Get ready to become an animal expert with our list of amazing animals that start with the letter J! You’ll discover a vast array of animals along with their special qualities and unique features. From majestic big cats to creepy crawlies, you’ll find out where these creatures live, what they like to eat, and even some cool facts that you may not have known.
1. Jabiru
The jabiru is a member of the stork family and its diet consists of small animals like fish and insects. This majestic creature is one of the tallest flying birds in South America, standing up at 5 feet tall! Its height along with the bright red bands that can be found at the base of its neck make the jabiru easily distinguishable from other bird species.
Learn More: Things Guyana
2. Jacana
The jacana is also known as a lily-trotter. Its adorable name originated from the fact that they have super long toes that allow them to walk across floating vegetation. Jacanas are carnivorous birds and use their bills to turn over lily pads to feast on insects, worms, and even small crabs.
Learn More: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
3. Jackal
Don’t let a Jackal’s sweet-looking features fool you as they tend to be extremely sneaky in nature. They generally weigh between 8-10 kilograms and sustain themselves with a diet of both plants and small animals. They’re believed to survive for 8-9 years in the wild but have been known to live for a whopping 16 years in captivity.
Learn More: African Wildlife Foundation
4. Jackdaw
Jackdaws are known as one of the world’s smallest birds, but what they lack in stature they more than make up with their intelligence. They’re smaller members of the crow family and find their homes in farmlands and woodlands. If you’re looking to spot one in its natural habitat, you can easily identify them by their light gray neck or pale white iris.
Learn More: Discover Wildlife
5. Jackrabbit
Did you know that the jackrabbit is capable of reaching 40 miles an hour? These speedy creatures are born with fur and although they look like rabbits, they’re actually classified as hares. Their powerful hind legs allow them to quickly escape predators whilst their own menu consists of plants.
Learn More: National Geographic Kids
6. Jaguar
These mighty cats are found in the Amazon rainforest and the Pantanal. Although they’re beautiful to look at, they’re the third biggest cat in the world and also have one of the most powerful bites. Unlike domesticated cats, these majestic animals make magnificent swimmers and are well-adapted to living in wet environments.
Learn More: WWF UK
7. Japanese Beetle
The Japanese beetle is native to Japan and other East Asian countries. These tiny beetles are excellent swimmers and are also herbivores as they love feasting on plants. Whilst they’re considered pests in the United States due to the damage they cause to plants, they have natural predators in Japan which makes them less destructive to the local environment.
Learn More: Kidadl
8. Japanese Dwarf Flying Squirrels
Although these squirrels are tiny, they sure are mighty with their giant leaps that allow them to glide through the air at distances of up to 160 meters! They mainly feed on plants and insects and they have the peculiar habit of eating while hanging upside down. These super cute animals are difficult to spot because of their size, but they’re also nocturnal which makes spotting them in darkness even more challenging.
Learn more: Animal Sake
9. Javan Warty Pig
The Javan pig originates from the Indonesian islands and is currently considered an endangered species. Their silly name came about as they’re known for having three pairs of characteristic facial warts. They lead primarily solitary lives and are nocturnal animals as they prefer to move around in darkness.
Learn More: Earth’s Endangered Creatures
10. Jellyfish
Did your kids know that some species of jellyfish are older than dinosaurs? They’ve been around for millions of years! Despite their misleading name, these sea creatures aren’t actually fish and they swim around their oceanic habitat by squirting water from their mouths to propel themselves forward.
Learn More: National Geographic Kids
11. Jerboa
The jerboa is a solitary and nocturnal animal found in Northern Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia. This group of animals has 33 species and has a very kangaroo-like appearance. They can also spring into the air using their tail to push them off the ground and help them maintain balance, while their huge ears allow them to avoid predators.
Learn More: Fact Animal
12. Jico Deer Mouse
The Jico deer mouse is a rodent that looks oddly similar to a deer, minus the horns and antlers. They can be spotted in tropical forests and first originated in Indonesia. These little deer also have small tusk-like teeth that they use to defend themselves from danger as they primarily feed off of vegetation.
Learn More: Critter Facts
13. Joro Spiders
Joro spiders are native to Asia and their title is inspired by the name of a creature called jorōgumo in Japanese folklore. Female Joro spiders can grow to be as big as a person’s palm and they spin dense webs to help them easily catch their prey.
Learn More: Owlcation
14. Junco
Juncos have six different color variations, but all of these birds have outer white tail feathers that are noticeable when they fly. These adorable birds migrate during the night to avoid predators. They love their seeds and like to feed on the ground.
Learn More: Bird Watching HQ
15. Japanese Macaque
Japanese macaques inhabit subtropical and subarctic forests in mountainous regions and mainly reside in three of the four main Japanese islands. These snow monkeys have long, thick fur which helps them to stay warm in cooler climates. They sure aren’t picky eaters as their diet consists mainly of insects, crabs, fruits, berries, seeds, and even bird eggs.
Learn More: Animalia
16. Jaguarundi Cat
The jaguarundi is a wild cat that’s indigenous to Central and South America. These small cats are gray or red in color, but don’t mistake them for harmless kitties as they’re still twice the size of a house cat! They’re excellent climbers and swimmers, but you can usually find them alone as they’re very shy and reclusive creatures.
Learn More: Fact Animal
17. Jumping Spider
Jumping spiders can be found in almost every region around the world, except for areas with extremely cold climates. These spiders don’t need webs to hunt because they can easily jump and catch small insects. They’re also quite the entertainers as they can sing and dance too!
Learn More: Treehugger
18. Javan Tree Shrew
Javan tree shrews inhabit Southeast Asia and prefer to make their home in tropical forests. With their pointy snouts and bushy tails, their appearance resembles that of squirrels, but unlike squirrels, they don’t have whiskers. These tree shrews are known for climbing trees as they like to forage throughout forests to find their next meal of either insects, fruit, or leaves.
Learn More: Animal Diversity Web
19. Javan Langur
Javan langurs live in tropical rainforests and can be found on islands in Java, Bali, and Lombok. They’ve been known to be relatively docile animals and like to live in groups where a strong male leader is appointed. They’re considered to be herbivores as they love to feast on a wide array of leaves.
Learn More: Apen Heul
20. Junglefowl
The junglefowl is known as the ancestor of chickens! These birds enjoy a diet of insects, seeds, and fruits and can be found in tropical habitats. Male junglefowls are covered in orange, green, black, and red feathers but shed their feathers in Summer and are known to be quick flyers.
Learn More: Animalia
21. Jay
Jays are members of the crow family and are important oak tree dispersers as a single jay may store up to 5,000 acorns in a single season! You won’t be able to spot these birds easily, but you’ll catch their distinctive voices immediately. When they believe they’re being threatened or are in danger, they mimic other birds and animals as a defense mechanism.
Learn More: Discover Wildlife
22. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell terrier is a very active and intelligent canine. These dogs love to explore and have historically been bred for fox hunting. They’re filled with awesome tricks like being able to jump 5 feet in the air and love the attention they get from it – always making sure they’re at the center of it.
Learn More: Happy Jack Russell
23. Jackson’s Chameleon
These colorful reptiles are known for their unique appearance, with three horns on top of their heads. They’re native to Tanzania and Kenya and prefer wooded areas and forests. Jackson’s chameleons existed long before our time and resemble one of our favorite dinosaurs, the Triceratops.
Learn More: Chameleon Owner
24. Javan Rhinoceros
With only around 60 remaining, Javan rhinos are an endangered species living in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. They can be distinguished from other species of Rhino as they have a dusky gray appearance and a singular horn that can grow to about 10 inches! You’ll be shocked at how large these animals can be, weighing up to 5,000 pounds.
Learn More: WWF
25. Jewel Beetle
Many cultures throughout history have used jewel beetles for decorative purposes, such as jewelry. The jewel beetle will catch your eye with its vivid and glossy coloring. From greens to blues, jewel beetles vary in iridescent colors. However, despite their beauty, these active herbivores can cause major damage to crops.
Learn More: Bug Under Glass
26. John Dory
John Dories are spooky-looking fish that have two characteristic dorsal fins. These predators lurk throughout tropical oceans, eating a variety of schooling fish and invertebrates. The John Dory is a solitary fish that spends its days close to the ocean floor.
27. Japanese Rat Snake
The Japanese rat snake comes in all sorts of colors, ranging between olive green, blue, yellow, and even white. You can find these non-venomous snakes in forests, farmlands, and woodlands where they love to feast on rats, birds, frogs, and lizards. These snakes are welcomed by farmers as they help them control rat populations in farmlands.
Learn More: Kidadl
28. Jamaican Boa
As its name suggests, the Jamaican boa originates from Jamaica. These yellow snakes are non-venomous and can usually be found chilling in trees. They’re able to camouflage in order to hunt their prey, sneaking up on food sources like rodents, bats, and birds.
Learn More: Central Florida Zoo
29. Jonah Crab
This tasty crab is often caught for food. They inhabit the waters along the East coast of North America where they feed off of insects, mussels, snails, and algae. The Jonah crab has two large, powerful pincers which they use to catch their prey.
Learn More: Roy’s Farm
30. Jaeger
The jaeger is a fast-flying bird and is a relative of gulls. They usually spend a lot of their time in the open ocean if they aren’t breeding in the Arctic tundra. This bird is often referred to as being parasitic, but don’t take this too literally as it just means that they steal their food from other animals.
Learn More: All About Birds
31. Japanese Chin
These charming little dogs belong to Asia’s royal lapdog bloodline. They’re recognized for their long, soft, and fluffy hair. Although Japanese Chins are described as being cat-like lapdogs, they often compete and are trained to perform in various dog shows.
Learn More: American Kennel Club
32. Jacob Sheep
With soft fleece and horns like these, it’s widely believed that this breed hasn’t changed much over the years. The fleece of the Jacob Sheep is a popular material and is sought after by many across the world. They’re often referenced as having a badger face, but their most distinctive feature is their four curling horns.
Learn More: Oklahoma State
33. Japanese Bobtail
Legend says a black cat crossing your path is bad luck, but what about a Japanese Bobtail cat? Chances are, if they’re crossing your path they just want to play and get to know you. Their tails come in all shapes and sizes – bushy, straight, linked, or bent and they’re known to be kind and good-natured cats.
Learn More: The Spruce Pets
34. Jack Dempsey
Despite its serious-sounding name, the Jack Dempsey fish is bright in color and playful in nature. They prefer to swim in freshwater and are typically found near Mexico and Honduras. The Jack Dempsey fish is one of the most common types of fish in the world as it’s a type of cichlid.
Learn More: Modest Fish
35. Javanese
These super cute felines originated in the United States. The Javanese breed is an extremely loyal type of cat. They make great pets and what they want the most is a human companion! Their soft, fluffy fur makes them great cuddle buddies and they can reach up to 12 lbs in size.
Learn More: The Spruce Pets
36. Jumping Viper
The Jumping Viper got its name because it uses its whole body to attack any threat or prey. These snakes are known for their sneaky nature as their brown, black, and yellow colors help the viper to camouflage into the forest floor. It blends into its surroundings, waits for its prey to approach, and then pounces!
Learn More: Regarding Reptiles
37. Jenday Conure
The Jenday Conure can be easily recognized by its bright and beautiful colors. Often sought after as a house pet, these birds have become extremely popular companions. They say Jenday Conures are the perfect pets for kids because they’re friendly and social, while their vibrant and exciting colors capture the attention of curious eyes.
Learn More: Lafeber Company
38. Jutland Horse
With their hairy legs and rich brown fur, Jutland horses are beautiful to look at and their distinctive coloring and stature sets them apart from other horse breeds. They have extremely strong muscles, especially in their legs, which have made this breed a popular choice for moving large loads of materials from one place to another.
Learn More: Oklahoma State University
39. Jersey Cattle
These trusty and loyal cows are part of a breed that’s been around for hundreds of years. They’re mostly used to aid in dairy production. While they’re typically smaller than traditional dairy cows, they work just as hard to produce milk and other dairy products.
Learn More: Oklahoma State University
40. Javan Gibbon
This primate is most commonly found in rainforests and can be easily spotted with its fluffy gray fur and small head. This mammal prefers to live in the upper canopy portion of the rainforest and they use their two legs to walk across the tall trees. Although they look approachable, these monkeys can be extremely overprotective of their territory.
Learn More: Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo
41. Jacamar
Jacamar birds are known for their loud calls. They have radiant feathers, ranging in green-blue hues, and an orange belly. Their long pointy beaks come in handy when they’re catching their prey and they’re exceptionally skilled at catching fast-flying insects like butterflies and dragonflies.
Learn More: Ebird
42. Jungle Carpet Python
The Jungle Carpet Python gets its name from the place it spends most of its time – on the jungle floor. They use their patterned markings as camouflage to help them blend in with their surroundings. Similar to other pythons who live in the jungle, this python waits for its prey to move across the jungle floor before it attacks. Although these snakes seem menacing, they’re non-venomous to humans and can even reach lengths of up to seven feet!
Learn More: The Reptarium
43. Jerdon’s Courser
This interesting bird, known as the Jerdon’s Courser, is nocturnal and prefers to search for its food at night. The first sighting of this animal occurred with its discovery in 1848, but scientists didn’t see or hear about the bird again until 1986. This could be because the species is known for being generally quiet and easy to go unnoticed.
Learn More: Nature Conservation Foundation
44. Javan Hawk-Eagle
You can distinguish the Javan Hawk-Eagle from other bird species by looking for its dark-colored feathers, bright chin, and feathers that form a crest on top of its head. Interestingly, this bird lays only one egg at a time but is sadly disappearing due to both poaching and habitat pollution, leaving it an endangered species.
Learn More: Animalia
45. Jet Ant
These peculiar ants have a head that’s shaped like a heart and a shiny but darkly colored body. Jet Ants thrive on finding and living in dead wood. They’re most active between the months of October and April as they use this time to search for food and to build their homes.
Learn More: iNaturalist
46. Jewel Wasp
Don’t be fooled by the jewel wasps’ pretty coloring – these parasitic insects are always on the hunt for prey. This creepy creature is also called the Zombie Wasp as they use their sting to kill their prey and then lay their eggs inside the body. Once their babies are born, they feed on the body of the unfortunate creature that became their hatching space.
Learn More: iNaturalist
47. Jaculus
Similar to the Jerboa, the Jaculus also has a long skinny tail that it uses to hop around like a kangaroo and you can tell by the structure of their legs that they’re major hoppers. These small animals are usually found in warmer areas such as Africa and regions in the Middle East.
Learn More: iNaturalist GT
48. Javanese Frogmouth
This silly-looking bird travels by moonlight to search for food. Its fuzzy head and dark colors mean that this bird has no problem with camouflaging with nature as it moves around by night. Although the Javanese Frogmouth looks similar to owls, you’ll know you’re looking at this species of bird when you notice its whiskered face.
Learn More: eBird
49. Java Sparrow
These sweet and small birds are called Java Sparrows. Their beaming red eyes and bright pink beaks add to their beautiful appearance, but they’re most recognizable from their smooth-looking bodies and the white pillowy marks on their heads. They prefer to make their home in warmer areas of the world, such as the state of Hawaii with its tropical climate.
Learn More: Hawaii Birding Trails
50. Jungle Nymph
The Jungle Nymph will keep you on your toes as it camouflages itself to look like a regular leaf. It’s a type of stick insect that’s covered in a distinctive shade of green and small red and white spikes. This bug does a fantastic job hiding from predators and it can even live up to 2 years.
Learn More: Keeping Insects
51. Jerusalem Cricket
The Jerusalem Cricket carries quite the legacy, holding a name that inaccurately describes what it is and where it originated. The Jerusalem Cricket is not even classified as a cricket but as an insect. It’s not native to Jerusalem but instead is most commonly found in Mexico.
Learn More: UC IPM
52. Japanese Giant Hornet
If you’re scared of hornets, this species probably won’t be one of your favorites either. The Japanese Giant Hornet is the biggest in the world. Its venom is strong enough to harm and even kill an adult human being and has been fittingly given the alternative name of Murder Hornet. If you ever get stung by one, it’s important that you seek medical help as soon as possible!
Learn More: Sentinel Pest Control
53. Japanese Spider Crab
Imagine the biggest crab you’ve ever seen, this crab is bigger! The Japanese Spider Crab can grow to a whopping 12.5 feet long. It has the longest life span of any other crab and some Japanese Spider Crabs have been found to live up to 100 years.
Learn More: Monterey Bay Aquarium
54. Jack Fish
Did you know that there are over 150 different types of Jack Fish? They can be found almost anywhere in the world from saltwater to freshwater. They’re mostly recognized as a result of their black and gray striped body and despite their large size, they’re also known to be sneaky and speedy swimmers. Jack Fish prefer to take on a solitary life by living on their own or they live in small schools of other fish.
Learn More: Fishmasters
55. Japanese White Eye
This charming songbird has a diet that mostly consists of sweet and savory fruit and tiny crunchy insects. The Japanese White Eye also searches for savory nectar from under the top canopy of the forest as they love to live among the trees. It’s easily identified by its whistle, the white circle that encompasses its eye, and its green-colored head.
Learn More: eBird
56. Jambu Fruit Dove
You can find this gorgeous bird in the warm and tropical Indonesian islands as well as in Malaysia. Jambu Fruit Doves love to eat sweet fruit and often search for fruit trees that they can feed off of. They’re easily identified by their pink heads and large eyes and their wingspan has been known to reach as wide as 14 inches!
Learn More: Louisville Zoo
57. Japanese Spitz
You may have heard of the Japanese Spitz breed or maybe you recognize this sweet dog from its fluffy coat and happy demeanor. What this sweet puppy wants more than anything is to be a part of a loving family. They’re a smaller breed of dog and despite their small size, their lifespan is on the larger side, being able to live up to 14 years.
Learn More: American Kennel Club
58. Javan Green Magpie
Can you believe that this vibrant and unbelievably beautiful bird is actually a part of the crow family? The Javan Green Magpie has a bright red beak, red eyes, and stunning green feathers. These birds are specifically native to the tropical island of Java in Indonesia. Sadly, the Javan Green Magpie is currently found on the critically endangered list.
Learn More: Chester Zoo
59. Javelina
A Javelina is a pig-like creature that’s covered in salt and pepper-colored fur. While this animal looks like a pig, it’s actually not related to pigs at all. Instead, it’s more closely related to hooved animals. They have a large range to their diet, eating anything from snakes all the way to small deer. Javelinas enjoy each other’s company as they choose to travel in groups of 10 or less.
Learn More: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
60. Jackabee
With characteristics from Jack Russels and Beagles, Jackabees incorporate the best of both worlds. They’re highly intelligent animals and with intentional training, they easily pick up different tricks. Jackabees have an extremely high level of energy, making them silly and fun to play with. As much as they want to show affection to those they love, they also appreciate receiving it.
Learn More: Dog Zone
61. Johnston’s Crocodile Skink
The Johnston’s Crocodile Skink is also known as the freshwater crocodile. They’re most commonly found in the warm Australian waters. Adult Johnston’s Crocodile Skinks can grow to be up to nine feet long and you can identify this type of crocodile by their teeth that stick out when they close their mouths.
Learn More: Billabong Sanctuary
62. Jollyville Plateau Salamander
The Jollyville Plateau Salamander is also known as one of the “lungless” salamanders. This is because they live in underwater habitats and use their gills to breathe which means that they don’t need lungs. Adult Jollyville Plateau Salamanders can grow up to two inches long, but the species is under threat as it’s currently on the endangered species list.
Learn More: Center for Biological Diversity
63. Japanese Terrier
These energetic dogs were originally bred to hunt small rodents like mice. They make a great choice of companion or a family pet as these sweet animals are always cheery and full of life. You and your family will be able to grow a lifelong connection with this canine as this breed can live up to 15 years.
Learn More: American Kennel Club
64. Jemez Mountain Salamander
As you probably guessed from the name, these salamanders love to live in higher-elevation areas. Jemez Mountain Salamanders are known to be sneaky because they like to hide in shady areas and spend most of their time buried in deep dark soil. Like other similar salamanders, the Jemez Mountain Salamander doesn’t need standing water to survive as it belongs to a specific group of amphibians.
Learn More: National Park Service
65. Jewel Tetra
The Jewel Tetra is a type of fish that’s mostly found in the Amazon River basin area. They can live up to seven years and have been known to live and travel in groups of six or more. These fish also have a moderate temperament which makes them the perfect choice if you’re looking to add to your fish tank.
Learn More: Fishkeeping World
66. Jagdterrier
You might be wondering where this dog breed got its name. Simply put, the Jagdterrier is a German name, and when translated into English it means “German Hunt Terrier”. These dogs are known for being very intelligent as well as fantastic hunters as they’re super muscular and powerful. These types of dogs can also be bred to perform in dog shows.
Learn More: American Kennel Club
67. Jellybean Cichlid
The Jellybean Cichlid has become so popular as a pet because of their vibrant color variations. Pet owners love being able to choose the color of the Jellybean Cichlid that they’d like to raise. These mild-tempered fish also make great pets because they can live between ten to fifteen years.
Learn More: YouTube
68. Japanese Fire Belly Newt
While you may think this intriguing-looking newt might make a super cool pet, think again! This is the highly poisonous Japanese Fire Belly Newt. This colorful newt works hard to store its poison in its skin so that it can use it to deter predators and protect itself from danger.
Learn More: Allans Pet Center
69. Jungle Crow
The Jungle Crow is said to be one of the most adaptable types of birds because of the wide range of food in its diet as well as its habit of taking over and claiming new areas. They like to do crazy things like annoy other birds and pick up garbage and items that aren’t food.
Learn More: Oiseaux
72 Incredible Animals That Start With “I”