This page is dedicated to the incredible and diverse inhabitants of the animal kingdom that all have one thing in common: they all start with the letter “B” – the second letter of the alphabet.
As we journey through this article, we’ll introduce you to a huge list of fascinating creatures, their habitats, behaviors, and some quirky, unexpected facts about them. Beyond the obvious bee, bird, or butterfly, you will find listed here some very interesting, little-known animals that are worth discovering.
Have you ever heard of the binturong? Others are very common pets, such as the betta fish, and it is always great to learn about them as wild animals. Ready for the list? Let’s go!
Animals That Start With B – With Pictures & Facts
Here, we are listing 20 one-word animal names starting with B, with pictures and interesting facts.
Baboon
- Scientific name: Papio spp.
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Africa
The Baboon is one of the world’s largest monkeys, recognized for its dog-like muzzles and powerful build. Found in diverse habitats across Africa and Arabia, baboons are highly adaptable, omnivorous primates living in complex, highly structured social groups.
With their expressive faces and wide range of vocalizations, baboons effectively communicate within their groups, marking their spot in the animal kingdom as highly intelligent and social creatures.
Did you know? A baboon’s status within the troop can often be determined by the brightness of its buttocks – the redder the rear, the more dominant the baboon!
→ Read more about Baboons
Badger
- Scientific name: Arctonyx spp., Meles spp., Melogale spp., Mellivora capensis, Taxidea taxus, Mydaus spp.
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: North America, Africa, Eurasia
Badgers, with their black and white striped faces, are robust, nocturnal mammals found across several continents. They are extraordinary diggers that spend much of their time in complex burrow systems called ‘setts’. T
These creatures are known for their tenacity and strength, embodying a spirited survival instinct in both folklore and the wild.
Did you know? Badgers have been known to team up with coyotes in a hunting partnership. The badger digs up the prey from underground while the coyote catches those trying to escape.
→ Read more about Badgers
Bandicoot
- Scientific name: order Peramelemorphia
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Australia and New Guinea
Bandicoots are small to medium-sized marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. These creatures have a rodent-like appearance with a pointy snout and humped back but are more closely related to kangaroos and koalas.
With a diet composed mainly of insects, spiders, and plant matter, they serve a vital role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.
Did you know? Unlike many other marsupials, bandicoots have a remarkably short gestation period – just 12 days! The babies continue to develop outside the womb, securely attached to the mother’s teats.
→ Read more about Bandicoots
Barb
- Scientific name: family Cypriinidae
- Type of animal: Fish
- Where found: Asia, Europe, Africa
The Barb, a type of ray-finned fish, is known for its brilliant colors and energetic nature. Originating in Africa and Southeast Asia, they are a popular choice for freshwater aquariums worldwide.
Barbs come in a variety of sizes and colors, with some species, like the Tiger Barb, having bold, vibrant stripes.
Did you know? Despite their small size, Barbs are known to be quite assertive, often “nipping” the fins of other fish. This playful, yet sometimes aggressive, behavior is one reason why these lively swimmers should be kept with their own kind or other similarly-sized, active fish.
→ Read more about Barbs
Barracuda
- Scientific name: Sphyraena spp.
- Type of animal: Fish
- Where found: Tropical and subtropical oceans
Fast, fearsome, and equipped with a jaw full of sharp teeth, the Barracuda is an apex predator in the tropical and subtropical oceans. Its torpedo-shaped body allows it to swim at high speeds to catch prey and escape threats.
Often found lurking in the shadows, Barracudas are opportunistic hunters and their sudden acceleration can startle even the most experienced divers.
Did you know? Barracudas are known for their curious nature. They often follow divers, drawn to the shiny objects that divers carry, as they resemble the scales of small fish. This curiosity has led to some false but popular tales about barracuda attacks on humans.
→ Read more about Barracudas
Bat
- Scientific name: order Chiroptera
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Worldwide except polar regions
Bats, the only mammals capable of sustained flight, are incredibly diverse, with more than 1,400 species worldwide.
These creatures are most famously known for their association with darkness and caves, though many species live in trees, under bridges, or even in man-made bat houses. Bats have a diet that ranges from insects to fruits, and some species even feed on blood.
Did you know? Bats have a navigation and hunting technique called echolocation, where they emit high-frequency sounds that bounce off objects in their environment, helping them navigate in total darkness and locate their prey. This system is so efficient that bats can detect objects as thin as a human hair in complete darkness.
→ Read more about Bats
Bear
- Scientific name: family Ursidae
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: All continents except Antarctica and Australia
Found across multiple continents, these large mammals are symbols of strength and perseverance. They come in a variety of species, each with its distinct features and habitat preferences.
From the icy expanses of the Arctic where the polar bear reigns supreme, to the dense forests of North America where the grizzly bear lumbers about, these creatures have always captured human fascination. Bears have an uncanny intelligence and are incredibly adaptable. Their diets vary extensively, with some being omnivorous and others almost exclusively carnivorous or herbivorous.
Bears also play a crucial role in many ecosystems, helping to control populations of other animals and even aiding in the dispersion of seeds through their droppings. Their behavior, especially during hibernation, has been a subject of intrigue for many researchers. This deep sleep not only allows them to survive the winter without eating but also showcases an impressive physiological adaptation.
Did you know? Polar bears have black skin! Despite their thick, white fur which provides camouflage in the snowy Arctic environment, underneath it all, their skin is pitch black, helping them absorb and retain heat from the sun.
Beaver
- Scientific name:
- Castor canadensis (North American beaver)
- Castor fiber (Eurasian beaver)
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: North America and Eurasia
Beavers, often recognized by their flat, paddle-like tail and sharp incisor teeth, are semi-aquatic rodents known as nature’s engineers.
They have a knack for dam-building, using branches, stones, and mud to transform streams and small rivers into suitable habitats complete with a lodge and a pond. Beavers play a crucial role in maintaining wetland habitats, which are home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Did you know? Beavers’ teeth never stop growing! They are kept at a manageable length through the action of gnawing on tree trunks and branches. Their front teeth are also fortified with iron, giving them a unique orange color and extra strength.
→ Read more about Beavers
Bee
- Scientific name: clade Anthophila
- Type of animal: Insect
- Where found: All continents except Antarctica
Bees are incredibly important pollinators known for their hard work and social structure. These flying insects live in large colonies, each with a queen, workers, and drones.
They play an indispensable role in pollinating plants, including crops that make up a significant part of our diet. Their complex communication through “waggle dances” is a fascinating example of animal behavior.
Did you know? Bees are capable of recognizing human faces. Scientists believe they can do this by using the same mechanism that enables them to remember and recognize different types of flowers during their search for nectar.
→ Read more about Bees
Beetle
- Scientific name: order Coleoptera
- Type of animal: Insect
- Where found: Worldwide except polar regions
Beetles, part of the Coleoptera order, are the most diverse group of insects, with more than 400,000 species described. They exist in nearly every habitat, except the sea and the polar regions.
Beetles have two pairs of wings, with the front pair modified into hard shells that protect their delicate hind wings. From the industrious dung beetle to the luminescent firefly, beetles play numerous roles in our ecosystems.
Did you know? Some beetles, like the Bombardier Beetle, can shoot boiling, acidic chemicals from their abdomen to deter predators. This effective defense mechanism makes them one of the most interesting insects on the planet.
→ Read more about Beetles
Binturong
- Scientific name: Arctictis binturong
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: South and Southeast Asia
The Binturong, also known as the Bearcat, is a nocturnal mammal native to South and Southeast Asia. With a face like a cat’s and a body like a bear’s, this creature climbs trees and has a prehensile tail that acts like a fifth limb.
The Binturong has a varied diet, consuming everything from fruits and leaves to birds and small mammals.
Did you know? The Binturong has an unusual scent, often described as resembling popcorn or corn chips. This scent comes from a gland located near the tail, which the Binturong uses to mark its territory.
→ Read more about Binturongs
Bison
- Scientific name:
- Bison bison (American bison)
- Bison bonasus (European bison)
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: North America, Europe
The term “Bison” refers to two species—the American Bison, found in North America, and the European Bison, or Wisent, found in Europe. Both species are large, shaggy-haired beasts, characterized by their curved, sharp horns and a hump at their shoulders.
These powerful creatures, once pivotal to the ecosystems of the Great Plains and European forests, graze on grasses and sedges. Bison have a commanding presence that has significant cultural value across their range.
Did you know? Despite their bulky size, Bison are surprisingly fast and agile. They can run at speeds up to 35 mph and are excellent swimmers, able to cross rivers and large bodies of water with ease.
→ Read more about Bison
Blackbird
- Scientific name:
- family Icteridae (Old World blackbirds)
- Turdus spp. (New World blackbirds)
- Type of animal: Bird
- Where found: Worldwide
The Blackbird, a member of the thrush family, is one of the most familiar birds in Europe and Asia. Males are known for their jet-black plumage and bright yellow eyes, while females and young birds are usually dark brown.
The melodious song of the male Blackbird, often delivered from a treetop or building, is a delightful soundtrack to early mornings and late evenings.
Did you know? The Blackbird was first introduced to Australia and New Zealand by European settlers in the 1850s and has since become one of the most common and widespread birds in both countries.
→ Read more about Blackbirds
Boar
- Scientific name: Sus scrofa
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: All continents except Antarctica
The Wild Boar, an ancestor of the domestic pig, is a tough and adaptable creature found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
These animals are recognizable by their long, narrow heads, small eyes, and distinctive tusks, which they use for digging up roots and tubers, as well as for defense. Wild Boars are social creatures, often living in female-led groups known as ‘sounders.’
Did you know? Wild Boars are excellent swimmers and have been known to cross rivers and lakes in search of food or to escape predators. Some have even colonized islands.
→ Read more about Boars
Bobcat
- Scientific name: Lynx rufus
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: North America
The Bobcat, named for its short, bobbed tail, is a medium-sized wildcat found throughout North America. Recognized by their tufted ears, spotted coat, and ruffed face, Bobcats are solitary and elusive creatures.
They are also adaptable predators that can live in various habitats, including forests, semi-deserts, and even in the suburbs, feeding on a diet of rabbits, rodents, and small deer.
Did you know? Despite their wild nature, Bobcats have been known to coexist in close proximity to human habitations. They tend to keep a low profile, so even if you live in bobcat territory, you may not ever see one because they are masters of stealth and evasion.
→ Read more about Bobcats
Bongo
- Scientific name: Tragelaphus eurycerus
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Africa
The Bongo is the largest and most colorful African antelope, with males reaching a weight of 400 kilograms and females, 300 kilograms. Known for their striking russet or chestnut coats, black and white markings, and spiral horns, Bongos inhabit the dense forest habitats of central and western Africa.
Shy and nocturnal, these animals have an excellent sense of hearing and smell, which helps them detect predators and navigate their dense habitats.
Did you know? Unlike many other antelope species, both male and female Bongos have horns. Their horns spiral as they age, reaching up to 75-99 cm in mature males.
→ Read more about Bongos
Bonobo
- Scientific name: Pan paniscus
- Type of animal: Mammal
- Where found: Congo Basin (Africa)
Bonobos, one of our closest living relatives sharing more than 98% of our DNA, are remarkable for their peaceful, matriarchal societies and extensive use of sex for conflict resolution.
Found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa, Bonobos are smaller, leaner, and darker than their common chimpanzee relatives. They are intelligent, capable of empathy, and use a wide range of vocalizations and body language to communicate.
Did you know? Unlike most other species, Bonobos resolve disputes through intimate acts, which can occur in virtually all combinations and serve to diffuse tension and aggression, reinforce bonds, and reconcile conflicts.
→ Read more about Bonobos
Booby
- Scientific name: Sula spp.
- Type of animal: Bird
- Where found: Tropical oceans
Boobies are large seabirds known for their distinctive long bills, bare facial skin, and webbed feet. Six species are found across tropical oceans, each adapted to their specific marine environment.
Boobies are excellent divers and can plunge from great heights to catch fish and squid. They also have a somewhat goofy, clumsy demeanor on land, which may be the origin of their name, derived from the Spanish word ‘bobo,’ meaning ‘stupid’ or ‘clown.’
Did you know? Some Booby species, like the Blue-footed Booby, perform elaborate mating dances where males lift their brightly colored feet high and strut in front of females, showcasing their feet to win a mate.
→ Read more about Boobies
Budgerigar
- Scientific name: Melopsittacus undulatus
- Type of animal: Bird
- Where found: Australia
The Budgerigar, also known as the common parakeet or budgie, is a small, vibrantly colored bird native to Australia. Known for their sociability and playful nature, budgerigars are the third most popular pets in the world, after dogs and cats.
They are excellent mimics and can learn to mimic human speech, making them one of the most vocal bird pets one can have. Budgies in the wild usually have bright green plumage, but breeders have developed a rainbow of other colors, including blue, white, yellow, and gray.
Did you know? In the wild, Budgerigars often form large flocks, sometimes consisting of thousands of birds. These flocks create an impressive spectacle, as the birds move in unison, creating a wave-like pattern in the sky.
→ Read more about Budgerigars
Butterfly
- Scientific name: suborder Rhopalocera
- Type of animal: Insect
- Where found: All continents except Antarctica
Butterflies, known for their colorful wings and graceful flight, are a diverse group of insects found everywhere from backyard gardens to the most remote wilderness.
Their life cycle is one of the most remarkable in the animal kingdom, transforming from crawling caterpillars to winged adults through the process of metamorphosis. Butterflies play important roles as pollinators and as a food source in the food chain.
Did you know? Some species of butterflies, like the Monarch, migrate over long distances. Each fall, millions of Monarchs travel up to 3,000 miles from North America to their wintering grounds in Mexico, navigating with an innate sense of direction that scientists are still trying to fully understand.
→ Read more about Butterflies
Animals that Start With B: The Full List
You can click on the colored buttons to learn more about these animals.
Mammals Starting With B
→ Learn more about Mammals
Birds Starting With B
→ Learn more about Birds
Fish Starting With B
→ Learn more about Fish
Reptiles Starting With B
→ Learn more about Reptiles
Amphibians Starting With B
→ Learn more about Amphibians
Mollusks Starting With B
→ Learn more about Mollusks
Insects Starting With B
→ Learn more about Insects
Arthropods Starting With B
→ Learn more about Arachnids, Crustaceans and Myriapods
