Animals starting with the second letter of the alphabet represent a wide swath of the animal kingdom. Today I will share a list of some of the many beautiful animals that start with b.
Key Facts:
- Animals that start with the letter B can be found in all corners of the animals kingdom.
- A few of my favorite animals starting with the letter b include burrowing owls, bald eagles, and blue whales.
26 Animals That Start With B: An Overview
While I couldn’t include every single animals that starts with b, I curated a list of my favorite animals staring with b. The list below is a roundup of my picks. If you want to learn more about these beautiful animals, you can find out more in the next section.
- Badger
- Bear
- Bat
- Bald Eagle
- Barred Owl
- Burrowing Owl
- Ball Python
- Barnacle
- Barracuda
- Bed Bug
- Blue Whale
- Beluga Whale
- Bowhead Whale
- Buffalo
- Black Widow Spider
- Bison
- Bobcat
- Bonobo
- Box Turtle
- Bull Frog
- Bush Baby
- Butterfly
- Burmese Python
- Box Jellyfish
- Baboon
- Bumblebees
26 Animals That Start With B: A Closer Look
Did some of the animals that start with b pique your interest? Let’s take a closer look at these critters below.
Badger
Badgers (Taxidea taxus) are medium-sized mammals known for their distinctive black-and-white facial markings. Their fur is coarse and primarily greyish-brown, providing excellent camouflage in their natural environments. Found predominantly in North America, badgers prefer open grasslands, prairies, and woodlands where they can locate their favorite prey, which includes small rodents, ground-nesting birds, and insects.
These animals have extraordinary digging ability. Equipped with strong neck muscles and long claws, they can excavate extensive burrows, called setts, which can house several generations of badgers. These setts serve as both shelter and food storage. Badgers are mostly nocturnal, emerging at dusk to hunt for food. Due to their solitary nature and nocturnal habits, they can be elusive to spot in the wild.
Black Bear
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are large mammals native to North America and are one of the most widely distributed bear species on the continent. Despite their name, their fur color can vary, ranging from black to cinnamon, blonde, or even gray-blue. They have a stocky build and rounded ears. Black bears are known for their keen sense of smell, which they use to forage for a diverse diet consisting of vegetation, fruits, nuts, insects, and occasionally small mammals.
These resourceful creatures can adapt to a variety of habitats, including forests, swamps, and even urban environments. They are skilled climbers and can effortlessly ascend trees to escape predators or reach food sources. During the winter, black bears enter a state of torpor, similar to hibernation, where they reduce their metabolic rate to conserve energy.
Despite their size and strength, black bears are generally shy and non-aggressive towards humans, preferring to avoid interactions.
Bat
Bats are spooky creatures belonging to the order Chiroptera, making them the only mammals capable of sustained flight. With their distinctive membranous wings stretched between elongated finger bones, bats exhibit graceful aerial prowess. They vary greatly in size, ranging from tiny bumblebee bats, measuring just over an inch, to the impressive giant golden-crowned flying fox, with a wingspan of up to six feet. Despite their somewhat spooky reputation, bats play a crucial role in ecosystems as essential pollinators and insect controllers.
Many species roost in caves, while others use trees, rock crevices, and even man-made structures as their resting places. They are primarily nocturnal, taking advantage of the cover of darkness to feed on insects, nectar, fruit, or, in some cases, small vertebrates. Some bat species have evolved echolocation, emitting ultrasonic calls that bounce back from objects, allowing them to navigate and pinpoint prey with exceptional accuracy.
Bald Eagle
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), with its striking white head and tail contrasting against a dark brown body, is an iconic symbol of strength and freedom. This magnificent bird of prey is known for its large size, with wingspans reaching up to 7 feet, making it one of the largest raptors in North America. The sharp, hooked beak and powerful talons are essential tools for hunting and catching their preferred prey, which includes fish, waterfowl, and small mammals.
Bald eagles primarily inhabit areas near large bodies of open water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastal regions. They are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including forests and mountainous terrains. Additionally, they are known for building massive nests, some of which can weigh up to a ton and span several feet in diameter.
Barred Owl
The barred owl (Strix varia) is a captivating bird of prey, recognized for its striking appearance and haunting call. With its rounded facial disc and dark brown eyes, this medium-sized owl has a dignified expression. The prominent vertical bars on its chest give it the name “barred” owl. Its feathers are a mix of mottled brown, white, and gray, providing excellent camouflage in its wooded habitats. Equipped with sharp talons and a powerful beak, the barred owl is an efficient hunter, preying on small mammals, birds, and even insects.
Barred owls primarily inhabit dense forests and wooded areas across North America. They favor mature forests with a mix of open spaces, providing an ideal environment for hunting and nesting. Their exceptional adaptability has allowed them to expand their range to include urban and suburban areas as well.
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are diminutive members of the owl family known for their unique nesting behavior. These small owls have long legs and a sandy-brown plumage with white spotting, providing excellent camouflage in their grassland habitats. Their striking yellow eyes and expressive facial features give them a curious and endearing appearance. True to their name, burrowing owls are skilled diggers and often inhabit abandoned burrows created by small mammals like prairie dogs or ground squirrels.
Burrowing owls tend to decorate their burrow entrances with objects they find in their surroundings, such as feathers, bones, and even man-made items like bottle caps or bits of plastic. This behavior is not fully understood, but it may serve a communicative or territorial purpose.
Ball Python
The ball python, also known as the royal python, is a popular and captivating snake species in the pet trade. With their striking patterns and gentle demeanor, they have become a favorite among reptile enthusiasts. Ball pythons (Python regius) are relatively small compared to other python species, typically reaching lengths of 3 to 5 feet. They have a robust body with a distinctive head and heat-sensitive pits on their lips, which aid in locating prey.
Native to the forests and savannas of West and Central Africa, ball pythons thrive in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to lowland forests. They are predominantly nocturnal hunters, using their excellent camouflage to ambush small mammals and birds. As their name suggests, when threatened, ball pythons have a defensive behavior of coiling into a tight ball with their head protected in the center.
Barnacle
Barnacles are peculiar marine crustaceans that are permanently attached to various surfaces, such as rocks, ships, and even the skin of whales. Despite their hard, calcareous shells resembling tiny volcanoes, barnacles are actually distant relatives of crabs and lobsters. Their appearance varies depending on the species, but they generally consist of a hinged shell with feathery appendages called cirri protruding from the opening. These cirri are used to filter plankton and other microscopic organisms from the surrounding water.
Barracuda
Barracudas are predatory fish found in warm waters around the world. They have a sleek and elongated body with sharp, pointed teeth, perfectly adapted for capturing and slicing through their prey with precision. Their torpedo-shaped physique allows them to reach impressive speeds, making them formidable hunters in the ocean. Barracudas come in various species, ranging in size from two to six feet or more, with the great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) being one of the largest and most well-known.
These voracious predators inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, often frequenting coral reefs, coastal shelves, and open waters. They prefer areas with clear visibility, as it aids their hunting strategy of surprise attacks on smaller fish, squid, and other marine creatures.
Bed Bug
Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that have plagued human history for centuries as notorious blood-feeders. Measuring about 5-7 millimeters in length, they have a flat, oval-shaped body, which enables them to hide in tight cracks and crevices, particularly in and around beds and furniture. Bed bugs are reddish-brown in color, but they may appear darker after a blood meal. Despite their name, they can be found in various locations, not just beds, including sofas, luggage, and even electrical outlets.
Habitat preferences for bed bugs revolve around places where they have easy access to their human hosts during the night.
Blue Whale
The blue whale, the largest animal to have ever lived on Earth, is a magnificent marine mammal with awe-inspiring proportions. These gentle giants can reach lengths of up to 100 feet and weigh as much as 200 tons. Their long, slender bodies are a stunning shade of blue-gray, with mottled patterns on their skin. The massive head houses a massive mouth, capable of holding hundreds of metric tons of water and krill, their primary food source.
Unfortunately, centuries of commercial whaling drastically reduced their populations, and despite protective measures implemented in the 20th century, they are slow to recover. Today, their greatest threats include ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, and the impact of climate change on their food sources.
Beluga Whale
Belgua, scientifically known as Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas), is a captivating marine mammal that starts with the letter “B.” This striking creature, often referred to as the white whale, boasts a distinctive appearance with its snow-white skin, making it easily recognizable among its ocean-dwelling counterparts. The Beluga’s streamlined body, rounded forehead (melon), and lack of a dorsal fin enable it to effortlessly maneuver through icy Arctic and sub-Arctic waters. These social animals display a keen intelligence, known for their complex vocalizations, earning them the moniker “sea canaries.”
During the summer months, they venture into estuaries and shallow river deltas in search of food, which mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Their strong sense of community is evident in their migrations, as they often travel in pods, ranging from a few individuals to larger aggregations.
Bowhead Whale
The bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus) is an awe-inspiring marine mammal that claims its spot among the animals that start with the letter “B.” One of the largest whale species, the bowhead stands out with its robust, dark-colored body and massive, bowed head, which comprises almost 40% of its total length. As its name suggests, the bowhead’s distinguishing feature is its strong, arched upper jaw, which allows it to break through thick Arctic ice with ease.
Their preference for Arctic seas is partly due to the abundance of their favored food, such as krill, copepods, and small fish, which they filter through their baleen plates. Bowhead whales exhibit remarkable longevity, with some individuals believed to live for over 200 years, making them one of the longest-lived mammals on Earth.
Buffalo
The buffalo encompasses two remarkable and distinct species – the water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer). The water buffalo, also known as the Asian buffalo, boasts a sturdy, dark-colored body and large, curving horns that can span over five feet. Its preferred habitat includes marshlands, swamps, and riverbanks, where it relishes in the water and mud to keep cool and protect itself from biting insects. Renowned for its vital role in Asian agriculture, the water buffalo has served as a reliable draft animal for centuries, contributing significantly to farming and transportation.
On the other hand, the Cape buffalo, also referred to as the African buffalo, exhibits a robust and formidable build, with large, sweeping horns that fuse at the base, forming a distinctive “boss” on its forehead. This imposing bovid prefers a range of habitats, from grasslands to woodlands, and is often seen in large herds grazing on grass and occasionally browsing on shrubs and trees. Remarkably social animals, Cape buffaloes establish strong bonds within their herds and demonstrate fierce protectiveness towards their young and members in need.
Black Widow Spider
The black widow spider (Latrodectus spp.) is an eye-catching arachnid. Renowned for its distinctive appearance, the female black widow is recognizable by its shiny black body with a distinctive red or orange hourglass-shaped marking on its abdomen. This spider possesses powerful neurotoxic venom, making it one of the most venomous spiders in North America.
Black widow spiders live in a range of habitats, from temperate forests to urban areas. The female black widow is notorious for its unique reproductive behavior, as it sometimes cannibalizes the male after mating, leading to the name “black widow.” Despite its potentially dangerous venom, black widow spiders usually avoid human contact, and bites are relatively rare. In the rare event of a bite, prompt medical attention is crucial.
Bison
The buffalo, scientifically known as Bison bison, is an iconic mammal that belongs to the animals starting with the letter “B.” These massive bovids sport a distinctive and robust build, with a humped shoulder and a massive head adorned with curving, sharp horns. Their thick, shaggy fur ranges in color from dark brown to black, providing them with insulation during harsh weather conditions.
Historically, buffalo herds once roamed the vast grasslands of North America in immense numbers. While their range has significantly diminished, they can still be found in various habitats, including prairies, savannas, and woodlands. Buffalo exhibit fascinating social behavior, forming tight-knit groups and displaying intricate communication within their herds.
Bobcat
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a medium-sized predator that boasts a distinctive appearance. They have a short, bobbed tail, tufted ears, and striking, speckled fur patterned with spots and bars, aiding in its exceptional camouflage. The bobcat’s coat coloration can vary from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, adapting to its diverse range of habitats.
These solitary creatures are found throughout North America, inhabiting a range of ecosystems, from dense forests and mountains to semi-arid regions and swamps. Bobcats are excellent hunters, preying on a variety of small to medium-sized animals, such as rabbits, rodents, and birds. With remarkable agility and keen senses, they are skilled at stalking and ambushing their prey.
Bonobo
The bonobo, scientifically known as Pan paniscus, is an intelligent member of the great ape family. Often referred to as the “pygmy chimpanzee,” the bonobo shares many physical characteristics with its close relative, the common chimpanzee. It has a slim build, covered in dark hair, and long arms ideal for swinging through the forest canopy.
Bonobos are native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. They are highly social animals, living in complex societies led by female dominance. One of the most unique aspects of bonobos is their exceptional emphasis on peaceful behaviors, forming strong bonds within their communities.
Box Turtle
(That’s me with a baby box turtle!)
The box turtle (Terrapene carolina) is a reptile that finds its place among the animals starting with”B.” Box turtles have a distinct appearance, featuring a high-domed carapace (upper shell) and a hinged plastron (lower shell) that allows them to close their shell tightly, protecting their vulnerable body from predators. Their carapace can vary in color, from shades of brown and olive to vibrant patterns of yellow and orange.
Box turtles are primarily found in North America and are highly adaptable to various environments. They prefer habitats with a mix of woodlands, grasslands, and moist areas, such as meadows and marshes. These terrestrial reptiles display a slow and deliberate movement, relying on their strong shell for protection rather than quick escape. They have an intriguing ability to retract their head, legs, and tail completely into their shell when they feel threatened.
Bull Frog
The bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is a frog species that exhibits a robust and muscular build. The frog has a distinctive rounded snout and powerful hind legs, ideal for long leaps and swimming. Bullfrogs are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats. Ponds, lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers are all fair game for these frogs. They are known for their distinctive deep, resonant calls, often likened to the sound of a bull, hence the name “bullfrog.” Their calls are particularly prominent during breeding season when males vocalize to attract females.
Bush Baby
The bush baby, scientifically known as Galago spp., is a small primate. These adorable creatures have a unique physical appearance, featuring large, round eyes that aid in their excellent night vision. They have a bushy tail, soft fur ranging in color from gray to brown, and distinctively long hind limbs, which enable them to leap great distances through the trees.
Bush babies are predominantly found in the forests and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. They are nocturnal animals, relying on their exceptional agility and nocturnal adaptations to navigate through the dense vegetation at night. One of the fascinating features of bush babies is their ability to communicate using various vocalizations, including soft calls, sharp barks, and loud cries, which they use to establish territories and communicate with each other.
Butterfly
Butterflies belong to the scientific Order Lepidoptera. They are delicate insects that stands out among the animals that start with B. These captivating creatures are characterized by their vibrant colors, intricate wing patterns, and delicate, membranous wings. Butterflies undergo a remarkable transformation, starting as caterpillars that undergo metamorphosis to become beautiful winged adults.
Butterflies are found in a wide range of habitats across the globe. You can find them everywhere from tropical rainforests to temperate meadows and even deserts. They are highly sensitive to environmental changes and are often considered indicators of the overall health of ecosystems. As pollinators, butterflies play a crucial role in plant reproduction, facilitating the transfer of pollen from one flower to another.
Burmese Python
The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is a large and impressive constrictor snake. The powerful reptiles can reach lengths of up to 20 feet or more. And their robust bodies are covered in intricate patterns of dark brown or black and tan scales. One of their distinctive features is their heat-sensing pits along their upper and lower jaws, which aid them in detecting warm-blooded prey.
Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia, where they inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. However, they have become an invasive species in certain regions, including the Florida Everglades. Reasons for this include the pet trade and accidental or intentional releases.
Box Jellyfish
The box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) is a highly venomous marine creature. These gelatinous and transparent jellyfish derive their name from their square-shaped, box-like bell, which can reach sizes of up to 20 centimeters in diameter. Each corner of the bell houses a long, tentacle cluster containing thousands of tiny, venomous nematocysts used for capturing and immobilizing prey.
Baboon
The baboon is a social primate that claims its spot among the animals that start with b. These intelligent animals exhibit a robust and muscular build, with powerful limbs and distinctive dog-like muzzles. Their fur coloration varies among species, ranging from olive-green to brown and even silver-gray in certain individuals.
Baboons are highly adaptable. You can find them in various habitats across Africa, from open savannas and grasslands to dense forests and rocky cliffs. They live in large troops led by dominant males and exhibit complex social structures. Within the groups, grooming and communication play crucial roles in maintaining group cohesion.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees round out this list of animals that start with B. They are scientifically known as Bombus spp., and are essential pollinators. These fuzzy insects are characterized by their robust, black and yellow-striped bodies and their soft, audible buzzing while flying. Bumblebees exhibit a unique social structure, forming colonies led by a queen, workers, and male drones.
Bumblebees are found in a wide range of habitats, from meadows and gardens to woodlands and alpine regions. They play a vital role in pollinating a variety of flowering plants, making them essential contributors to the health and diversity of ecosystems. In terms of conservation status, certain bumblebee species are facing decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.
Final Take on Animals That Start With B
That’s a wrap on some of the many animals that start with the letter B. Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list. But it’s a good place to start learning about these critters. What’s your favorite animal that starts with B?