Animals that start with K

The endangered kagu is the only bird in the world with nose corns! Kagus are endemic to the main island of New Caledonia. They are the only extant species of their family and one of only two species in the order Eurypygiformes. They are flightless birds of prey that live on the forest floor and forage […] read more

Although the Kai Ken generally refers to one breed, it is easy to divide it into two. One variant has a stocky body, while the other has a fox-like body and face. The Kai Ken has many names, including "Tora Inu" or "Tiger dog," but they all represent the same rare breed from near Mount Fuji in Japan. Initially […] read more

Native to the island of New Zealand, the kakapo is a large flightless bird that has evolved to occupy a similar ecological niche to land mammals, as it roams the forest floor at night in search of food. Although it was largely predator-free for millions of years, the introduction of […] read more

Abstract The Kaluga sturgeon is a large carnivorous fish found throughout the Amur River Basin in Russia and China. It is one of the largest species in the sturgeon family and is revered for its eggs. As a result, they have been hunted almost to extinction and are listed as critically endangered by […] read more

The Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) is the official insect of the state of Hawaii. Additionally, the Kamehameha butterfly is one of two species of butterflies endemic to the state. It is found on all four main islands and feeds on the sap of the acacia tree. Due to habitat loss, predation and lack of host plants, Kamehameha […] read more

Their protective personality and speed make the breed ideal for herd protection. Kangal is the national dog of Turkey, this fawn and black masked breed originated in the Kangal district of Sivas province. These canines were bred for protective abilities, making them valuable to livestock managers and security forces. In […] read more

Kangaroos are among the most remarkable jumpers in the animal kingdom. They are also bipedal, which means they walk on two legs. When it's in motion, the kangaroo can jump completely off the ground, up to 30 feet in a single rapid movement. No other large animal of this size has the same capabilities. […] read more

About the Kangaroo Rat The kangaroo rat is native to the deserts of the American Southwest. It is a small nocturnal mouse with larger hind legs, much like an Australian kangaroo. It has a bipedal habit of jumping up and down on its hind legs. There are two types of kangaroos; both can […] read more

As cute as it is, the kangaroo is one of the champions of the animal kingdom when it comes to jumping ability. One of these critters can jump as high as 9 feet. If an average person could jump that far, they would be able to jump over 20 feet at a time! […] read more

Summary Katydids are found on every continent except Antarctica, and they are a family of insects that are primarily nocturnal. They are very similar to grasshoppers and used to be called long-horned grasshoppers. In reality, however, they are more closely related to crickets, hence their other common name, bush crickets. Male katydids produce trill songs through a process known […] read more

Known for their loud and distinctive call, the Kaua'i 'ō'ō is a member of the Mohidae, or Hawaiian honeyeaters. As of 1987, it is the last remaining species in its family. However, predation by invasive species, habitat loss, and mosquito-borne diseases have decimated the remaining ō on Kauai. No one has seen or heard of Kauai […] read more

The kea (Nestor notabilis) is a large parrot endemic to the South Island of New Zealand, inhabiting steep mountainous areas. Nicknamed the "naughty alpine parrot," this species is playful, curious, and incredibly intelligent. If you ever get the chance to visit them in their natural habitat, watch your wallet! They are notorious for annoying tourists, […] read more

The Keagle is a designer breed, a cross between the Beagle and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The breed was originally bred in Australia in the 1990s to produce an easygoing and energetic dog. Additionally, they hope that mixing the two breeds will remove some of the beagle's hunting instincts and scent […] read more

"Keel-billed toucans have beaks the colors of the rainbow!" Keel-billed toucans are also known as "rainbow" toucans because of their large, colorful beaks. They are also known as "sulphur-breasted toucans" because of the bright yellow patch on their breasts. These tropical birds thrive in the humid climates of Central and South America. They are not […] read more

"Are the keels poisonous? It depends on the keels being a large group of swimming snakes found in the Old World. Not only are they plentiful, but many are unusual. Some are harmless, some are venomous, some are venomous, and some are Toxic Toxic. There’s even a practice autotomy, […] read more

Keeshonds are friendly, alert, and loyal to their owners. When pronouncing the word "keeshond," remember that it sounds like "case haunt." This medium-sized canine has a thick double coat and dark, piercing eyes. The history of keeshond dates back to the 18th century. This dog is a companion, […] read more

The kelp greenfish is a species of fish that inhabits kelp beds and sandy bottoms in the rocky inshore regions of the North Pacific Ocean. They eat small fish, molluscs, crustaceans, polychaete worms and brittle stars. Large predators such as cod and halibut eat juvenile fish. Divers often acquire them with spears, hooks and fishing line […] read more

The Kentucky Warbler appears to be wearing bright yellow cat-eye glasses! The Kentucky warbler is a member of the New World or warbler family Psittacidae. It lives primarily in the eastern United States, from Nebraska to New York, south to the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of Mexico, Central America, and […]

"The Kenyan sand python is native to the coast of East Africa and lives from Tanzania to Egypt and across the Red Sea to Yemen. Due to its small size and easy-going disposition, this species has become an increasingly popular pet snake in recent years. With women no taller than three feet (most are just […] read more

The Kermode, commonly known as the spirit bear, is native to the coastal regions of British Columbia, Canada. These bears are a subspecies of the American black bear, but what makes them so unique is that a small number of bears are born with a genetic mutation that makes their fur white or cream. Kermode […] read more

The Kerry Blue Terrier has almost become the national dog of Ireland! Kerry Blues are a breed of terrier known for their blue coats. They are working dogs, bred to hunt rodents and herd sheep. The Cree Blue Terrier is a loving, loyal, and intelligent dog. They are protective and make great family dogs. Because they […] read more

The kestrel, also known as the sparrow hawk, is a small falcon. In the United States, it is the smallest and most brightly colored falcon around. This bird of prey lives in open habitats and is about the size of a blue jay and a mourning dove. The most famous bird of prey in North America is easily identifiable by its […] read more

"keta salmon is the salmon of the North Pacific" Call it keta, chum, dog, or silverbrite salmon, this medium-sized member of the salmonid family is not as majestic as the chinook salmon nor does it change Appearance as sockeye salmon. However, it is a valuable fish that is featured in a range of recipes […] read more

"The smallest species of North American white-tailed deer." The key deer, as its name suggests, is a deer native to the Florida Keys. They are the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer in North America. They look almost identical to their relatives, but more like a miniature version. That's why some people call them "toy deer". […] read more

Native to South America, keyhole cichlids are freshwater fish that live in slow-moving bodies of water covered by dense vegetation. They are mainly found in coastal streams, tributaries and river basins. The Lower Orinoco Basin in Venezuela is home to many keyhole cichlids. Keyhole Cichlids Facts Venezuelan indigenous people call the keyhole […] read more

The Khao Manee is one of the rarest cats in the world. In fact they always have striking white fur. Some kittens may be born with colored spots that fade later in life. Khao Manee cat is very talkative. If they are happy or unhappy, their owners will hear. These cats have separation anxiety. They […] read more

The Khapra beetle is a persistent pest native to South Asia, but is now found all over the world. They eat seeds, grains, and cereal products, and can survive for long periods of time without food. When introduced to a new environment, the population multiplies rapidly and becomes a problem due to its resistance to insecticides. They reduce economic […] read more

Donkeys are native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and are the largest of the wild donkeys! Have you ever wondered what the biggest butt in the world is? Stop being weird. Donkeys are the largest wild asses in the world. These animals, also known as kyangs or Tibetan wild asses, are about 7 feet long with large heads, […] read more

Kiko goats breed all year round and are not good at self-defense. Originally a dairy goat crossbreed with wild goats, the Kiko goat is a fairly friendly species. It has a self-regulating coat, which means they usually don't need to be sheared between seasons. The main purpose is to provide meat […] read more

In order to communicate, deer hunting will make a harsh "kill deer" sound, hence the name. Killer Deer is a member of the Plover group. These small waders congregate near large bodies of water to feed and mate. Although they look ordinary, their behavior is surprisingly complex and interesting to observe. […] read more

Designer ball pythons like the killer clown ball python are very popular for their stunning beauty. This ball python combines the color mutations of two ball pythons into one beautiful snake. This species is one of the most popular pet snakes because of the wide variety of color patterns available and the fact that they often […] read more

"An adult killer whale can eat up to 300 pounds of food per day" Killer whales are the largest members of the dolphin family. They are easily identifiable thanks to the black back and white underside. Orca is another name for them. These animals are carnivorous, feeding on fish and seals, and […] read more

The killifish is an active freshwater fish that is widely distributed around the world. Antarctica and Australia are the only two places where they don't occur. Due to their stunningly beautiful colors, they are very popular among fish lovers who own home aquariums. These fish are often sold by their scientific names, making it difficult for novice fish lovers […] read more

"Although the Kinabalu giant red leech is called a leech, it does not suck blood" The Kinabalu giant red leech really lives up to its reputation. The insects are bright reddish-orange and 20 or more inches long. It was found on a mountain in Borneo. The Kinabalu giant red leech is a carnivore […] read more

The Good Goat is a medium-sized goat with a laid-back, friendly disposition. Its high fat, sweet milk, and easy-going disposition make it a new favorite. It is the product of a cross between an American pygmy and a Nubian goat. The Kinder goat is a newcomer to the domestic dairy goat segment. It first appeared […] read more

King crabs are one of the largest crab species known to man. It can weigh more than 11 pounds, heavier than a domestic cat, and has a total leg span of more than 5 feet, meaning it can be as long as a person. Some of the most […] read more

The eider (Somateria spectabilis) is a large sea duck that inhabits arctic tundra habitats on three continents. These ducks are highly social and vocal birds that spend their days diving underwater looking for molluscs and other sea life. Because of their preferred environment, this species faces several threats, including oil spills and habitat changes. Find out […] read more

Mackerel is a popular fish for both recreational fishing and commercial fishing for seafood lovers. They can be found in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Division tracks two large populations. They are considered sustainable […] read more

"King penguins are second only to emperor penguins in size." Standing as tall as an average toddler, king penguins are huge for their kind. Only emperor penguins are bigger. Taxonomy places both king and emperor penguins in the genus Aptenodytes. Both are experts in the water and can dive […] read more

"They have the ability to fly, but prefer to spend time on the ground." Summary The king quail (Synoicus chinensis) is a small "true quail" native to Asia and Australia. They inhabit shrubs, grasslands, and swamps, spending most of their time in groups on the ground foraging. These birds have round bodies and various […] read more

When threatened or frightened, king rat snakes have the ability to produce a foul-smelling substance in self-defense. The king rat snake is named for its habit of eating other snakes, including venomous cobras and vipers. It appears to be highly immune to their dangerous venom. While they can be kept as pets, […] read more

Summary King salmon, the largest and most popular of the Pacific salmon species, goes by many names, including Chinook, Blackmouth, or Tye. King salmon hatch in freshwater, migrate to saltwater to develop, and eventually return to freshwater to spawn. Anglers are known for their great taste, size and difficulty […] read more

The King Shepherd has straight or curly hair. In both cases, the King Collie's coat is a combination of colors including brown, black, tan and white. First introduced in the 1990's, the King Shepherd was designed to retain the strong personality traits of the German Shepherd while minimizing […] Read More

"King snakes eat other kinds of snakes." King snakes can climb trees and swim. They are predators that eat rodents, birds, bird eggs, lizards, and other snakes. These snakes are not venomous; instead, they crush their prey to death. Their lifespan is 10 to 15 years. 4 Surprising Facts About King Snakes They Can't Be Hurt by […] Read more

The king vulture is one of the largest land birds in the world. The bird can be seen soaring over the lowlands of Central and South America in search of dead prey. Their massive wingspans and broad chests are impressive against the sky. Given their size, the name is accurate […] read more

Kingfishers are brightly colored and strange-looking birds that live near rivers and bodies of water around the world. With their brightly colored plumage and loud, high-pitched call, the kingfisher really stands out from the crowd. You can often see them perched in trees, barely moving. But in […] read more

Summary Genypterus capensis is commonly known as kingklip. The kingklip is native to the southern African coast and belongs to the eel family Ophidiidae. It is listed as one of the most important species for commercial fishing in South Africa. People often cook kingklip in stews and soups because of its dense flesh […] read more

The kinkajou is a flexible forest-dwelling mammal native to Central and South America. Because of its tail and hand-like feet, the kinkajou was initially mistaken for a primate or lemur, but it actually belongs to the same order, Carnivora, as dogs, cats, and bears. This loud, chattering species is arboreal in nature and usually […] read more

The Kirtland snake is a small snake, about 14-28 inches long, found in the north-central Midwest. It is often confused with several other snake species, including the Decai brown snake and the northern red-bellied snake, but you can identify it by its belly. They always live near water sources, and their prey include […] read more

The Kishu Kan is actually recognized as a national treasure by the Japanese government. It made history when it received this title in 1934. It's hard to find a more loyal dog breed than the Kishu Inu (also known as the Kishu Inu). This Japanese breed dates back thousands of years […] read more

Kissing bugs are members of the cheetah family, which originated in Central America. Currently, however, they occur on every continent except Antarctica. This family includes a large group of closely related insects with approximately 7,000 species. Each species in this family shares a characteristic: a pointed, curved mouth known as a three-segment beak. This […] read more

Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss Kiss is not a courtship position. Summary Kissing gourami is one of the most unique species in the gourami family. The wrinkled mouth of this species is a distinguishing feature, making it a popular pet among aquarists. Kissing gourami is both […] read more

"The little foxes are the smallest foxes in North America." While dainty little foxes may look cute, these small predators are actually pretty hardy and engineered to thrive in the desert climates they inhabit. Their huge ears give them a remarkable sense of hearing and help dissipate the desert heat in their […] read more

Kitefin sharks are solitary hunters with cigar-shaped bodies that swim well to the bottom. Summary The kitefin shark (or seal shark) is a dogfish-shaped shark that lives sporadically in different places around the world. This shark is the largest luminous vertebrate in the world. It is commercially fished for its meat, skin and most […]

The national symbol of New Zealand, the flightless kiwi is one of the most unique birds in the world. Evolving in the absence of most large predators, kiwis occupy a similar ecological niche to many land mammals elsewhere, and kiwi anatomy reflects this fact. Like many mammals, their bones are filled with marrow. […] read more

Klipspringers are monogamous, lifelong companions. The name Klipspringers is derived from Afrikaans, which directly translates to "rock jumper". This is due to their unique ability to navigate rocky habitats by jumping from rock to rock. They are very loyal animals and live in pairs in small families. […] read more

Abstract Knifefish can generate electric fields and belong to the order Nudiphysis. The order currently contains five families and more than 250 distinct species, including several species of electric eels. They live in freshwater streams and rivers throughout Central and South America. Although they lack pelvic and dorsal fins, they are deftly maneuverable in […] read more

When threatened, Half-Blood Knight Anolai will drop to all fours, turn bright green, and display a threatening expression. Summary Knight anoles are the largest anole species. An average chameleon can grow up to 20 inches long. These vertebrates are native to Cuba but have been introduced to Florida. They are common […] read more

Koalas are one of the most beloved mammals in the world, with their round faces, distinctive noses and docile demeanor. The name "Koala" actually comes from the language of the Aboriginal people and is considered to mean "no drinking". Ironically, koalas don't need to consume as much water as most animals because eucalyptus leaves them […] read more

The Kodiak bear is the second largest bear in the world after the polar bear. Kodiak brown bears mainly inhabit the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in the Kodiak Islands in southwestern Alaska, USA. Kodiak is the largest island in the United States at nearly 9,000 square kilometers (3,475 square miles). Summary Kodiak brown […] read more

The kodkod (also known as the güiña or Chilean cat) is a wild cat native to South America. One of the smallest cats in the world, the cod code roams the dense forests of the southern Andes region in pursuit of prey. They spend most of their time between terrestrial and arboreal […] read more

Koi are known as "koi" Koi have mesmerized their owners and brightened their ponds for centuries. Those with money in the bank will pay big bucks for a champion fish of noble pedigree. There are 16 main types of koi, each with its own […] pattern read more

Kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) is a non-adromous sockeye salmon. Alternative names for this fish include kokanee trout, silver trout, kennelly trout, kennelly salmon, redfish, kikanning, and walla. Like other Pacific salmon, it spawns only once and then dies, limiting its lifespan to four to five years. It inhabits an inland freshwater lake […] read more

Key Facts Komodo dragons are the top predators in their environment. They love to ambush their prey and attack with great speed and ferocity. Their young are immune to hatching time and are carried to the branches for safety. Classification The Komodo dragon is a large lizard found only on a few […] read more

No, that's not a mop – the Komondo is a white, hideously hairy dog with a long, noble, centuries-old tradition as the guardian of sheep in Hungary. These natural herding dogs face a storied history: After World War II and the Cold War halted the import of Komondors from Hungary, the breed was reduced to almost […] read more

If Kooikerhondjes look familiar, it's because Old Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Jansteen loved to paint them. The word "Kooikerhondje" seems so difficult to pronounce that most people don't even try. Instead, they called this charming canine the "biscuit hound." Actually, though, it's not that hard to pronounce. Kooikerhondje pronounced "COY-ker-HUND-che", […] read more

Koolies can have different nose and eye colors as dogs with darker coats have darker noses and eyes and dogs with lighter coats have lighter noses and eyes. They can even have blue eyes, but blue eyes are associated with deafness. Koolie, also known as Australian Koolie, Coulie, Welsh Heeler, Welsh Merle, German Koolie or […] read more

Introduction The Korean Jindo Inu is an ancient non-sporting hunting dog that has been developed for thousands of years on the Jindo Island in southwestern Korea. They roam freely in the countryside with their masters, hunt on their own, bring game back to their masters, and hunt deer and wild boar in […] read more

Kori busts are the largest flying animals, especially the males are heavier than the females. This bird is a member of the great bustard family and, like all great bustards, is a ground-dwelling bird. It is an opportunistic omnivore found in southern Africa where it lives in open grasslands. Scarce […] read more

The kouprey (also known as the Cambodian forest ox or the wild forest ox) is a breed of cattle native to Southeast Asia. They are the national animal of Cambodia and mainly inhabit forest environments. The kouprey is considered one of the rarest animals on Earth, and […] read more

The kowari don't drink or drink water; all they get is water from their diet. Summary The kowari is a species of Australian marsupial. They are small, carnivorous bush-tailed mice notable for their bushy tails. Kowaris are found mainly in central Australia and prefer dry land or deserts. They are the only […] read more

A painless bite can result in death. Unlike the bite of many venomous snakes, the krait bite is relatively painless. That doesn't mean it didn't do damage. This highly dangerous snake injects venom that causes paralysis within hours. Without prompt treatment, death by suffocation is […] read more

One of the most abundant animals in the entire food chain, krill is key to many of the world's marine ecosystems. It provides food for hundreds of different species of animals, especially in harsh Arctic and Antarctic waters. The krill fish themselves are also interesting creatures […] read more

"A fast, strong, peaceful member of the African ecosystem." The name kudu describes two distinct species of antelope, the greater kudu and the lesser kudu, that are found in southern and eastern Africa. Both animals are characterized by long, twisted horns that grow on the head of adult males. They also have similar […] read more

The kudzu beetle is one of the largest agricultural pests of beans and legumes. However, many people know them by the name "ball bugs". But they have many names, such as bean plataspid and lablab bug. These tiny, olive-colored bugs originated in India and China, but they were first documented in the United States on […] read more

The name Kuvasz is believed to be the Hungarian form of the Turkish kawasz, meaning armed guard of the nobility. The Kuvasz (pronounced koo-vahz) is a large, strong Hungarian working dog whose primary task was originally livestock guarding. The breed's most recent history dates back to the late 800's when […] read more