termites that live underground. It feeds on termites during the day and sleeps at night, making its home in hollow logs and burrows. Once widely distributed in […] read more

Nuralagus is a genus of giant rabbits that lived between 3 and 5 million years ago. Nuralagus rex is the only member of the genus discovered so far. Giant rabbits are believed to be the largest rabbits ever discovered. The giant rabbit was several times larger than today's rabbits, and scientists believe it […] read more

"Nurse sharks have smoother skin than most sharks. It feels like sandpaper." Sometimes called the couch potatoes of the sea, nurse sharks are large, quiet fish that drift slowly along the ocean floor in shallow water, sucking food as they go . They hunt alone at night, but return to the same comfortable […] read more

Abstract Nut weevils are serious nut orchard pests and are beetles of the Weevilidae family. These insects lay their eggs inside and feed on the nuts, which is where they get their name. Different species target specific kinds of nuts and share common names associated with their host nuts. They have a pronounced nose […] read more

Nuthatches spend a lot of time upside down! You may have seen nuthatches foraging up and down tree trunks. They look like some sort of small woodpecker, with a long, pointed beak, and the way they peck at tree bark is similar. It is usually easy to tell […] read more

An invasive species, a single female nutria can give birth to as many as 200 pups in just a few years! Fact Although the longest recorded lifespan for a nutria in captivity is 12 years, most nutria do not live past 3 years. Some even die within the first year of life. Nutria are considered […] read more

"Nyala is one of the oldest antelopes in Africa." Scientists believe this timid member of the bovid family has been around for nearly 6 million years and has been a separate species since the end of the Miocene, making it It is second only to the lesser kudu in […] more