371 Common and Special Animals with the Letter "C"

Calling all creatures crazy kids! Get ready for a wild ride through the animal kingdom’s coolest critters that start with the letter C.

From cuddly to crazy, these animals will make you laugh, gasp, and wonder about the amazing world around you.

Some of these creatures crawl, some climb, and some even swim in the deepest oceans.

They come in all shapes and sizes, with super cool talents that will blow your mind. Imagine meeting an animal that can do something you never thought possible!

Want to know which super cool animals are hiding behind the letter C? Keep reading and prepare to be surprised by nature’s most incredible surprises!

Commonly Known Animals That Start With The Letter “C”

1. Cheetah

The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds up to 75 mph in short bursts. It has a slender body, long legs, and black tear markings on its face that help reduce glare.

Region of Habitat: Grasslands and savannas of Africa, small populations in Iran
Scientific Name: Acinonyx jubatus
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; preys on small to medium-sized ungulates like gazelles and impalas
What Sound They Make: Chirps, growls, purrs, and yelps

Fun Fact

Unlike most big cats, cheetahs cannot roar; they communicate through chirping sounds. Their claws are non-retractable, providing extra grip when running at high speeds.

2. Cougar

Also known as the mountain lion, the cougar is a large, solitary wild cat native to the Americas. It is highly adaptable and found in various habitats, from forests to deserts.

Region of Habitat: North and South America, from Canada to Argentina
Scientific Name: Puma concolor
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; hunts deer, elk, and smaller mammals
What Sound They Make: Screams, growls, hisses, and purrs

Fun Fact

Cougars have the largest range of any wild land mammal in the Western Hemisphere. They can jump up to 18 feet vertically and 40 feet horizontally in a single bound.

3. Coyote

Coyotes are highly intelligent and adaptable canines found across North America. They are known for their keen senses, sharp intelligence, and ability to survive in diverse environments.

Region of Habitat: North America, from Canada to Central America
Scientific Name: Canis latrans
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats small mammals, fruits, and carrion
What Sound They Make: Howls, yips, and barks

Fun Fact

Coyotes have expanded their range due to human development, even thriving in urban areas. They can run up to 40 mph when chasing prey or escaping predators.

4. Crocodile

Crocodiles are large, semi-aquatic reptiles with powerful jaws and armored skin. They are apex predators and have remained largely unchanged for millions of years.

Region of Habitat: Freshwater rivers, lakes, and coastal areas in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia
Scientific Name: Crocodylus (varies by species)
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; ambushes prey such as fish, birds, and mammals
What Sound They Make: Hissing, growling, and bellowing

Fun Fact

Crocodiles have the strongest bite force of any animal, measured at over 3,700 psi. They can go months without eating by slowing their metabolism.

5. Camel

Camels are large, desert-dwelling mammals known for their humps, which store fat for energy. They are well-adapted to extreme heat and dry environments.

Region of Habitat: Deserts in the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Australia
Scientific Name: Camelus (varies by species)
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats dry grasses, thorny plants, and cacti
What Sound They Make: Grunts, moans, and growls

Fun Fact

Camels can drink up to 40 gallons of water in one go and survive without water for weeks. Their long eyelashes and nostrils help protect them from sandstorms.

6. Capybara

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents and are highly social animals often found in large groups near water.

Region of Habitat: Wetlands and grasslands of South America
Scientific Name: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats aquatic plants, grasses, and fruits
What Sound They Make: Whistles, barks, and purrs

Fun Fact

Capybaras are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to five minutes underwater. They often form friendships with other animals, including birds and even crocodiles.

7. Caiman

Caimans are small crocodilian reptiles found in Central and South America. They are closely related to alligators and crocodiles.

Region of Habitat: Rivers, swamps, and wetlands in South America
Scientific Name: Caimaninae
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats fish, amphibians, and small mammals
What Sound They Make: Hissing, grunts, and bellows

Fun Fact

Baby caimans communicate with their mother from inside the egg before hatching. Despite their small size, they are aggressive and will defend their territory fiercely.

8. Cardinal

The cardinal is a vibrant red songbird known for its melodic whistles and territorial behavior. Males are bright red, while females have a more muted brownish-red hue.

Region of Habitat: North and South America, commonly found in forests, gardens, and shrublands.
Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats seeds, fruits, and insects
What Sound They Make: Clear, whistling songs and sharp chirps

Fun Fact

Cardinals are monogamous birds that often mate for life. Their bright red feathers come from carotenoid pigments found in their diet.

9. Chameleon

Chameleons are famous for their ability to change color and their independently moving eyes, which provide a wide field of vision.

Region of Habitat: Africa, Madagascar, Asia, and parts of Southern Europe
Scientific Name: Chamaeleonidae
Feeding Habits: Insectivorous; primarily eats crickets, flies, and other small invertebrates
What Sound They Make: Hissing and occasional clicking sounds

Fun Fact

Not all chameleons change color for camouflage; some do it to regulate body temperature or communicate. Their tongues can be twice as long as their body, allowing them to catch prey quickly.

10. Chimpanzee

Chimpanzees are highly intelligent primates that share about 98% of their DNA with humans. They use tools, show complex social behaviors, and communicate through vocalizations and gestures.

Region of Habitat: Tropical forests and savannas of Central and West Africa
Scientific Name: Pan troglodytes
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats fruits, leaves, nuts, and occasionally hunts small animals
What Sound They Make: Screeches, hoots, grunts, and pant-hoots

Fun Fact

Chimpanzees use sticks to extract termites from mounds, showcasing tool use. They recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of self-awareness.

11. Chicken

Chickens are domesticated birds raised for eggs, meat, and companionship. They are highly social and can recognize over 100 different faces of their flock members.

Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide, originally from Southeast Asia
Scientific Name: Gallus gallus domesticus
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats grains, insects, and small invertebrates
What Sound They Make: Clucking, crowing, and squawking

Fun Fact

Chickens can dream while sleeping, just like humans. A mother hen communicates with her chicks while they are still inside the egg.

12. Chipmunk

Chipmunks are small, striped rodents known for their cheek pouches, which they use to store food. They are highly energetic and burrow underground for shelter.

Region of Habitat: North America and parts of Asia
Scientific Name: Tamias
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects
What Sound They Make: High-pitched chirps and chattering

Fun Fact

Chipmunks can carry food in their cheek pouches that are almost three times the size of their heads. They hibernate in winter but wake up occasionally to eat stored food.

13. Clownfish

Clownfish are small, brightly colored fish that live among sea anemones in coral reefs. They have a mutualistic relationship with anemones, gaining protection while providing food scraps.

Region of Habitat: Warm coastal waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans
Scientific Name: Amphiprioninae
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats algae, plankton, and small crustaceans
What Sound They Make: Clicking and popping sounds

Fun Fact

All clownfish are born male; some change into females when needed for reproduction. They are immune to the stings of their host sea anemone due to a special mucus coating.

14. Cockroach

Cockroaches are resilient insects that have existed for millions of years. They are known for their adaptability and ability to survive harsh conditions.

Region of Habitat: Worldwide, found in homes, forests, and tropical regions
Scientific Name: Blattodea
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats decaying matter, food scraps, and organic materials
What Sound They Make: Hissing (some species), clicking, and rustling

Fun Fact

Due to their decentralized nervous system, cockroaches can live for weeks without their heads. Some species can survive being submerged underwater for over 30 minutes.

15. Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish are intelligent marine mollusks closely related to squids and octopuses. They have a unique internal shell called a cuttlebone that helps control buoyancy.

Region of Habitat: Coastal waters worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific
Scientific Name: Sepiida
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats shrimp, fish, and small crustaceans
What Sound They Make: Silent; communicates through color changes and body language

Fun Fact

Cuttlefish have three hearts and blue-green blood due to copper-based hemocyanin. They can change color in an instant, making them masters of camouflage.

16. Cobra

Cobras are venomous snakes known for their hood, which they flare when threatened. Some species, like the king cobra, are the longest venomous snakes in the world.

Region of Habitat: Asia and Africa, in forests, grasslands, and near water bodies
Scientific Name: Naja (varies by species)
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats rodents, birds, and other reptiles
What Sound They Make: Hissing

Fun Fact

Some cobras can spit venom up to 8 feet to defend themselves. Despite their deadly reputation, cobras prefer to avoid conflict and will only strike if provoked.

17. Common Dolphin

The common dolphin is one of the most widespread marine mammals, known for its playful nature and intelligence. They often travel in large pods.

Region of Habitat: Oceans worldwide, particularly in warm and temperate waters
Scientific Name: Delphinus delphis
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats fish and squid
What Sound They Make: Clicks, whistles, and echolocation clicks

Fun Fact

Common dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors, showing advanced cognition. They work together to herd fish into tight groups for easier hunting.

18. Canada Goose

The Canada goose is a large migratory bird known for its honking call and V-shaped flying pattern.

Region of Habitat: North America, migrates between Canada and the U.S.
Scientific Name: Branta canadensis
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats grass, grains, and aquatic plants
What Sound They Make: Honking

Fun Fact

Canada geese mate for life and travel with their lifelong partners. During migration, they can fly over 1,500 miles in just 24 hours.

19. Carp

Carp are hardy freshwater fish known for their adaptability and long lifespans.

Region of Habitat: Lakes and rivers worldwide, originally from Europe and Asia
Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats plants, insects, and detritus
What Sound They Make: Silent

Fun Fact

Carp can live for over 50 years. They can recognize and remember human faces.

20. Corgidor

A Corgidor is a hybrid dog breed, a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Corgi, known for its friendly and energetic nature.

Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats kibble, meat, and vegetables
What Sound They Make: Barks and howls

Fun Fact

Corgidors are excellent family pets due to their intelligence and affectionate behavior. They inherit the Corgi’s short legs but the Labrador’s strong build.

Some More Animal Names That Start With The Letter C

21. Cabbage Moth

22. Cactus Moth

23. Cactus Mouse

24. Cactus Wren

25. Caecilian

26. Caiman Lizard

27. Cairn Terrier

28. California Condor

29. California Kingsnake

30. California Tarantula

31. Camel Cricket

32. Camel Spider

33. Campine Chicken

34. Canaan Dog

35. Canada Lynx

36. Canada Warbler

37. Canadian Eskimo Dog

38. Canadian Horse

39. Cane Corso

40. Cane Rat

41. Cane Spider

42. Cantil

43. Canvasback

44. Cape Lion

45. Capuchin

46. Caracal

47. Caribbean Reef Shark

48. Caribou

49. Carolina Dog

50. Carolina Parakeet

51. Carpenter Ant

52. Carpet Beetle

53. Carpet Python

54. Carpet Viper

55. Carrion Beetle

56. Cascabel

57. Cashmere Goat

58. Cassowary

59. Cat

60. Cat Snake

61. Cat-Eyed Snake

62. Cat-Faced Spider

63. Catahoula Bulldog

64. Catahoula Leopard

65. Catalan Sheepdog

66. Caterpillar

67. Catfish

68. Caucasian Mountain Dog (Shepherd)

69. Caucasian Shepherd

70. Cava Tzu

71. Cavador

72. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

73. Cavapoo

74. Cave Bear

75. Cave Lion

76. Cecropia Moth

77. Cedar Waxwing

78. Centipede

79. Central Ranges Taipan

80. Cephalaspis

81. Ceratopsian

82. Ceratosaurus

83. Cervalces latifrons (Broad-Fronted Moose)

84. Cesky Fousek

85. Cesky Terrier

86. Chain Pickerel

87. Chamois

88. Chartreux

89. Cheagle

90. Checkered Garter Snake

91. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

92. Chestnut-Sided Warbler

93. Chi Chi

94. Chickadee

95. Chicken Snake

96. Chigger

97. Chihuahua

98. Chihuahua Mix

99. Children’s Python

100. Chilean Recluse Spider

101. Chilean Rose Tarantula

102. Chilesaurus

103. Chimaera

104. Chinchilla

105. Chinese Alligator

106. Chinese Cobra

107. Chinese Crested Dog

108. Chinese Geese

109. Chinese Paddlefish

110. Chinese Shar-Pei

111. Chinese Water Deer

112. Chinook

113. Chinook Salmon

114. Chinstrap Penguin

115. Chipit

116. Chipoo

117. Chipping Sparrow

118. Chiton

119. Chiweenie

120. Chorkie

121. Chow Chow

122. Chow Pom

123. Chow Shepherd

124. Christmas Beetle

125. Christmas Island Red Crab

126. Chromodoris Willani

127. Chusky

128. Cicada

129. Cichlid

130. Cinereous Vulture

131. Cinnamon Ball Python

132. Cinnamon Bear

133. Cinnamon Ferret

134. Clark’s Grebe

135. Clearnose Skate

136. Click Beetle

137. Clock Spider

138. Clothes Moth

139. Clouded Leopard

140. Clumber Spaniel

141. Coachwhip Snake

142. Coastal Carpet Python

143. Coastal Taipan

144. Coati

145. Cobalt Blue Tarantula

146. Cobia Fish

147. Cobras

148. Cochin Chicken

149. Cockalier

150. Cockapoo

151. Cockatiel

152. Cockatoo

153. Cocker Spaniel

154. Cockle

155. Coconut Crab

156. Codfish

157. Codling Moth

158. Coelacanth

159. Collared Peccary

160. Collett’s Snake

161. Collie

162. Collie Mix

163. Colossal Squid

164. Comb Jellyfish

165. Comb-crested Jacana

166. Comet Moth

167. Comfort Retriever

168. Common Buzzard

169. Common Carp

170. Common European Adder

171. Common Frog

172. Common Furniture Beetle

173. Common Goldeneye

174. Common Grackle

175. Common Green Magpie

176. Common House Spider

177. Common Loon

178. Common Raven

179. Common Spotted Cuscus

180. Common Toad

181. Common Yellowthroat

182. Compsognathus

183. Cone Snail

184. Conger Eel

185. Congo Snake

186. Conure

187. Cookiecutter Shark

188. Cooper’s Hawk

189. Copperhead

190. Coral

191. Coral Snake

192. Corella

193. Corgipoo

194. Corkie

195. Corman Shepherd

196. Cormorant

197. Corn Earworm

198. Corn Rex Cat (Cornish Rex)

199. Corn Snake

200. Cory Catfish

201. Coryphodon

202. Cosmic Caterpillar

203. Costa’s Hummingbird

204. Coton de Tulear

205. Cotton-top Tamarin

206. Cottonmouth

207. Coues Deer

208. Cow

209. Cow Reticulated Python

210. Crab

211. Crab Spider

212. Crab-Eating Fox

213. Crab-Eating Macaque

214. Crabeater Seal

215. Crane

216. Crappie Fish

217. Crayfish

218. Crested Gecko

219. Crested Penguin

220. Cricket

221. Croatian Sheepdog

222. Crocodile Monitor

223. Crocodile Shark

224. Crocodylomorph

225. Cross Fox

226. Cross River Gorilla

227. Crow

228. Crucian Carp

229. Cryolophosaurus

230. Cuban Boa

231. Cuban Cockroach

232. Cubera Snapper

233. Cuckoo

234. Cucumber Beetle

235. Curly Coated Retriever

236. Curly Hair Tarantula

237. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

238. Cuscus

239. Civet

240. Common Genet

241. California Sea Lion

242. Cape Buffalo

243. Common Warthog

244. Crested Porcupine

245. Common Brushtail Possum

246. Common Bottlenose Dolphin

247. Common Squirrel Monkey

248. Common Rhea

249. Crested Guan

250. Cape Fox

251. Cape Ground Squirrel

252. Colugo

253. Common Seal

254. California Quail

255. Capuchin Monkey

256. Cacomistle

257. Common Kusimanse

258. Canary

259. Chestnut-Breasted Malkoha

260. Collared Anteater

261. Common Garter Snake

262. Chacma Baboon

263. Coral Reef Fish

264. Common Duiker

265. Collared Pika

266. Canaries

267. Coonhound

268. Cormo

269. Cattle

270. Clydesdale

271. Cornish Rex

272. Cotswold

273. Coydog

274. Curltail

275. Currant Worm

276. Cotton Rat

277. Curlew

278. Curly Horse

279. Cygnet

280. Clam

281. Cephalopod

282. Cowrie

283. Cobia

284. Croaker

285. Cusk

286. Cunner

287. Cod

288. Conch

289. Cowfish

290. Carpet Shark

291. Caridean Shrimp

292. Ctenophore

293. Clingfish

294. Comb Jelly

295. Common Sea Star

296. Cow Shark

297. Crested Oyster

298. Conus

299. Carpet Sea Star

300. Crown-of-Thorns Starfish

301. Crab-Eating Seal

302. Common Hammerhead Shark

303. California Halibut

304. Coral Grouper

305. Cherry Salmon

306. Common Skate

307. Cownose Ray

308. Common Octopus

309. Cleaner Shrimp

310. Chocolate Chip Starfish

311. Common Sea Dragon

312. Cutlassfish

313. Cougar

314. California Sea Lions

315. Chinese Crocodile

316. Chilean Boa

317. Cuban Amazon

318. Crested Oropendola

319. Caddisfly

320. Cutworm

321. Cabbage White Butterfly

322. Colorado Potato Beetle

323. Cluster Fly

324. Common Blue Butterfly

325. Carpenter Bee

326. Clover Mite

327. Chalcid Wasp

328. Comstock Mealybug

329. Common Green Lacewing

330. Convergent Lady Beetle

331. Crane Fly

332. Common Earwig

333. Conehead Katydid

334. Cross Orb Weaver Spider

335. Cactus Longhorn Beetle

336. Cicada Killer Wasp

337. Common Housefly

338. Common Nettle Butterfly

339. Cinnabar Moth

340. Citrus Whitefly

341. Crimson Speckled Footman

342. Common Stonefly

343. Common Thread Waisted Wasp

344. Crane Fly Larva

345. Chaffinch

346. Cape Barren Goose

347. Cattle Egret

348. Chuck-Will’s-Widow

349. Cape May Warbler

350. Common Emerald Dove

351. Crested Auklet

352. Cinnamon Teal

353. Common Ostrich

354. Crested Tit

355. Common Tern

356. Chestnut-Bellied Sandgrouse

357. Collared Lizard

358. Copperhead Snake

359. Central Bearded Dragon

360. Cuban Iguana

361. Common Snapping Turtle

362. Collared Forest Lizard

363. Central American River Turtle

364. Central Asian Tortoise

365. Chinese Water Dragon

366. Cuban Night Anole

367. Cape Cobra

368. Ceylon Keeled Pitviper

369. Chipping Gecko

370. Cope’s Gecko

371. Cave Racer

The Wild World of C Animals: A Final Roar!

Nature never stops surprising us! These incredible C-named creatures show how magical and weird the animal world can be.

From tiny critters that hide in small spaces to huge beasts roaming wild lands, each animal has its own special story and super cool skills that make them unique.

The next time you see an animal, stop and think about its hidden talents. Maybe it can do something totally unexpected that will make your jaw drop. Who knows?

The animal kingdom is packed with secrets waiting to be learned.

Every creature has a tale to tell, and some of the most interesting stories start with the letter C!

Keep wondering, stay curious, and always be ready to learn more about the wild and wacky world of animals!