350+ Animals that Start with The Letter "A"

Get ready to roar with excitement! Did you know that the animal kingdom is packed with different creatures that begin with the letter A?

From the adorable Alpaca to the massive African elephant, these animals are about to blow your mind.

Some of these amazing animals will make you laugh, some will amaze you with their super cool skills, and some might even become your new favorite friends.

If you are a young animal lover or just curious about the world around you, this list is going to be a fun ride.

Are you curious to meet these awesome A-list animal stars? Keep reading and prepare to be surprised!

Common Animals that Start with The Letter “A”

1. Aardvark

A medium-sized, nocturnal mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa, the aardvark has a pig-like snout, long ears, and a strong body built for digging. Its powerful claws help it break into ant and termite mounds.

Region of Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa – savannas, grasslands, and scrublands
Scientific Name: Orycteropus afer
Feeding Habits: Insectivorous—mainly feeds on ants and termites using its long, sticky tongue
What Sound They Make: Produces low grunts and snuffles for communication

Fun Fact

Aardvarks can dig burrows up to 10 feet deep in just a few minutes.

2. Abyssinian

One of the oldest domestic cat breeds, the Abyssinian is sleek and energetic. It is known for its ticked coat and inquisitive nature. Its agile build and playful demeanor have made it a popular companion pet around the world.

Region of Habitat: Originated from the historical Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) and is now found as a pet worldwide
Scientific Name: Felis catus (Abyssinian is a breed of the domestic cat)
Feeding Habits: Obligate carnivore—eats a protein-rich diet usually provided as commercial cat food
What Sound They Make: Typical feline sounds such as meows, purrs, and chirps

Fun Fact

Abyssinians are known for their love of climbing and perching on high places.

3. Afghan Hound

This beautiful, tall dog is famous for its long, flowing coat and dignified appearance. The Afghan Hound is both a graceful companion and a show-stopper with a rich history dating back to the mountains of Afghanistan.

Region of Habitat: Originated in Afghanistan; now kept worldwide as a companion and show dog
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris (a breed of domestic dog)
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—enjoys high-quality commercial dog food with balanced nutrients
What Sound They Make: Generally uses soft, low barks and whines rather than loud barking

Fun Fact

Afghan Hounds can reach speeds of up to 40 mph, making them one of the fastest dog breeds.

4. African Elephant

The largest land animal on Earth, the African Elephant is renowned for its massive body, long trunk, and impressive tusks. This gentle giant plays a vital role in shaping its ecosystem through its feeding and migratory habits.

Region of Habitat: Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa in savannas, forests, and even semi-arid regions
Scientific Name: Loxodonta africana (savanna elephant) and Loxodonta cyclotis (forest elephant)
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous—consumes a variety of vegetation including grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark
What Sound They Make: Communicate using trumpeting calls, low rumbles, and infrasonic sounds

Fun Fact

Elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors, demonstrating self-awareness.

5. African Gray Parrot

A highly intelligent and sociable bird, the African Gray Parrot is famous for its grey plumage and remarkable ability to mimic human speech. It’s a favorite among pet enthusiasts worldwide.

Region of Habitat: Native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa
Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—eats fruits, nuts, seeds, and occasionally vegetables
What Sound They Make: A wide range of squawks, chirps, and mimicry of human speech

Fun Fact

African Gray Parrots can develop vocabularies of over 1,000 words and understand contextual speech.

6. Airedale Terrier

As the largest of the terrier breeds, the Airedale Terrier is known for its keen intelligence, versatility, and rugged, wiry coat. Originally bred for hunting and guarding, they make energetic family companions.

Region of Habitat: Originated in the Aire Valley of England; now popular in many parts of the world
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris (Airedale Terrier breed)
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—enjoys balanced diets formulated for active dogs
What Sound They Make: Known for deep, robust barks used to alert and communicate

Fun Fact

Airedale Terriers have served roles in police work, acting, and even as war dogs.

7. Akita

A powerful and noble dog breed from Japan, the Akita is known for its loyalty, dignified stance, and thick, double coat. This breed carries a rich cultural legacy and a strong protective instinct.

Region of Habitat: Originated in Japan; now admired worldwide as both a companion and guard dog
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris (Akita breed)
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—requires a balanced diet with a focus on high-quality protein
What Sound They Make: Typically quiet but capable of deep, commanding barks when necessary

Fun Fact

The Akita has been immortalized in Japanese folklore and art.

8. Alpaca

Alpacas are gentle, domesticated camelids prized for their soft, warm fleece. With their curious eyes and calm demeanor, they have become increasingly popular in both agriculture and as friendly farm animals.

Region of Habitat: Native to the Andean regions of South America (Peru, Bolivia, and Chile)
Scientific Name: Vicugna pacos
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous—graze on grasses and other vegetation
What Sound They Make: Communicate with soft humming sounds that reflect their relaxed nature

Fun Fact

Alpacas are highly social and thrive when kept in herds.

9. American Alligator

A top predator in its freshwater habitat, the American Alligator is a large, powerful reptile with a broad snout and a strong tail. Its presence is vital for maintaining the balance of wetland ecosystems.

Region of Habitat: Southeastern United States – found in swamps, marshes, rivers, and lakes
Scientific Name: Alligator mississippiensis
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous—hunts fish, birds, mammals, and occasionally smaller alligators
What Sound They Make: Produce low-frequency bellows (especially during mating season) and hisses

Fun Fact

Despite their size, American alligators can run surprisingly fast in short bursts on land.

10. American Bulldog

American Bulldogs are strong, muscular dogs known for their friendly temperament and impressive build. They have historically served as farm dogs and protectors, and today they remain loyal family companions.

Region of Habitat: Originated in the United States; popular as working dogs and family pets
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris (American Bulldog breed)
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—typically enjoy a balanced commercial dog diet
What Sound They Make: Known for deep, assertive barks used to communicate and guard

Fun Fact

American Bulldogs are excellent jumpers and have been known to clear fences up to six feet tall.

11. American Cocker Spaniel

Beloved for their expressive eyes and silky, wavy coat, American Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, medium-sized dogs that make wonderful family pets. Their friendly disposition and agility are hallmarks of the breed.

Region of Habitat: Originated in the United States; now popular as companion dogs around the world
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris (American Cocker Spaniel breed)
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—generally fed high-quality, protein-rich dog food
What Sound They Make: Offer a mix of friendly barks and soft whines

Fun Fact

The American Cocker Spaniel was the first-ever breed to win the Westminster Dog Show in the United States.

12. American Pit Bull Terrier

Known for their strength, athleticism, and loyalty, American Pit Bull Terriers are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build. With proper training and socialization, they are affectionate and reliable family companions.

Region of Habitat: Originated in the United States; widely found as both working dogs and pets
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris (American Pit Bull Terrier breed)
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—typically enjoy a balanced diet formulated for active dogs
What Sound They Make: Produce deep barks and occasional growls during play or alertness

Fun Fact

Despite their reputation, Pit Bulls were once called “nanny dogs” because of their affectionate nature toward children.

13. American Robin

A familiar and cheerful songbird, the American Robin is easily recognized by its red-orange breast and melodious song. It is a common herald of spring and a favorite sight in North American gardens and woodlands.

Region of Habitat: Widespread across North America in gardens, forests, and suburban areas
Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—feeds on insects, earthworms, fruits, and berries
What Sound They Make: Known for its cheerful, melodious songs used during mating and territorial displays

Fun Fact

American Robins are among the first birds to start singing at dawn, leading to the term “dawn chorus.”

14. Arctic Fox

The Arctic Fox is a small but resilient canid adapted to life in the extreme cold. With a fur coat that shifts in color with the seasons, it is perfectly camouflaged in snowy landscapes and tundra.

Region of Habitat: Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia; thrives in tundra and polar deserts
Scientific Name: Vulpes lagopus
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—hunts small mammals and birds, and scavenges on carrion
What Sound They Make: Emits soft barks and high-pitched calls used in social interactions

Fun Fact

Arctic Foxes can survive temperatures as low as -50°C without shivering.

15. Axolotl

Famed for its unusual, almost perpetual juvenile appearance, the axolotl is a neotenic salamander that lives its entire life underwater. Its ability to regenerate limbs has fascinated scientists for decades.

Region of Habitat: Native to freshwater lakes and canals around Mexico City (especially Lake Xochimilco)
Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous—feeds on small fish, worms, and insects
What Sound They Make: Generally silent; may produce soft gurgles when breathing

Fun Fact

Axolotls can regenerate not just limbs but also parts of their heart and brain.

16. Aye-aye

An unusual and nocturnal primate endemic to Madagascar, the aye-aye is instantly recognizable by its large eyes, bushy tail, and extraordinarily elongated middle finger used for foraging.

Region of Habitat: Tropical forests of Madagascar
Scientific Name: Daubentonia madagascariensis
Feeding Habits: Omnivorous—feeds on insects (found via tapping on trees), fruits, and nectar
What Sound They Make: Uses soft vocalizations and clicking sounds to communicate in the dark

Fun Fact

Aye-ayes use a foraging method called “percussive foraging,” where they tap on trees to locate hollow chambers containing insects.

17. Atlantic Salmon

A sleek, migratory fish celebrated for its epic upstream journey, the Atlantic Salmon is prized both as a culinary delight and for its ecological importance. Its silvery body and streamlined form make it a champion of swift river currents.

Region of Habitat: Native to the North Atlantic Ocean and associated river systems in North America and Europe
Scientific Name: Salmo salar
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous—feeds on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans
What Sound They Make: They do not produce audible sounds but communicate through subtle water vibrations

Fun Fact

Atlantic Salmon can leap up waterfalls while swimming upstream to spawn.

18. African Lion

Often dubbed “the king of the jungle,” the African Lion is a majestic feline with a powerful presence. Male lions sport a distinctive mane, and their coordinated hunting tactics exemplify social cooperation.

Region of Habitat: Native to sub-Saharan Africa—inhabits savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands
Scientific Name: Panthera leo
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous—primarily hunts large ungulates in coordinated prides
What Sound They Make: Famous for their thunderous roars that can carry over long distances

Fun Fact

A lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles (8 km) away.

19. American Bison

An iconic symbol of the North American plains, the American Bison is a massive, shaggy bovine known for its impressive size and historical importance in shaping the continent’s ecosystems.

Region of Habitat: Native to the Great Plains of North America, now primarily found in protected reserves and national parks
Scientific Name: Bison bison
Feeding Habits: Herbivorous—grazes on grasses and a variety of vegetation
What Sound They Make: Emit deep grunts and snorts during social interactions

Fun Fact

Once nearly extinct due to overhunting, bison populations have rebounded through conservation efforts.

20. Anaconda

One of the largest and most powerful snakes in the world, the anaconda is an apex predator of the South American wetlands. Its massive body and aquatic lifestyle make it both fearsome and fascinating.

Region of Habitat: Native to the tropical rainforests, swamps, and marshes of South America
Scientific Name: Eunectes murinus (for the Green Anaconda)
Feeding Habits: Carnivorous—ambushes prey including fish, birds, and mammals, subduing them by constriction
What Sound They Make: Generally silent, relying on stealth rather than vocal communication

Fun Fact

The green anaconda can stay submerged underwater for up to 10 minutes before surfacing for air.

Some More Animals That Start With The Letter “A”

21. Aardwolf

22. Abyssinian Guinea Pig

23. Acadian Flycatcher

24. Achrioptera Manga

25. Ackie Monitor

26. Addax

27. Adélie Penguin

28. Admiral Butterfly

29. Aesculapian Snake

30. Affenpinscher

31. African Bullfrog

32. African Bush Elephant

33. African Civet

34. African Clawed Frog

35. African Fish Eagle

36. African Forest Elephant

37. African Golden Cat

38. African Jacana

39. African Palm Civet

40. African Penguin

41. African Sugarcane Borer

42. African Tree Toad

43. African Wild Dog

44. Africanized bee (killer bee)

45. Agama Lizard

46. Agkistrodon Contortrix

47. Agouti

48. Aidi

49. Ainu

50. Airedoodle

51. Akbash

52. Akita Shepherd

53. Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd)

54. Alaskan Husky

55. Alaskan Klee Kai

56. Alaskan Malamute

57. Alaskan Pollock

58. Alaskan Shepherd

59. Albacore Tuna

60. Albatross

61. Albertonectes

62. Albino (Amelanistic) Corn Snake

63. Aldabra Giant Tortoise

64. Alligator Gar

65. Allosaurus

66. Alpine Dachsbracke

67. Alpine Goat

68. Alusky

69. Amano Shrimp

70. Amargasaurus

71. Amazon Parrot

72. Amazon River Dolphin (Pink Dolphin)

73. Amazon Tree Boa

74. Amazonian Royal Flycatcher

75. Amberjack

76. Ambrosia Beetle

77. American Alsatian

78. American Bully

79. American Cockroach

80. American Coonhound

81. American Dog Tick

82. American Eel

83. American Eskimo Dog

84. American Foxhound

85. American Hairless Terrier

86. American Leopard Hound

87. American Paddlefish

88. American Pugabull

89. American Pygmy Goat

90. American Staffordshire Terrier

91. American Toad

92. American Water Spaniel

93. American Wirehair

94. Amethystine Python (Scrub Python)

95. Amphicoelias Fragillimus

96. Amur Leopard

97. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

98. Anchovies

99. Andrewsarchus

100. Angelfish

101. Angelshark

102. Angled Sunbeam Caterpillar

103. Anglerfish

104. Angora Ferret

105. Angora Goat

106. Anhinga

107. Anna’s Hummingbird

108. Anole Lizard

109. Anomalocaris

110. Ant

111. Antarctic Scale Worm

112. Anteater

113. Antelope

114. Anteosaurus

115. Antiguan Racer Snake

116. Aoudad Sheep

117. Ape

118. Apennine Wolf

119. Appenzeller Dog

120. Apple Head Chihuahua

121. Apple Moth

122. Arabian Cobra

123. Arabian Wolf

124. Arafura File Snake

125. Arambourgiania

126. Arapaima

127. Archaeoindris

128. Archaeopteryx

129. Archaeotherium

130. Archelon Turtle

131. Archerfish

132. Arctic Char

133. Arctic Hare

134. Arctic Wolf

135. Arctodus

136. Arctotherium

137. Argentavis Magnificens

138. Argentine Black and White Tegu

139. Argentine Horned Frog

140. Argentinosaurus

141. Arizona Bark Scorpion

142. Arizona Black Rattlesnake

143. Arizona Blonde Tarantula

144. Arizona Coral Snake

145. Armadillo

146. Armadillo Lizard

147. Armenian Gampr

148. Armored Catfish

149. Armyworm

150. Arsinoitherium

151. Arthropleura

152. Aruba Rattlesnake

153. Ashy Mining Bee

154. Asian Arowana

155. Asian Carp

156. Asian Cockroach

157. Asian Elephant

158. Asian Giant Hornet

159. Asian Lady Beetle

160. Asian Longhorn Beetle

161. Asian Palm Civet

162. Asian Vine Snake

163. Asian Water Monitor

164. Asiatic Black Bear

165. Asp

166. Asp Caterpillar

167. Assassin Bug

168. Assassin Snail

169. Atlantic Cod

170. Atlantic Sturgeon

171. Atlas Beetle

172. Atlas Moth

173. Aurochs

174. Aussiedoodle

175. Aussiedor

176. Aussiepom

177. Australian Bulldog

178. Australian Cattle Dog

179. Australian Cockroach

180. Australian Firehawk

181. Australian Flathead Perch

182. Australian Gecko

183. Australian Kelpie Dog

184. Australian Labradoodle

185. Australian Mist

186. Australian Retriever

187. Australian Shepherd

188. Australian Shepherd Mix

189. Australian Terrier

190. Australopithecus

191. Australorp Chicken

192. Avocet

193. Axanthic Ball Python

194. Ayam Cemani

195. Azawakh

196. Abalone

197. Abert’s Squirrel

198. Accentor

199. Acorn Woodpecker

200. Acorn Worm

201. Acouchi

202. Adderfish

203. African Buffalo

204. African Honey Bee

205. African Pygmy Goose

206. African Pygmy Hedgehog

207. African Rock Python

208. African Spoonbill

209. African Spurred Tortoise

210. African Tree Frog

211. African Wild Ass

212. African Yellow White-Eye

213. Africanized Bee

214. Agama

215. Ainu Dog

216. Akbash Dog

217. Akule

218. Alabai

219. ‘Alalā

220. Alaotra Grebe

221. Albino Corn Snake

222. Albino Ferret

223. Alder Flycatcher

224. Aleutian Tern

225. Alewife

226. Alfonsino

227. Allen’s Hummingbird

228. Allen’s Swamp Monkey

229. Alligator

230. Alligator Snapping Turtle

231. Allis Shad

232. Almaco Jack

233. Alpheid Shrimp

234. Alpine Ibex

235. Alpine Marmot

236. Alver

237. Amazon Kingfisher

238. Amazon River Dolphin

239. Amazonian Manatee

240. Amboina Box Turtle

241. American Avocet

242. American Badger

243. American Bittern

244. American Black Bear

245. American Bullfrog

246. American Chameleon

247. American Coot

248. American Crocodile

249. American Crow

250. American Curl

251. American Dipper

252. American Flamingo

253. American Goldfinch

254. American Green Tree Frog

255. American Kestrel

256. American Lion

257. American Marten

258. American Oystercatcher

259. American Oystercatcher Bird

260. American Pika

261. American Quarter Horse

262. American Red Squirrel

263. American Saddlebred

264. American Shorthair

265. American Softshell Turtle

266. American Sparrow

267. American Warmblood

268. American Wigeon

269. Amethystine Python

270. Ammonite

271. Amphipod

272. Amur Tiger

273. Anaconda Snake

274. Anatolian Shepherd

275. Andalusian Horse

276. Andean Cat

277. Andean Condor

278. Andean Goose

279. Andean Mountain Cat

280. Anemone

281. Angolan Colobus

282. Angulate Tortoise

283. Ankole-Watusi

284. Annulated Tree Boa

285. Anoa

286. Anole

287. Antarctic Krill

288. Antarctic Petrel

289. Antarctic Tern

290. Antarctic Toothfish

291. Antelope Jackrabbit

292. Antillean Iguana

293. Antillean Manatee

294. Aoudad

295. Aplysia

296. Appaloosa

297. Aquatic Warbler

298. Arabian Horse

299. Arabian Mau

300. Arabian Sand Boa

301. Araucana

302. Arctic Cod

303. Arctic Loon

304. Arctic Skua

305. Arctic Tern

306. Argentine Dogo

307. Armadillo Girdled Lizard

308. Armadillo Ray

309. Arowana

310. Arrow Crab

311. Arrow Squid

312. Ascalaphidae

313. Ascidian

314. Ash-Throated Flycatcher

315. Asian Black Bear

316. Asian Brown Flycatcher

317. Asian Crested Ibis

318. Asian Glossy Starling

319. Asian Golden Cat

320. Asian Koel

321. Asian Lion

322. Asian Water Buffalo

323. Asiatic Lion

324. Atitlán Grebe

325. Atlantic Blue Marlin

326. Atlantic Dolphin

327. Atlantic Mackerel

328. Atlantic Puffin

329. Atlantic Sailfish

330. Atlantic Spadefish

331. Atlantic Spotted Dolphin

332. Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin

333. Atlantic Wolffish

334. Attenborough’s Long-Beaked Echidna

335. Audubon’s Shearwater Bird

336. Auk

337. Aussie

338. Australasian Grebe

339. Australian Bearded Dragon

340. Australian Brush-Turkey

341. Australian Dingo

342. Australian Frilled Lizard

343. Australian Fur Seal

344. Australian Giant Cuttlefish

345. Australian Kelpie

346. Australian King Parrot

347. Australian Pelican

348. Australian Raven

349. Australian Sea Lion

350. Australian Shelduck

351. Australian Snake-Necked Turtle

352. Australian Swiftlet

353. Australian Turtle

354. Australian White Ibis

355. Austrian Pinscher

Wrapping It Up

What an incredible look at the world of animals!

From the cutest to the most interesting and dangerous, these animals, starting with the letter “A,” have shown how special and different animal friends can be.

Each animal tells a unique story that makes it stand out in the big, beautiful world around us.

These remarkable creatures remind everyone how wonderful and surprising nature can be. Animals have so many cool tricks and special skills that make them unique.

The next time someone thinks about animals, they’ll remember this fun look at A-list friends.

Nature is full of magic, and these animals prove that the animal kingdom is more exciting than anyone could ever dream!