Discover the fascinating world of animals that start with the letter ‘E’, from the largest land animal to small mammals with incredible speed, each one unique and worth learning about.
21 Animals That Start With ‘E’
From the largest land animal to small mammals with a curious nature, there’s a whole host of animals that start with the letter ‘E’. Whether they waddle, hop, swim or soar, each of these interesting animals has something unique to offer. Some species are more familiar, while others are more elusive — but all of them are worth learning about.
The Largest Land Animal
The African elephant holds the title of the largest land animal on Earth. These massive creatures roam the savannas and forests of Africa, using their powerful trunks for everything from grabbing food to communicating. Unfortunately, both African elephant species (forest elephants and bush elephants) face threats from habitat loss and poaching, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.
The African elephant is a large mammal that inhabits savannas, forests, and deserts in sub-Saharan Africa.
It has a distinctive trunk, tusks, and large ears.
The African elephant's diet consists mainly of plants, fruits, and vegetation.
They are social animals and live in matriarchal herds led by the oldest female.
There are two main species: the savanna elephant and the forest elephant.
Both are threatened by habitat loss and poaching.
The Largest Seal Species
Southern elephant seals are the largest species of seal on the planet, with males weighing up to 8,800 pounds (3,991.6 kilograms). However, their names are a reference to their snouts, not their size. You can find the southern elephant seal in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters. Northern elephant seals live predominantly in California and Baja California.
The Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) is a large earless seal that inhabits the coastal regions of Antarctica and surrounding islands.
Reaching lengths of up to 4 meters (13 ft), they are one of the largest pinnipeds on Earth.
Their distinctive proboscis, or trunk-like snout, can grow up to 10 cm ('3.9 in' ) long.
Southern Elephant Seals feed primarily on squid and fish, with some individuals diving as deep as 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) in search of food.
The Tallest Penguin Species
The emperor penguin stands out as the tallest and heaviest penguin species. These animals thrive in Antarctica‘s freezing conditions, forming tight-knit colonies to survive the cold. They are also famous for their dedication to laying eggs and raising chicks in harsh winter temperatures.
A Member of the Deer Family
A member of the deer family, the elk is one of the largest land-dwelling herbivores in North America. These creatures have impressive antlers, which males use to battle rivals during the breeding season. Elks communicate with high-pitched bugles.
Elks, also known as Wapiti, are large deer native to North America and Eurasia.
They inhabit forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions.
Elks are herbivores, feeding on plants, fruits, and vegetation.
These majestic mammals can grow up to 8 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh between 700-1,100 pounds.
Elk populations have been impacted by habitat loss, hunting, and climate change.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent creatures.
An Edible Amphibian
Despite its unusual name, the edible frog is a real amphibian that inhabits Europe. This species is a hybrid between two separate species: the marsh frog and the pool frog. It makes loud, croaking calls, preferring life near freshwater habitats and playing an important role in controlling insect populations.
A Small Mammal with Incredible Speed
These small mammals have long snouts and incredible speed, allowing them to dart through undergrowth to escape predators. They are native to Africa and use their keen sense of smell to locate insects and other food.
An Adaptable Owl Species
One of the most adaptable owls in North America, the eastern screech owl can blend into tree bark with its excellent camouflage. It produces eerie trills and whinnies. These nocturnal hunters feed on insects, small mammals and even other birds.
A Mysterious Fish Species
The European eel is one of the most mysterious fish in the animal kingdom. Born in the Sargasso Sea, these fascinating creatures travel thousands of miles to European rivers before returning to the ocean to breed. Despite their resilience, they are critically endangered due to habitat destruction and overfishing.
A Stealthy Predator
A stealthy predator of the forests, the Eurasian lynx is the largest species of lynx in the world. With its tufted ears and thick fur, this big cat thrives in cold, rugged environments. It preys on deer and other small mammals, playing an important role in maintaining balanced ecosystems.
A Shocking Hunter
Despite its name, the electric eel isn’t actually an eel; it’s a type of knifefish. This amazing animal generates powerful electric shocks to navigate murky waters, communicate and even stun prey. Its ability to produce electricity makes it one of nature’s most shocking hunters.
An Intelligent Scavenger
The Egyptian vulture is an intelligent scavenger with problem-solving skills. It is one of the few birds that use tools, using rocks to break open eggs. Sadly, this species is declining due to poisoning and habitat destruction.
A Venomous Snake Species
This is the largest species of rattlesnake. This venomous reptile is an expert at camouflage, blending into the underbrush with its distinctive diamond-shaped markings. It plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations in its southeastern U.S. habitat.
A Small Mammal with Protective Spines
A small mammal in Europe, the European hedgehog‘s sharp spines offer it protection. These nocturnal insectivores curl into a tight ball when threatened, making them nearly impossible for predators to eat. They are a gardener’s best friend, feasting on pests like slugs and beetles.
Africa’s Most Endangered Carnivore
A rare and critically endangered species, the Ethiopian wolf is Africa’s most endangered carnivore. These social animals live in high-altitude regions, preying primarily on rodents. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting this unique species from habitat loss and disease.
A Highly Venomous Snake Species
The eastern coral snake is a highly venomous species. Though small and secretive, this snake has a powerful neurotoxic venom that can be dangerous to humans. However, bites are rare since these snakes prefer to avoid confrontation.
An Introduced Bird Species
An introduced species in North America, the European starling has dazzling plumage and an incredible ability to mimic sounds. These social birds form massive flocks, creating breathtaking aerial displays called murmurations. Though some consider them pests, their adaptability is undeniably impressive.
A Long-Lived Turtle Species
Unlike other species of turtles, the eastern box turtle has a unique hinged shell that allows it to completely close itself off from predators. These slow-moving reptiles can live for over a century, making them one of the longest-lived land turtles. They thrive in forests and wetlands, feasting on plants, insects and fungi.
A Tough and Burrowing Mammal
Recognizable by its black-and-white striped face, the European badger is a tough, burrowing mammal. These nocturnal omnivores dig extensive underground tunnels called setts, where they live in family groups. Despite their stocky build, they are surprisingly fast and agile when escaping danger.
A Feisty Bird Species
This small but feisty bird aggressively defends its territory from much larger birds. The eastern kingbird has excellent aerial hunting skills, snatching insects mid-flight. Its bold attitude and striking black-and-white plumage make it a standout among other birds in North America.
A Master Climber Bird Species
A master climber, the Eurasian nuthatch is one of the few birds that can descend trees headfirst. These small, agile songbirds use their strong beaks to crack open nuts and seeds. Their loud, whistling calls make them easy to spot in European woodlands.
The Largest Antelope Species
The eland is the largest antelope on Earth, and it’s built like a cross between a deer and a cow. Native to Africa, it can leap over 8 feet (2.4 meters) in the air despite weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms). Both males and females sport impressive spiral horns.
- howstuffworks.com | 21 Animals That Start With E
