32 Unique Animals that Start with Y

Explore a unique list of animals that start with Y. Dive into fascinating facts, habitats, and characteristics of these lesser-known creatures from around the world. Discover the Yak, Yellow Ground Squirrel, and more.

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Animals are like nature’s superheroes, each with their own amazing powers and cool tricks to discover – learning about them is like going on a wild adventure full of surprises! To learn even more about animals be sure to check out animals that start with U and animals that start with G to increase your knowledge of animals and their unique traits.

Commonly Known Animals That Start With Y

When it comes to animals that start with Y you may scratch your had at first trying to think of some, but these are some of the most commonly known animals that start with Y.

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Yak

The Yak is a domesticated bovine living in the Himalayas of India. Their long fur and large horns give them a distinct look different from the cow we are familiar with. It is rare to find a Yak in the wild and they are on the endangered species list due to being prey to Tibetan wolves. As of 2022, there are only 170 wild Yak. The Yak is very trainable and is docile toward humans.

Yellow Ground Squirrel

The Yellow Ground Squirrel resembles a large meerkat rather than a squirrel. The Yellow Ground Squirrel lives in the Afghanistan and Iran deserts. They make burrows in the ground with groups of other Yellow Ground Squirrels. Their primary diet is nuts and seeds found in their habitat.

Yellow-billed hornbill

Yellow-billed Hornbills have been nicknamed the Flying Bananas since their bill resembles a banana. South Africa is where these amazing birds call home. The Yellow-billed Hornbill works with the mongoose to find prey, and to replay the mongoose the Yellow-billed Hornbill will let the mongoose know when larger predator birds are around.

Yellowjacket

Yellowjackets are small bee-sized wasps that can be found worldwide, but their main population is in North America. They build colonies that are ruled by a queen while drones and workers keep the colony going. Each Yellowjacket has its assigned job within the territory. Yellowjackets love human food and are very fond of sugary drinks.

Yellow-Pine Chipmunk

The Yellow-Pine Chipmunk is a small rodent that lives primarily on the west coast of North America, reaching from Canada down to California. Yellow pine Chipmunks are solitary and will live alone in burrows until it is mating season. The Yellow-pine Chipmunk has a recognizable fur pattern with five grey and black stripes running down their back.

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies for short, are small little lap dogs that are very popular worldwide. Yorkies grow to be no more than 7 pounds and have a friendly disposition. They are great dogs for families and the elderly. Due to their hypoallergenic coats, Yorkies are the perfect dog for a person with allergies.

Zoo Animals That Start With Y

Headed to the zoo for the day? Check out these zoo animals that start with the letter Y.

Yacare Caiman

The Yacare Caiman is a member of the crocodile family and inhabits the rivers and wetlands of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. In the 1980’s, their skin became popular with the fashion industry, so they were extensively hunted. Due to restrictions now in place, they are no longer on the endangered species list. The Yacare Caiman enjoys eating piranha; their primary food source is the aquatic snails.

Yellow baboon

The Yellow Baboon is also called the dog head since its faces have muzzles like a dog’s. They have yellowish-brown fur, with long tails and small bodies. Yellow Baboons are native to Eastern and Central Africa. They prefer to live in the flooded grasslands and savannas. They are ground-dwelling baboons and will scrounge for food on the ground.

Yellow Mongoose

The Yellow Mongoose is a member of the mongoose family but is said to resemble a meerkat. The Yellow Mongoose can be found in Africa, dwelling in the grasslands and semi-desert shrublands. They will share their complete burrows with Meerkats and Ground Squirrels.

Yellow-headed Amazon parrot

The Yellow-headed Amazon Parrot has just that, a yellow head. The main part of their body is a gorgeous bright green color with splotches of red plumage and a bright yellow head. Yellow-headed Amazon Parrots live in Mexico and Central America. They make excellent pets but unfortunately, the capture of these birds has led them to be on the endangered species list.

Yellowtail damselfish

The Yellowtail Damselfish is a lovely blue fish with a bright yellow tail found in Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. Since they are such hardy fish, they are one of the most popular fish for saltwater tank enthusiasts. They can be aggressive toward other small fish so it is best to keep them in their own tank.

Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowfin Tuna earned their name from the yellow spike-like fins down their back. They are aggressive predator fish that can be found in tropical waters all over the world. Like sharks, the Yellowfin Tuna must keep moving to stay alive due to getting oxygen only when water passes through their gills.