According to recent estimates, there are around nine million diverse species of animals on our planet. To help you narrow this overwhelming number of critters down, we have focused just on animals that start with the letter “U”. Can you think of any off the top of your head? It’s OK if you can’t because we’ve got you covered. Let’s jump in and learn about some pretty amazing and exotic creatures!
1. Uakari
First up, we have the uakari! The uakari is a new world monkey from Central and South America. These unique primates are covered in hair that ranges from brown to light tan, and they have bright red, hairless faces.
Learn More: Animalia
2. Uganda Musk Shrew
Next is the Ugandan musk shrew. Not much is known about this little mammal except that it’s native to Uganda, hence the name. Because there’s very little information about them, conservationists have officially classified them as “data deficient”.
Learn More: Animalia
3. Uganda Woodland Warbler
With its sage green feathers and pale yellow accents, the Uganda woodland warbler is a beautiful little bird. Its singing is described as high-pitched and quick. It can only be found in moist, low-land areas in the African forests.
Learn More: eBird
4. Ugandan Kob
The Ugandan Kob is a reddish-brown antelope only found in Africa. These herbivores can be seen on Uganda’s coat of arms and represent Africa’s vast wildlife. Recently, these mammals have fallen victim to poachers, so most live in areas protected by the government.
Learn More: Britannica
5. Uguisu
Next, we have the Uguisu, a warbler native to Japan. These tiny birds can be found in many East Asian countries such as Korea, China, and Taiwan. They’ve also been reported in the northern areas of the Philippines. One of its distinct features is its “smiling” beak which is slightly curved upwards at the base.
Learn More: eBird
6. Uinta Chipmunk
The Uinta chipmunk, also known as the hidden forest chipmunk, is a rodent only found in the United States. They are medium-sized omnivores that tend to become aggressive toward their own. Like other chipmunks, these little guys are skilled swimmers!
Learn More: iNaturalist
7. Ulrey’s Tetra
Also known as the Hemigrammus Ulrey, Ulrey’s tetra is a tropical fish found in the Paraguay River. They were named after Albert Ulrey, an American marine biologist from Indiana. They are considered peaceful fish that prefer being housed in tanks with other calm fish.
Learn More: Aquadiction
8. Ultramarine Flycatcher
At number 8, we have the ultramarine flycatcher. These small birds get their name from their gorgeous, electric blue feathers, although only the males are blessed with this pigment. The female ultramarine flycatchers are grayish-brown.
Learn More: eBird
9. Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird
Next in line is yet another African bird. The uluguru violet-backed sunbird is a relatively small bird that inherited its name thanks to the male’s shimmering violet feathers on top of his back. Though the population of this bird is decreasing, conservationists maintain that they aren’t dropping at a rate that’s a cause for concern.
Learn More: eBird
10. Uluguru Blue-bellied Frog
Another brilliantly blue animal, the uluguru blue-bellied frog, is an endangered amphibian species that can only be found in Tanzania, a country in East Africa. These frogs have been classified as endangered due to habitat loss.
Learn More: IUCN Red List
11. Ulysses Butterfly
Blue seems to be a popular color for animals that start with the letter U. Next is the Ulysses butterfly, a swallowtail found in Indonesia, Australia, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea. These butterflies are also called the mountain blue butterfly and can be found in suburban gardens and tropical rainforests.
Learn More: Butterfly Identification
12. Umbrellabird
The umbrellabird has 3 species. It gets its name from the distinctive umbrella-like hood on its head. These feathery fellas can only be found in South America and are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss. Deforestation by human beings for goods such as palm oil significantly impacts their habitat loss.
Learn More: eBird
13. Unadorned Rock Wallaby
At number 13, we have the unadorned rock wallaby native to Australia. They have a somewhat plain appearance compared to other wallabies due to their pale coat.
Learn More: Animalia
14. Unalaska Collared Lemming
Next is the Unalaska collared lemming, a rodent species that can only be found on two islands: Umnak and Unalaska. These small mammals are considered data deficient because so little is known about them.
Learn More: IUCN Red List
15. Unau
The unau, also known as Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, is a mammal native to South America. They are omnivores with a distinctive feature; they only have two toes on their front legs! Fun fact about sloths: their slow movement is due to their prolonged metabolism!
Learn More: Animalia
16. Underwood’s Long-tongued Bat
At number 16, we have the underwood’s long-tongued bat, also known as the Hylonycteris underwood. Though not much is known about this bat, its conservation status is marked as “least concern.” It can be found in the Americas, specifically in Belize, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Learn More: EOL
17. Underwood’s Pocket Gopher
Another rarely studied animal, the underwood’s pocket gopher, is a mammal that can only be found in Costa Rica. It is a rodent with an increasing population and is considered of “least concern” by conservationists.
Learn More: IUCN Red List
18. Undulated Antpitta
Next is the undulated antpitta, a stout bird found in Central and South America, specifically in Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. Its appearance is best described as plump with a smoky gray back and mustard underbelly. These birds prefer being in high-elevated areas though they can sometimes be seen hopping around the ground, looking for food.
Learn More: eBird
19. Unexpected Cotton Rat
The unexpected cotton rat, also known as the Ecuadorean cotton rat, is a small rodent found exclusively in Ecuador. These rats prefer living at higher elevations. Before its discovery, scientists only expected to find cotton rats in tropical and subtropical areas. So, you can imagine their surprise when they saw these little guys scavenging around Ecuador’s highest mountain.
Learn More: Coffee and Creatures
20. Unicorn
At number 20, we have the unicorn! These animals may be mythical, but perhaps you’d be interested in hearing some fun facts about them. Their origins dated back to the Ancient Greeks and Ctesias of Cnidus recorded them in his writing. Whether they are real or not, they remain popular in modern culture and are even the national animal of Scotland.
Learn More: Britannica
21. Unicornfish
Unicorns aren’t the only creatures with a single horn on their forehead. The unicornfish was lovingly named after the mythical creature due to its hornlike rostrum protuberance on its forehead. These fish can be found in the Indo-Pacific and are a popular dish with fishermen and locals.
Learn More: Fishes of Australia
22. Unstriped Ground Squirrel
Next up, we have the unstriped ground squirrel. Exclusively found in Africa, this little rodent prefers dry habitats, such as savannas and scrublands. Their coloring is a tannish brown with white rings circling their eyes.
Learn More: Animalia
23. Unstriped Tube-nosed Bat
Also known as the lesser tube-nosed bat, the unstriped tube-nosed bat is an old-world fruit bat native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and West Papua. These bats get their name from their tubular-shaped nostrils.
Learn More: iNaturalist
24. Upupa
What a funny name, right? The Upupa, also called hoopoes, are found throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. The name hoopoes is an onomatopoeia that represents their song. They are recognized for their sunset orange feathers that spike upwards, like a Mohawk.
Learn More: eBird
25. Ural Field Mouse
Coming in at number 25, we have the Ural field mouse. Unfortunately, this rodent has rarely been studied. Their conservation status is, however, classified as “least concern.” They can be found throughout Europe and Asia.
Learn More: Animalia
26. Ural Owl
Next, we have the Ural owl, a sizeable nocturnal that lives throughout Europe and Asia. These owls are carnivorous, feeding on mammals, amphibians, small birds, and insects. Their feathers are gray-brown, and they have beady eyes.
Learn More: eBird
27. Urchin
Next, we have urchins, which contain about 950 species of invertebrates that are spiky and round. One remarkable fact about these animals is that they are ancient. Fossil records have recorded them being around 450 million years ago!
Learn More: Little Urchin
28. Urial
Also known as arkars, urials are wild sheep found in steep grasslands in Asia. They are herbivores, and the males carry enormous curled horns on their heads. These mammals have been classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poachers.
Learn More: Animalia
29. Uromastyx
Uromastyx, also known as spiny-tailed lizards, is a species of reptile found in Africa and Asia. They mainly eat vegetation but have been known to eat insects when the weather is scorching and dry.
Learn More: The Reptile Database
30. Utah Prairie Dog
Finally, at number 30, we have the Utah prairie dog. These adorable rodents can only be found in the Southern areas of Utah and are considered endangered due to habitat loss. They are herbivores but will occasionally munch on insects if vegetation is scarce.
Learn More: Animalia
31. Uinta Ground Squirrel
Living in a small section of the western United States, the Uinta ground squirrel thrives in an environment of meadows, fields, and forests where vegetation is abundant. This adorable squirrel has a short little tail, a medium-sized body, and brown, gray, and yellow coloring.
Learn More: Animal Diversity Web
32. Uromys
Not quite a little squirrel, this next rodent is considered a giant rat! As a newly discovered species, uromys are most comfortable dwelling in the trees of their native Solomon Islands. They are an orange-brown color and can weigh up to 2.2 pounds. Unfortunately, these rare rats are endangered because of the logging that is destroying their rainforest habitat.
Learn More: Mongabay
33. Utonagan
This beautiful and large domestic dog is a new crossbreed that looks very similar to its ancient ancestor, the wolf! The Utonagan is a mix of three breeds: Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd. Its personality matches its size as it’s known for having high energy and an excellent work ethic.
Learn More: Dog Time
34. Uirapuru
Celebrated in Brazilian culture and mythology, the Uirapuru is a musical wren that is uniquely shaped with a stubby body and long neck, but its color varies based on the region where it lives. They’re usually spotted independently or in pairs and can be heard singing from their home in the rainforests of South America.
Learn More: eBird
35. Uperoleia Laevigata
Next up is this frog with a gold eye, brown back, pink belly, and red legs; the Uperoleia Laevigata looks similar to other Uperolieia species native to Australia. However, unlike other animals that have designated mating seasons, t this species breeds after any rain storm, laying its eggs under vegetation at the bottom of ponds.
Learn More: Frog ID
36. Urutu
Watch out for this one! The urutu is a viper pit snake that is found in the tropical forests of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay. Its name is derived from the Latin word “alternatus”, meaning “alternating” which aptly refers to its distinctive color patterns.
Learn More: Jungle Dragon
37. Uta Stansburiana Lizard
Last but certainly not least is the Uta stansburiana lizard. These tiny lizards grow to only about five inches. They prefer sandy and rocky arid environments throughout the western United States and Mexico. Interestingly, adult males are known to eat their young and they tend to compete for females during mating season.
Learn More: Burke Museum
38. Ucayali Spiny Mouse
Living deep within the Amazon rainforest the Ucayali spiny mouse is another endangered species we need to look out for! This tiny rodent originated in Peru but is also found in Brazil, Ecuador, and Columbia. They have pointed noses, rounded ears, and reddish-brown fur, and can be spotted scurrying about the moss in their forest habitat!
Learn More: iNaturalist
39. Underwing Moth
Next up is the underwing moth! This moth has beautifully colored yellow hindwings and is found in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In its infancy, it’s a caterpillar that feeds on plants, but once it transforms, it becomes a medium-sized moth that fancies the wide open space of grassy lowlands.
Learn More: Butterfly Conservation
40. Upland Sandpiper
Migrating throughout the Great Plains region of the United States, the upland sandpiper is a bird with a distinctive eerie call that you can hear throughout springtime! Its light brown coloring is a great disguise for the neutral backdrop of its grassland habitat where it enjoys feeding on insects.
Learn More: Audubon
41. Uaru Cichlid
Swimming through the warm and fast waters of the Amazon is the Urua cichlid! This blue-finned, yellow-eyed fish can live to be ten years old. The Urau cichlid is a popular fish that is caught and sold throughout South America at local fish markets.
Learn More: Fish Laboratory
42. Uintatherium
Is that a rhinoceros? Nope! Although it might look similar in appearance to the rhinos we know today, this is actually an extinct mammal that is not genetically related to the rhinoceros as we know it today. This herbivore used to live in the Southwest United States and went extinct about 37 million years ago.
Learn More: Prehistoric Fauna
43. Ural Rex Cat
We can’t forget about our feline friends! This rare household family pet is the ural rex cat which is a small breed of Russian cat that is known for its curly coat, and obedient, playful, and curious behavior. This newbie wasn’t officially registered as a breed until 1999 and was only approved in 2006.
Learn More: Fello Pet
44. Usambara Shrew
Although this next one is an endangered species, the Usambara shrew makes up around 70% of Tanzania’s shrew population. It is medium-sized, rich brown in color, and has short ears. Like other animals on our list, its main threat to survival is an encroaching human population that is threatening its habitat.
Learn More: iNaturalist
45. Unicorn Crestfish
Coming up next is yet another aquatic creature named after our beloved unicorns! Living in the ocean’s depths off the coasts of Africa and Australia, the unicorn crestfish is quite rare. Its beautiful silver coloring gives it an iridescent appearance and the horned fin at the top of its head and long and slender body add to its unique look.
Learn More: Fish Of Australia
46. Ultimate Shrew
The ultimate shrew is a long-nosed mammal who is on the constant hunt for food! Living in the tropical regions of Africa, this tiny creature is a meat-eater that prefers a solitary life. Unfortunately, this shrew is also under threat due to the deforestation of its preferred mountain forest home.
Learn More: Encyclopedia Of Life
47. Urraca Criolla
Next up is another exotic South American bird! The Urraca is a vibrant bird with a long body, blue and black features, yellow eyes, and a pretty cool-looking mohawk. It can be found throughout the forest and woodlands and is known to hang out in groups that can make quite a racket!
Learn More: eBirds
48. Ursid Bear
We just had to include this one even though the ursid bear is not the name of one animal, but rather the name given to a group of eight bears. These famous eight are found around the globe and are more commonly known as the: giant panda, Malayan sun bear, sloth bear, speckled bear, American black bear, brown bear, polar bear, and Asiatic black bear!
Learn More: Encyclopedia
49. Ugandan Red Colobus
Check out these wild-looking primates! These red-gray monkeys have a distinctive tufted crown and are relatives of the black-white colobus. These social animals are found in the Kibale National Forest of Uganda and live together in groups of 50 or more! One of the reasons you can find them in a national park is because of their endangered status.
Learn More: Destination Uganda
50. Ussuri Brown Bear
Did you know that the Ussuri brown bear is the second largest bear in the world, right behind the massive polar bear? This huge mammal can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and is found in Russia, China, and Japan. These brown bears are omnivores that live in the mountains, forests, and coastal areas, and like most other bear species, they hibernate in the winter.
Learn More: Critter Science
51. Upemba Lechwe
The beautiful Upemba Lechwe is a mid-size grass eater and subspecies of antelope found in various parts of Africa where they are prey to lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Upemba Lechwe are relatively social animals and apart from mating season, they tend to live in herds of the same sex.
Learn More: Memories From The Wild
52. Umbrella Mouth Gulper Eel
Now this one is a mouthful! The Umbrella Mouth Gulper Eel is sometimes also called a Pelican Eel. It is a strange-looking fish that lives deep in the ocean at depths of up to 1,000 meters! Its large mouth opens like an umbrella to swallow prey that can be much larger in size than this eel!
Learn More: Odd Animals
53. Unicolored Antwren
Next up is the unicolored antwren! These sweet little birds are native to the humid forests of Brazil. Sadly, they are classified as a near-threatened species due to logging and housing developments that have moved into their habitats.
Learn More: eBird
54. Uca Crab
Next up is the uca crab which is more commonly known as the fiddler crab. They are found on the beaches, in marshes, and mudflats of the Chesapeake Bay region where they feed on algae, bacteria, and decaying plants. You can spot one of these crustaceans by their enlarged claw!
Learn More: Chesapeake Bay
55. Unicorn Beetle
Better known as a rhinoceros beetle, these common beetles are found all around the globe. They have a characteristically shiny body that is blue-black in color and have horned-like noses that look like the horn of a rhinoceros! Unicorn Beetles typically live in wooded areas and parks and feed on tree sap.
Learn More: Wild Life Trusts
All Animals A-Z
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