Animals That Start with "M"

Have you ever wondered how many animals have names that start with the letter M? Some are big and powerful, like the mighty moose, while others are small and mysterious, like the mantis. Whether they live on land, in water, or up in the trees, animals that start with M come in all shapes and sizes!
Some of these animals are well-known, like monkeys, which are playful and intelligent creatures found in jungles. Others, like the manta ray, glide through the ocean with their massive wings. Did you know that the meerkat stands on its hind legs to keep watch for danger? Or that the macaw is a colorful parrot that can mimic human speech? Every animal has unique traits that make them special.
Learning about animals is a great way to explore nature. Some, like the mountain lion, are skilled hunters that stalk their prey silently. Others, like the manatee, are gentle sea creatures that spend their days floating in warm waters. Some animals with M names are rare and endangered, like the Madagascar day gecko, which has bright green skin and loves to climb trees.
Whether you’re working on a school project, playing an animal guessing game, or just love discovering new facts, this list will help you learn more. You’ll find mammals, birds, reptiles, sea creatures, and even some insects. Each name comes with a short description so you can explore fun facts along the way.
Are you ready to dive in? Scroll down to see the full list of animal names that start with M and find out which one is your favorite!
List of Animal Names That Start with 'M'
Explore a diverse collection of animals that start with "M"! 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 "M"!
Mammal Names That Start with 'M'
- Manatee: A large aquatic mammal also known as the sea cow.
- Mountain Lion: A large wild cat also known as a cougar or puma.
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- Moose: A large deer species with broad antlers, found in northern regions.
- Mole: A small, burrowing mammal with large front paws.
- Mouse: A small rodent found worldwide.
- Mandrill: A colorful primate native to Africa.
- Margay: A small wild cat found in Central and South America.
- Markhor: A wild goat with twisted horns, found in Central Asia.
- Mink: A semi-aquatic mammal known for its soft fur.
- Mountain Goat: A hoofed mammal adapted to mountainous regions.
Bird Names That Start with 'M'
- Macaw: A colorful parrot species found in tropical rainforests.
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- Magpie: An intelligent bird known for its black and white feathers.
- Mockingbird: A bird famous for mimicking the calls of other birds.
- Mallard Duck: A common duck species with a distinctive green head.
- Meadowlark: A songbird found in grasslands.
- Mountain Bluebird: A small blue songbird found in North America.
- Mute Swan: A large white swan known for its graceful movements.
- Marabou Stork: A large stork species found in Africa.
- Monk Parakeet: A green parrot with a grayish chest, native to South America.
- Magellanic Penguin: A penguin species found in South America.
Sea Animal Names That Start with 'M'
- Manta Ray: A large ray known for its graceful swimming.
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- Moray Eel: A long, snake-like fish found in coral reefs.
- Marine Iguana: A sea-dwelling lizard found in the Galápagos Islands.
- Moon Jellyfish: A common jellyfish with a translucent body.
- Mahi-Mahi: A brightly colored fish found in tropical and subtropical waters.
- Milkfish: A large fish commonly found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Monkfish: A bottom-dwelling fish with a large head and mouth.
- Mandarin Fish: A small, vibrantly colored fish found in coral reefs.
- Marine Toadfish: A fish with a flattened body that lives on the seafloor.
- Marine Hermit Crab: A crustacean that uses discarded shells for protection.
Reptile Names That Start with 'M'
- Monitor Lizard: A large lizard species found in Asia, Africa, and Australia.
- Milk Snake: A non-venomous snake with colorful banding.
- Mud Turtle: A small turtle that lives in freshwater habitats.
- Mexican Beaded Lizard: A venomous lizard found in Mexico and Central America.
- Marine Crocodile: A large crocodile species found in coastal waters.
- Mata Mata Turtle: A freshwater turtle with a flat, camouflaged shell.
- Monkey Lizard: A lizard species known for its agility and tree-dwelling behavior.
- Mediterranean House Gecko: A small gecko often found near human dwellings.
- Mexican Kingsnake: A non-venomous snake with bold coloration.
- Marbled Gecko: A small lizard with marbled skin patterns.
Amphibian Names That Start with 'M'
- Mountain Yellow-legged Frog: A frog species found in mountain streams.
- Mexican Salamander (Axolotl): A critically endangered amphibian with regenerative abilities.
- Marbled Salamander: A salamander with striking black and white patterns.
- Mediterranean Tree Frog: A small tree-dwelling frog found in Europe.
- Mangrove Frog: A frog species found in mangrove swamps.
Insect Names That Start with 'M'
- Monarch Butterfly: A migratory butterfly with bright orange wings.
- Mayfly: An insect with a very short adult lifespan.
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- Madagascar Hissing Cockroach: A large cockroach that produces a hissing sound.
- Milkweed Bug: A bright red and black insect that feeds on milkweed plants.
- Metallic Wood-boring Beetle: A beetle with shiny, metallic coloration.
- Mountain Grasshopper: A grasshopper species found in high-altitude regions.
- Masked Hunter Bug: A predatory insect that feeds on other bugs.
- Marbled Orb Weaver: A spider with a marbled abdomen.
- Mexican Katydid: A green, leaf-like insect found in Central America.
- Midnight Beetle: A nocturnal beetle species.
Other Animal Names That Start with 'M'
- Marine Sponge: A porous, sessile animal found in oceans.
- Mountain Crab: A freshwater crab found in mountainous streams.
- Mantis Shrimp: A colorful marine crustacean with powerful claws.
- Mudskipper: A fish that can breathe air and move on land.
- Marbled Newt: A newt with marbled skin patterns.