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Animals That Start With The Letter N

Updated: Aug 13, 2023

rom the nimble climbers to the nocturnal prowlers, get ready for a nose-to-tail journey through the animal alphabet's niftiest inhabitants. With nuzzles, natters, and noteworthy tales, these "N"-powered creatures are here to knock your socks off with their stories and antics. So, buckle up for a nonstop adventure as we navigate through the noble, the notorious, and the downright nifty animals that start with the letter "N"!


Let's Explore Animals That Start With The Letter N!

Three narwhals swimming in the ocean.

Narwhal

The narwhal is a type of whale that is native to the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, and Russia. It is a medium-sized whale, typically measuring about 13-20 feet in length and weighing around 1,500-3,500 pounds. The narwhal is known for its long, spiral tusk, which is actually a modified tooth that can grow up to 10 feet in length. The tusk is found only in males and is used for display and possibly for sensing temperature and salinity in the water. Narwhals are carnivorous and feed on fish, squid, and shrimp. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations and are sometimes called the "unicorns of the sea."


Newt crawling on a rock.

Newt

A newt is a type of salamander that is typically small and terrestrial, with a smooth or warty skin and a short tail. There are several species of newts, and they can be found in a variety of habitats including forests, fields, and wetlands. Newts are generally adapted to living on land, but they return to the water to breed. They are carnivorous and feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Newts are known for their ability to regenerate lost body parts, including their limbs, spinal cord, and heart tissue. They are also able to secrete toxins from their skin as a defense mechanism.


Nightingale on a branch.

Nightingale

The nightingale is a small, passerine bird that is known for its beautiful, melodic song. It is found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and is most active at dawn and dusk. The male nightingale sings to attract a mate and defend its territory, and its song is often described as one of the most beautiful sounds in nature. Nightingales are found in a variety of habitats including forests, gardens, and parks. They are insectivorous and feed on a wide range of insects and other invertebrates. Nightingales are also known for their ability to mimic the songs of other birds.


Nighthawk flying through the sky.

Nighthawk

A nighthawk is a type of crepuscular or nocturnal bird that is known for its stealthy, moth-like flight and its distinctive, peent call. There are several species of nighthawks, and they can be found in a variety of habitats including open fields, forests, and urban areas. Nighthawks are insectivorous and feed on a wide range of insects, including moths, beetles, and flies. They are generally silent during the day, but at dusk they can be heard calling as they fly over their territory. Nighthawks are also known for their camouflage plumage, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.


Numbat walking in the wild.

Numbat

The numbat, also known as the banded anteater or the marsupial anteater, is a small, insectivorous marsupial native to Western Australia. It is endangered and is one of the few marsupials that is active during the day. The numbat has a distinctive, striped coat and a long, pointed snout that it uses to dig for termites, which are its primary food source. It is a solitary animal and spends most of its time foraging for termites. The numbat is also known for its strong homing instincts and has been known to travel long distances to return to its territory.


Nurse Shark swimming in the wild.

Nurse Shark

The nurse shark is a type of carpet shark found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. It is a bottom-dwelling species that is commonly found in shallow, coastal waters, including coral reefs, lagoons, and estuaries. Nurse sharks are generally slow-moving and docile, and they are not considered to be a threat to humans. They are nocturnal and mainly feed on crabs, lobsters, and other crustaceans, as well as small fish and mollusks. Nurse sharks are also known for their ability to pump water over their gills to oxygenate their blood, allowing them to remain stationary for long periods of time.


Nutria standing on a bank next to water.

Nutria

Nutria, also known as coypu or river rats, are large, semi-aquatic rodents native to South America. They have long, rat-like bodies and rounded, sparsely haired tails, and they are typically brown or reddish in color. Nutria have become invasive species in many parts of the world, including the United States, where they were introduced for their fur. They are often found in wetlands, marshes, and along rivers and streams, and they are known for their ability to cause significant damage to these habitats by burrowing into banks and eating the vegetation. Nutria are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, roots, and stems.



Nuthatch on a branch.

Nuthatch

The nuthatch is a type of small, passerine bird that is found in forests, woodlands, and gardens throughout much of the world. There are several species of nuthatches, and they are known for their distinctive appearance, with a short, stubby bill and a long, narrow tail. Nuthatches are also known for their ability to walk head-first down tree trunks and branches. They are omnivorous and feed on a wide range of insects, seeds, and nuts. Nuthatches are also known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of whistles, trills, and calls. They are often seen foraging for food on trees and are known to cache seeds and nuts for later consumption.


Two Nyalas drinking water in the wild.

Nyala

The nyala is a type of spiral-horned antelope native to Southern Africa. It is a medium-sized species with a reddish-brown coat and distinctive, spiral-shaped horns that are found only in males. Nyala are found in a variety of habitats including forests, savannas, and bushlands, and they are known to be good swimmers. They are herbivorous and feed on a wide range of plants, including grasses, fruits, and leaves. Nyala are generally shy and elusive, and they are most active at dawn and dusk. They are also known for their striking appearance and are often hunted for their meat and their horns, which are prized by some cultures for use in traditional medicine and as decorative items.


Newfoundland dog standing under tree in the park.

Newfoundland

The Newfoundland is a large, strong breed of dog that is known for its calm, gentle disposition and its powerful swimming ability. Originally from the island of Newfoundland in Canada, the Newfoundland was developed to be a working dog, and it is often referred to as the "gentle giant" due to its size and temperament. Newfoundlands are known for their thick, waterproof coat, which helps them stay warm and dry in cold water, and their webbed paws, which give them an advantage when swimming. They are intelligent, loyal, and patient, and they are often used as search and rescue dogs and as therapy dogs due to their calm and gentle nature.


Nile Crocodile in the swamp.

Nile Crocodile

The Nile crocodile is a large African crocodile and is native to the Nile River and its surrounding areas. It is the largest reptile in Africa and can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh over 1,500 pounds. Nile crocodiles are carnivorous and will eat almost anything they can catch, including fish, birds, and mammals. They are known to be aggressive and have been responsible for a number of human fatalities.


Nicobar Pigeon in the wild.

Nicobar Pigeon

The Nicobar pigeon is a large, tropical pigeon that is native to the Nicobar Islands in the eastern Indian Ocean. It is the only living member of the genus Caloenas and is closely related to the dodo, a now-extinct pigeon that was native to the island of Mauritius. Nicobar pigeons are known for their iridescent green and purplish-blue feathers, which are highly prized by collectors. They are also known for their distinctive, low-pitched cooing calls.


North American Beaver next to reeds in the water.

North American Beaver

The North American beaver is a large, semi-aquatic rodent that is native to North America. It is the largest rodent in North America and can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh over 60 pounds. North American beavers are known for their ability to build dams, which they use to create deep, still pools of water in which they can swim and hide from predators. Beavers are herbivorous and primarily eat the bark, leaves, and twigs of trees and shrubs. They are also known for their thick, waterproof fur, which is used to make clothing and other products.


Norwegian Elkhound laying down on a front porch of a home.

Norwegian Elkhound

The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized breed of dog that is native to Norway. It is a type of spitz breed and is known for its thick, dense coat, which comes in a variety of colors including black, gray, and brown. Norwegian Elkhounds are energetic and athletic dogs that were originally bred for hunting moose and other large game. They are also known for their loyalty and affectionate nature, and make good companions as well as working dogs. Norwegian Elkhounds are intelligent and easy to train, and they excel at obedience, tracking, and agility.


Norwich Terrier standing in a yard.

Norwich Terrier

The Norwich Terrier is a small breed of dog that is native to the United Kingdom. It is a type of terrier and is closely related to the Norfolk Terrier. Norwich Terriers are known for their small size, energetic personality, and intelligence. They have a long, wavy coat that comes in a variety of colors including red, wheaten, and black and tan. Norwich Terriers were originally bred for hunting small game and vermin, and they have a strong prey drive. They are also known for their affectionate and loyal nature, and make good companions as well as watchdogs. Norwich Terriers require regular grooming to maintain their long, wavy coat.


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