Discover the wonderful creatures in the animal kingdom, one ‘N’ at a time.
From the cute Numbat to the quirky Nudibranch, there’s a diverse array of fascinating creatures whose names start with the letter ‘N.’
Animals beginning with ‘N’
Narwhal
This distinctive whale is known for its long, spiral tusk, which are featured on the heads of males and can reach lengths of up to 10 feet.
Narwhals – “unicorns of the sea” – are social creatures and are often found in icy Arctic waters.
Find out everything about narwhals in our expert guide.
Numbat
The numbat, Myrmecobius fasciatus, is a small marsupial, which is also known as the banded anteater, thanks to its distinctive striped coat.
It primarily feeds on termites and has a long, sticky tongue for capturing its prey.
Nudibranch
Nudibranchs are colourful sea slugs – or shell-less marine molluscs – found in oceans worldwide. With over 100 species, they are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
Known for their vibrant and intricate patterns, these marine creatures are a favourite among underwater photographers and divers. Though approach with care, they steal the venom of their prey and incorporate into their own bodies as a defence mechanism.
We named them one of the prettiest animals in the sea – and possibly the most beautiful animal in the world
Nightingale
The nightingale is a small, songbird known for its powerful and melodious song.
These birds are often associated with the arrival of spring and are celebrated for their enchanting vocal performances.
Find out more about nightingales in our expert guide.
Nile Crocodile
Native to the eastern and southern regions of Africa, the Nile crocodile, Crocodylus niloticus, is the continent’s largest and most formidable reptiles – the second largest crocodile in the world, reaching up to 4.5 metres.
Found in rivers, freshwater marshes and mangrove swamps it has a powerful jaw and a preference for aquatic habitats, they are skilled hunters capable of ambushing prey near the water’s edge.
Find out about saltwater crocodiles and the difference between crocodiles and alligators.
Newt
Newts are small, semiaquatic amphibians known for their slender bodies and long tails.
Three species are native to the UK – the smooth newt, Lissotriton vulgaris, Great crested newt, Triturus cristatus and the Palmate newt, Lissotriton helveticus.
Newts often inhabit ponds and slow-moving streams, displaying vibrant colours during the breeding season.
Find out about the non-native Alpine newt in our expert guide, as well as the difference between lizards vs newts.
Néné
The Néné, or Hawaiian goose, is a rare species of goose endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
Recognised by its distinctive appearance and gentle nature, the Néné is the official state bird of Hawaii.
Discover what other animals you can see in Hawaii.
Nutria
Nutrias, also known as coypus, are semi-aquatic rodents with webbed feet, native to South America.
They have been introduced to various regions worldwide and are known for their burrowing habits.
Nubian Goat
Nubian goats are a domestic breed known for their distinctive long, floppy ears and friendly demeanour. They are popular in dairy farming for the high butter fat content of their milk.
Night Hawk
The night hawk, Chordeiles minor, a nocturnal bird of prey, is known for its distinctive, pointed wings and aerial hunting prowess.
With a keen sense of sight, it soars gracefully through the twilight skies in search of insects, embodying the essence of nighttime beauty.
Naked Mole-Rat
The naked mole-rat, a unique rodent native to East Africa, defies typical mammalian expectations with its hairless, wrinkled appearance and is one of the weirdest animals in the world.
Living in underground colonies, these social creatures are eusocial, displaying cooperative behaviours uncommon among mammals.
Find out more about the Naked mole rat with our expert guide, and find out about a new study that suggests these little creatures can multitask
Natterjack
The natterjack toad, a European amphibian, is recognised for its distinctive yellow stripe down its back.
Preferring sandy habitats, this agile toad is known for its melodic mating calls during the breeding season, adding a harmonious touch to wetlands.
Check out our expert guide to Natterjack toads and the difference between a frog and a toad.
Nurse Shark
The nurse shark, a slow-moving and docile elasmobranch, inhabits tropical and subtropical waters.
Recognisable by its barbels and nocturnal habits, this species showcases the serene elegance of the underwater realm.
Love sharks? Read our round up of amazing shark facts you should know
Napu
The napu, also known as the greater mouse deer, is a small-sized deer native to Southeast Asia.
With distinctive antlers and a reddish-brown coat, the napu roams diverse habitats, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the region.
Newfoundland
The gentle Newfoundland (one of the world’s biggest dog breeds) is renowned for its strength, intelligence, and webbed feet.
Originally bred as a working dog for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada, these loyal companions are known for their rescue instincts and gentle demeanour.
Nuthatch
The nuthatch, a small and agile bird, is recognised for its unique habit of climbing headfirst down tree trunks.
With a distinctive “yank yank” call, these acrobatic birds forage for insects and seeds, showcasing adaptability in various wooded habitats.
Find out more about this species in our comprehensive guide to nuthatches
North American horned lizard
Also known as the horny toad, the North American horned lizard has an impressive arsenal of novel, powerful – and frankly weird – defences. However their real super-power is their ability to shoot blood – loaded with foul toxins gleaned from a diet of venomous ants – from their eyes, to a distance of up to nine times their body length.
Nightjar
The nightjar is a medium-sized bird, with bark-coloured plumage, a pointed tail and flat head. Males have white patches on their wings and tail tips. They eat moths, flies and beetles.
During the spring mating season, the males have a particular way of attracting a match – wing-clapping – while rivals can also be glimpsed performing frantic display fights.
Looking for more animal facts?
Explore our expertly curated collection of captivating animal features, offering everything from insightful animal ID’s to engaging quizzes. Check out our collection of species guides, from big cats to zebra – all the information you need is in one place!
Picture credit: Getty