Welcome to the weird and wonderful list of animals that start with “W”! Whether you’re a zookeeper looking to wow visitors with interesting facts or a teacher wanting to up the ante in the classroom, check out the list below to discover more about our Earth’s amazing creatures. We’ve unearthed interesting facts, common tendencies, and food favorites of 65 animals that start with the letter “W”, and we know that you’ll just adore each and every one! Read on to learn more!
1. Walrus
Long-tusked walruses, as pictured above, are often found near the Arctic Circle. They enjoy lying on icy beaches with hundreds of companions and survive for up to 40 years in the wild! These blubbery beasts weigh up to 1.5 tons and survive on a carnivorous diet.
Learn More: National Geographic
2. Whale
The typical length of an adult whale ranges from 45-100 feet and they can weigh between 20 and 200 tons! Most whales; including blue, bowhead, sei, grey, and right whales are referred to as baleen whales- meaning that they have special bristle-like structures in their mouths that allow them to strain food from the water.
Learn More: World Wildlife
3. Wolf Spider
These little hairy critters range from 0.6cm to 3cm in size. Wolf spiders do not catch their prey in a web like most other arachnids, but instead, stalk their prey like wolves! Their eight eyes afford them excellent night vision and they are primarily nocturnal hunters.
4. Water Dragon
There are five different types of water dragons; with the Chinese and Australian water dragons being the most prevalent. They are fairly large reptiles that weigh around 1.5 kg and stand at a height of 3 feet. These reptilian friends enjoy a diet of rodents, birds, fish, and invertebrates; supplementing their meals with an assortment of vegetation and eggs.
Learn More: Smithsonian National Zoo
5. Wolffish
The wolffish is typically found in Northern Atlantic and Pacific waters. Their powerful teeth allow them to feast on crabs, starfish, sea urchins, and other prey. They grow up to 2.3 meters in length and typically weigh between 18-22 kilograms.
Learn More: Britannica
6. West Indian Manatee
The West Indian manatee is a large aquatic mammal that lives in shallow, slow-moving waters. It is also commonly referred to as a sea cow. Just like cows, manatees are herbivores and survive on an array of sea plants. They move easily between fresh and saltwater but prefer freshwater environments like rivers, estuaries, and canals.
Learn More: National Wildlife Federation
7. Whale Shark
You guessed it- their resemblance to whales is how they acquired their name! Whale sharks are filter feeders; gliding through the water with mouths wide open, gathering plankton and small fish. They are relative in size to a typical American school bus and weigh up to 20.6 tons!
Learn More: National Geographic
8. Woolly Mammoth
Now an extinct creature, the wooly mammoth is a relative of the well-known elephant. Approximately 300,000- 10,000 years ago, this magnificent mammal thrived; enjoying a diet of grass and other shrubs! It’s believed that they became extinct as a result of poaching and climate change.
Learn More: National Geographic Kids
9. Wahoo
The wahoo lives in subtropical waters worldwide. They have been dubbed “prized game fish” due to their tasty meat, fast speed, and fighting skills. In Hawaii, the wahoo is frequently referred to as ono, which translates to “excellent to eat”. Wahoos are ferocious, solitary predators and survive on squid and other fish.
Learn More: In The Spread
10. Wyoming Toad
This toad species, which was formerly thought to be extinct, is currently thriving. There are approximately 1800 Wyoming toads in existence- most of which are kept in captivity. These toads are omnivorous whilst young, but completely carnivorous as adults. Their distinctive feature is the broad black mark under their belly.
Learn More: DOI
11. White Tiger
White tigers are a hybrid of Siberian and Bengal tigers. Compared to their orange companions, these tigers are often faster and grow larger. Due to a genetic mutation, they are fairly rare. These tigers are solitary animals and can easily devour up to 40 pounds of meat in just one sitting!
Learn More: Milwaukee With Kids
12. Waterbuck
Africa is home to the waterbuck antelope. The waterbuck has two subspecies; the common waterbuck and the defassa. With the exception of a few minor physical and geographic changes, both are essentially the same. Only males have horns; which grow to lengths of 100 cm!
Learn More: African Wildlife Foundation
13. Wildebeest
The wildebeest, a member of the Bovidae family, is native to Eastern and Southern Africa. They are also frequently referred to as “gnu”. There are two types of wildebeests: blue and black, and their distinguishing characteristics are their color and horns.
Learn More: African Wildlife Foundation
14. Water Deer
Water deer are typically found close to swamps, rivers, and streams. Male Chinese water deer have long, razor-sharp teeth that resemble fangs which are used to fight off other males that enter their territory. They feed on brambles, grasses, sedges, and leaves.
Learn More: Ptes
15. Wolverine
Wolverines belong to the weasel family. They are often mistaken as small bears, and like bears, wolverines have thick coats and can readily survive in the Arctic. Wolverines are ferocious predators and have been known to travel up to 24km in a day in search of food!
Learn More: National Geographic Kids
16. Wolf
Wolves are the biggest creatures in the canine family and are fiercely devoted to their packs. They communicate by howling and are highly territorial. These carnivorous predators primarily feed on rabbits, deer, fish, and birds.
Learn More: International Wolf Center
17. Water Buffalo
Two types of water buffalo have been domesticated by humans; the river buffalo of India and the swamp buffalo of China. As their name suggests, they love water and will submerge themselves at any opportunity they get!
Learn More: Animals
18. Wallaby
Just like kangaroos, wallabies hop around and carry their young in a pouch. They tend to enjoy forested habitats with an abundance of thick-skinned leaves such as eucalyptus. They are predominantly solitary creatures who are most active at night.
Learn More: Folly Farm
19. Welsh Corgi
Welsh corgis were originally bred as herding dogs. They tend to be rather active and are known for their high intellect. They make wonderful family dogs as they are friendly in nature and like to play.
Learn More: Dog Time
20. Whippet
Whippets are also commonly referred to as the “poor man’s racehorse”. They love their beauty sleep and average 18 to 20 hours per day! They are speedy, well-behaved dogs that enjoy activities outdoors. If you’re looking for a lifelong companion, a whippet is perfect as they live for up to 15 years.
Learn More: American Kennel Club
21. Wild Boar
All wild boar species can be tamed, and farmers often keep them. However, a drawback is that they tend to dig- a habit referred to as “rooting”. They feed on a range of birds, small mammals, and invertebrates. Adults typically weigh between 60-100kg although some males have reportedly grown to a whopping 200kg!
Learn More: Woodland Trust
22. Woolly Monkey
These cute primates can be found throughout the tropical rainforests of South America. Woolly monkeys utilize their tails as a fifth limb to help them climb and hang on to trees as they enjoy their food. Seeds, fruits, and insects make up their primary diet.
Learn More: Critter Facts
23. White Rhino
White rhinos are extremely rare. Despite their name, they are not actually white but rather, pale grey. They are the second largest African animal and weigh between 1,700-2,400kg.
Learn More: Fauna & Flora
24. Wild Bactrian Camel
Bactrian camels can drink up to 57 liters of water during one stop at a watering hole. These camels differ from dromedary camels in that they have 2 humps whereas dromedaries have one. Less than 1000 of these animals remain in the world; making them another endangered species.
Learn More: Folly Farm
25. Warthog
Hello, Pumba! The protrusions from the side of a warthog’s face are comprised of both bone and cartilage. They use these tusks to defend themselves from predators and dig for food. They survive on a diet of grass, roots, and bulbs and, if given the opportunity, will scavenge on meat.
Learn More: Shamwari
26. Western Lowland Gorilla
The smallest gorilla species in the world is the Western lowland gorilla. They are 6 feet tall and weigh roughly 500 pounds. With only 4 to 8 individuals in each family group, this species has the most diminutive family group of all gorilla species.
Learn More: Mission Africa
27. White-Winged Duck
This native South Asian duck is extremely uncommon and is at grave risk of extinction. After hunting for the white-winged duck and its eggs increased, it was placed on the Red List of Threatened Species. They are found in Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, India, and Thailand.
Learn More: Beauty Of Birds
28. Woodpecker
The woodpecker gets its name from its prowess in pecking through the wood. North America and Central America are home to more than 100 different species! In just one second, a woodpecker can peck nearly 20 times! These birds create new holes every year and prefer to live alone.
Learn More: Britannica
29. White-Faced Capuchin
One of the most well-known capuchin species is the white-faced capuchin. They occupy a wide range of habitats; enjoying secondary and deciduous forests and, at times, volcanic foothills and coastal plains. Their primary diet is comprised of an array of fruits and nuts, but they have been known to enjoy invertebrates and small vertebrates as well.
Learn More: Animal Diversity Web
30. Wombat
Wombats are small, yet powerful marsupials that are native to Australia and are also relatives of the koala! Despite their somewhat pleasant appearance, they are extremely vicious. Fun fact: they can run up to 40 km/h- just 7 km slower than the world-record holder, Usain Bolt!
Learn More: Rainforestation Nature Park
31. Wandering Spider
This spider with its carefree name is actually the deadliest spider in the world! Instead of building nests, it wanders around in search of insects and small mammals to eat. Keep your eye out for this one as it can grow to be the size of a tarantula and has a bite that can kill a person!
Learn More: The Independent
32. Whistling Duck
These ducks live up to their name as their calls vary from high-pitched shrill sounds to squeaky whistles. They are sometimes mistaken for geese because of their large feet and long necks and legs, but they are definitely ducks that love to graze and dive for food.
Learn More: British Waterfowl Association
33. Western Pygmy Possum
Measuring only about three inches long, this cute critter is one of the largest species of pygmy possums in the world. It lives in the bush and scrubland of Australia and feeds on nectar, pollen, spiders, and insects. It also loves a good snuggle and is known to hibernate for around eight days at a time.
Learn More: Australian Geographic
34. White Rhinoceros
Did you know these massive mammals can weigh up to 5,000 pounds? Luckily, there are over a thousand Southern white rhinos, but unfortunately, only two are left of the critically endangered Northern white rhino. These magnificent animals can live up to 50 years old and can run up to 40 km/h!
Learn More: Save The Rhino
35. Western Whip Snake
The nonvenomous whip snake prefers the warmer climates of southern Europe where it uses constriction to kill its prey. Other talents include climbing trees and even swimming! Although it has no venom, this one can become slightly aggressive if it’s disturbed, so it’s best to leave it alone.
Learn More: Chadwick Lakes
36. Water Vole
The chestnut-brown water vole likes to make burrows in the land alongside rivers, streams, and marshes across the United Kingdom. It’s one of the largest species of vole and is quite recognizable from the infamous character ‘Ratty’ in the children’s book, Wind in The Willows.
Learn More: The Wildlife Trusts
37. Weedy Sea Dragon
These magical but threatened creatures are found along the coast of Australia. Weedy Sea Dragons are related to seahorses and have unique camouflage that makes them difficult to find. They have an absence of teeth that requires them to suck prey such as sea lice and fish larvae through pipe-like mouths!
Learn More: Marine Bio
38. Water Strider
Stare at a calm lake on a summer day and you might see these tiny half-inch-long creatures skating around! Water striders have evolved to use the surface tension of still water as a platform for walking. Their secret? Tiny leg hairs that repel water and capture air!
Learn More: The National Wildlife Federation
39. Western Toad
This large toad is between two and five inches long and can be found in a wide range of western North American habitats from desert streams and mountain meadows to woodlands and grasslands. One cool fact about the Western Toad is that it actually walks, rather than hops!
Learn More: iNaturalist
40. White Bass
A female white bass will lay over one million eggs in her lifetime; this might be one reason that this freshwater fish is found in lakes across the U.S! These fish prefer open water during the day and shallower water at night where they eat minnows, crustaceans, and insects.
Learn More: Oklahoma Department Of Wildlife Conservation
41. Whipray
The largest recorded whipray was a massive six feet wide and fourteen feet long – imagine coming across one on your dive! These uniquely-patterned rays love the sandy areas of coral reefs and lagoons where they search for meals of crabs, worms, shrimp, sea jellies, and small fish.
Learn More: Aquarium Of The Pacific
42. Weeper Capuchin
These adorable primates are also called wedge-capped capuchins because of the notable dark patch of triangular-shaped fur on their heads. Weeper capuchins can live up to 40 years in the drier forests of Guiana, Brazil, and Venezuela where they love a diet of nuts, seeds, fruit, snails, insects, and bird eggs.
Learn More: New England Primate Conservancy
43. Whooper Swan
Take one look at this graceful swan and you can understand why it’s a symbol of Finland. This hearty bird is one of the last to leave freezing waters and not only lives on bog ponds and lakes, but also spends the winter in Southern Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Learn More: Arctic Centre University Of Lapland
44. White-Lipped Peccary
This animal is similar in size to a domesticated pig and lives throughout Central and South America. Their range of habitats includes tropical rainforests, mangroves, and grasslands where they find fruit, nuts, and snails to eat. The social peccary loves a party and lives in herds of up to 50-300 animals!
Learn More: World Land Trust
45. White-Cheeked Gibbon
Sadly, these beautiful animals are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. They live in the forest canopies of Laos, Vietnam, and southern China where they eat ripe fruit and leaves. Interestingly, infant gibbons are born with beige coats that turn black when they are one and a half years old.
Learn More: Smithsonian’s National Zoo And Conservation Biology Institute
46. Whimbrel
The bird has amazing endurance and is known to migrate non-stop over distances of up to 2,400 miles! Whimbrels are found in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia where they keep their stamina by eating invertebrates like crabs, which they catch using their large, curved bills.
Learn More: All About Birds
47. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
This snake, known for its diamond-shaped pattern, can move its rattle as fast as 60 times per second! This highly venomous snake lives in a wide range of habitats like deserts, forests, and even coastlines where it hunts small animals like mice, rats, rabbits, birds, and lizards.
Learn More: Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
48. West African Crocodile
These smaller and less aggressive crocs live in West and Central Africa. They’re solitary predators who ambush prey like reptiles, fish, birds, and mammals. Believe it or not, the people of Mauritania protect and care for these crocodiles and have even been known to swim unharmed with them!
Learn More: Critter Science
49. Wedge-Tailed Eagle
Wedge-tailed eagles enjoy the best view because they build their nests high in the tallest trees. They hunt live food such as rabbits, but are also known to scavenge for the flesh of dead animals. These eagles are incredibly strong and can lift up to 50% of their own body weight!
Learn More: Australian Museum
50. Weasel Shark
The weasel shark can be found in the shallow waters of the Eastern Central and Northwest Atlantic Oceans. This shark is on the smaller side and grows to only about 40 inches in length. It has a tiny mouth with serrated teeth that it uses to feed on cephalopods and small fish.
Learn More: Sharkwater Extinction
51. Water Scorpion
It might look like a scorpion but this creature lacks the typical stinging tail! What it has instead is a snorkel that collects air through a siphon to store under its wings for later! This unique aquatic insect also walks, rather than swims, to hunt tadpoles, insects, and small fish.
Learn More: IFL Science
52. Wood Warbler
The globe-trotting wood warbler likes to spend its summers in the UK before migrating all the way to Africa for the colder months! Wood warblers are one of the larger types of warblers, growing up to 13 cm in length. These birds eat insects, flies, and spiders that they find in deciduous vegetation.
Learn More: Woodland Trust
53. Water Monitor
These semi-aquatic animals are one of the largest species of lizards in the world! They have a varied diet that consists of birds, insects, frogs, rodents, snakes, crabs, and fish. They’re speedy creatures, but don’t worry – they’re pretty shy and aren’t known to attack people.
Learn More: The Reptarium
54. Western Fence Lizard
A much smaller lizard is the western fence lizard that loves basking in the sun on rocks, posts, and of course, fences. The males have bright blue patches on their throats and bellies and they like to show off by doing ‘push-ups’ during the mating season to attract mates and warn off rivals.
Learn More: Midpeninsula Regional Open Space
55. White-Tailed Jackrabbit
The larger ears, big feet, and solitary lifestyle of this animal make it a hare and not a rabbit like its name suggests! This jackrabbit is one of the largest species of hare and can be found in western and central North America where its herbivorous diet consists of grasses, dandelions, twigs, and bark.
Learn More: Thought Co
56. Whooping Crane
The whooping crane is enormous! In fact, it’s the tallest flying bird in North America. It stands up to five feet tall, has a wingspan of seven to eight feet, and is known for its very distinctive call. After being on the brink of extinction there are now approximately 800 of them!
Learn More: American Bird Conservancy
57. White-Tailed Eagle
As the largest bird of prey in the UK, the white-tailed eagle has a massive wing span of 2.5 meters! After going extinct in the UK, the eagles were reintroduced in Scotland with great success where they ensure their survival by feeding on fish, birds, mammals, and carrion.
Learn More: Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation
58. White German Shepherd
Let’s not forget about our canine friend, the loyal and intelligent White German Shepherd! These dogs can also be a little mischievous and benefit from training and lots of physical exercise! Their white coat is caused by a recessive gene and contrasts well with their adorable black noses and paw pads!
Learn More: World Of Dogz
59. Walking Sticks
Walking sticks, or stick insects are masters of disguise! Not only do they look like the stems of plants, but they also mimic the movement of branches in the breeze. No wonder it’s hard to spot them! Look carefully for these leaf chewers that like to hide in tropical regions.
Learn More: Missouri Department Of Conservation
60. White-Tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer can be found in Central, North, and South America. They can live up to 14 years in captivity, but they rarely reach that age due to predators and human hunting. These graceful animals have an interesting social dynamic; female deer live in multi-generational matriarchies whereas the males sometimes join bachelor groups.
Learn More: Adirondacks Forever Wild
61. Walnut Sphinx Moth
The walnut sphinx moth is found in deciduous woodlands in the US where the caterpillars feed on nut trees. These moths vary greatly in color which makes identifying them correctly a bit tricky at times. Listen to this – the caterpillars have an effective defense response to being disturbed or attacked, they squeak!
Learn More: Butterflies And Moths Of North America
62. Wildcat
This wildcat is known as the ‘tiger of the Highlands’ and is one of the UK’s rarest and most endangered mammals. These shy nocturnal creatures look very much like a large tabby cat and live in moorland and woodlands where they feed on rabbits and ground-nesting birds.
Learn More: The Wildlife Trusts
63. White-Nosed Coati
White-nosed coatis have mobile snouts that allow them to reach into holes and crevices to search for small rodents, lizards, invertebrates, and fruit. Another interesting characteristic is their semi-prehensile tail which comes in handy when balancing on tree limbs in their forest habits of Central, North, and South America.
Learn More: Smithsonian’s National Zoo And Conservation Biology Institute
64. Water Opossum
Water opossums are the only living marsupial where both genders have a pouch. They live near all kinds of freshwater where they prey on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and insects. This water-loving creature has the perfect webbed feet for swimming and can even use its tail as a rudder!
Learn More: Critter Science
65. Weddell Seal
This perfectly adapted mammal can weigh up to around 1000 pounds! Much of this is blubber which helps them stay comfortable in the frigid temperatures of their polar habitat. They are also quite talented – they can stay submerged in water for up to 80 minutes and can dive to depths of over 600 meters!
Learn More: Oceanwide
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