15 Animals That Start With Y 

Wondering what animals start with the letter Y?

While there aren’t too many, there are some interesting ones! Let’s explore some of these amazing creatures together. You might be surprised at what you learn!

From yaks to yellow-eyed penguins, come learn about all the different animals that start with Y.

Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby

The yellow-footed rock wallaby is one of the animals that start with Y!

yellow-footed rock-wallaby, wallaby, macropod

A native of Australia, this species can be easily identified by its yellowish feet, hence its name. Found in rocky and semi-arid regions, they live in small family groups and feed on grasses, bark, herbs, and roots.

With a powerful leaping ability, they can jump over two meters high! They are nocturnal animals so they rest during the day before becoming active at night to feed. Unfortunately, the population is dwindling mainly due to habitat loss.

Yellow Ground Squirrel

Yellow Ground Squirrels are just one of the quirky animals in the world that start with the letter Y. These squirrels have a unique coloring not seen in too many other species. They sport yellowish-brown fur on their top, while their lower parts are grey-white.

squirrel, outdoor, leaves

Yellow Ground Squirrels are found primarily in India, China, and Southeast Asia, living both in temperate forests and grasslands.

Yellow Ground Squirrels spend most of their time on the ground searching for food. They primarily feed on fruits, nuts, and insects, though they like an occasional grassy snack as well!

Yellow Ground Squirrel plays an important part in their local ecosystems and often works together to build strong communities within their territory.

In winter, Yellow Ground Squirrels hibernate but may also aestivate. Aestivation is basically hibernation but in the summer!

Yellow Eyed Penguin

king penguin, penguin, chest, animals that start with Y

The Yellow Eyed Penguin is a unique species that can only be found in the southern region of New Zealand and on the southeastern coasts of South America.

The majestic Yellow Eyed Penguin has adapted to the environment as they remain active during the day while most other kinds of penguins usually spend their time hunting during night hours.

It’s easy to identify the Yellow Eyed Penguin because of its characteristic yellow eyes and distinct pale yellow-grayish bill.

The Yellow Eyed Penguins are certainly one of the most remarkable animals that start with Y!

Yellow-Footed Antechinus

The Yellow-Footed Antechinus is a species of small carnivorous marsupial that can be found along the northeastern coast of Australia.

antechinus, marsupial mouse, marsupial

This furry creature, also known as the yellow-footed antechinus, is active by night and hides away in the thick forests during the day.

It is one of the few animals that start with ‘Y’ and has a tail that almost doubles its length. The yellow-footed antechinus inhabits areas with dense foliage and eats a variety of insects, spiders, frogs, lizards, and other small creatures.

Yellow Mongoose

yellow mongoose, cynictis penicillata, africa

The yellow mongoose is an incredible animal that starts with the letter Y. The yellow mongoose is native to Southern and East Africa, thriving in savanna grasslands, woodlands, and stone or rocky areas.

The yellow mongoose has been known to raid birds’ nests for eggs and will occasionally eat small reptiles and mammals.

All in all, the yellow mongoose is an adaptable species that never fails to impress with its vibrant colors and unique survival strategies.

Yuma Myotis

Yuma Myotis, also known as the Yuma Bat or Desert bat, can be found in Western North America. They inhabit the arid deserts and woodlands, along with many other areas of high elevation.

bat-eared fox, ears, sand

These fascinating animals are one of the smallest bats, ranging from 3 to 4 inches in length and weighing between 0.2 and 0.3 ounces.

Characteristics of these winged mammals include dull brown fur for their upper body and a lighter color for their underbelly side. Interestingly enough, the Yuma Myotis can live up to 10 years of age, which is quite a long lifespan for such small creatures!

Yuma Myotis acts as an important part of their desert ecosystems and should not be overlooked when thinking about animals that start with y!

Yellow Sac Spider

The yellow sac spider, an animal that starts with Y, is a small predatory insect native to parts of North, Central, and South America.

spider, sac spider, yellow sac spider

While most sac spiders construct their webs during the day and hunt at night, the yellow species do both activities during the day.

Yellow-Nosed Cotton Rat

rat, pet, eat

The yellow-nosed cotton rat is one of the most interesting animals in the world that begins with the letter ‘y.

The species of yellow-nosed cotton rat is mainly found in South and Central Americas, where its characteristic yellow nose earned it its nickname.

Yellow Backed Duiker

The yellow-backed duiker is a type of small antelope native to much of Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is one of the few animals that start with y, and it is known for its distinctive yellow back stripe, bony ridges on its forehead, and tall, hooked horns.

The yellow-backed duiker is an omnivore, usually spotted noshing on fruit or hunting smaller animals such as rodents or reptiles.

Typical weights range from 40 to 77 lbs., and they tend to keep to themselves unless antagonized, aggressively protecting their young by fleeing or delivering powerful kicks with their hooves.

Although shy in nature, the yellow-backed duiker makes for a highly interesting member of any wildlife preservation effort within its natural geographic area.

Yellow-Bellied Weasel

The Yellow-Bellied Weasel is a unique animal that can be found living in various parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

animals, weasel, mammal

Named for its bright yellow belly and chest, this small member of the Mustelidae family is actually a type of marten, one of many animals that start with Y.

These intriguing creatures are solitary and often nocturnal, hunting for prey such as rodents, insects, and interesting birds throughout their range. They may also eat fruit and other food sources during leaner times.

With bright black eyes and a soft coat lightly dappled with golds and creams, the yellow-bellied weasel is certainly an eye-catching creature!

Yellow-Billed Hornbill

The Yellow-Billed Hornbill is a beautiful animal that loves to inhabit Southern Africa and is one of the many animals that start with Y.

bird, hornbill, zoo

This distinct bird has a bright yellow bill that makes it easily recognizable, and its unique vocal call can be heard from far away.

Its diet primarily consists of fruit, insects, and small reptiles, but it will soar high up in the air on long wings like an eagle in order to snag larger prey such as rodents. Its sizable nest is lined with mud and located either deep inside an old tree cavity or on cliffs where it stays safe from predators.

With its impressive wingspan and beautiful feathers, the yellow-billed hornbill is a great example of the many magnificent animals that start with Y!

Yellow-Bellied Marmot

The Yellow-Bellied Marmot is an animal that starts with the letter Y.

prairie dog, ground squirrel, marmot

This small rodent is a member of the squirrel family and was first documented by European settlers in the late 19th century. It has since been found to inhabit much of western North America, living in colonies on mountainous terrain.

A typical colony of Yellow-Bellied Marmot consists of a breeding couple and their brood, living in burrows or dens dug into the ground for protection from predators.

Yellow-Bellied Marmots mostly eat grasses and berries, these animals are classified as “ground-dwellers” due to their well-camouflaged nature on open terrain.

The fur color of the Yellow-Bellied Marmot usually varies regionally between gray to yellowish-brown, its namesake comes from everyone’s favorite feature: its bright yellow patch of fur along its belly!

Yellow-Throated Marten

Yellow-Throated Marten

The Yellow-Throated Marten is one of the animals that start with Y. Its unique color gives it an even more unique appearance than all the other animals in its class.

The Yellow-Throated Marten throat and chest region burst in a bright yellow, showcasing itself amongst the lush greens and browns of its natural habitat.

Yellow Fin Tuna

The Yellow Fin Tuna, commonly shortened to just Tuna, is a species of fish commonly sought after by fishers worldwide. It’s one of the most commonly eaten tuna species – and it’s easy to see why!

thunnus, tuna, fish

The Yellow Fin Tuna is bright silver in color and can be found swimming among other fish in the deeper waters of the ocean.

Though they look small, these fish can weigh as much as frequencies reaching extremes of 220 pounds or more – so watch out for them when fishing around these waters!

Yellow-Winged Bat

bat, yellow winged bat

The yellow-winged bat, scientifically classified as Lavia frons, is one of the animals that start with the letter Y. It is a species of megabat and can be found in parts of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Curious about other amazing animals? Explore our collection of amazing animals that start with the letter U and animals that start with Z for some truly amazing animal info!

Is there any animal beginning with Y?

The yellow-bellied marmot is an animal that starts with the letter Y. It belongs to the squirrel family, and is native to western North America.

Is there any animal beginning with Y?

Yes, the Yellow-Bellied Flying Squirrel is a mammal that starts with the letter Y. It is found throughout the eastern United States and parts of Mexico.

Is there any mammal that starts with Y?

Yes, the Yellow-Bellied Flying Squirrel is a mammal that starts with the letter Y. It is found throughout the eastern United States and parts of Mexico.

What animal’s name ends with Y?

The platypus is an animal with a name that ends with the letter Y. It is found primarily in eastern Australia, and is one of the only mammals known to lay eggs instead of giving birth.

Final thought

In exploring the fascinating world of animals whose names begin with the letter ‘Y,’ we delve into a diverse array of species, each with unique characteristics and habitats. 

The Yabby, a type of freshwater crayfish found in many regions, exemplifies the diversity within aquatic environments. Its counterpart, the Yeti Crab, thrives in the extreme conditions of deep-sea hydrothermal vents, showcasing nature’s adaptability.

The Yellowfin and Yellowfin Tuna, celebrated for being the second most commonly eaten tuna, symbolize the rich marine life in our oceans. 

The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake, with its potent venom akin to that of the Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog, represents the perilous beauty of nature. These amphibians, found in parts of Africa and Central Asia, are known for their bright blue and pale yellow colors, a warning of their toxicity.

On land, the Yorkshire Terrier, a small yet spirited dog breed, contrasts the imposing Yeti, a mythical creature from the folklore of Tibet and Central Asia. 

The Yellow-bellied Glider, with its distinctive yellow feathers, soars through the skies, while the snake family, including formidable species like the Anaconda, displays a vast range of terrestrial wildlife. These animals, each with their names starting with ‘Y’, offer a glimpse into the incredible biodiversity of our planet.

We hope that you have learned some interesting facts about these 12 fascinating animals. Finally, check out the entire series of animals that begin with or start with the letter: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z.

Olivia Kepner