The list of animals that start with H sure is an eclectic crew! From tiny insects to fierce predatory birds and giants of both land and sea, these creatures will delight your students as you continue on your journey through the animals of the alphabet. As you peruse our collection, take the time to appreciate the phenomenal diversity that can be found in the animal kingdom and cultivate new-found respect for our world’s awesome creatures!
1. Hairy-Nosed Otter
The hairy-nosed otter, named for its fuzzy, white upper lip, was once declared extinct in 1998. Luckily, a few elusive members of the species remain in Southeast Asia! Scientists now plan to replenish the otter’s natural populations through captive breeding programs.
Learn More: Otter Specialist Group
2. Hamburg Chicken
The Hamburg chicken is highly prized for its dappled feathers. Once a common variety in Europe, this chicken fell out of favor once breeds that lay bigger eggs were introduced. Although their eggs are small, they lay for a much longer timeframe than some other breeds.
Learn More: The Livestock Conservancy
3. Hammerhead Shark
The great hammerhead shark is one of the largest of its kind. Their iconic heads are useful in many ways: they have electrical receptors for hunting and use the long sides to pin down the prey they catch. Shark fin trade is sadly their biggest threat.
Learn More: Oceana
4. Harbor Porpoise
Found in shallow waters, the harbor porpoise is highly susceptible to entanglement in nets and underwater noise pollution. Despite this, they are rather shy and try their best to avoid humans and boats. You can recognize them by their blunt beaks and gray chin patches.
Learn More: NOAA Fisheries
5. Harbor Seal
Harbor seals resemble many things. For example, they rest in a banana-like shape (head and tail flippers up), move like caterpillars when on land, and have snouts like a dog! They reside along the coasts of North America and can be spotted in distinct stocks or populations.
Learn More: NOAA Fisheries
6. Harenna Shrew
Little is known about this small, white-toothed shrew. It is a critically endangered species that only lives in one region of Ethiopia; on a 10-square-kilometer mountain. Funny enough, the harenna shrew belongs to the genus with the most distinct species- Crocidura. Its counterparts are insectivores that use proboscopes to capture prey.
Learn More: Loquis
7. Harp Seal
This adorable, fluffy animal is a favorite among children everywhere. They are known for their snow-white coats and whiskered snouts. Baby harp seals learn to hunt at a young age as they lose half their body weight when their mothers stop nursing them.
Learn More: National Geographic Kids
8. Hartebeest
The hartebeest is one of the fastest animals in the Savanna- running up to 70km per hour! This animal may look strange thanks to its elongated snout and curly antlers, but it is actually a graceful and highly social creature. This species is most threatened by cattle farming.
Learn More: African Wildlife Foundation
9. Hawaiian Monk Seal
The Hawaiian monk seal is a critically endangered species in the animal kingdom. Its 1500 members live solely in the Hawaiian archipelago. These strong swimmers can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes as they dive to catch prey such as squid and octopus.
Learn More: NOAA Fisheries
10. Hawk Moth
If you find a thumb-sized, bright green caterpillar, you might have stumbled upon a hawk moth larva! After this stage, they crawl into leaf litter, building their chrysalises and entering a stage of metamorphosis. This moth is named after hawks because of its strong wings and ability to hover.
Learn More: Woodland Trust
11. Hector’s Dolphin
The Hector’s dolphin, particularly the Maui’s dolphin subspecies, is the rarest dolphin in the world, with only 55 individuals in the wild. These dolphins are distinguished by black facial markings and a round dorsal fin. You can find them off the coast of New Zealand.
Learn More: World Wildlife Foundation
12. Hermit Crab
The hermit crab is an extremely popular pet. Hermit crabs need access to both land and sea for feeding and breeding. These crustaceans have two sets of antennae; one for feeling and one for tasting.
Learn More: Smithsonian’s National Zoo
13. Hill Wallaroo
The wallaroo is a species of kangaroo whose body has adapted to rocky terrain. Its short feet enable it to grip stones better. They live in Australia’s scrublands- alone or in small groups- and their long coats are integral to local seed dispersal!
Learn More: Animalia
14. Himalayan Tahr
The Himalayan tahr is a goat with a luscious mane. It is named after its natural range in the Himalayas, although it has recently been introduced in both North America and South America in Argentina. Like other bovines, the males wrestle with their horns to display dominance.
Learn More: Critterfacts
15. Hippopotamus
The iconic hippo’s name is Greek for “water horse.” The hippo partially hydrates through its skin and spends the majority of its life in water. Surprisingly enough, this aggressive creature’s closest relatives are whales and pigs.
Learn More: San Diego Zoo
16. Honey Badger
The “honey badger” is actually a false name- its true name is Ratel. The honey badger closely resembles skunks in both appearance and smell. You couldn’t keep it as a house pet as these ferocious animals are known to be quite aggressive.
Learn More: San Diego Zoo
17. Honeybee
Honeybees are a hot topic in today’s world of conversation. Their population is decreasing, yet these pollinators are integral to worldwide plant growth! Three types of bees live in each colony; the queen, the workers (females), and the drones (males).
Learn More: National Geographic Kids
18. Hornbill
The hornbill’s distinguishing casque is a bit of a mystery- it’s hollow, and scientists aren’t sure of its exact purpose. The top part of their spine is fused to support this large bill which grows with age. Females seal their nests for protection and to ensure that males don’t leave!
Learn More: Denver Zoo
19. Horned Puffin
The horned puffin’s beautiful beak indicates its age; both young and old adults have gray bills, while adults of breeding age have flame-colored beaks. They live in subarctic waters, where they dive and “fly” through the sea to hunt for fish.
Learn More: All About Birds
20. Horned Owl
The great horned owl is the quintessential bird of children’s cartoons and storybooks. These owls are one of the great predators of North America, with powerful talons that can take down both large and small prey. Despite their fortitude, they are sometimes bullied by groups of crows.
Learn More: All About Birds
21. Horn Shark
The horn shark prefers the shallow seafloor, where it can hide, hunt, and lay eggs in crevices and seaweed. Their eggs are spiral-shaped, which helps them remain in their laying ground as the baby shark inside matures. Their range extends from California to the coast of Central America.
Learn More: Monterey Bay Aquarium
22. House Mouse
If you’ve ever had a nocturnal visitor, chances are that it was a house mouse! These creatures have adapted to live close to humans- living outside in warm weather but building their nests in man-made structures as temperatures cool. They rarely travel more than 50 feet from these nests.
Learn More: Animal Diversity
23. Howler Monkey
During a South American sunrise, you can hear the calls of a howler monkey coming from up to 3 miles away! With a roaring howl, these animals are the loudest in the animal kingdom. Their prehensile tails are an extra tool that aids them in canopy living.
Learn More: National Geographic Kids
24. Humboldt Penguin
What these birds can’t do in the air, they make up for in their ability to travel on land and in the sea! These penguins are specially equipped to swim up to 30 mph and climb rocky cliffs. The pink patches on their face help them dispel heat during hot South American Summers!
Learn More: National Geographic Kids
25. Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are a favorite of bird watchers everywhere. They have vibrant colors, spunky attitudes, and amazingly fast wings. Hummingbirds are tiny but mighty, as they can fly across the entire Gulf of Mexico in one trip! They enter into torpor overnight to conserve energy for these bouts of speed.
Learn More: Smithsonian’s National Zoo
26. Humpback Whale
The humpback whale is the largest creature on earth by body weight and length. They can migrate up to 10,000 miles each year from the coasts of North America down to the equator. However, populations are found in every ocean.
Learn More: Monterey Bay Aquarium
27. Huntsman Spider
The huntsman spider, a type of tarantula, has a flat body with long legs, which helps it hide in crevices or under pieces of bark. The females lay their eggs in these same spaces and may stand guard over their egg sacks for weeks!
Learn More: Australian Museum
28. Husky
The Siberian husky is a favorite breed for pet owners- as long as they can keep up with this active dog! Originally bred as working sled dogs, huskies have a long history of making deliveries in snow-ridden areas. They are friendly but mischievous and need plenty of exercise!
Learn More: Britannica
29. Hyena
Though not as famous as its more ferocious counterparts, the hyena is Africa’s most common predator. Their reputation as scavengers also causes them to be viewed as pests by local farmers who sometimes hunt them. The three distinct species; striped, brown, and spotted, are distinguished by their coats.
Learn More: African Wildlife Foundation
30. Hyrax
You would never guess it from their size, but a hyrax’s tusk-like teeth, toes, and bones prove their common ancestry with elephants! Hyraxes have amazing senses; their eyesight is impressive, and they have “guard hairs” to help them feel their way around their environments.
Learn More: San Diego Zoo
31. Humphead Wrasse
An endangered species, the Humphead wrasse is an amazing animal. Living near the coral reefs in marine waters, this gigantic fish can live up to 30 years. It enjoys hard-shelled animals for its meals and can weigh up to 400 pounds.
Learn More: WWF
32. Hoopoe
With beautifully striped wings, these feathered friends are unique bird species. Their act of flight is slightly uneven and resembles the way a butterfly looks when it flies. Their distinctive and unique features cause the hoopoe bird to stand out from the crowd!
Learn More: Bird Note
33. Horned Grebe
In order to take flight, the horned grebe has the tough task of taking off from the surface of the water. Eating fish and insects, these birds are actually able to swim underwater as well as on the surface. You might see the young hitching a ride with mom or dad, as they enjoy a spot on the backs of their parents as they sail across the water.
Learn More: National Audubon Society
34. Havashu
Perfect for the family, the Havashu is a dog that tends to do very well with youngsters. They’re very smart, highly active, and very loving; all of which makes them quite adorable! Usually growing to be under 15 pounds, this dog is not very big.
Learn More: Pet Guide
35. Hairy Woodpecker
It’s easy to distinguish males from female hairy woodpeckers! Differing in appearance due to their colorings, the males have small spots on their wings and a red patch on their heads, whereas the females don’t. They like to hollow out sections in trees for nesting and enjoy a good meal of insects!
Learn More: All About Birds
36. Habu Snake
A type of pit viper, this temperamental snake is one to leave alone! Growing up to eight feet long, they usually don’t weigh more than about 2 pounds! These guys are especially aggressive and easily bothered, and will strike quickly and often when they feel threatened or annoyed.
Learn More: Critter Science
37. Harlequin Coral Snake
Another snake to avoid is the extremely venomous and beautifully colored Harlequin Coral Snake. These reptiles don’t grow to be very big, at only a little over two feet when fully grown, and can be found all throughout the state of Florida and into the Keys as well.
Learn More: Florida Museum
38. Havapoo
Another mixed dog breed, the Havapoo 50% Havanes, 50% Poodle and 100% is cute and cuddly! These affectionate critters should not be your first choice if looking for a watchdog, as they aren’t aggressive and protective but instead are very loving. These dogs are perfect for anyone who wants a pet but also may have allergy issues as their fur is hypoallergenic.
Learn More: Dog Time
39. Heron
With many different types of herons, these birds are often found near water. Some herons may look very big but still only weigh a few pounds due to their hollow bones. Herons eat a whole bunch of different things, depending on where they are but usually prefer a diet of fish and crabs.
Learn More: All About Birds
40. Hamster
Very curious and prone to exploration, hamsters make fun pets! They are nocturnal animals by nature and use their whiskers and night vision to navigate. Their little teeth can resharpen themselves as they munch on seeds and nuts, and while typically they live for up to two years, some can live even longer!
Learn More: RSPCA
41. Hedgehog
Tiny and spiny, the hedgehog is a teeny little animal full of prickly, sharp spines. These guys only usually grow to be a few inches in size, but what they lack in size, they make up for in prickles! They are able to use their distinctive characteristics to protect themselves as they curl into a tight ball when under threat! It would take a particularly brave predator to try to take those spikes on!
Learn More: African Wildlife Foundation
42. Hawk Moth
You may have seen some of these little guys hovering around the light on your porch, as they’re drawn to light. Nocturnal by nature, hawk moths are found all over the world and are actually quite common! They have the longest tongues of any moths making them great helpers in pollination! Keep an eye out next time you’re outside at night time.
Learn More: US Forest Service
43. Horses
Beautiful and majestic, horses are incredible creatures that humans have had a bond with for thousands of years. With an excellent sense of hearing, they’re able to rotate their ears to help them hear, they’ve also got a keen sense of sight and touch too! Horses are very intelligent animals and are able to learn quickly, making them perfect for the many jobs humans rely on their help for!
Learn More: BCSPCA
44. Horgi
This mixed breed is an energetic dog that is bred by a Husky and a Corgi! They usually sport more than one color in their coats and shed quite a bit, so maybe aren’t the breed for any allergy sufferers! Labeled as a bit of a troublemaker, these doggies are known for getting into trouble from time to time!
Learn More: Dog Time
45. Hake
The Hake belongs to the cod family and is found in the Pacific Ocean. These fish are able to live for up to 13 years in the wild and are distinguishable by their unique dorsal fins, and black markings.
Learn More: Washington Department Of Fish And Wildlife
46. Hagfish
Looking much like an eel, the hagfish is found in the ocean as well. Although small in size, this eel-like fish can devour much larger animals for food. It feeds on dead carcasses. While they like to eat, they are able to survive long periods of time without eating any food at all.
Learn More: Smithsonian Magazine
47. Hissing Cockroach
Large and somewhat scary sounding, the hissing cockroach is one big insect! They’re originally from Madagascar, and while the males are aggressive and like to fight, the females are much calmer. They hiss for many reasons, including to protect themselves, to communicate with others, and to draw in mates.
Learn More: University of Nebraska
48. Highland Cattle
Fuzzy, furry, and adorable, the highland cattle are made for withstanding cold weather. Ranging in color from reds to tans, these animals are mostly used for meat. They’re now found all over the world, but they’re originally from Scotland where they’re affectionately known as “Highland Coos”!
Learn More: Highland Titles
49. Hercules Beetle
There’s a pretty easy way to distinguish between the male and female Hercules beetle; their horns! Only the male Hercules beetles have horns, which they use as weapons to fight with other males! These horned beetles usually live anywhere from Mexico down into Central America and the top of South America.
Learn More: University of Florida
50. Horseshoe Crab
Did you know that the horseshoe crab dates back further than the dinosaurs and has been around for more than 300 million years!? The horseshoe crab doesn’t exactly look like a crab; with ten legs it can easily move around the floor of the ocean and its hard exoskeleton helps protect it from predators. Despite the scary-looking tail it has, it is actually not used for stinging!
Learn More: The National Wildlife Federation
51. Hornet
A hornet is a type of wasp. These guys have a reputation for being quite aggressive and for packing a painful sting! They’re usually either black or brown but can have yellow markings, and live in nests with other hornets, hibernating during cold months.
Learn More: Britannica
52. Hobo Spider
Skilled funnel web builders, the Hobo spider is a large brown spider that can live almost anywhere. While they prefer dark and moist areas, they are crafty spiders that are not very good at climbing, so you are likely to see them closer to ground level. They’re a species of house spider so it’s not totally uncommon to see one of these guys scuttling around when it starts to get a bit damp or cold outside.
Learn More: Pest World
53. Hare
These furry animals are quite cute! They’re commonly mistaken for rabbits, but they are actually much larger and tend to live alone or in pairs, rather than in groups. Hares are found in many different places, including North America and Europe. Did you know that their babies can hop almost immediately after birth?!
Learn More: Britannica
54. Hamadryas Baboon
Respected in many cultures, the Hamadryas Baboon is an intelligent and social animal. These guys are super early risers and are very active during daylight hours; they love to start their day with play before moving on to work. The group rely on each other for protection from predators, as they have learned that there is strength in numbers!
Learn More: San Diego Zoo
55. Hawaiian Goose
Also known as the state bird of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Goose has a population that has sadly been declining in recent years, mostly due to habitat loss. Baby Hawaiian Geese are protected by their fathers and cared for by their mothers. The males tend to grow a bit bigger than the females.
Learn More: National Park Service
56. Hermann’s Tortoise
Beautifully colored, the Hermann Tortoise is a very old reptile that can be found all around Europe. It’s a popular species among tortoises-enthusiasts due to the attractive markings found on its shell. They’re often kept as pets, but if you’re thinking of looking after one of these guys, it’s important to know what’s appropriate to feed it in order to prevent parasites and health issues.
Learn More: Reptile’s Magazine
57. Hoatzin
Distinct features make this Amazonian bird stand out in a crowd! With its colorful feathers and wild eyes, the hoatzin is no common bird. Often likened to “flying cows”, these mesmerizing birds aren’t quite as graceful as some other birds, but this large animal likes to live among others like him and is quite social. Due to the…er…unique way it digests food, it is often called the “stinkbird”!
Learn More: Wild Altitudes
58. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Critically endangered, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is one we really need to help protect. These guys live in the ocean and grow to around 100 pounds. They like to eat sea sponges, jellyfish, and sea anemones with their narrow pointed beaks. These beautiful sea creatures’ population has declined a staggering 80% in the last century, with only five populations known to exist worldwide!
Learn More: WWF
59. Hyacinth Macaw
Known for its beautiful blue color, the Hyacinth Macaw is simply breathtaking. Rich blue feathers cover their body and they are the largest species of all parrots. Hyacinth Macaws can live for up to 60 years and are protected from trading by law in Brazil and Paraguay. Their origin can be traced back to South America, but they’ve become rare and hard to find these days.
Learn More: The Spruce Pets
60. Harpy Eagle
One of the largest eagles, the Harpy Eagle is a predatory bird. Powerful and deadly talons flank their feet, which help these skilled hunters to catch their prey of opossums, porcupines, small monkeys, and sloths. Considered near threatened, the major threat to them is habitat loss and other human activity, like hunting.
Learn More: Peregrine Fund
61. Horned Frog
Don’t let the name deceive you, this animal isn’t a frog at all, it’s actually a lizard! Built with its very own horns, this small reptile is fierce-looking and blends in very well with its surroundings. Their sneaky (and horror movie-worthy) defense mechanism is to shoot blood out of their eye sockets at their predators. Gross!
Learn More: Garden and Gun
62. Honduran White Bat
Adorable and so very tiny, the Honduran white bat only grows to be a few centimeters in size. They do have some bright orange coloring on them as well, but what’s most impressive is the thin, black membrane that covers their heads. This covering provides natural protection from the sun to these tiny creatures.
Learn More: Rainforest Alliance
63. Hawaiian Crows
Found nowhere else on Earth, besides in Hawaii, the Hawaiian Crow is a fascinating animal. At one point, these birds were even labeled as extinct! These birds are extremely smart and highly respected in Hawaiian culture. Feasting primarily on fruits, these fearless animals also eat dead animals and insects.
Learn More: Hawaii
64. House Sparrow
Believe it or not, this little fellow can sometimes show quite aggressive behavior. A skilled forager, the house sparrow feeds mostly on seeds and sometimes even small insects. Oftentimes, you will see them in the city scene, hopping around and possibly scavenging food crumbs on the street.
Learn More: Audobon
65. Honey Buzzard
This predatory bird is one that you can find in the United Kingdom, or in Africa when it migrates. The honey buzzard likes to feast on the honey bees and wasps by tracking the insects and following them to their nests so that he can eat the larvae! Their faces are protected from stings because of special scale-like feathers!
Learn More: The Wildlife Trusts
66. Horned Viper
A fearsome predator, the horned viper blends in well with its surroundings. This dangerous animal lies in wait and strikes any unsuspecting birds that get too close! Found in Iran, this clever reptile has a lure on the end of its tail which is actually tissue that resembles the shape of a spider.
Learn More: Science Focus
67. Humboldt Squid
Nicknamed the “red devil”, Humboldt Squid are pretty unique sea creatures. These fierce hunters have eight tentacles and incredible eyesight, and can grow to weigh as much as 100 pounds! Their most unique characteristic is that they can change things about their appearance when they’re in trouble; special cells allow them to change into a bright red color to warn off predators!
Learn More: Ocean Futures
68. Hairy Frog
Quite an interesting animal, the hairy frog is definitely unique. The males become hairy along their hind legs and thighs when they’re looking to attract a mate. The males are then responsible for guarding the eggs for the female partner. If push comes to shove and something is threatening the eggs, these guys have a built-in defense mechanism and are able to thrust out extremely sharp claws from their toenails.
Learn More: Discover Wildlife
69. Haddock
These fish are found in the marine waters of the Northern Atlantic Ocean. Haddock can be identified easily by the small black dot on their sides. Weighing anywhere from 2 pounds to seven pounds, they are a type of cod and a popular catch!
Learn More: NOAA Fisheries
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