Browsing through the collection of animals commencing with the letter B, you will come across a variety of captivating creatures. Among them, mammals such as beavers, bats, bears, bobcats, bonobos, and bison can be found. Reptiles like the black mamba and boa constrictor share this initial, as do fish including the barracuda and bull shark. Avian creatures such as the black vulture and buzzard also make an appearance, along with invertebrates like bees, barnacles, and bullet ants.
Displayed on this page is an extensive list showcasing these intriguing animals starting with B, accompanied by accompanying images and intriguing facts about each species. Beneath every animal entry, you will find useful links leading to additional information, pictures, and videos.
This compilation comprises both individual species (such as the bull shark) and groups of animals (such as bears) that share the commonality of their names beginning with B. To provide further insight, the scientific name and conservation status are provided for each individual species.
Babirusa
Babirusas, belonging to the Suidae family, are fascinating creatures found in the rainforests of various Indonesian islands, residing close to rivers.
Babirusa, a distinctive species, possesses elongated canine teeth that are often mistaken for tusks. Interestingly, the upper jaw’s canine teeth grow in an upward direction, piercing through the flesh of the mouth and extending beyond the snout’s top. Similarly, the lower jaw’s canine teeth also grow upwards, protruding from the mouth to form a second pair of “tusks.”
Baboon
Baboons, belonging to the genus Papio, are large mammals classified under the family Cercopithecidae, which includes a group of primates known as “Old World monkeys.” Unlike most monkeys, baboons primarily inhabit the ground rather than living in trees.
There are six different species of baboons, all of which are native to Africa. Additionally, the hamadryas baboon is also found in the Arabian Peninsula. The conservation status of each species is as follows:
- Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas): Least Concern
- Guinea baboon (Papio papio): Near Threatened
- Olive baboon (Papio anubis): Least Concern
- Yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus): Least Concern
- Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus): Least Concern
- Kinda baboon (Papio kindae): Least Concern
Bactrian Camel
Scientifically known as Camelus bactrianus, the Bactrian camel is a remarkable mammal belonging to the Camelidae family. It holds the distinction of being the largest member within its family, which also includes other notable animals like the dromedary, llama, and alpaca.
These impressive creatures inhabit the vast expanse of Asia, specifically the Steppes of Central Asia, which are characterized by extensive dry grasslands. The Bactrian camel showcases remarkable resilience, being capable of enduring extreme temperatures, both scorching heat and freezing cold, while also enduring prolonged periods without water.
With its distinct feature of two humps, these camels store energy in the form of fat, simultaneously aiding in the regulation of body heat. To further adapt to their arid environment, they possess adaptable nostrils that can be sealed, preventing the infiltration of desert dust, and possess long eyelashes to safeguard their eyes.
It is worth noting that the wild Bactrian camel, known as Camelus ferus, is closely related to its domestic counterpart. However, this particular species is critically endangered and primarily found in the plains of northern China and Mongolia.
The Bactrian camel derives its name from Bactria, a historical region located in Central Asia.
Badger
Mammals of the Mustelidae family, badgers are robust and compact creatures equipped for excavation, boasting formidable legs and strong claws. With their distinctive facial patterns of black and white, most badger species possess exceptional digging capabilities.
The badger family encompasses 15 extant species, classified into four subfamilies, all belonging to the larger Mustelidae family, which includes weasels. Found across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, badgers inhabit diverse regions worldwide.
Noteworthy among the badger species are the recognizable Eurasian badger, known for its black and white coat, the American badger thriving in grasslands of North America, and the honey badger, renowned for its fierceness and found in parts of Asia and Africa.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle, scientifically known as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, is a bird of prey native to North America, specifically Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico. Belonging to the genus Haliaeetus, which is commonly referred to as “sea eagles,” this majestic creature primarily feeds on fish. However, it also hunts birds and small mammals for sustenance.
Renowned as the national bird of the United States, the bald eagle was once listed as an endangered species within the country. Nevertheless, through the implementation of various conservation initiatives, its population has significantly rebounded, resulting in its current status of Least Concern.
Bandicoot
Bandicoots, a type of mammal, are marsupials resembling rabbits in size and possessing long noses. They can be found in both Australia and New Guinea. Belonging to the Peramelemorphia order, which also includes the bilby, bandicoots encompass approximately 20 different species. Their conservation status varies across these species.
Barn Owl
Scientifically known as Tyto alba, the barn owl is a bird belonging to the Tytonidae family. It is a widely distributed species, inhabiting various habitats across all continents except for Antarctica. With its white appearance, the barn owl derives its scientific name from the Latin word “alba,” meaning white.
What sets the barn owl apart, like other owls, is its ability to fly silently due to its specially adapted feathers. This species relies heavily on sound for hunting, utilizing its exceptional hearing to locate prey.
When it comes to diet, the barn owl primarily feeds on small mammals such as voles and shrews, which make up about 90% of its food intake. Additionally, it also hunts birds, other small vertebrates, and insects.
Barnacle
Arthropods of the Maxillopoda class and Cirripedia subclass, barnacles are peculiar creatures that inhabit oceans across the globe. Unlike most animals, barnacles undergo an initial larval stage before settling down for their entire adult lives, firmly attached to a single surface. Their remarkable adhesive abilities stem from the secretion of the strongest natural glue known to exist.
With a vast diversity of over 1,400 species, barnacles can be found in various corners of the world’s oceans. Among them, acorn barnacles are the most prevalent, thriving in temperate and tropical saltwater environments.
As omnivores, barnacles rely on their feather-like appendages known as “cirri” to capture and consume microscopic organisms that drift through the water. They skillfully filter these minuscule life forms for sustenance.
Barnacles made their debut over 300 million years ago, during the Carboniferous Period of the Paleozoic Era, marking a fascinating presence in Earth’s history.
Barracuda
Species of the fish family Sphyraenidae, barracudas are formidable predators inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters across the globe. With sleek, elongated bodies and impressive jaws, these saltwater fish belong to the genus Sphyraena and encompass a total of 28 distinct species. Some barracudas can reach lengths exceeding 1.5 meters (5 feet) and achieve remarkable swimming speeds of up to 35 mph (56 km/h).
Utilizing their exceptional agility and strength, barracudas rely on their swift movements to secure their primary source of sustenance: other fish. Their diet predominantly consists of fellow aquatic creatures, as they assert their predatory dominance in the underwater realm.
Basking Shark
Officially known as Cetorhinus maximus, the basking shark belongs to the fish family Cetorhinidae. This fascinating creature can be found in temperate waters across the globe. Sadly, its conservation status is endangered, highlighting the need for protective measures.
The basking shark claims the title of the world’s second largest fish, with only the whale shark surpassing it in size. Unlike most sharks that actively pursue prey, the basking shark follows a different approach. Similar to its larger counterpart, it is a filter feeder. While gracefully swimming, the basking shark simply opens its mouth wide. Within its mouth, it possesses comb-like structures called “gill rakers,” which act as filters. These gill rakers efficiently sift through the seawater, capturing tiny food items like zooplankton.
Bat-Eared Fox
Scientifically known as Otocyon megalotis, the bat-eared fox is a mammal belonging to the Canidae family. It can be found roaming the grasslands of Africa, specifically in the sub-Saharan regions. With its characteristic large ears, similar to the fennec fox and kit fox, which also inhabit arid or desert environments, the bat-eared fox serves a dual purpose. Its prominent ears aid in dissipating body heat, keeping the fox cool, while also assisting in locating its prey.
What sets the bat-eared fox apart is its unique diet as the only canid species with a preference for insects. Its primary source of sustenance is the harvester termite. This remarkable fox is divided into two distinct populations, one residing in southern Africa and the other in western Africa.
Bats
Bats, fascinating mammals with the ability to fly, belong to the order Chiroptera. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica, showcasing their widespread presence. With approximately 1,400 different bat species, Chiroptera stands as the second-largest order of mammals. Remarkably, bats comprise nearly a quarter of all existing mammal species.
To put this in perspective, the largest mammalian order, Rodentia, which encompasses rodents, accounts for approximately 40% of the total mammal population.
Bats are typically categorized into two primary types: Megachiroptera, also known as megabats or fruit bats, primarily feed on fruits and nectar. On the other hand, Microchiroptera, referred to as microbats or echolocating bats, mainly rely on insects for their diet. What sets them apart is their unique wing structure, supported by elongated finger bones, enabling them to take flight.
Bear
Category: Mammals Family: Ursidae Habitat: Found across all continents except Antarctica Conservation status: Diverse
The Ursidae family comprises eight distinct bear species: polar bears, brown bears, American black bears, spectacled bears, Asian black bears, sloth bears, sun bears, and giant pandas. These remarkable creatures are characterized by their size and strength. While bears generally have omnivorous feeding habits, the specific dietary preferences vary among species. For instance, polar bears are predominantly carnivorous, whereas giant pandas primarily consume plant matter.
Beaver
Species: Beavers Scientific Genus: Castor Animal Type: Mammal Family: Castoridae Habitat: North America, Europe Conservation Status: Least Concern
Beavers, belonging to the genus Castor, are remarkable mammals characterized by their size and distinctive tails resembling paddles. There are two known species of beavers: the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) inhabiting the United States and Canada, and the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) found across various regions in Northern Europe.
Both species of beavers have a conservation status of “Least Concern,” indicating that they are not currently threatened.
These resourceful creatures utilize their sharp teeth to fell trees and create dams. The resulting ponds serve not only as a defense against predators but also foster the development of wetland ecosystems, providing a habitat for numerous other species.
Due to their vital role in shaping and maintaining their respective ecosystems, beavers are considered keystone species.
Bee
Belonging to the Apoidea superfamily, bees are remarkable insects found across all continents except Antarctica. They share their superfamily with certain species of wasps, while also being closely related to ants. Together, these insects form the Hymenoptera order.
With a staggering number of over 16,000 species, bees encompass a diverse group including honey bees, bumblebees, stingless bees, and carpenter bees. Many bees exhibit a social lifestyle, residing in colonies led by a single queen responsible for laying eggs for the entire community.
Having evolved alongside flowering plants during the Cretaceous Period, bees play a crucial role as pollinators in terrestrial ecosystems. Their significance cannot be overstated, as they contribute to the survival and growth of numerous plant species. It is often quoted, possibly attributed to Einstein, that “If the bee disappeared from the surface of the Earth, man would have no more than four years left to live.”
Beetle
Insects known as beetles belong to the order Coleoptera. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica. With an impressive number of approximately 400,000 recognized species, Coleoptera stands as the largest animal order in the world. Remarkably, beetles account for approximately 25% of all known animal species!
One fascinating adaptation of beetles is the presence of forewings that have evolved into hardened cases called elytra. These elytra serve as protective shields when beetles navigate through challenging terrains that could potentially harm the delicate wings of other insect species.
Among the familiar types of beetles are fireflies, dung beetles, glowworms, ladybugs (also known as ladybirds), Hercules beetles, tiger beetles, and weevils.