279 Animal Names that Start With The Letter "B"

Commonly Found Animals that Start with The Letter “B”

1. Bald Eagle

The bald eagle is a bird of prey known for its striking white head, powerful beak, and keen eyesight. It is the national bird of the United States and is often seen soaring over lakes and rivers in search of fish.

Region of Habitat: North America, particularly near large bodies of water
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; primarily eats fish but also preys on birds and small mammals
What Sound They Make: High-pitched whistles and chirps

Fun Facts

Despite its majestic appearance, the bald eagle’s actual call is surprisingly weak and high-pitched, often replaced by more dramatic sounds in movies. These birds build enormous nests, some measuring over 10 feet wide and weighing more than a ton!

2. Ball Python

The ball python is a non-venomous snake known for its docile nature and tendency to curl into a tight ball when threatened. It is a popular pet due to its manageable size and calm temperament.

Region of Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily in grasslands and forests
Scientific Name: Python regius
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; feeds on small mammals and birds
What Sound They Make: Hissing when threatened

Fun Facts

Ball pythons can live over 30 years in captivity, making them a long-term commitment as pets. Unlike many snakes, they use constriction to suffocate their prey rather than venom.

3. Barn Owl

Barn owls are silent hunters with heart-shaped faces and keen nocturnal vision. They are known for their ghostly appearance and ability to detect prey through sound alone.

Region of Habitat: Found worldwide except in the polar areas and deserts
Scientific Name: Tyto alba
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; primarily preys on small rodents and birds
What Sound They Make: Screeching and hissing

Fun Facts

Barn owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees to scan their surroundings. Unlike many owls, they do not hoot but instead make eerie screeching sounds.

4. Barracuda

Barracudas are aggressive, fast-swimming predatory fish with sharp teeth and torpedo-shaped bodies. They are known for their sudden attacks and swift movements.

Region of Habitat: Warm, tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide
Scientific Name: Sphyraena
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on fish
What Sound They Make: Silent, but may produce low grunts

Fun Facts

Barracudas have been known to mistake shiny objects for prey, occasionally biting unsuspecting swimmers. Their streamlined bodies allow them to reach speeds of up to 36 mph when chasing prey.

5. Basset Hound

Basset hounds are long-bodied, short-legged dogs known for their exceptional sense of smell and droopy ears. Originally bred for hunting, they are now popular as affectionate pets.

Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; typically eats dog food and meat
What Sound They Make: Deep, mournful howls and barks

Fun Facts

Their long ears help trap scents close to their noses, enhancing their tracking ability. Despite their short legs, basset hounds can cover a surprising amount of ground when tracking scents.

6. Bat

Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, using echolocation to find paths in the dark. They play a crucial role in ecosystems by pollinating plants and controlling insect populations.

Region of Habitat: Found worldwide in forests, caves, and urban areas
Scientific Name: Chiroptera
Feeding Habits: Varies by species; can be insectivorous, frugivorous, or even carnivorous
What Sound They Make: High-frequency clicks for echolocation

Fun Facts

Some bats can consume over 1,000 insects in an hour, making them vital for pest control. The smallest bat, the bumblebee bat, is about the size of a large bumblebee!

7. Beagle

Beagles are small hounds known for their excellent sense of smell and friendly personalities. They are commonly used as detection dogs and beloved family pets.

Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats dog food, meat, and vegetables
What Sound They Make: Howls, barks, and baying

Fun Facts

Beagles have around 220 million scent receptors, making their sense of smell one of the best among dog breeds. They are often used in airports for detecting contraband items.

8. Bear

Bears are large mammals known for their strength, intelligence, and adaptability. They inhabit a variety of ecosystems, from forests to tundras.

Region of Habitat: North America, Europe, Asia, and South America
Scientific Name: Ursidae
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats fish, berries, plants, and meat
What Sound They Make: Growls, roars, and grunts

Fun Facts

Despite their bulky appearance, some bears can run up to 35 mph. Polar bears have black skin under their white fur to help retain heat in the cold Arctic.

9. Beaver

Beavers are expert builders known for creating dams and lodges using wood and mud. Their activities shape entire ecosystems by altering waterways.

Region of Habitat: North America, Europe, and Asia
Scientific Name: Castor
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats bark, leaves, and aquatic plants
What Sound They Make: Whining, grunts, and tail slaps on water

Fun Facts

Beavers’ continuously growing teeth allow them to chew through tough wood. Their lodges have underwater entrances to keep predators out.

10. Bee

Bees are vital pollinators responsible for maintaining many plant species and producing honey. They communicate through complex dance movements.

Region of Habitat: Found worldwide in forests, gardens, and grasslands
Scientific Name: Anthophila
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; feeds on nectar and pollen
What Sound They Make: Buzzing

Fun Facts

A single bee can visit up to 5,000 flowers in a day. The queen bee can lay over 2,000 eggs per day to sustain the hive.

11. Bengal Tiger

Bengal tigers are one of the largest big cat species, known for their powerful build and striking orange-and-black stripes.

Region of Habitat: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan
Scientific Name: Panthera tigris tigris
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; hunts deer, wild boar, and buffalo
What Sound They Make: Roars, growls, and chuffs

Fun Facts

No two tigers have the same stripe pattern. Bengal tigers are excellent swimmers and often hunt in water.

12. Betta Fish

Betta fish are small, brightly colored fish known for their aggressive nature and long-flowing fins.

Region of Habitat: Southeast Asia, in shallow waters and rice paddies
Scientific Name: Betta splendens
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats insects, larvae, and small crustaceans
What Sound They Make: Silent

Fun Facts

Male betta fish build bubble nests to protect their eggs. Their vibrant colors become more pronounced when they are happy and healthy.

13. Bison

Bison are massive, shaggy-haired herbivores that once roamed North America in vast numbers.

Region of Habitat: North America and parts of Europe
Scientific Name: Bison bison
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats grass and shrubs
What Sound They Make: Grunts and bellows

Fun Facts

Bison can reach speeds of up to 35 mph despite their large size. They have been brought back from near extinction through conservation efforts.

14. Blue Whale

The blue whale is the largest animal on Earth, growing up to 100 feet long and weighing as much as 200 tons. Despite its massive size, it feeds primarily on tiny krill.

Region of Habitat: Worldwide in deep oceans
Scientific Name: Balaenoptera musculus
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; primarily eats krill using filter-feeding through baleen plates
What Sound They Make: Deep, low-frequency calls and moans

Fun Facts

A blue whale’s heart can weigh as much as a small car, and its heartbeat can be detected from two miles away. Their calls are among the loudest sounds made by any animal, helping them communicate across vast ocean distances.

15. Bottlenose Dolphin

Bottlenose dolphins are intelligent marine mammals known for their playful behavior and ability to communicate using clicks and whistles. They are highly social and often travel in pods.

Region of Habitat: Warm and temperate oceans worldwide, including coastal areas
Scientific Name: Tursiops truncatus
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats fish, squid, and crustaceans
What Sound They Make: Clicks, whistles, and echolocation clicks

Fun Facts

Bottlenose dolphins have been observed using tools, such as sponges, to protect their snouts while foraging. They can recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of advanced intelligence rarely seen in animals.