Animals Start with O

Do you know any animals that start with the letter O? We would love to hear about them!

In this article, we have listed 53 of the most popular animals that start with O. From O’Shaughnessy Chameleo to Ozark cavefish; these are the names of animals that start with O. So be sure to check out this list and see which ones you know! 

Alphabetical List of Animals That Start with O
  • O’Shaughnessy’s chameleon: This tiny chameleon is found on the island of Madagascar. It is green in color, with yellow spots on its back. O’Shaughnessy’s chameleons are arboreal lizards, meaning they spend most of their time in trees.
  • Oahu creeper: This tiny bird is endemic to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is brown, with black streaks on its back. Oahu creepers are insectivores, meaning they eat insects.
  • Oahu elepaio: This tiny bird is also endemic to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It is brown, with white streaks on its head and neck. Oahu elepaios are insectivores, meaning they eat insects.
  • Oahu tree snail: These tiny snails are endemic to the island of Oahu in Hawaii. They have a shell that grows to only about 1 inch in length. Oahu tree snails are herbivores, meaning they eat plants.
  • Oasis hummingbird: This tiny hummingbird is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is green in color, with a red throat. Oasis hummingbirds are nectarivorous, meaning they eat nectar from flowers.
  • Ocean sunfish: This is the largest bony fish in the world. It can grow up to 20 feet in length and weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Ocean sunfish are found in tropical and temperate waters around the world. They are filter feeders, meaning they eat plankton and small fish.
  • Ocellated turkey: This large turkey is found in Mexico and Central America. It is blue, with white spots on its body. Ocellated turkeys are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
  • Ocelot: This medium-sized cat is found in Central and South America. It is yellow, with black spots on its body. Ocelots are carnivores, meaning they eat meat.
  • Ochre-breasted Antpitta: A small, brown bird with an ochre-colored breast. It is found in the foothills and subtropics of Central and South America. This rare bird is known for its beautiful song.
  • Octopus: A cephalopod mollusk with eight arms and a beak. Octopuses are intelligent creatures and can solve puzzles and open jars. They are also master escape artists.
  • Octopus squid: A deep-sea squid with eight arms and two long tentacles. Octopus squid are bioluminescent, meaning they can produce light. They are also speedy swimmers.
  • Ogilby’s Duiker: A small antelope found in the forests of West Africa. Ogilby’s duikers are shy and difficult to see. They are nocturnal and have excellent hearing.
  • Oilbird: A nocturnal bird that lives in the cloud forests of South America. Oilbirds are the only birds known to use echolocation to navigate. They are also known for their delicious guano, used as a fertilizer.
  • Okapi: A hoofed mammal that is related to the giraffe. Okapis are found in the forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These rare and elusive animals are facing a decline in population because of habitat loss and poaching.
  • Okarito Kiwi: A flightless bird found in New Zealand. Okarito kiwis are critically endangered, with only about 200 individuals left in the wild. They are nocturnal and have excellent hearing and smell.
  • Old English Sheepdog: A large, fluffy dog initially bred to herd sheep. Old English Sheepdogs are known for their kind and loving nature and their swimming abilities. They are also popular as therapy dogs.
  • Oldenburg Horse: A large, strong horse that is originally from Germany. Oldenburg horses are known for their smooth gait and their ability to jump. They are also famous for dressage.
  • Olive Ridley Turtle: The second-smallest sea turtle species, the olive ridley, is abundant in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.
  • Olive Sea Snake: The olive sea snake is venomous in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It is small, typically growing to only about 2 feet in length.
  • Omura’s Whale: Omura’s whale, the smallest of the baleen whales, can be found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.
  • Onager: The tiny, wild ass is found in the deserts of Central Asia. It is shy, elusive, and vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
  • One-Finned Shark: A rare and unusual species of shark, it can be found in the deep waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This shark is the only living species in the Mitsukurinidae family and is critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
  • Opossum: The marsupial is found in North and South America. It is nocturnal and is known for its ability to play dead.
  • Orange Fiddler Crab: Orange fiddler crabs, a small species of crab, can be found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It is named for its giant, orange claw.
  • Orange-Thighed Tree Frog: A small tree frog found in Central and South America, the orange-thighed tree frog is poisonous and has a bright orange body with black markings. It eats insects and spiders.
  • Orange-Bellied Leafbird: A small songbird found in Africa, the orange-bellied leafbird has a green back and wings, a yellow belly, and an orange breast. It eats insects and fruit.
  • Orange-Bellied Parakeet: A small parrot found in South America, the orange-bellied parakeet has a green back and wings, an orange belly, and a yellow head. It eats fruit, seeds, and nuts.
  • Orange-Breasted Falcon: A medium-sized falcon found in South America, the orange-breasted falcon has a brown back and wings, an orange breast, and a white belly. It eats birds, small mammals, and reptiles.
  • Orca: A large, mighty marine mammal found in all oceans except the Arctic, the orca is an apex predator and eats fish, seals, sea lions, and even other whales. They are social animals and live in pods of up to 50 individuals.
  • Oregon Spotted Frog: The Oregon spotted frog is a small, brown frog with black spots and a white belly. It is found in the western United States, where it eats insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
  • Oriental Shorthair Cat: The Oriental Shorthair is a gracefulmuscular cat with a shortshiny coat in various colors and patterns. Orientals are known for their intelligence, playfulness, and affectionate nature.
  • Oriental Weather fish: A smalltropical fish native to Southeast Asia. Oriental weather fish are known for their bright colors and ability to change colors in response to their environment.
  • Orinoco Crocodile: The most giant crocodile in South America, the Orinoco crocodile can grow up to 20 feet long. Orinoco crocodiles are apex predators found in South America’s freshwater habitats.
  • Ornate Chorus Frog: A smallterrestrial frog in Central and South America. Ornate chorus frogs are known for their loud calls, which they use to attract mates.
  • Ornate Spiny Lobster: A giantbottom-dwelling crustacean in tropical and subtropical waters. Ornate spiny lobsters are prized for their sweet, delicate meat.
  • Oryx: A large antelope that is found in Africa. Oryx are known for their long, straight horns and ability to survive in harsh desert environments.
  • Osprey: A largefish-eating bird of prey that is found worldwide. Osprey are known for their distinctive brown and white plumage and their ability to dive for fish.
  • Ossimi sheep: A smallwoolly sheep found in the Middle East. Ossimi sheep are known for their hardiness and ability to produce high-quality wool.
  • Ostracod: A small crustacean that is found in freshwater and marine habitats. Ostracods are filter feeders and play an essential role in the food chain.
  • Otago skink: A giant, endangered lizard found in New Zealand. This black lizard with yellow or green blotches can grow up to 30 centimeters long. This lizard is extremely rare, with only a few hundred individuals left in the wild.
  • Othnielia: A genus of herbivorous dinosaurs that lived in the Late Jurassic period. Their long necks and tails gave them the appearance of horses. Othnielia is one of the most common dinosaurs in the Morrison Formation, a fossil-rich rock layer in the western United States.
  •  Otters: Semi-aquatic mammals that are found in fresh and saltwater habitats. They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their webbed feet and fur to propel themselves through the water. Otters are social animals and live in groups of up to 12 individuals. 
  • Otterhounds: A large, water-loving dog breed originally bred to help otters hunt. Otterhounds are known for their thick fur, webbed feet, and loud bark. They are often kept as pets due to their delicate temperament.
  • Oustalet’s chameleons: Small, brightly colored chameleons found in Madagascar. They are known for having long, slender bodies that can change color to blend in with their environment. Oustalet’s chameleons are endangered due to habitat loss and overhunting. 
  • Ovenbirds: Small songbirds that are found in North America. They are known for their distinctive “ovenbird” song to attract mates and defend their territory. Ovenbirds are located across various habitats, including forests, fields, and gardens.
  • Owens pupfish: Small, endangered fish found in Owens Lake, California. Owens pupfish are the only fish species native to Owens Lake, and they are threatened by habitat loss and water pollution. Owens pupfish are a popular subject of research and conservation efforts.
  • Owls: These birds are known for their sharp eyesight, ability to fly silently, and distinctive hooting calls.
  • Oxen: These large, hoofed mammals are used for their strength and their milk. They are often used for pulling plows or carts; their milk is used to make cheese and other dairy products.
  • Oxford sheep: These sheep are known for their distinctive curly fleece. They are a popular breed for producing wool and are also used for their meat.
  • Oxyrhyncha mantis shrimp: These shrimp are known for their powerful claws, which they use to crush their prey. They are also known for their brilliant colors, which they use to attract mates.
  • Oysters: These bivalve mollusks are filter feeders, which filter tiny food particles from the water. They are popular seafood, and they are also used to make pearls.
  • Ozark big-eared bat: These bats are known for their large ears, which they use to help them navigate in the dark. They are also well-known for their loud calls to communicate with one another.
  • Ozark cavefish: These fish are blind and cave-dwelling, known for their pale skin and lack of pigmentation. They are a popular subject of scientific study. They are also used as a model organism for research into vision and development.

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