Animals That Start with "K"

Have you ever wondered how many animals have names that start with the letter K? Some of them are well-known, like the kangaroo, a fast-hopping marsupial from Australia. Others, like the kinkajou, are less famous but just as fascinating! From wild cats to tiny insects, animals that start with K come in all shapes and sizes.
Some of these animals are found in jungles, like the king cobra, one of the longest venomous snakes in the world. Others, like the koala, spend most of their time sleeping in trees. Did you know that a kudu, a type of antelope, has long, spiral-shaped horns? Or that the kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, is one of the rarest birds on Earth? Every animal has something special that makes it unique.
Learning about different animals is a fun way to explore nature. Some, like the killer whale (also known as the orca), rule the ocean as powerful predators. Others, like the katydid, are tiny insects that blend into leaves to stay hidden from predators. Whether they live in the water, on land, or in the air, all these creatures play an important role in their environment.
Whether you're working on a school project, playing an animal guessing game, or just curious, this list will help you learn more. You’ll find mammals, reptiles, birds, sea creatures, and even some endangered species. Each name comes with a short description so you can discover fun facts along the way.
Are you ready to explore? Scroll down to see the full list of animal names that start with K and find out which one is your favorite!
List of Animal Names That Start with 'K'
Explore a diverse collection of animals that start with "K"! This list includes a variety of mammals, birds, sea creatures, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other fascinating species. Whether you're a student, teacher, or wildlife enthusiast, you'll find an exciting mix of creatures from different habitats. From land to sea and even the skies, discover the incredible diversity of animals that begin with the letter "K"!
Mammal Names That Start with 'K'
- Kangaroo: A marsupial native to Australia, known for its powerful hind legs and pouch.
-
- Koala: A tree-dwelling marsupial that feeds on eucalyptus leaves.
- Kangaroo Rat: A small rodent adapted to desert environments.
- Kodkod: A small wild cat found in South America.
- Killer Whale (Orca): A large marine mammal known for its intelligence and hunting skills.
- Kinkajou: A nocturnal mammal with a prehensile tail, found in Central and South America.
- Klipspringer: A small antelope adapted to rocky terrains in Africa.
- Kodiak Bear: A large subspecies of brown bear found in Alaska.
- Kouprey: A rare and endangered species of wild cattle from Southeast Asia.
- Kowari: A small, carnivorous marsupial found in Australia.
Bird Names That Start with 'K'
- Kestrel: A small bird of prey known for its hovering flight.
- Kiwi: A flightless bird endemic to New Zealand.
-
- Kingfisher: A brightly colored bird often found near water.
- Kakapo: A nocturnal, flightless parrot native to New Zealand.
- Kookaburra: A bird known for its distinctive laughing call, native to Australia.
- Kori Bustard: One of the heaviest flying birds, found in Africa.
- Kakaru: A small bird found in tropical forests.
- King Penguin: A large species of penguin found in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Knob-billed Duck: A waterfowl with a distinctive knob on its beak.
- Kea: A highly intelligent parrot found in New Zealand.
Sea Animal Names That Start with 'K'
- Killer Whale (Orca): A large marine predator known for its intelligence.
- King Crab: A large crab species prized for its meat.
-
- Krill: Tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans that are a crucial part of marine ecosystems.
- Kitefin Shark: A deep-sea shark with a long, thin body.
- Kelp Bass: A fish commonly found in kelp forests along the Pacific coast.
- Kuhli Loach: A small, eel-like freshwater fish often kept in aquariums.
- King Mackerel: A fast-swimming fish found in coastal waters.
- Kelp Crab: A species of crab found among kelp forests.
- Knifefish: A slender, freshwater fish known for its ability to produce electric fields.
- Kelp Grouper: A fish found in coral reefs and kelp forests.
Reptile Names That Start with 'K'
- King Cobra: The world’s longest venomous snake, found in South and Southeast Asia.
- Komodo Dragon: The largest living lizard, native to Indonesia.
- Kenyan Sand Boa: A small, burrowing snake native to East Africa.
- Knob-tailed Gecko: A small gecko species with a knob-like tail.
- Kabomani Tegu: A large lizard found in South America.
- King Turtle: A species of freshwater turtle with a distinctive shell pattern.
- Kalahari Gecko: A small gecko adapted to desert environments.
- Katydid Lizard: A lizard that mimics the appearance of a katydid insect.
- Kemp's Ridley Turtle: The smallest and most endangered species of sea turtle.
- Kauai Cave Wolf Spider: A rare spider found in caves in Hawaii.
Amphibian Names That Start with 'K'
- Karen Hills Newt: A rare species of newt found in Myanmar.
- Kihansi Spray Toad: A critically endangered toad native to Tanzania.
- Korean Fire-bellied Toad: A brightly colored toad with a red belly.
- Knysna Frog: A small frog species found in South Africa.
- Kalinga Narrow-mouthed Frog: A frog species native to the Philippines.
Insect Names That Start with 'K'
- Kissing Bug: A blood-sucking insect that transmits Chagas disease.
- Katydid: A green, leaf-like insect known for its chirping sound.
- Kauri Beetle: A beetle found in New Zealand, associated with Kauri trees.
- Kite Moth: A moth with kite-shaped wings.
- Killer Bee: An aggressive hybrid bee species.
-
- Knobbed Wasp: A wasp with a distinctive knobbed tail.
- Krauss's Grasshopper: A grasshopper species native to Africa.
- Kenyan Tiger Moth: A brightly colored moth species found in Kenya.
- Koa Bug: A shield bug found in Hawaii.
- Kelp Fly: A small fly found near coastal areas with kelp forests.
Other Animal Names That Start with 'K'
- King Crab: A marine crustacean with a large body and legs.
- Kauai Cave Amphipod: A small, cave-dwelling crustacean found in Hawaii.
- Kite Spider: A colorful spider known for its kite-shaped web patterns.
- Kraken (Mythical): A legendary sea creature resembling a giant squid.
- Kumquat Bug: A pest insect that feeds on kumquat plants.