Mammalian species such as the naked mole rat, narwhal, and numbat; reptile species like Nile crocodiles and northern leaf-tailed geckos; bird species like nighthawks and nightingales; and fish such as nurse sharks and nalolo are among the animals that begin with N.
Beginning with N, you’ll see pictures and information on a variety of interesting creatures on this page.
Links to more information, photographs, and films are available below several of the animals.
Individual species (such as the naked mole rat) and well-known groupings of species (such as newts) are included in this list. Each of the individual species has a scientific name and conservation status provided.
Index
Search through all of the animals by clicking below, or pick one from the index below.
List Of Animals Beginning With N
- Nabarlek
- Naked Mole Rat
- Nalolo
- Ñandú
- Napu
- Narwhal
- Natal Ghost Frog
- Natterjack Toad
- Nautilus
- Neddicky
- Needlefish
- Nematode
- Nene
- Neptune’s Cup Sponge
- New Guinea Singing Dog
- Newt
- Nightcrawler
- Nighthawk (Common)
- Nightingale (Common)
- Nile Crocodile
- Nilgai
- Ningaui
- Noctule Bats
- Noodlefish
- North American Beaver
- North Sulawesi Babirusa
- Northern Leaf-Tailed Gecko
- Northern Night Monkey
- Nudibranch
- Numbat
- Nunbirds
- Nunlets
- Nurse Shark
- Nuthatches
- Nutria
- Nyala
List Of Animals That Start With N
Nabarlek
Scientific name: Petrogale concinna
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Macropodidae
Where found: Australia
Conservation status: Endangered
The nabarlek is a member of the Petrogale family of kangaroo-like animals, sometimes known as “rock-wallabies.”
Rock-wallabies are members of the Macropodidae family, which includes kangaroos, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, and other similar species. They are all members of the wider Kangaroo family.
The nabarlek may be found on the mainland and on a number of islands in north Australia’s rocky regions. It has a head-body length of roughly 36 cm / 14.2 in, which is small compared to other macropods. It has a bushy, long tail that matches its body.
The nabarlek is currently endangered and has a tiny, declining population. The species’ decline is likely due to a combination of factors, including the introduction of non-native species and an increase in the frequency of bushfires, although this is not fully understood.
Naked Mole Rat
Scientific name: Heterocephalus glaber
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Heterocephalidae
Where found: Africa
Conservation status: Least Concern
A burrowing rodent from East Africa, the naked mole rat is a mystery. This little, virtually hairless creature spends the majority of its time buried. Its large incisor teeth for digging, the capacity to subsist in very low-oxygen conditions, and the nearness of near-cold blood make it ideal for a subterranean existence.
This highly social burrowing rodent lives in colonies of around 70 to 80 individuals (with up to 250 individuals being recorded).
A naked mole colony (a type of social insect known as “eusociality”) is organized almost uniquely for a mammal.
All of the colony’s young are produced by a single “queen” naked mole rat unless she dies; when another female becomes “queen,” she will begin to reproduce.
Nalolo
Scientific name: Ecsenius nalolo
Type of animal: Fish
Family: Blenniidae
Where found: Indian Ocean
Conservation status: Least Concern
The nalolo, sometimes known as the nalolo blenny, is a tiny Blenniidae fish. Combtooth blennies are members of this family, which has 400 species.
The order Blenniiformes, which includes blennies and other similar fish groups, is made up of the combtooth blennies and other similar fish.
The nalalo has a blunt head, a long, slender body, big pectoral (side) fins, and a long dorsal (back) fin. Like other blennies, it also possesses such features. It features comb-like teeth, as do other combtooth blennies.
In the Indian Ocean, the species resides on coral reefs.
Ñandú
Type of animal: Bird
Family: Rheidae
Where found: South America
A rhea is also known as Ñandú. In South America, rheas are huge, flightless birds that live in grasslands and pampas.
The greater rhea, Rhea americana ( conservation status: Near Threatened), and the lesser rhea, Rhea pennataI (known as Darwin’s rhea, ñandú petiso, or ñandú del norte) (conservation status: Least Concern), are the two species of rheas.
The Puna rhea Rhea tarapacensis ( conservation status: Near Threatened) is a third rhea species that some authorities acknowledge.
Rheas are ratites, which include ostriches, emus, cassowaries, and kiwis. Rheas are part of a group of flightless birds called ratites. The keel, which is the segment of the skeleton where flying bird wing muscles are attached, is missing from the breastbones of ratites.
By weight, the greater rhea is the world’s seventh-largest bird. The greater rhea weighs less on average than the emperor penguin (the world’s sixth largest living bird), despite being larger in size.
By weight, the lesser rhea is the tenth biggest bird in the world.
Napu
Scientific name: Tragulus napu
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Tragulidae
Where found: Asia;321`3
Conservation status: Least Concern
The bigger mouse-deer is known by many names, including the bigger oriental chevrotain and the bigger Malay chevrotain.
Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests are home to this little hooved mammal. It may be found on the Malaysian Peninesula, as well as in parts of Southeast Asia’s mainland, including Sumatra and Borneo.
Narwhal
Scientific name: Monodon monoceros
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Monodontidae
Where found: The Arctic
Conservation status: Least Concern
Toothed whales (the scientific term for this group is Odontoceti) are a collection of marine animals that includes the narwhal.
Beaked whales, sperm whales, dolphins, orcas, and the narwhal’s closest living relative, the beluga whale are among the other members of this group.
Because of its long, spiraled tusk that extends forward from its head, the male narwhal is one of the world’s most unique whales. Females have a tusk in only a small percentage of cases.
An elongated tooth that grows through the top lip of a narwhal is called a narwhal’s tusk.
In the Arctic Ocean, Narwhals may be found.
Natal Ghost Frog
Scientific name: Hadromophryne natalensis
Type of animal: Amphibian
Family: Heleophrynidae
Where found: Africa
Conservation status: Least Concern
South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland are home to the Natal ghost frog, which is an amphibian found in southern Africa. It can be found in hilly environments, where it lives in swift streams. The species is only found in permanent streams because its tadpoles take two years to develop.
The non-native trout is widespread, however it may harm local Natal ghost frog populations if it is introduced.
One of seven different species of ghost frogs, the Natal ghost frog. The Heleophrynidae family of southern African amphibians are found here.
Natterjack Toad
Scientific name: Epidalea calamita
Type of animal: Amphibian
Family: Bufonidae
Where found: Europe
Conservation status: Least Concern
The Bufonidae family of 600 or more species is known as the natterjack toad.
In most of Europe, the natterjack toad may be found in heathlands and sand dunes. The existence of a thin yellow line along the back distinguishes it from the similarly sized common toad.
Male natterjack toads congregate in groups and call all night during the spring. Their cries may be heard up to a mile away, thanks to a pouch of skin beneath the chin that amplifies them.
Nautilus
Type of animal: Cephalopod Mollusk
Family: Nautilidae
Where found: Indo-Pacific
The shell of a nautilus is shaped like a spiral and is unique to the sea. While more study suggests that there are in fact just three species, six nautilus species have been identified so far.
The Indo-Pacific region, which includes tropical parts of the Indian Ocean and the Central and Western and Central Pacific Oceans, is home to all nautiluses.
Many chambers make up the shell of a nautilus. The last chamber is where the animal dwells, while the other chambers are used to regulate its buoyancy. By altering the fluid-to-gas ratio in its shell, the nautilus can alter its depth.
A nautilus has up to 90 tentacle-like tentacles with which it may seize prey, depending on the species.
The cephalopods, which include nautiluses, are the most basic mollusks. Octopuses, cuttlefish, and squids are among the other cephalopods.
Nautiluses are the only cephalopods that aren’t capable of shooting ink.
Millions of years have passed since the first nautiluses were discovered. They have remained essentially unchanged throughout that period, making them members of the “living fossils” family of animals.
Neddicky
Scientific name: Cisticola fulvicapilla
Type of animal: Bird
Family: Cisticolidae
Where found: Africa
Conservation status: Least Concern
The neddicky, a little African bird with grey and reddish-brown plumage. The term “piping cistocola” is used to describe this species. It’s a member of the Cisticolidae family.
The neddicky covers a large portion of Sub-Saharan Africa. In savannas and shrubland environments, the species is ubiquitous and presently not endangered.
Needlefish
Type of animal: Fish
Family: Belonidae
Where found: Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate waters worldwide
Needlefish are a family of fish with streamlined bodies and long, narrow, tooth-filled jaws.
Most of the 38-odd species of needlefish are found in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate oceans throughout much of the world. Some needlefish live in freshwater habitats.
Needlefish are usually found near the surface of the water. They prey on other fish, and are capable of swimming at high speeds and leaping out of the water.
Due to their leaping behavior, the fast-swimming, sharp-jawed fish can be dangerous to humans. In some areas, they are considered to be more dangerous than sharks.
The biggest species of needlefish is the houndfish, or crocodile needlefish, which grows up to 15 m / 5 ft. in length.
Nematode
Where found: Worldwide
Nematodes, sometimes known as roundworms, are a huge class of tiny animals with worm-like bodies.
Although most nematodes are tiny, a nematode found inside the sperm whale may grow to be around 13 meters (43 feet) long.
Every habitat on Earth is home to nematodes. Nematodes are the most common type of animal; it is projected that about 80% of all animals are nematodes.
Some nematodes are parasitic and live inside or on other animals.
Nene
Scientific name: Branta sandvicensis
Type of animal: Bird
Family: Anatidae
Where found: Hawaii
Conservation status: Near Threatened
The Anatidae family of ducks, geese, and swans includes the nene (sometimes called nënë). Only the Hawaiian Islands are home to this species.
The nene features yellow-brown cheeks and a streaked, rather than black neck, similar to the Canada goose from which it is thought to have evolved.
The nene’s feet are not entirely webbed, unlike those of any other goose.
The state of Hawaii has designated the nene as its official bird.
Neptune’s Cup Sponge
Scientific name: Cliona patera
Type of animal: Sponge
Family: Clionaidae
Where found: Asia
Conservation status: Unassessed
In the seas surrounding Southeast Asia, the Neptune’s cup sponge is a huge sponge species.
Sponges lack a nervous system and organs, making them extremely simple animals. Sponge larvae can swim, despite the fact that they can’t move as adults.
Both height and width of the Neptune’s cup sponge may reach a meter. Because of overharvesting, the species was thought to have gone extinct, but recent findings near Singapore have shown that it is still alive.
New Guinea Singing Dog
Scientific name: Canis familiaris / Canis lupus familiaris / Canis hallstromi
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Canidae
Where found: New Guinea
Conservation status: Domestic
The New Guinea singing dog is a dog breed found on the island of New Guinea, where it lives both with humans, and in feral packs.
The New Guinea singing dog is a huge dog with a golden coat, white face, and underside; bushy tail; and upright, attentive ears. It looks a lot like the closely related dingo.
A large dog, the New Guinea singing dog has a golden coat, pale face and undersides, bushy tail and upright, alert ears. It is similar in appearance to the closely-related dingo.
The melodic howl of the New Guinea singing dog is well-known.
Newt
Type of animal: Amphibian
Family: Salamandridae
Where found: North America, Europe, Africa, Asia
A newt has a lengthy, lizard-like form, two pair of short legs, and a lengthy tail. It is a tiny amphibian.
The pleurodelinae subfamily of the salamander family, Salamandridae, includes newts. Newt skin is somewhat rougher than that of other salamander species.
Newts, like other amphibians, start out as aquatic larvae before metamorphosing into their land-living adult forms.
North America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia are home to the 105 recognized species of newts.
Nightcrawler
Scientific name: Lumbricus terrestris
Type of animal: Annelid
Family: Lumbricidae
Where found: Europe, North America
Conservation status: Unassessed
The nightcrawler is a species of earthworm native to Europe and introduced to North America.
When extended, the body of the nightcrawler can reach lengths of up to 35 cm / 13.8 in., making it one of the largest earthworm species. The species is reddish-brown in color, and more likely to be seen on the surface than other earthworms.
Hair-like projections known as setae anchor parts of the worm’s segmented body as it contracts and extends, allowing the worm to move.
Nighthawk (Common)
Scientific name: Chordeiles minor
Type of animal: Bird
Family: Caprimulgidae
Where found: North America, South America
Conservation status: Least Concern
The nocturnal, insect-eating bird known as the common nighthawk may be found in North and South America. One of numerous species known as nighthawks, this species is one.
The nighthawks make up the subfamily Chordeilinae, which is part of the Caprimulgidae nightjar family.
The nighthawk’s cryptic, dark, gray, and brown coloration helps it blend in well at night.
The common nighthawk has long, pointed wings and a somewhat forked tail, as do other nighthawks. A white bar on each wing is visible while flying. The species catches moths and other flying insects in mid-air by sight.
Nightingale (Common)
Scientific name: Luscinia megarhynchos
Type of animal: Bird
Family: Muscicapidae
Where found: Europe, Africa
Conservation status: Least Concern
The nightingale is a small brown bird known for the beauty of its song, which is frequently heard at night, as well as during the day.
This inconspicuous brown bird is slightly smaller to the European robin, to which it is related (both species belong to the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae).
The nightingale breeds in woodlands in Europe and parts of Asia during the summer, and migrates to Africa during the winter.
Nile Crocodile
Scientific name: Crocodylus niloticus
Type of animal: Reptile
Family: Crocodylidae
Where found: Africa
Conservation status: Least Concern
Only the saltwater crocodile is bigger than the Nile crocodile, which is the world’s second largest reptile.
The majority of Sub-Saharan Africa (the region south of the Sahara desert) is home to this huge, highly aggressive crocodile. The species may be found as far north as Egypt, in the river where it is named after.
The Nile crocodile is an ambush hunter, just like other crocodiles. It sits and waits for its victim to come close before delivering an powerful assault that pulls its prey into the water. Hundreds of people are killed by Nile crocodiles every year.
Nilgai
Scientific name: Boselaphus tragocamelus
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Bovidae
Where found: Asia
Conservation status: Least Concern
In India, Nepal, and Pakistan, the nilgai is a large antelope.
The nilgai antelope, weighing up to 288 kg / 635 pounds, is Asia’s biggest antelope. Its body is large, with sloping shoulders and thin legs that slope downwards from its towering height. The throat is covered with a white patch.
Horns grow to a length of up to 24 cm / 9,45 in on only male nilgai.
Dry, open environments such as shrublands and grasslands are where the species grows. Farmers in India regard the species as a pests in certain areas.
Ningaui
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Dasyuridae
Where found: Australia
Conservation status: Least Concern
Little marsupials with the appearance of shrews are called Ningauis. They are marsupials that are quite tiny around the globe.
The Wongai ningaui (Ningaui ridei), Pilbara ningaui (Ningaui timealeyi), and Southern ningaui (Ningaui yvonneae) are the three distinct species. They can be found in arid areas such as deserts and grasslands throughout Australia, where they live.
The genus ningaui belongs to the Dasyuridae family, and the three ningauis constitute it. Because of their primarily carnivorous diet, members of this family are referred to as “marsupial carnivores.”
The ningaui, like most dasyurids, is a tiny insectivore, but the Tasmanian devil is a dog-sized meat-eater.
Noctule Bats
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Vespertilionidae
Where found: Europe, Asia, North Africa
The genus Nyctalus encompasses noctule bats. From Europe, Asia, and North Africa, the eight species of noctule bat may be found.
The biggest noctule bat, also known as the giant noctule bat Nyctalus lasiopterus, has a wingspan of up to 46 cm / 18 in. Among the few bats that can catch and kill birds in flight, this species is one of the best.
The huge noctule bat is uncommon and its conservation status is “Vulnerable,” despite the fact that it may be found across an territory that stretches from Portugal to Russia and south into North Africa.
Nyctalus noctule, the common noctule bat, is more widespread and does not seem to be endangered. Only female common noctule bats fly north in the spring and early summer to give birth. The eggs are only fertilized in the spring of the following year, despite the fact that mating occurs in late summer.
Noodlefish
Type of animal: Fish
Family: Salangidae
Where found: Asia
Little fish with slender, stretched bodies are called noodlefish. In eastern Asia, all 20 noodlefish species may be found.
Noodlefish may be found in both freshwater and marine environments, with some species migrating back and forth between the two aquatic habitats throughout their life cycle.
Noodlefish, also known as Salangidae and icefish, are a common food fish that is commercially fished. In certain recipes, their thin, transparent bodies may resemble noodles.
North American Beaver
Scientific name: Castor canadensis
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Castoridae
Where found: North America
Conservation status: Least Concern
A big rodent native to North America is the North American beaver. Despite the fact that it is only the world’s second-largest rodent, a North American beaver has an average weight that is somewhat lower than that of the European beaver.
(The capybara is the world’s biggest rodent.)
The semi-aquatic lifestyle of the North American beaver entails a lot of time in the water. A paddle-like tail and webbed hind feet are examples of adaptations for this lifestyle.
Dams are built by beavers using sticks and logs. In these ponds, beavers can swim and feed in peace. Other species, such as fish and birds, may also inhabit these ponds.
Beaver damming helps to preserve soil erosion and flooding, which is a significant advantage for the ecosystem as a whole.
North Sulawesi Babirusa
Scientific name: Babyrousa celebensis
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Suidae
Where found: Asia
Conservation status: Vulnerable
The pig family, Suidae, includes the North Sulawesi babirusa, which can be found on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and a few nearby islands.
The genus Babyrousa includes four babirusa species, and this is one of them.
The male North Sulawesi babirusa possesses an upper and lower pair of long, curving tusks, just like all other male Babirusas. Elongated canine teeth make up the tusks.
The top tusks of the babirusa protrude from the top of its nose and pierce the roof of its mouth, emerging from between its upper lips.
After emerging from the nose, the tusks continue to curve backwards, eventually piercing the skull in some people.
Northern Leaf-Tailed Gecko
Scientific name: Saltuarius cornutus
Type of animal: Reptile
Family: Carphodactylidae
Where found: Australia
Conservation status: Least Concern
In Queensland, Australia, the northern leaf-tailed gecko is a rainforest creature.
The northern leaf-tailed gecko is Australia’s biggest gecko, with a maximum length of 14 cm / 5.5 in. Seven leaf-tailed geckos live in Australia, and this is one of them.
The leaf-tailed geckos are named for their wide, leaf-shaped tails. Together, the seven species make up the genus Saltuarius
The arboreal (tree-dwelling) northern leaf-tailed gecko It is able to climb using its clawed toes, despite the lack of adhesive pads seen on most other geckos’ feet.
The infraorder Gekkota includes geckos, which are lizards. Geckos cannot blink because they lack eyelids. Instead, their tongues cleanse their eyes.
Northern Night Monkey
Scientific name: Aotus trivirgatus
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Aotidae
Where found: South America
Conservation status: Least Concern
The northern night monkey, also known as the three-striped night monkey, is a species of night monkey found in Venezuela and northern Brazil. It lives in several forest habitats, including rainforests.
Night monkeys, which are also known as ‘owl monkeys’, are the only truly nocturnal monkeys. The eleven species of night monkey make up the family Aotidae.
Night monkeys have large brown eyes that enable them to see in low light conditions. Night monkeys are primarily frugivorous (fruit-eating), but will also feed on other plant matter and insects.
Nudibranch
Type of animal: Mollusk (Gastropod)
Order: Nudibranchia
Where found: Oceans worldwide
In oceans all around the world, nudibranchs are a diverse group of marine mollusks. Sea slugs are nudibranchs, as well as many other similarly looking creatures.
The group Nudibranchia contains nudibranchs. With vivid colors and a wide range of strange and fascinating body forms, several of the 3,000-odd nudibranch species are attractive creatures.
Numbat
Scientific name: Myrmecobius fasciatus
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Myrmecobiidae
Where found: Australia
Conservation status: Endangered
The Australian marsupial numbat is on the verge of extinction. The long body and tail, pointed face, red-brown hair, and black and white stripes on its back distinguish this unique animal. With the exception of the tail, it grows to lengths of up to 45 cm / 17.7 in.
The numbat is an insectivore that eats almost entirely termites. With its long, sticky tongue, it traps its prey.
The numbat’s range has been reduced to a few locations in Western Australia after it was discovered throughout southern Australia. In the Australian states of South Australia and New South Wales, the species has also been reintroduced.
There are now fewer than 1,000 adult numbats in the wild. The introduction of non-native predators like the red fox and feral cats pose the most serious threat to the numbat.
Nunbirds
Type of animal: Bird
Family: Bucconidae
Genus: Monasa
Where found: South America, Central America
Conservation status: Least Concern
Insectivorous (insect-eating) birds from tropical South and Central America include four species of nunbirds. The yellow-billed nunbird has orange beaks, while the rest of the Nunbirds have black plumage.
The genus Monasa belongs to the Bucconidae family of four nunbirds. On behalf of the fluffy plumage of many species in the group, birds in this family are referred to as “puffbirds.”
The nunbirds are found in many areas of the Amazon rainforest and prefer wooded and forest environments.
All four nunbirds are currently considered “Least Concern” and do not appear to be in danger.
Nunlets
Type of animal: Bird
Family: Bucconidae
Genus: Nonnula
Where found: South America, Central America
Conservation status: Least Concern
Nunlets are six species of insectivorous (insect-eating) birds found in tropical South and Central America. Together, they make up the genus Nonnula, which is part of the puffbird family, Bucconidae.
All nunlets are small birds with relatively long, heavy beaks. They typically have pale undersides, rufous chests, and darker brown back and wings.
The six species of nunlets are not currently thought to be threatened, and all have the conservation status “Least Concern”.
Nurse Shark (Atlantic)
Scientific name: Ginglymostoma cirratum
Type of animal: Fish
Family: Ginglymostomatidae
Where found: Atlantic Ocean
Conservation status: Vulnerable
With an extended tail fin, blunt head, and two barbels above the mouth, the nurse shark is a mid-sized yellow-brown shark. It lives on coral reefs, shelves, rocky areas, and seagrass flats in tropical and subtropical waters.
The nurse shark rests in groups of up to 40 individuals throughout the day on the seabed. It forages for food in the sediment throughout the night.
The nurse shark is capable of extracting gastropods from their shells by generating an exceedingly powerful suction force (the strongest of any marine vertebrate). The shark’s numerous small, serrated teeth crush the prey as well.
Crustaceans like spiny lobsters, stingrays, squid, and bony fish are part of the nurse shark’s diet.
Nuthatches
Type of animal: Bird
Family: Sittidae
Where found: Eurasia, North America
Nuthatches are tiny tree-dwelling birds that frequently hop up and down tree trunks. Their bodies are spherical, their tails are short, and their beaks are long and strong.
Nuthatches come in 28 different species. The genus Sitta belongs to the family Sittidae and is the sole genus in that family.
The backs of most nuthatches are grey or blue-grey, with light white, yellow, or chestnut undersides and black eye stripes.
Nutria
Scientific name: Myocastor coypus
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Echimyidae
Where found: South America (Introduced to North America, Eurasia, Africa)
Conservation status: Least Concern
The nutria is a huge rodent that is sometimes known as the coypu. The nutria resembles a beaver or a huge rat with its thick brown hair and white fur patch around its mouth and nose.
Nutria prefer dampland environments and are seldom seen outside of a river or other watercourse. Swimming is aided by its webbed hind feet.
Fur farmers brought the nutria to North America, Eurasia, and Africa from South America. The species is considered a pest in many areas due to its disruptive burrowing and eating habits.
Nyala
Scientific name: Tragelaphus angasii
Type of animal: Mammal
Family: Bovidae
Where found: Africa
Conservation status: Least Concern
In the south-eastern African nations of Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, the nyala is a kind of antelope.
Dense woodlands, often near water, are home to this species.
The tribe (a collection of related species) Tragelaphini, which includes the nyala, is made up of hooved species with spiraled horns that are well-known as spiral-horned antelopes.
Only male nyala have horns, which may grow to be 83 cm / 33 in long. Male and female nyalas differ significantly in physical size or look, with males weighing about twice as much as females and having more somber, scruffier coats.
The backs and flanks of both male and female nyalas are striped with thin vertical white stripes.