399 Animals That Start With The Letter “P”

Get ready to meet some of the most incredible creatures that make their mark with the peppy letter P!

From playful predators hiding in dense forests to cuddly critters roaming wild landscapes, these animals will spark your imagination and fill your brain with wonder.

Each animal on this list brings something special to the table. Some are fuzzy friends that make you smile, while others are fierce hunters that show off amazing skills.

Some animals are so strange and funny that they’ll make you laugh out loud and want to learn more about their crazy lives.

Curious about which cool animals will show up? Keep reading and prepare to be amazed by the wild and wonderful world of P-animals!

Commonly Known Animals That Start with The Letter “P”

1. Panda

Pandas are large, black-and-white bears known for their love of bamboo. They are native to China and spend most of their time eating or resting in bamboo forests.

• Region of Habitat: Mountainous forests of China

• Scientific Name:Ailuropoda melanoleuca

• Feeding Habits: Primarily herbivorous, feeding mostly on bamboo, but occasionally eating eggs or small animals

• What Sound They Make: Squeaks, honks, and bleats

Fun Facts

Despite their bear-like appearance, pandas eat a diet similar to that of herbivorous animals and consume nearly 12-38 kg of bamboo daily.

They have an extra “thumb” (a modified wrist bone) that helps them grip bamboo stalks while eating.

2. Penguin

Penguins are flightless birds that are excellent swimmers. They have a layer of fat and dense feathers to keep warm in cold environments.

• Region of Habitat: Antarctica, South America, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand

• Scientific Name:Spheniscidae

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; mainly eats fish, squid, and krill

• What Sound They Make: Squawks, brays, and whistles

Fun Facts

Penguins can drink seawater because they have a special gland that removes excess salt from their bodies. Some species, like the Emperor Penguin, can hold their breath for over 20 minutes underwater while hunting.

3. Peacock

Peacocks are known for their dazzling, glittering feathers and dramatic tail displays. Only the males have the bright plumage, while females, called peahens, have duller colors.

• Region of Habitat: India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Africa

• Scientific Name:Pavo cristatus

• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats seeds, fruits, insects, and small reptiles

• What Sound They Make: Loud calls and screeches

Fun Facts

A peacock’s tail can be up to 60% of its body length, but it doesn’t hinder its movement. When threatened, peacocks can fly short distances to escape predators, despite their long tail feathers.

4. Pigeon

Pigeons are found worldwide and are known for their intelligence and homing abilities. They have been used in communication and navigation for centuries.

• Region of Habitat: Worldwide, especially in urban areas

• Scientific Name:Columba livia

• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats seeds, grains, fruits, and scraps

• What Sound They Make: Cooing

Fun Facts

Pigeons can recognize themselves in a mirror, an ability shared by only a few animal species. In ancient times, they were used as messengers and even delivered messages during wars.

5. Parrot

Parrots are colorful, intelligent birds known for their ability to mimic human speech. They are social creatures that often live in flocks.

• Region of Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide

• Scientific Name:Psittaciformes

• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats fruits, seeds, nuts, and small insects

• What Sound They Make: Squawks, whistles, and mimicry of sounds

Fun Facts

Parrots have strong beaks that can crack hard nuts and seeds with ease. Some species, like the African Grey Parrot, have a vocabulary of hundreds of words and can understand context in communication.

6. Pelican

Pelicans are large water birds known for their expandable throat pouch, which they use to scoop up fish. They are excellent jumpers and can plunge into the water to catch prey.

• Region of Habitat: Coastal areas, lakes, and rivers worldwide

• Scientific Name:Pelecanus

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eat mainly fish and small aquatic animals

• What Sound They Make: Grunts, croaks, and low-pitched honks

Fun Facts

Pelicans can hold up to three gallons of water in their throat pouch. They often work together in groups to herd fish into shallow waters, making them easier to catch.

7. Panther

Panthers are stealthy, powerful big cats known for their dark fur, which helps them blend into their surroundings. They are also solitary and highly skilled hunters.

• Region of Habitat: North and South America, Asia, and Africa

• Scientific Name:Panthera species (including Panthera pardus and Panthera onca)

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats deer, wild boar, and smaller animals

• What Sound They Make: Roars, growls, and hisses

Fun Facts

Black panthers are not a separate species but are leopards or jaguars with a genetic condition called melanism. Despite their dark fur, their spots are still visible in bright light.

8. Pig

Pigs are highly intelligent and social animals that communicate with grunts and squeals. They are also known for their excellent sense of smell.

• Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide; wild pigs inhabit forests and grasslands

• Scientific Name:Sus scrofa

• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats roots, fruits, small animals, and scraps

• What Sound They Make: Oinks, grunts, and squeals

Fun Facts

Pigs are among the cleanest domesticated animals. They avoid soiling their sleeping areas. They also have an excellent memory and can recognize people and locations for years.

9. Poodle

Poodles are highly intelligent and easily trainable dogs. They come in different sizes, from toy to standard, and have curly, hypoallergenic fur.

• Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide

• Scientific Name:Canis lupus familiaris

• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats kibble, meat, and vegetables

• What Sound They Make: Barks, yips, and whines

Fun Facts

Poodles were originally bred as water retrievers, and their curly coat helps insulate them in cold water. They are one of the smartest dog breeds and excel in obedience training.

10. Pug

Pugs are small, playful dogs with wrinkled faces and curly tails. They are affectionate companions known for their friendly and social nature.

• Region of Habitat: Domesticated worldwide

• Scientific Name:Canis lupus familiaris

• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats kibble, meat, and vegetables

• What Sound They Make: Snorts, grunts, and barks

Fun Facts

Pugs often make snorting sounds due to their short noses. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and love being the center of attention.

11. Pufferfish

Pufferfish are unique marine creatures known for puffing up when threatened. They have spines and a potent toxin that helps deter predators.

• Region of Habitat: Warm coastal waters worldwide

• Scientific Name:Tetraodontidae

• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats algae, mollusks, and small crustaceans

• What Sound They Make: Clicking and grunting sounds

Fun Facts

Pufferfish contain a toxin called tetrodotoxin, which is deadly to most predators and humans. Despite their poisonous nature, some species are considered a delicacy in Japan, where licensed chefs carefully prepare them.

12. Polar Bear

Polar bears are the largest land carnivores and are well-adapted to freezing Arctic conditions. They have thick fur and a layer of fat to insulate them from the cold.

• Region of Habitat: Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia

• Scientific Name:Ursus maritimus

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; primarily eats seals and fish

• What Sound They Make: Roars, growls, and chuffs

Fun Facts

Polar bears have black skin under their white fur, which helps absorb heat from the sun. They are excellent swimmers and can cover long distances in the icy ocean to hunt for food.

13. Poison Dart Frog

Poison dart frogs are small, brightly colored amphibians known for their toxic skin secretions, which can be lethal to predators.

• Region of Habitat: Rainforests of Central and South America

• Scientific Name:Dendrobatidae

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats ants, termites, and small insects

• What Sound They Make: High-pitched trills and chirps

Fun Facts

Some indigenous tribes use poison dart frog toxins to coat their hunting darts. Their bright colors serve as a warning to potential predators, signaling that they are highly toxic.

14. Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds in the world. They can jump in water at speeds over 240 mph to catch prey.

• Region of Habitat: Worldwide, except Antarctica

• Scientific Name:Falco peregrinus

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats birds, small mammals, and insects

• What Sound They Make: High-pitched screams and cackles

Fun Facts

Peregrine falcons were once endangered due to pesticide use, but conservation efforts helped them recover. They often nest on tall buildings in cities, where they hunt pigeons and other birds.

15. Praying Mantis

Praying mantises are known for their folded front legs, which resemble a prayer posture. They are skilled hunters with excellent vision.

• Region of Habitat: Found worldwide, especially in warm regions

• Scientific Name:Mantodea

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eat insects, small birds, and even other mantises

• What Sound They Make: Hissing when threatened

Fun Facts

Praying mantises can turn their heads 180 degrees to check their surroundings. Females are known for sometimes eating their mates after reproduction, though this doesn’t always happen.

16. Platypus

The platypus is a unique mammal that lays eggs and has a duck-like bill. It is one of the few venomous mammals in the world.

• Region of Habitat: Eastern Australia and Tasmania

• Scientific Name:Ornithorhynchus anatinus

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats insects, crustaceans, and worms

• What Sound They Make: Soft growls and clicks

Fun Facts

Male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind legs, which can cause extreme pain. They use electroreception in their bills to detect prey underwater as they close their eyes while jumping into water.

17. Porcupine

Porcupines are rodents covered in sharp quills that help protect them from predators. They are mostly nocturnal and have a slow-moving lifestyle.

• Region of Habitat: North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia

• Scientific Name:Erethizontidae

• Feeding Habits: Herbivorous; eats bark, leaves, fruits, and roots

• What Sound They Make: Grunts, squeaks, and whines

Fun Facts

Porcupine quills have barbed tips, making them difficult to remove once embedded in a predator. Contrary to popular belief, they cannot shoot their quills, but they do raise them as a defense mechanism.

18. Pink Flamingo

Flamingos are known for their striking pink feathers, which come from the pigments in their diet. They are often seen standing on one leg in shallow waters.

• Region of Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, and coastal lagoons worldwide

• Scientific Name:Phoenicopteridae

• Feeding Habits: Omnivorous; eats algae, crustaceans, and small fish

• What Sound They Make: Honks and squawks

Fun Facts

Flamingos are born with gray feathers and develop their pink color over time due to the carotenoid pigments in their food. They form strong social bonds and often perform synchronized group displays during courtship.

19. Python

Pythons are large, non-venomous snakes that kill their prey by constriction. Some species grow to impressive lengths.

• Region of Habitat: Africa, Asia, and Australia

• Scientific Name:Pythonidae

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats mammals, birds, and reptiles

• What Sound They Make: Hissing

Fun Facts

Some pythons, like the reticulated python, can grow over 20 feet long, making them one of the longest snake species. Their jaws have heat-sensing pits that help them detect warm-blooded prey in the dark.

20. Puma

Pumas, also known as mountain lions or cougars, are large cats that are excellent hunters and can adapt to various environments.

• Region of Habitat: North and South America

• Scientific Name:Puma concolor

• Feeding Habits: Carnivorous; eats deer, rabbits, and rodents

• What Sound They Make: Screams, growls, and purrs

Fun Facts

Unlike other big cats, pumas cannot roar but instead produce high-pitched screams, often compared to a woman’s scream. They are known for their powerful leaps and can jump up to 20 feet in a single bound.

More Animals That Start With The Letter “P”

21. Pachycephalosaurus

22. Pacific Coast Tick

23. Pacific Sleeper Shark

24. Pacific Spaghetti Eel

25. Paddlefish

26. Pademelon

27. Painted Bunting

28. Painted Turtle

29. Palaeoloxodon namadicus

30. Palaeophis

31. Paleoparadoxia

32. Palm Rat

33. Palo Verde Beetle

34. Panda Pied Ball Python

35. Pangolin

36. Panthera atrox (American Lion)

37. Papillon

38. Papillon Mix

39. Paradise Flying Snake

40. Parakeet

41. Parasaurolophus

42. Parrot Snake

43. Parrotfish

44. Parrotlet

45. Parson Russell Terrier

46. Parti Schnauzer

47. Partridge

48. Patagonian Cavy

49. Patagonian Mara

50. Patagotitan

51. Patas Monkey

52. Patterdale Terrier

53. Pea Puffer

54. Peacock Bass

55. Peacock Butterfly

56. Peacock Spider

57. Peagle

58. Peekapoo

59. Pekingese

60. Pelagornis

61. Pelagornithidae

62. Pelican

63. Pelycosaurs

64. Pembroke Welsh Corgi

65. Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach

66. Peppered Moth

67. Peppermint Angelfish

68. Perch Fish

69. Père David’s Deer

70. Perro De Presa Canario

71. Persian

72. Peruvian Guinea Pig

73. Peruvian Inca Orchid

74. Pesquet’s Parrot (Dracula Parrot)

75. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

76. Petite Goldendoodle

77. Pharaoh Hound

78. Pheasant

79. Pheasant-tailed Jacana

80. Philippine Cobra

81. Phoenix Chicken

82. Phorusrhacos

83. Phytosaurs

84. Picardy Spaniel

85. Pictus Catfish

86. Piebald Dachshund

87. Pied Ball Python

88. Pied Tamarin

89. Pied-Billed Grebe

90. Pig-Nosed Turtle

91. Pika

92. Pike Fish

93. Pileated Woodpecker

94. Pinacate Beetle

95. Pine Beetle

96. Pine Marten

97. Pine Siskin

98. Pine Snake

99. Pinfish

100. Pink Bollworm

101. Pink Fairy Armadillo

102. Pink Salmon

103. Pink-Toed Tarantula

104. Pink-Necked Green Pigeon

105. Pipe Snake

106. Pipefish

107. Piranha

108. Pit Bull

109. Pit Viper

110. Pitador

111. Pitsky

112. Plains Hognose Snake

113. Platinum Arowana

114. Platybelodon

115. Plesiosaur

116. Pliosaur

117. Plott Hound Mix

118. Plott Hounds

119. Plymouth Rock Chicken

120. Pocket Beagle

121. Pocket Pitbull

122. Podenco Canario

123. Pointer

124. Pointer Mix

125. Polacanthus

126. Polecat

127. Polish Chicken

128. Polish Lowland Sheepdog

129. Polish Tatra Sheepdog

130. Polka Dot Stingray

131. Pollock Fish

132. Polyphemus Moth

133. Pomapoo

134. Pomchi

135. Pomeagle

136. Pomeranian

137. Pomeranian Mix

138. Pompano Fish

139. Pomsky

140. Pond Skater

141. Poochon

142. Poogle

143. Pool Frog

144. Porbeagle Shark

145. Porcupinefish

146. Portuguese Podengo

147. Possum

148. Potato Beetle

149. Potoo

150. Potoroo

151. Powderpost Beetle

152. Prairie Chicken

153. Prairie Dog

154. Prairie Rattlesnake

155. Prawn

156. Proboscis Monkey

157. Procoptodon

158. Pronghorn

159. Psittacosaurus

160. Pteranodon

161. Pterodactyl

162. Pudelpointer

163. Puertasaurus

164. Puff Adder

165. Puffin

166. Pug Mix

167. Pugapoo

168. Puggle

169. Pugshire

170. Puli

171. Pumi

172. Pumpkin Patch Tarantula

173. Purple Emperor Butterfly

174. Purple Finch

175. Purple Gallinule

176. Purple Tarantula

177. Purussaurus

178. Puss Caterpillar

179. Puss Moth

180. Pygmy Hippopotamus

181. Pygmy Marmoset (Finger Monkey)

182. Pygmy Python

183. Pygmy Rattlesnake

184. Pygmy Shark

185. Pygora Goat

186. Pyjama Shark

187. Pyrador

188. Pyredoodle

189. Pyrenean Mastiff

190. Pyrenean Shepherd

191. Pyrosome

192. Pacific Walrus

193. Pacific White-Sided Dolphin

194. Plains Zebra

195. Philippine Tarsier

196. Pink River Dolphin

197. Pied Avocet

198. Palawan Peacock-Pheasant

199. Pink-tailed Worm Lizard

200. Pygmy Slow Loris

201. Persian Cat

202. Paint Horse

203. Palomino Horse

204. Percheron Horse

205. Pygmy Goat

206. Polled Hereford Cattle

207. Pointer Dog

208. Pot-bellied Pig

209. Peking Duck

210. Pyrenean Mountain Dog

211. Paddock Sheep

212. Padua Goose

213. Philippine Deer

214. Pacific Halibut

215. Pacific Herring

216. Pacific Lamprey

217. Pacific Salmon

218. Pacific Saury

219. Pacific Spiny Lumpsucker

220. Pacific Viperfish

221. Painted Comber

222. Painted Frogfish

223. Painted Greenling

224. Painted Sweetlips

225. Palometa

226. Pampanito

227. Panga

228. Panther Grouper

229. Paper Nautilus

230. Pasque Sole

231. Patagonian Toothfish

232. Peacock Flounder

233. Peacock Rockcod

234. Pearl Danio

235. Pearl Perch

236. Pearlfish

237. Pelagic Cod

238. Pelagic Thresher Shark

239. Pelican Eel

240. Pencil Urchin

241. Pencilfish

242. Penguin Fish

243. Pennant Coralfish

244. Peppered Moray

245. Perch

246. Peruvian Horse Mackerel

247. Petrale Sole

248. Pharaoh Cuttlefish

249. Pigeon Guillemot

250. Pigeye Shark

251. Piked Dogfish

252. Pike Conger

253. Pike Eel

254. Pikeblenny

255. Pilchard

256. Pilot Fish

257. Pink Whipray

258. Pirate Perch

259. Pitbull Shark

260. Plainfin Midshipman

261. Plaice

262. Planktonic Copepod

263. Planktonivorous Jellyfish

264. Platessa

265. Plumed Seahorse

266. Pocket Shark

267. Polka-dot Ribbonfish

268. Pomfret

269. Pompano

270. Portuguese Dogfish

271. Pouting

272. Powder Blue Surgeonfish

273. Prickly Shark

274. Prickly Sea Cucumber

275. Prickleback

276. Prince Barracuda

277. Prionace Glauca

278. Pristella Tetra

279. Pristidactylus Argyropleuron

280. Pseudochromis Diadema

281. Pseudocrenilabrus Philander

282. Pseudogastromyzon Myersi

283. Pseudohemiodon Apithanos

284. Pseudotropheus Crabro

285. Psittacofulvimarinae

286. Pughead Pipefish

287. Puma Ribbonfish

288. Purpleback Flying Squid

289. Purplemouth Moray

290. Purple-spotted Bigeye

291. Pygmy Killer Whale

292. Pyjama Cardinalfish

293. Pacific Pocket Mouse

294. Pampas Cat

295. Pygmy Mouse

296. Pygmy Shrew

297. Pocket Gopher

298. Potto

299. Palm Civet

300. Pallas’s Cat

301. Pilot Whale

302. Pacific Flying Fox

303. Pale-throated Three-toed Sloth

304. Parma Wallaby

305. Paper Wasp

306. Parasitic Wasp

307. Pavement Ant

308. Peach Tree Borer

309. Pea Weevil

310. Pea Aphid

311. Peacock Fly

312. Pearl-bordered Fritillary

313. Pearl Onion Thrips

314. Pearly Underwing Moth

315. Pepper Weevil

316. Pine Cone Gall Midge

317. Pineapple Mealybug

318. Pineapple Weevil

319. Pink Hibiscus Mealybug

320. Pipevine Swallowtail

321. Plains Lubber Grasshopper

322. Plant Bug

323. Plum Curculio

324. Plum Fruit Moth

325. Plum Sawfly

326. Poinsettia Hornworm

327. Potato Aphid

328. Potato Leafhopper

329. Potato Tuber Moth

330. Predatory Stink Bug

331. Preying Mantid

332. Psocid

333. Psyche Caterpillar

334. Pupa Fly

335. Purple Hairstreak Butterfly

336. Purple Mint Moth

337. Purple Pitcher Plant Mosquito

338. Purple Tiger Moth

339. Pacific Loon

340. Pacific Wren

341. Painted Redstart

342. Palm Warbler

343. Pallas’s Bunting

344. Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler

345. Pallas’s Sandgrouse

346. Pallas’s Warbler

347. Pale-vented Bush Tit

348. Pale-billed Woodpecker

349. Pale-breasted Illadopsis

350. Pale-chinned Flycatcher

351. Pale-footed Swallow

352. Pale-headed Brush Finch

353. Pale-legged Leaf Warbler

354. Pale-naped Brush Finch

355. Pale-throated Serra Finch

356. Pale-winged Trumpeter

357. Palm-nut Vulture

358. Paradise Tanager

359. Parrot Crossbill

360. Parrot-billed Sparrow

361. Parrotfinch

362. Patagonian Mockingbird

363. Pavonine Cuckoo

364. Paynter’s Fruit Dove

365. Peach-fronted Parakeet

366. Pearl Kite

367. Pearl-spotted Owlet

368. Pearly Antshrike

369. Pectoral Sandpiper

370. Pelagic Cormorant

371. Pel’s Fishing Owl

372. Pennant-winged Nightjar

373. Peruvian Booby

374. Peruvian Meadowlark

375. Petrel

376. Philippine Eagle

377. Philippine Frogmouth

378. Philippine Hawk-Eagle

379. Pied Crow

380. Pied Harrier

381. Pied Heron

382. Pied Kingfisher

383. Pied Wagtail

384. Pine Grosbeak

385. Pink Pigeon

386. Pink-footed Goose

387. Pin-tailed Sandgrouse

388. Pygmy Owl

389. Pygmy Sunbird

390. Pyrrhuloxia

391. Panther Chameleon

392. Papuan Python

393. Philippine Sailfin Lizard

394. Prehensile-tailed Skink

395. Paradise Tree Snake

396. Pygmy Chameleon

397. Plumed Basilisk

398. Prickly Skink

399. Pug-nosed Anole

Wrapping It Up

From the cutest panda eating bamboo to the massive polar bear ruling icy landscapes, these P-animals show how amazing and different our natural world can truly be.

Each creature brings a special story of survival, unexpected friendships, and the incredible ways animals live, grow, and protect their families in wild places around the globe.

Nature never stops surprising us with its weird and wonderful creations.

These animals prove that the letter P is more than just a simple sound – it’s a magical gateway to understanding how exciting, strange, and surprising our big blue planet really is.

Next time you see an animal starting with P, remember the jaw-dropping tales waiting to be learned about these remarkable beings!

If you’re interested in more informative animal and wildlife content, feel free to click here and explore other blogs that you might enjoy!