Animals Start with P

Are you curious about the animals that start with the letter P?

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 136 animals that start with P. From Paca to Python, this list has it all! So whether you want to learn something new or have fun, check out this list!

Alphabetical List of Animals That Start with P
  • Paca: Rodent-like mammal native to South America. Pacas are about the size of a small dog, with brown fur and white spots. They are nocturnal and herbivores, and they live in forests and woodlands.
  • Pacific Gull: Medium-sized gull found along the Pacific coast of North America. Pacific gulls are grayish-brown with white heads and tails. They eat various diet, which includes fish, shellfish, and insects.
  • Pack Rat: Small, rodent-like mammal found in North America. Pack rats, also known as wood rats, are known for their hoarding behavior. They collect a variety of objects, including food, tools, and other items that they find interesting. They often store these objects in their nests, which can be significant and complex. They are nocturnal and herbivores, and they live in deserts, forests, and grasslands.
  • Pacman Frog: Large, brightly colored frog native to South America. Pacman frogs are named for their wide mouths, resembling the mouth of the video game Pac-Man. Pacman frogs are about the size of a hand and come in various colors, including orange, yellow, and green. They are carnivores and feed on insects, spiders, and small vertebrates.
  • Paddlefish: Large, primitive fish found in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Paddlefish are filter feeders, using their long, flat snouts to sift through the water for food. 
  • Pademelon: Small, marsupial mammal native to Australia. Pademelons are about the size of a rabbit, with brown or gray fur. They are herbivores and feed on grasses, leaves, and fruits.
  • Paint Horse: A breed of horse developed in the United States in the early 1900s. Paint horses are characterized by their distinctive white and colored markings. Paint horses are used for various activities, including riding, racing, and showing.
  • Painted Stork: Large, brightly colored stork found in Africa and Asia. Painted storks are about the size of a heron, with long necks and legs. They are carnivores and feed on fish, frogs, and insects.
  • Painted Turtle: Small, freshwater turtle found in North America. Painted turtles are about the size of a dinner plate, with brightly colored shells. 
  • Pallas Cat: Small, wild cat found in Central Asia. Pallas cats are about the size of a house cat, with thick fur and large ears. They are carnivores and feed on rodents, birds, and insects.
  • Palm Squirrel: Tree-dwelling rodent native to South Asia. Palm squirrels are about 12-17 centimeters long and weigh 100-120 grams. They have brown fur with white spots. They are nocturnal and herbivores, and they live in forests and woodlands.
  • Panda: Bear-like mammal native to China. Pandas are about the size of a small bear, with black and white fur. They are herbivores and feed on bamboo.
  • Panda Bear: Endangered species of bear native to China. Pandas are about the size of a small bear, with black and white fur. They are herbivores and feed on bamboo.
  • Pangolin: Scale-covered mammal native to Africa and Asia. Pangolins are about the size of a raccoon, with scales that protect them from predators. They are insectivores and feed on ants and termites.
  • Panther: Black or brown variant of the leopard. Panthers are about the size of a leopard, with black or brown fur. They are carnivores and feed on various animals, including deer, monkeys, and birds.
  • Panther Chameleon: Large chameleon native to Madagascar. Panther chameleons are about the size of a small lizard, with a long tail and various colors. They are carnivores and feed on insects.
  • Papillon: Small breed of dog native to France. Papillons are about the size of a toy poodle, with long, silky fur. They are companion animals and are known for their playful personality.
  • Parakeet: Small parrot native to Australia. Parakeets are about the size of a sparrow, with brightly colored feathers. They are companion animals and are known for their ability to talk.
  • Parrotfish: Tropical fish found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Parrotfish are about the size of a small fish, with brightly colored scales. They are herbivores and feed on algae.
  • Parrotlet: Small parrot native to Australia. Parrotlets are about the size of a canary, with brightly colored feathers. They are companion animals and are known for their ability to talk.
  • Parson Russell Terrier: Small breed of dog native to England. Parson Russell Terriers are about the size of a Jack Russell Terrier, with short, wiry fur. They are hunting dogs and are known for their speed and agility.
  • Partridge: Game bird native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Partridges are about the size of a chicken, with brown or gray feathers. They are ground-dwelling birds and are known for their ability to sprint.
  • Patas Monkey: Tree-dwelling monkey native to Africa. Patas monkeys are about the size of a small baboon, with long legs and a long tail. They are fast-running monkeys and are known for their acrobatic abilities.
  • Patterdale Terrier: Small breed of dog native to England. Patterdale Terriers are about the size of a rat terrier, with short, smooth fur. They are hunting dogs and are known for their courage and tenacity.
  • Peacock: Large bird native to India and Sri Lanka. Peacocks have vividly colored feathers and a long tail and are roughly the size of a turkey. They are peafowl and are known for their elaborate courtship displays.
  • Peacock Butterfly: Large butterfly native to Asia. Peacock butterflies are about the size of a hand, with a wingspan of up to 10 inches. They are nocturnal butterflies known for their bright colors and intricate patterns.
  • Peacock Spider: Tiny Spider native to Australia. Peacock spiders are about the size of a pinhead, with brightly colored abdomens. They are trapdoor spiders and are known for their elaborate courtship displays.
  • Peagle: Hybrid dog breed between a Beagle and a Poodle. Beagles, with long, wavy coats, are about the size of a Beagle. They are companion dogs and are known for their friendly and playful personalities.
  • Peccary: Medium-sized, pig-like mammal native to Central and South America. Peccaries are about the size of a large dog, with coarse hair and a long snout. They are herd animals and are known for their aggressive behavior.
  • Peekapoo: Hybrid dog breed between a Pekingese and a Poodle. Peekapoos are about the size of a Pekingese, with a long, curly coat. They are companion dogs and are known for their friendly and playful personalities.
  • Pekingese: Small dog breed native to China. Pekingese are about the size of a small cat with a long, thick coat. They are companion dogs and are known for their stubbornness and loyalty.
  • Pelican: Large bird native to wetlands around the world. Pelicans are about the size of a turkey, with a long beak and a pouch under their bill. They are fish-eating birds known for their ability to scoop up fish with their beaks.
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Small dog breed native to Wales. Pembroke Welsh Corgis are about the size of a Jack Russell Terrier, with short legs and a long body. They are herding dogs and are known for their intelligence and loyalty.
  • Penguin: Flightless bird native to the Southern Hemisphere. Penguins are about the size of a human toddler, with black and white feathers. They are aquatic birds known for their swimming and diving abilities.
  • Percheron: Large horse breed native to France. Percherons are about the size of a Clydesdale, with a muscular build and a long mane and tail. They are draft horses and are known for their strength and endurance.
  • Pere David’s Deer: Extinct deer species native to China. Pere David’s deer were about the size of a large elk, with long antlers and a long tail. They were reintroduced to the wild in the early 2000s but are still considered endangered.
  • Peregrine Falcon: Fastest bird in the world. When diving, peregrine falcons can travel up to 200 miles per hour. They are falcons and are known for their hunting skills.
  • Perro de Presa Canario: A large, muscular dog breed originally from the Canary Islands. Perro de Presa Canarios are known for their strength, agility, and loyalty. They are also known for their potential for aggression and are often banned in certain countries.
  • Persian: A long-haired cat breed native to Persia (modern-day Iran). Persians are known for their soft, thick fur, round faces, and large eyes. 
  • Peruvian Inca Orchid: A hairless dog breed native to Peru. Peruvian Inca Orchids are known for their wrinkled skin, large ears, and long tails. 
  • Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: A small, short-legged dog breed native to France. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are known for their long, droopy ears, short legs, and wiry fur. 
  • Petite Goldendoodle: A small, mixed-breed dog bred between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Petite Goldendoodles are known for their soft, wavy fur, friendly personalities, and intelligence.
  • Petrel: A seabird that is related to albatrosses and shearwaters. Petrels are known for their long, slender bodies, hooked beaks, and long wings. 
  • Pheasant: A game bird native to Asia, Europe, and Africa. Pheasants are known for their colorful plumage, long tails, and loud calls. They are also known for their short-distance flight capabilities.
  • Pied Avocet: A wading bird native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Pied Avocets are known for their long, curved beaks, black and white plumage, and upright stance. They are also known for their amiable and exuberant natures.
  • Pied Crow: A large, black crow that is native to Africa. Pied Crows are known for their intelligence, ability to mimic human speech, and social behavior. They are also known for their potential for aggression and, as such, are often considered to be pests.
  • Pied tamarin: A small, black-and-white monkey found in the Amazon rainforest. These animals are known for their social behavior and usually live in groups of up to 20 individuals. Pied tamarins are known for their intelligence and playfulness.
  • Pig: hoofed mammal with thick skin and a snout. Pigs can consume various items, including plants, insects, and small animals because they are omnivores. Pigs are brilliant animals that may be taught to carry out multiple activities.
  • Pigeon: A dove-like bird with a plump body and a short neck. Pigeons are often seen in urban areas and are known for their cooing calls. Pigeons are pretty intelligent animals and have been used for centuries to deliver messages and carry homing pigeons.
  • Pika: A small, rabbit-like mammal found in the mountains of North America. Pikas are herbivores and eat a variety of grasses, leaves, and flowers. Pikas are known for their ability to store food for the winter.
  • Pike: A large, predatory fish found in freshwater habitats. Pikes are known for their long, slender bodies and their sharp teeth. Pikes are apex predators.
  • Pileated woodpecker: A large, black-and-white woodpecker found in North America. Pileated woodpeckers are known for their large size and their loud drumming calls. To maintain a healthy ecology, pileated woodpeckers are crucial in managing insect populations.
  • Pine marten: A small, furry mammal found in the forests of Europe and Asia. Pine martens are carnivores and eat a variety of small mammals, birds, and insects. 
  • Pine siskin: A small songbird found in the forests of North America. Pine siskins are known for their bright yellow and black feathers. Pine siskins are migratory birds.
  • Pine snake: A giant, non-venomous snake found in the forests of North America. Pine snakes are known for their slender bodies and brown or black scales. Pine snakes are essential to the ecology as they help control rodent populations. 
  • Pink fairy armadillo: The smallest species of armadillo, found in the grasslands of Argentina. Pink fairy armadillos are nocturnal and eat insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. Pink fairy armadillos are an essential part of the ecosystem, as they help to control populations of small prey animals.
  • Pink salmon: A small salmon found in the Pacific Ocean. Pink salmon are known for their bright pink color and their migratory habits.
  • Pintail: A duck with a long, pinnate tail. Pintail ducks are known for their graceful swimming and flying.
  • Piranha: A small, toothy fish found in South America. Piranhas are known for their aggressive behavior and their flesh-eating habits.
  • Pitbull: A dog known for its muscular build and short snout. Pit bulls are often misunderstood and misrepresented but can be loving and loyal companions.
  • Pit viper: A type of snake that is known for its pit organs, which are used to detect heat. Pit vipers are venomous and can be dangerous to humans.
  • Pitador: A cross between an American Pitbull Terrier and a Labrador Retriever dog. Pitadors are intelligent and energetic dogs that make great family pets.
  • Pitsky: A cross between a pit bull and a husky. Pitskies are friendly and outgoing dogs that make great companions.
  • Pitta: A type of bird that is known for its bright plumage and its melodic songs. Pittas are found in tropical forests around the world.
  • Platy: A fish known for its flat body and lively personality. Platies are popular aquarium fish.
  • Platypus: A mammal that is found in Australia. Platypus are semi-aquatic and have a duck-like bill, otter-like feet, and a weasel-like body.
  • Pleco: A type of fish that is found in South America. Plecos are bottom-feeders and have sucker-like mouth. Plecos are popular aquarium fish.
  • Plover: A bird known for its sandpiper-like appearance and whirring flight. Plovers are found in coastal areas around the world.
  • Pocket Beagle: A small breed of dog that is a miniature version of the Beagle. Pocket Beagles are friendly and affectionate dogs that make great companions.
  • Pocket Pitbull: A cross between a Pitbull and a pocket Beagle. Pocket Pitbulls are energetic and intelligent dogs that make great family pets.
  • Pogona: A lizard that is native to Australia. Pogonas are popular pets because they are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
  • Pointer: A gundog known for its long legs and keen sense of smell. Pointers are used for hunting birds.
  • Poison Dart Frog: A small frog that is found in rainforests of Central and South America. Poison dart frogs are toxic, and their skin contains poison that can be fatal to humans.
  • Polar Bear: A large white bear that is found in the Arctic. Polar bears are apex predators, and their diet consists mainly of seals.
  • Polecat: A mammal that is found in Europe and Asia. Polecats are nocturnal, and their diet consists mainly of small mammals and birds.
  • Polish Lowland Sheepdog: A dog known for its long hair and friendly personality. Polish Lowland Sheepdogs are popular pets and are often used as therapy dogs.
  • Pollock: A fish that is found in cold water habitats around the world. Pollocks are an essential food source for humans and other animals.
  • Polyphemus moth: A giant moth found in North and South America. Polyphemus moths are nocturnal, and their larvae feed on oak trees.
  • Pomapoo: A cross between a Poodle and a Pomeranian. Pomapoos are small and fluffy dogs that make great companions.
  • Pomchi: A cross between a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. Pomchis are small and cute dogs that make great companions.
  • Pomeagle: A cross between a Pomeranian and an Eagle Dog. Pomeagles are small and energetic dogs that make great family pets.
  • Pomeranian: A small, fluffy dog popular as a companion animal. It is renowned for having a joyful and relaxing nature.
  • Pomfret: A flatfish that is found in tropical and temperate waters. It is an essential food source for humans and other animals. It is known for its silvery coloration and its delicate flavor.
  • Pompano: A gamefish that is found in tropical and temperate waters. It is known for its swiftness and its silvery coloration. It is a popular choice for sport fishing and is also considered a delicacy.
  • Pomsky: A cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky. It is a small and energetic dog that makes a great companion. It is known for its playful and affectionate personality.
  • Pond Skater: An aquatic insect that is found in ponds and lakes. It is known for its ability to skate on the water’s surface. It plays a crucial role in the aquatic food chain.
  • Pony: A small equine animal often used for riding or pulling. It is renowned for both its gentleness and toughness.
  • Poochon: Poochons are small, friendly dogs that cross between Poodles and Pugs. They are known for their hypoallergenic coats and their playful personalities.
  • Poodle: A type of dog known for its intelligence and dapper appearance. It is famous as a companion animal and performing dog. It is known for its curly hair and its ability to learn tricks.
  • Pool Frog: A small frog found in pools and other water bodies. It is known for its loud calls. It is an essential part of the aquatic food chain.
  • Porbeagle: A type of shark that is found in cold water habitats. It is a vital food source for humans and other animals. It is known for its quickness and its powerful jaws.
  • Porcupine: A rodent that is known for its sharp quills. It is nocturnal, and its diet consists mainly of plants. It is known for its ability to defend itself from predators with its quills.
  • Porpoise: A small-toothed whale that is found in coastal and riverine habitats around the world. It is a crucial food source for humans and other animals. It is known for its playful temperament and power to jump out of the water.
  • Portuguese Man O’ War: A floating colony of organisms found in tropical and temperate waters. It is known for its sting and its ability to kill humans.
  • Possum: A marsupial that is found in North and South America. It is known for its goofy appearance and its ability to play dead.
  • Pot-Bellied Pig: A domesticated pig known for its pot belly and gentle nature. It is famous as a companion animal.
  • Potoo: A nocturnal bird that is found in tropical and subtropical America. It is known for its large eyes and its eerie calls.
  • Potoroo: A marsupial that is found in Australia. It is known for its small size and its ability to hop.
  • Potto: A primate that is found in Africa. It is known for its long arms and its slow movements.
  • Prairie Chicken: A gamebird that is found in North America. It is known for its booming calls and its elaborate mating dances.
  • Prairie Dog: A small burrowing rodent that is found in North America. It is known for its loud barking calls and its social behavior.
  • Prairie Rattlesnake: A venomous snake that is found in North America. It is known for its diamond-shaped markings and ability to deliver a fatal bite.
  • Prawn: A crustacean that is found in both fresh and salt water. It is known for its long antennae and its ability to swim backward.
  • Praying Mantis: An insect known for its praying posture and ability to catch and eat other insects.
  • Proboscis Monkey: A primate that is found in Borneo. It is known for its long nose and its aggressive behavior.
  •  Pronghorn: The pronghorn is a unique mammal native to North America. It is often called an antelope but is not closely related to true antelopes. Pronghorns are known for their remarkable speed and agility, capable of running up to 55 miles per hour (88 kilometers per hour), making them the world’s second-fastest land animal.
  • Przewalski’s Horse: Przewalski’s horse, also known as the Mongolian wild horse or Takhi, is a rare and endangered horse species native to the steppes of Central Asia. It is the only truly wild horse species surviving today. Przewalski’s horses have a stocky build, a pale coat, and a short, upright mane.
  • Ptarmigan: Ptarmigans are a group of bird species belonging to the grouse family. They are known for their seasonal camouflage, with their feathers changing color to blend in with the surrounding environment. Ptarmigans are found in the Arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • Pterosaur: Pterosaurs were flying reptiles living alongside dinosaurs during the Mesozoic Era. They are not dinosaurs but a separate group of reptiles. Pterosaurs had wings made of skin stretched between elongated finger bones.
  • Pudelpointer: The Pudelpointer is an adaptable hunting dog that originated in Germany. It was developed by crossing various breeds, including the Poodle and the Pointer, to create a dog that excels in water retrieving and upland game tracking. Pudelpointers are known for their intelligence, trainability, and endurance.
  • Puff Adder: The puff adder is a nasty snake in parts of Africa and the Middle East. It is known for its distinctive hissing sound, which expels air through its nostrils when threatened. Puff adders have a broad triangular head and a thick body with a pattern of dark brown or black chevron-shaped markings.
  • Puffer: The term “puffer” is a general name used to refer to various species of fish that belong to the family Tetraodontidae. Pufferfish are known for their ability to inflate their bodies by swallowing water or air, making them appear larger and more intimidating to predators. Some puffer species also have a highly toxic substance called tetrodotoxin in their organs, which makes them poisonous if ingested.
  • Puffer Fish: Pufferfish, also known as blowfish, are a specific group of fish within the family Tetraodontidae. These fish can inflate their bodies by gulping water or air when threatened, turning into a round shape. 
  • Puffin: Puffins are seabirds that belong to the family Alcidae. They have a distinctive appearance with colorful, triangular beaks and striking markings around their eyes. Puffins are excellent divers who use their wings to “fly” underwater for fish. They nest in large colonies on coastal cliffs and are found in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Pug: Pugs are a small dog breed with wrinkled faces and curly tails. Pugs have a distinctive appearance with a compact body, a short muzzle, and a curled tail. 
  • Pugapoo: A designer dog breed created by crossing a Pug with a Poodle. They inherit traits from both parent breeds, often having a curly or wavy coat like a Poodle and the facial features of a Pug.
  • Puggle: A crossbreed dog obtained by crossing a Pug with a Beagle. They are known for their pleasant and warm nature, inheriting traits from both parent breeds. Puggles are often small to medium-sized dogs with short coats.
  • Pugshire: A hybrid dog breed resulting from the crossbreeding of a Pug and a Yorkshire Terrier. They can have a variety of characteristics from both parent breeds, including a compact size, a playful personality, and a distinctive coat.
  • Puku: A type of antelope found in wetlands and floodplains of Central Africa. They have a reddish-brown coat and short horns and have become known for their capacity for environmental adaptation.
  • Puma: A sizeable wild cat species found in the Americas. They have slender bodies, a tawny coat and are known for their skillfulness and power to jump long distances.
  • Pumi: A Hungarian herding dog breed is known for its lively and active nature. They have a curly, dense coats and are highly trainable, making them well-suited for herding and various dog sports.
  • Puna Ibis: A kind of bird found in South America’s high-altitude Andes Mountains. They have a distinctive long, curved bill often found in wetlands and grassy areas.
  • Puppy: A young dog still in the early stages of development. They are known for their enjoyable and friendly behaviour and require care and training to become well-behaved adult dogs.
  • Purple Emperor: A butterfly species found in Europe and Asia. They are known for their eye-catching colours, with males having dazzling purple wings and females having brown wings. They inhabit woodland areas and are often observed feeding on tree sap and rotting fruit.
  • Purple Finch: The Purple Finch is a bird species native to North America. The male has a raspberry-red head and breast, while the female has a duller brown plumage. They are known for their melodious song and can be found in forested areas.
  • Purple Grenadier: The Purple Grenadier is a small, colorful finch species in parts of Africa. The male has a purple head and breast with a red bill, while the female has a greenish-brown plumage. They inhabit woodland edges and savannas.
  • Purple Martin: The Purple Martin is a bird species native to North America. They are the largest swallow species in North America, known for their acrobatic flight. Male Purple Martins have a dark, glossy purple plumage, while females have a lighter grayish-brown plumage.
  • Puss Moth: The Puss Moth is a moth species in various parts of Asia. They have a furry appearance and a distinct color pattern of gray, black, and orange. Due to their vast size, puss moths are attracted to light sources at night.
  • Pygmy Goat: The Pygmy Goat is a small domesticated goat breed originating in Africa. They are popular as pets and for their milk. Pygmy Goats are known for their small stature, friendly nature, and playful behavior.
  • Pygmy Hippo: The Pygmy Hippo is a small species of hippopotamus native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. They are significantly smaller than their larger relatives, the common hippopotamus. Pygmy Hippos have a stocky build, dark brown or blackish skin, and are adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
  • Pygmy Marmoset: The Pygmy Marmoset, also known as the Finger Monkey, is the smallest monkey species in the world. They are native to the rainforests of South America. Pygmy Marmosets have a distinctive appearance with their tiny size, long tails, and claw-like nails.
  • Pygora Goat: The Pygora Goat is a breed of small-sized domestic goat that crosses the Pygmy Goat and the Angora Goat. They are valued for their soft, luxurious fiber, which can be used for spinning and making textiles. Pygora Goats are friendly and often kept as pets or for fiber production.
  • Pyrador: The Pyrador is a crossbreed dog obtained by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Great Pyrenees. They are typically large, sturdy dogs with a friendly and protective nature. Pyradors may have a variety of coat colors and patterns, inheriting traits from both parent breeds.
  • Pyredoodle: The Pyredoodle is a crossbreed dog resulting from the crossbreeding of a Standard Poodle with a Great Pyrenees. They are known for their enormous size, cleverness, and gentle temperament. Pyredoodles can have a variety of coat colors and textures, depending on the characteristics inherited from their parent breeds.
  • Python: Pythons are a group of giant, non-venomous snakes in different parts of the world. They are known for their muscular bodies, keen hunting abilities, and ability to constrict their prey. Pythons can vary in size, with some species reaching over 20 feet (6 meters).

Conclusion:

As you can see, so many exciting animals start with the letter P.

What are some of your favorite ones? Please drop a comment down below and share them! 

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