Animals Names That Start with R [Fun Facts & Complete List]

From the agile rabbit to the majestic rhinoceros, animals that start with the letter R include a wide variety of species. Whether they are found in the wild, kept as pets, or even extinct creatures from the past, these animals showcase the rich diversity of life on Earth. In this article, we’ll explore mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and more whose names begin with R.

Popular Animals That Start with R

Here are some of the most well-known animals starting with R:

  • Rabbit – A small herbivorous mammal known for its long ears and quick movements.
  • Raccoon – A nocturnal mammal recognized by its black “mask” and dexterous paws.
  • Red Panda – A tree-dwelling mammal with a bushy tail, often mistaken for a relative of the giant panda.
  • Rattlesnake – A venomous snake famous for the rattling sound it makes as a warning.
  • Rhinoceros – A large, thick-skinned herbivore with one or two horns on its snout.

Pet Animals That Start with R

  • Ragdoll – A popular breed of domestic cat known for its gentle and affectionate nature.
  • Rat Terrier – A small, energetic dog breed used for hunting and companionship.
  • Rex Rabbit – A breed of rabbit with soft, velvety fur.

Wild Animals That Start with R

  • Red Fox – A highly adaptable mammal found in various habitats worldwide.
  • Red Wolf – A rare and endangered wolf species native to the southeastern United States.
  • Rockhopper Penguin – A small, distinctive penguin known for its yellow crested feathers.
  • Roadrunner – A fast-running bird known for its speed and ability to prey on rattlesnakes.

Diverse Animal Types Starting with R

Mammals That Start with R

  • Rabbit
  • Raccoon
  • Red Panda
  • Reindeer
  • Rhesus Macaque
  • Rottweiler

Birds That Start with R

  • Robin
  • Red-Bellied Woodpecker
  • Red Kite
  • Ruddy Duck
  • Royal Penguin

Reptiles and Amphibians That Start with R

  • Rattlesnake
  • Red-Eyed Tree Frog
  • Red-Bellied Black Snake
  • Reticulated Python

Fish That Start with R

  • Rainbow Shark
  • Red Drum Fish
  • Rockfish
  • Redear Sunfish

Extinct Animals That Start with R

  • Rhamphosuchus – A massive prehistoric crocodile species.
  • Repenomamus – A large, mammal-like reptile that lived during the age of dinosaurs.

Full List of Animals That Start with R

Here’s a complete list of animals starting with R:

Animal NameAnimal Name
RabbitRaccoon
Raccoon DogRacer Snake
Radiated TortoiseRagamuffin
RagdollRaggle
Rainbow BoaRainbow Grasshopper
Rainbow KribsRainbow Shark
RatRat Snakes
Rat TerrierRattlesnake
Red Ackie MonitorRed Aphids
Red DeerRed Diamondback Rattlesnake
Red Drum FishRed Finch
Red FoxRed Kite
Red Knee TarantulaRed Nose Pit Bull
Red PandaRed Paper Wasp
Red Racer SnakeRed Spitting Cobra
Red SquirrelRed Star Chicken
Red Tail BoaRed Wolf
Red-Bellied Black SnakeRed-Bellied Woodpecker
Red-Billed Quelea BirdRed-Eared Slider
Red-Eyed Tree FrogRed-Footed Tortoise
Red-handed TamarinRed-Headed Vulture
Red-Lipped BatfishRed-Shouldered Hawk
Red-Tailed Cuckoo BumblebeeRed-winged Blackbird
Redback SpiderRedbone Coonhound
Redcap ChickenRedear Sunfish
Redhump EartheaterRedstart
Redtail CatfishReef Shark
Regal Jumping SpiderReindeer
RepenomamusReticulated Python
Rex RabbitRhamphosuchus
RheaRhesus Macaque
Rhino BeetleRhino Viper
RhinocerosRhode Island Red Chicken
Rhodesian RidgebackRhombic Egg-Eater Snake
Ribbon EelRibbon Snake
Rim Rock Crowned SnakeRing-billed Gull
Ringed KingfisherRinkhals Snake
River OtterRiver Turtle
RoadrunnerRobber Flies
RobinRock Bass
Rock CrabRock Hyrax
Rock PythonRockfish
Rockhopper PenguinRodents
Roe DeerRoosevelt Elk
RoosterRoot Aphids
Rose-Breasted GrosbeakRoseate Spoonbill
Rosy BoaRotterman
RottleRottsky
RottweilerRottweiler Mix
Rough Earth SnakeRough Green Snake
Rough-Legged HawkRove Beetle
Royal PenguinRubber Boa
Ruby-Crowned KingletRuby-Throated Hummingbird
Ruddy DuckRuddy Turnstone
Rufous HummingbirdRussel’s Viper
Russell TerrierRussian Bear Dog
Russian BlueRussian Tortoise

Fun Facts About Animals That Start with R

  • Raccoons have extremely dexterous paws that allow them to open doors and even untie knots.
  • Red Pandas use their long, bushy tails for balance and warmth.
  • Reindeer are the only deer species in which both males and females grow antlers.
  • Rattlesnakes can control their venom output when they bite, depending on the threat level.

Final Thoughts

Animals that start with R include a fascinating mix of species from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in mammals, reptiles, birds, or extinct creatures, the letter R provides plenty of intriguing examples. Which R animal is your favorite?