24 Animals That Start With K With Pictures And Facts
Explore this list of animals that start with K for an assortment of diverse creatures in various ecosystems and a broad range of characteristics and behaviors. From the pouches of kangaroos to the venomous king cobras, head on through our article and renew your understanding of the planet’s biodiversity.
24 Animals Beginning with K
Quick links to our selection of animals that start with K:
1. Kangaroo (Macropus)
Fun Fact: Kangaroos are the only large animals that move around by hopping.
Using their strong hind legs, these wild animals can hop up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour) and travel over 25 feet (7.6 meters) in a single leap. Hopping allows them to conserve energy while traveling long distances in their Australian habitats.
Four primary kangaroo species exist: the Red Kangaroo, the Eastern and Western Grey Kangaroos, and the Antilopine Kangaroo.
These well-known K animals begin their search for food at dusk. They primarily eat grass, leaves, and ferns; like cows, they can digest this variety of foliage.
Additionally, kangaroos are social animals and live in groups called 'mobs' or 'troops’ of up to a hundred members under the largest male. Meanwhile, female kangaroos can delay pregnancy until the environment becomes more favorable. Kangaroos are also popular zoo animals, hopping around delighting zoo visitors.
Related Read: Kangaroo Facts.
2. Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Fun Fact: Koalas sleep for up to 20 hours a day. Their slow metabolism means they use less energy than other mammals; they can sleep most of the day in eucalyptus trees.
Here’s another marsupial animal that starts with K. The koala is a solitary marsupial that has evolved to survive its harsh Australian habitat.
They eat eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most animals. The marsupial’s digestive system can neutralize the toxins, consuming up to a kilogram of leaves per day. However, the leaves don’t provide much energy, contributing to the koala's tendency to sleep for approximately 20 hours daily.
Related Read: Koala Facts.
3. Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Fun Fact: Kingfishers are skilled architects who build complex nests by digging tunnels into riverbanks. They can also nest in tree cavities. Their nest’s entrance is usually big enough for the bird to enter.
The Kingfisher is a bird with vibrant feathers and large bills. Their feathers are predominantly iridescent blue and orange, resulting not from pigmentation but an interplay of light.
Despite its name, this animal, starting with K, does not solely eat fish. The Kingfisher also eats aquatic invertebrates, insects, small birds, and mammals, allowing them to live in tropical rivers and the arid Australian outback.
Related Read: Bird Facts.
4. Kookaburra (Dacelo)
Fun Fact: The Kookaburra is also known as the "laughing bird” due to its unique call, which resembles human laughter.
As the largest kingfisher, Kookaburras can dive and snatch prey from high perches. They also foster strong family bonds. Besides mating for life, these birds’ previous offspring also help raise the latest brood.
The laughter-like call of the Kookaburra marks their territory and deters intruders. They can nest in tree hollows, termite mounds, and suburban areas.
5. Killer Whale (Orcinus orca)
Fun Fact: Despite their names, Killer Whales, or orcas, are not whales. They are the largest members of the dolphin family. They can grow up to 30 feet and weigh as much as 6 tons.
Killer whales are intelligent and social creatures that live in pods, tight-knit family groups. Each pod communicates using unique sounds1, similar to human dialects. It's the female killer whales that often lead their pods, showcasing their matriarchal social structures.
As apex predators, they eat fish, seals, and even other whales. Moreover, these animals, starting with K, use clever hunting techniques like “beaching” themselves to catch their prey.
6. Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis)
Fun Fact: The Komodo Dragon is the largest lizard species on Earth. Their bites can kill or paralyze their prey. Moreover, they can smell a rotting carcass up to five miles away.
Named after its Indonesian island home, this ten-foot, human-sized lizard thrives in Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and Gili Motang.
While hunting, Komodo Dragons ambush unsuspecting prey, from invertebrates to birds and mammals. They have venom glands that can trigger paralysis and excessive bleeding, which make them effective hunters. Additionally, when food is scarce, Komodo Dragons resort to eating carrion.
Related Read: Komodo Dragon Facts.
7. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
Fun Fact: Unlike most snakes, the female King Cobra constructs a nest of leaves, twigs, and other debris]. Then, she guards the nest until the eggs hatch.
The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake that can stand a third of its length off the ground, resulting in a height of about six feet. Displaying a characteristic hood, it ranges from dark brown to tan or olive green.
Let's not be fooled by its striking appearance. This snake is highly venomous, with a single bite having the potential to be deadly. Moreover, they can eat other snakes, reflected in their scientific name–Ophiophagus hannah–meaning "snake-eater.”
Related Read: Snake Facts.
8. Keeshond (Canis lupus familiaris)
Fun Fact: Keeshond breed’s nickname is the “Smiling Dutchman.” This adorable dog breed curls its lip upwards, giving the impression of a smile. This characteristic has made these domestic animals popular family pets and therapy dogs.
Straight from the Netherlands, the Keeshond is a medium-sized dog with a silver and black two-layer coat, which makes it look like a miniature lion. Its ruff–a ring of thick hair around the face–looks like a lion's mane. Moreover, Keeshond’s face has dark lines, softly traced from the eyes to the ears, resembling spectacles.
Related Read: Dog Facts.
9. Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)
Fun Fact: Kakapo is the world’s heaviest parrot species.
This large flightless bird is native to New Zealand and has vibrant green feathers and a comical appearance. During the breeding season, the males gather in a specific area called a "lek.” They inflate their bodies like a balloon and emit a booming call that other animals can hear from miles away. The loudest male usually wins the attention of the females2.
Despite being a heavy bird, the Kakapo can climb trees using its beak and strong claws to navigate tree trunks.
Related Read: Parrot Facts.
10. Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
Fun Fact: The colorful beak of the Keel-billed Toucan is hollow. Their keratin-and-bone beaks can grow up to 7.5 inches long.
Looking at how big it is, the bills of Keel-billed Toucans are strong enough to crack open tough fruits. But, interestingly, they are light enough to allow the bird to fly around the forest canopy of Central and South America. This brightly colored bird eats insects, eggs, and, occasionally, diminutive reptiles.
Related Read: Toucan Facts.
11. Kouprey (Bos sauveli)
Fun Fact: The Kouprey is often called the "Grey Ghost of the Forest” because of their camouflage skills and reclusive behavior.
The Kouprey is a wild ox and one of the world’s largest wild cattle species. Male kouprey can weigh up to 2200 lb (1000 kg) with upward horns; females have shorter horns arching backward. Koupreys live in the dense forests of Southeast Asia. Interestingly, humans discovered the kouprey only in 1937.
12. Kiwi (Apteryx)
Fun Fact: A female kiwi bird has a larger reproductive organ than a male.
These Kiwis are flightless birds that are native to New Zealand and represent the country's peculiar wildlife. Moreover, its unique beak helps them smell their food underground. Although standing no taller than 9.8 in (25 cm), these birds have a long beak that makes up a third of their body length.
Surprisingly, they lay the largest egg relative to the body size of any bird species. Despite being part of the avian family, they are the only bird treated as an honorary mammal. Curious to find out more? Visit the link below.
Related Read: Kiwi Facts.
13. Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium)
Fun Fact: The Florida Key deer is the smallest in North America. They’re so small people call them toy deer.
These adorable creatures live only in the Florida Keys, a chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida. Standing just about 2.5 feet tall at the shoulder, they are about the size of a large dog. Amazingly, they are excellent swimmers, able to reach different islands in the Keys to find mates and food.
Related Read: Deer Facts, Types of Deer.
14. King Crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)
Fun Fact: The King Crab, also known as the Alaskan king crab, is one of the largest crustaceans in the world.
These magnificent creatures can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 20 pounds! Despite their size, King Crabs move slowly and deliberately. Humans catch them for their delicious meat, particularly their legs, which seafood lovers worldwide enjoy.
Related Read: Crab Facts.
15. Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis)
Fun Fact: The Kit Fox has the largest ears relative to body size among all North American canids. Their ears can grow up to six inches long, giving them both an exceptional sense of hearing and the ability to regulate their body temperature in hot, arid deserts.
Slender and agile, these nocturnal animals dart across the sand like shadows. Their enormous ears lend them the skill to detect the faintest sounds of prey scurrying in the sand. They are quick enough to catch unsuspecting prey and avoid predators like coyotes and eagles.
Related Read: Fox Facts.
16. King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus)
Fun Fact: The King Penguin is the second-largest species of penguin in the world. These majestic birds can grow up to three feet and weigh around 35 pounds.
The King Penguin has bright orange markings on its neck and lower jaw, with a sleek, dark grey back. These penguin species can swim 12 kilometers per hour and dive 1,000 feet underwater to hunt fish and squid. Get to know more about these famous flightless birds by clicking the link below.
Related Read: Penguin Facts.
17. Kinkajou (Potos flavus)
Fun Fact: The Kinkajou has a prehensile tail that works like an extra hand. Their tail enables them to navigate the rainforest habitat easily.
As part of the raccoon family, the Kinkajou looks like a monkey or a bear; people often call them “honey bears.” They have a bright orange appearance, with gold or brown fur coats, helping them blend into their rainforest habitat.
It also has large round eyes that help it find fruits, insects, and eggs, even on the darkest nights. Besides its tail, its tongue allows the kinkajou to suck nectar from flowers. When threatened, they hiss and bark.
18. Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys)
Fun Fact: The Kangaroo Rat can leap up to nine feet in a single bound.
The Kangaroo Rat can evade predators and navigate its desert habitat with impressive agility thanks to its powerful hind legs. Moreover, these nocturnal animals have cheek pouches like hamsters. The kangaroo rat stuffs these pouches with seeds, leaves, stems, and insects, which they carry back to their burrows.
19. Kermode Bear (Ursus americanus kermodei)
Fun Fact: Polar Bears are not the only lightly colored bears! The Kermode bear is a subspecies of the American black bear known as the "spirit bear" because of their white appearance.
The Kermode bear has white or cream-colored fur, which results from a recessive gene and occurs in only around 10% of the population. Estimates say that only 400 spirit bears live in the wild, primarily in the coastal rainforests of British Columbia, Canada.
Related Read: Bear Facts, Types of Bear.
20. Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
Fun Fact: Kemp's Ridley sea turtles observe synchronized nesting behavior. These animals that start with K gather in large groups, known as arribadas, to lay their eggs on the same beach at the same time, a rare behavior among sea turtles. Hundreds of female turtles emerge from the ocean to lay eggs on the sandy shore.
Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle is the smallest species among the seven types of sea turtles. These critically endangered species have heart-shaped and olive-gray shells. Its name came from a fisherman, Richard M. Kemp, who submitted it for identification.
Related Read: Sea Turtle Facts.
21. Koi
Fun Fact: Did you know Koi fish can recognize their feeders? These brainy beauties become quite friendly with consistency!
Hailing from Eastern Asia, Koi are adored for their vibrant colors, each symbolizing unique facets of Japanese culture. They're hardy, adjusting to diverse water conditions and capable of surviving harsh winters to balmy summers.
What's wow about Koi? Their life span! With proper care, reaching a 25th birthday is common. And their social skills are top-notch, comfortably cohabitating with other fish.
Read more: Fish Facts, Types of Fish.
22. Klipspringer
Fun Fact: "Klipspringer" is Afrikaans for "rock jumper"! Apt, given these little antelopes excel in cliff-climbing.
Klipspringers, surprisingly athletic for their size, can conquer drastic 70-degree slopes. Their secret weapon? Unique, rubbery hooves that grip even the most treacherous terrain. Unlike their larger antelope kin, they're not grass-munchers but leaf-crunchers, with succulents being their favorite snack.
But it's not just their climbing or diet that sets them apart. They also have steadfast partners in life's rocky journey in their home in Southern Africa. Unlike many wild creatures, klipspringer couples stick together, demonstrating a rare display of wild romance.
23. Kudu
Fun Fact: Did you know? Kudus are the world's second-largest antelope species!
Kudus are a member of the antelope family native to Africa's eastern and southern woodlands. Kudus dazzle with their camouflage coats and imposing spiral horns. Males can sport horns that approach an impressive 72 inches, equivalent to an average woman's height!
But they're not just lookers. Kudus have sharp hearing, tuning in to danger with their large, round ears. Despite their size, they're nimble jumpers too, effortlessly bounding over 8-foot obstacles.
Read more: Types of Antelope.
24. Krill
Fun Fact: Here's a tidbit to chew on: krill, despite their miniscule size, rank among the most important aquatic animals!
Famed for their globe-spanning reach, krill are nutrient-packed powerhouses, fueling bigger creatures like whales and seals. They're so essential, there's hardly a marine species not dependent on them indirectly!
Adding to their uniqueness, krill light up the ocean with their glow-in-the-dark bodies. They even create underwater spectacles, swarming by the million to forge enormous, dynamic clouds under the sea. Small but mighty, krill are titans of the marine ecosystem!
Conclusion: Animals That Start With K
Our kaleidoscopic journey through the animal kingdom, specifically spotlighting animals that start with 'K', underlines the diversity of life on our planet. From the Kangaroo hopping along the Australian outback, to the Kinkajou swinging tree-to-tree in Central and South American rainforests, to the small but mighty Kestrel soaring through the skies, we're reminded of nature's boundless variety and the many interesting animals that begin with the letter K.
Each 'K'encyclopedia entry, unique in its habits and habitats, contributes to the intricate ecosystem of Earth. Their survival and well-being are pivotal to maintain overall biodiversity, indicating our vital role in their conservation.
More A-Z Animals:
- Animals that start with A
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| 1 | Riesch, R., Ford, J. K., & Thomsen, F. (2006). Stability and group specificity of stereotyped whistles in resident killer whales, Orcinus orca, off British Columbia. Animal Behaviour, 71(1), 79-91. |
| 2 | Eason, D.K. & Elliott, Graeme & Merton, D.V. & Jansen, P.W. & Harper, G.A. & Moorhouse, Ron. (2006). Breeding biology of kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) on offshore island sanctuaries, 1990-2002. Notornis. 53. 27-36. |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
