24 Animals That Start With Y: Fun Facts, Descriptions
Get ready for an adventure into the fascinating world of "Animals That Start With Y." This article will take you on a journey to discover some of the most intriguing creatures on the planet.
From the majestic yellow-footed rock wallaby to the adorable yellow-collared lovebird, you'll learn about each animal's unique characteristics, behaviors, habitats, and diets.
So, explore these fantastic animals that start with Y!
24 Animals Beginning With Y
Quick links to our selection of animals that start with the letter Y:
1. Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus)
Fun Fact: Did you know the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby is considered a keystone species in its ecosystem? This means their presence and behavior significantly impact the other species in their habitat.
The Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby is a medium-sized marsupial found in the arid regions of central and western Australia. It is well-adapted to its rocky and rugged habitat.
This wallaby has powerful hind legs and a long tail, providing excellent balance and agility while navigating rocky terrains. Its body is covered in thick, coarse fur, which varies in color from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, providing camouflage against the rocky backdrop.
2. Yellow-Nosed Cotton Rat (Sigmodon ochrognathus)
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat belongs to the second-biggest mammal family, Cricetidae? This family has many types of rodents, including hamsters, voles, lemmings, mice, and rats.
The yellow-nosed cotton rat is a small rodent species in North and Central America. These rats have a distinct yellow or orange coloration on their nose and feet. Their fur is typically brownish-gray on the upper side and light gray on the belly.
Moreover, their diet is omnivorous, meaning they consume plant material and small invertebrates. They feed on various items, including seeds, fruits, green vegetation, insects, and other small animals.
3. Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus)
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake, also known as Hydrophis platurus, holds the record for being the most widely distributed snake in the world? This species can be found in the vast Pacific and Indian Oceans, making it a remarkable and fascinating creature to study.
The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake is a marine snake that lives in warm oceanic waters in the Pacific and Indian Oceans1. It has a flat body and a tail that looks like a paddle, which helps it to swim efficiently in the water.
This snake can breathe oxygen from air and water, which is ideal for staying underwater for long periods. It mainly eats small fish and eels and has venomous fangs to catch them.
The snake's upper body is black or dark brown, while its underside is bright yellow or orange, which is why it got its name. It can grow from 50 to 90 centimeters, with females usually bigger than males.
Read more: Snake Facts.
4. Yellow Pine Chipmunk (Tamias amoenus)
Fun Fact: The Yellow Pine Chipmunk, scientifically known as Tamias amoenus, is not only energetic and agile but also has a distinctive striped pattern on its back, making it easily recognizable in its natural habitat.
The Yellow Pine Chipmunk, scientifically known as Tamias amoenus, is a captivating chipmunk species predominantly found in the western regions of North America. These adorable creatures thrive in coniferous forests, woodlands, and rocky areas, mostly at higher elevations.
The Yellow Pine Chipmunk's unique coloring makes it easily recognizable. The chipmunk's back and face boast striking dark stripes with white stripes, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal. These tiny creatures have a bushy tail that helps them climb trees and rocks.
Read more: Chipmunk Facts.
5. Yellow-Winged Bat (Lavia frons)
Fun Fact: Yellow-winged bats are daytime feeders that sip nectar and pollen from flowers, making them important pollinators.
The yellow-winged bat is a unique species of insect-eating bat with specialized feeding habits. Unlike other insect-eating bats, they feed on the ground instead of catching insects mid-air.
These yellow-winged bats have adapted to their environment and developed impressive survival skills. Their sharp claws are pretty useful, as they can effortlessly grab insects and even identify their prey by sound.
Read more: Bat Facts.
6. Yellow Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus fervus)
Fun Fact: Yellow ground squirrels communicate through various vocalizations.
Ground squirrels with bright yellow fur, also called Spermophilus fulvus, inhabit certain regions of North America and Asia. Their yellow fur allows them to blend in well with their grassy surroundings.
They are social animals and live in groups in underground burrows. Yellow ground squirrels are omnivores and eat various foods, including seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects. They are also known to hibernate during the winter months to conserve energy.
Read more: Squirrel Facts.
7. Yellow Sac Spider (Cheiracanthium mildei)
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Yellow Sac Spider is known for its ability to run up to 1 meter per second? That's faster than most other spiders!
The yellow sac spider is a nocturnal spider commonly found in North America5. They are typically small, and their color varies from pale yellow to greenish-yellow.
Yellow sac spiders are also known for their venom, which can cause mild to moderate pain and swelling in humans. However, their bites are not typically lethal and rarely require medical attention.
Read more: Spider Facts.
8. Yellow-Footed Antechinus (Antechinus flavipes)
Fun Fact: The Yellow Footed Antechinus is a small tiny marsupial native to Australia known for its unique mating habits.
The Yellow Footed Antechinus boasts a one-of-a-kind look, sporting a combination of gray, brown, and red tones in its fur. In addition to its striking appearance, this species possesses a remarkable talent for climbing trees and subsists on a diet of small vertebrates and insects.
The yellow-footed antechinus has a unique mating behavior where the males mate so frequently that their immune systems become weakened, leading to their death from stress-related causes before they reach one year old. This distinct behavior ensures that only the strongest males pass on their genes to the next generation.
9. Yellow-Bellied Weasel (Mustela kathiah)
Fun Fact: Yellow-bellied weasels have a high metabolic rate that keeps them warm in cold environments.
Yellow-bellied weasels are a type of small carnivorous mammal found in various regions around the world. They are known for their slender bodies, long necks, and sharp teeth, which they use to hunt prey such as rodents, birds, and insects.
Despite their small size, yellow-bellied weasels are skilled hunters and can take down prey that is much larger than themselves. They are also known for their agility and speed, allowing them to evade predators and easily navigate their environments.
10. Yellow-Backed Duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor)
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Yellow-Backed Duiker is named after the yellowish-brown color of its coat?
The yellow-backed duiker is an antelope that lives in the forest and belongs to the Artiodactyla order and Bovidae family. Also, they can be found in the West and Central America. They are known for being shy and are the most commonly found type of duiker. Its name comes from the yellowish-brown color of its fur along its back.
Despite being a relatively common species, the yellow-backed duiker is threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this fascinating creature and ensure its survival for future generations to appreciate.
You can also read our collection of antelope facts for more information.
11. Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)
Fun Fact: Did you know that the Yellow Anaconda is one of the largest snakes in the world and can weigh up to 100 pounds?
Yellow anacondas are found in various habitats across South America, from swamps and marshes to rivers and streams. Additionally, they are excellent swimmers, allowing them to navigate waterways easily, and they are known to spend long periods underwater.
Yellow anacondas have a fascinating reproductive method4. Unlike other snakes that lay eggs, yellow anacondas give birth to live offspring, making them stand out.
12. Yellow Necked Field Mouse (Apodemus flavicollis)
Fun Fact: Did you know that this mouse species is known for being an excellent climber?
The yellow-necked field mouse is a small rodent found in Europe and Asia. It gets its name from the yellowish-brown band that runs across its neck. They also have a varied diet of seeds, fruits, insects, and even small animals. Despite their small size, they play an important role in the ecosystem as prey for larger animals.
In addition to their distinctive neckband, yellow-necked field mice have large, round ears and big, dark eyes. Their fur is a mix of brown and gray, and they have a long, thin tail that helps them balance as they scamper along the ground.
These mice are social creatures that live in groups, and they communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations and body language. Despite their relatively short lifespan, they can reproduce quickly and produce multiple litters yearly.
Read more: Mouse Facts.
13. Yellow-Eye Rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus)
Fun Fact: Yellow-eye rockfish live up to 118 years in the Pacific Ocean with yellow eyes and reddish-brown bodies.
The yellow-eye rockfish is a deep-water fish in the North Pacific Ocean. It is also known as the "Pacific red snapper" and is prized for its delicious taste and firm texture.
Interestingly, the yellow-eye rockfish can live up to 120 years and grow 36 inches long. However, overfishing and habitat destruction have led to a significant decline in their population, making them a species of concern for conservation efforts.
14. Yellow-Banded Poison Dart
Fun Fact: Did you know that the yellow-banded poison dart frog is one of the most toxic creatures in the world? Yellow banded poison dart frog's yellow color warns predators to avoid its high toxicity.
The yellow-banded poison dart frog is a small, brightly colored frog that can be found in Central and South America. Despite its name, it doesn't produce poison alone but becomes toxic by consuming ants and other small insects in its natural habitat.
Their striking coloration serves as a warning to predators about their toxicity. While popular as pets, it can be challenging to care for them due to their specific dietary and environmental requirements.
Read more: Frog Facts.
15. Yellow-eyed Penguins (Megadyptes)
Fun Fact: The yellow-eyed penguin, also known as the hoiho, is one of the rarest species of penguins, with only around 4,000 to 5,000 individuals.
The Yellow-eyed Penguin, native to New Zealand, stands out from other penguin species because they prefer to nest alone on land3. Their unique appearance is characterized by yellow feathers surrounding their eyes and heads.
They dive up to 120 meters deep and swim up to 15 km/h to hunt small fish and squid during the day. However, they face habitat destruction, predators, and climate change challenges, making them an endangered species.
Read more: Penguin Facts.
16. Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata)
Fun Fact: Yellow mongooses are commonly found in various regions of Southern Africa.
The Yellow Mongoose is a diurnal mammal with yellow and reddish-brown fur found in the southern African plains. Their diet mainly consists of insects, but they have also been known to eat small reptiles and rodents. These small mammals are incredibly agile and can move quickly through complex environments, making them skilled hunters and adept at avoiding predators.
17. Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula)
Fun Fact: Yellow-throated Martens are skilled climbers who can catch birds and insects in trees.
The Yellow-throated Marten, found in South and East Asia, has a dark coat contrasting its vibrant yellow throat.
As one of the largest Marten species, it's an opportunistic hunter with a diverse diet of small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and nuts. It's also fearless, stealing food from larger predators.
They're mostly solitary creatures active during the day, making various unique sounds. The breeding season brings litters of 1-5 young Martens in the spring.
18. Yucatan Squirrel (Scirius yucatanensis)
Fun Fact: The Yucatan squirrel uses its long, bushy tail to climb and leap with agility in its tropical habitat.
The Yucatan Squirrel is found in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. It likes to live alone and only mates during a specific season. The squirrel spends time climbing trees to search for food, such as fruits, seeds, and nuts, which it stores for later.
They play a crucial role in its ecosystem by eating and spreading seeds, helping plants reproduce, and maintaining balance. However, deforestation threatens its habitat, even though it's listed as "Least Concern" by conservationists. Nevertheless, it thrives, contributing to nature on the Yucatan Peninsula.
19. Yellow-bellied sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
Fun Fact: Yellow-bellied sapsuckers drill sap wells in trees, attracting other birds and insects.
The yellow-bellied sapsucker is a woodpecker that drills holes in trees to attract insects and other birds to feed on sap. This bird is unique because it returns to feed on the sap that flows from these holes.
The sap wells also provide food and water for other animals during winter when other sources are unavailable. The yellow-bellied sapsucker is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate during the winter, traveling to the southern United States and Central America.
You can also read our woodpecker facts to expand your understanding.
20. Yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris)
Fun Fact: Did you know that the yellow-bellied marmot is a social animal that lives in groups of up to 20 individuals?
Yellow-bellied marmots are ground squirrels found in North America's mountains with yellow bellies. They can be seen up to 13,000 feet high and are active during the day while hibernating in winter. They communicate with each other through different sounds, including a loud whistle, to warn others of danger. Yellow bellied-marmots are also excellent diggers and create complex burrow systems to live in.
Yellow-bellied marmots hibernate for about eight months each year during the harsh winter season to preserve their energy.
21. Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)
Fun Fact: Yellowfin tuna is commonly found in schools with other tuna and is the second most commonly eaten tuna species globally.
One interesting fact about the yellowfin tuna is that it can swim up to 50 miles per hour. This makes it one of the fastest fish in the ocean and allows it to outrun its predators easily. Additionally, yellowfin tuna are known for their excellent taste and are often used in sushi and other popular dishes2.
Read more: Types of Tuna.
22. Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus)
Fun Fact: Yellow-collared Lovebirds are close with their mates. They stick together, preen each other's feathers, and show much love.
Yellow-collared Lovebirds catch the eye with their captivating colors. Their green bodies, paired with a vivid yellow collar encircling their necks and a bright blue rump, create a stunning and unforgettable visual.
When Yellow-collared Lovebirds find a mate, their connection often lasts a lifetime. Their affectionate behaviors, such as grooming sessions and close cuddles, showcase their tight-knit relationships. You can also read our parrot facts to know more about these lovebirds.
23. Yellow Billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
Fun Fact: Did you know the yellow-billed stork, despite its large size, achieves an astonishing level of stealth when hunting?
The yellow-billed stork is a large wading bird predominantly found in Africa. Recognizable by its long neck, astute eyes, and the prominent bright yellow color bill that gives it its name, this bird is quite an impressive sight. This distinctive beacon of color is not merely for show; its functionality also extends to thermal regulation and showcasing breeding readiness.
Contrary to what its peaceful flight might suggest, the yellow-billed stork is a versed hunter. Efficient and silent, it moves its open bill from side to side in the water till it detects prey, responding with a swift and deadly snap.
24. Yorkshire Terrier
Fun Fact: Did you know that despite their diminutive size, Yorkshire Terriers were originally bred as working dogs? That's right, their ancestors were efficient rat catchers in 19th-century England's clothing mills!
Yorkshire Terriers are one of those y animals we couldn't leave off this list. Often fondly referred to as Yorkies, they are compact canines filled with vivacity and confidence. Despite their small stature, typically weighing between 4 to 7 pounds and not exceeding 9 inches in height, they carry an air of self-importance coupled with a keen sense of curiosity and exploration. Their fur, a distinctive feature, is fine, silky, and additionally similar to human hair, requiring regular maintenance.
Their small size juxtaposed with a larger-than-life personality provides a charming contrast, making them consistently popular pets.
Read more: Types ot Terrier.
More A-Z Animals:
- Animals that start with A
- Animals that start with B
- Animals that start with C
- Animals that start with D
- Animals that start with E
- Animals that start with F
- Animals that start with G
- Animals that start with H
- Animals that start with I
- Animals that start with J
- Animals that start with K
- Animals that start with L
- Animals that start with M
- Animals that start with N
- Animals that start with O
- Animals that start with P
- Animals that start with Q
- Animals that start with R
- Animals that start with S
- Animals that start with T
- Animals that start with U
- Animals that start with V
- Animals that start with W
- Animals that start with X
- Animals that start with Z
| 1 | De Weerdt, J., Patulny, C., & Clapham, P. (2021). The yellow-bellied sea snake, Hydrophis platurus (Squamata: Elapidae), off the Southwestern Pacific coast of Nicaragua, Central America. Revista De Biologia Tropical, 69(Suppl.2), S297–S303. |
| 2 | Le-Alvarado, M., Romo-Curiel, A. E., Sosa-Nishizaki, O., Hernández-Sánchez, O. G., Barbero, L., & Herzka, S. Z. (2021c). Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) foraging habitat and trophic position in the Gulf of Mexico based on intrinsic isotope tracers. PLOS ONE, 16(2), e0246082. |
| 3 | Elley, T., Mattern, T., Ellenberg, U., Young, M. J., Hickcox, R. P., Van Heezik, Y., & Seddon, P. J. (2022). Consistent Site-Specific foraging behaviours of yellow-eyed Penguins/Hoiho breeding on Stewart Island, New Zealand. Biology, 11(6), 844. |
| 4 | Camera, B. F., Quintana, I., Strüssmann, C., Waller, T., Barros, M., Draque, J., Micucci, P., & Miranda, E. B. P. (2023). Assessing the sustainability of yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) harvest. PLOS ONE, 18(1), e0277629. |
| 5 | Röggla, G. (2017). Yellow sac spiders. Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, 130(1–2), 76. |
Chinny Verana is a degree-qualified marine biologist and researcher passionate about nature and conservation. Her expertise allows her to deeply understand the intricate relationships between marine life and their habitats.
Her unwavering love for the environment fuels her mission to create valuable content for TRVST, ensuring that readers are enlightened about the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, and conservation efforts.
Fact Checked By:
Mike Gomez, BA.
