Mother nature is a playground full of creatures yet to be discovered. Despite our existence for thousands of years, many animals are still unknown to us and are yet to be found.
We are on a mission to list animals alphabetically. Today’s objective is simple; we will list animals with U as the first letter in their names. So if you would love to be a part of this journey, keep reading and learn more about animals that live alongside us.
List of Animals That Start With U by Classes
Many animal names start with U. These are found worldwide and are all unique in their ways. So without further adieu, here are some of the most common animals named with U categorized into types as Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fishes, and Invertebrates.
Mammals That Start With Letter U
Birds That Start With Letter U
Reptiles That Start With Letter U
Amphibians That Start With Letter U
Fish that Start with U
Undulate Ray
Insects and Invertebrates Beginning with U
List of Animals That Start With U: Classification, Behavior, and Facts
Now, let’s jump into the jungle of those animals that start with U and know about their habitat, diet, lifespan and some fun facts.
1. Uromastyx
Scientific name: Uromastyx sp
Type of animal: Agamid Lizard / Reptile
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 15-20 years
Habitat: These Uuromastyx lizards inhabit deserts and rocky areas where the regions are arid. They reside in caves and rocky crevices to protect themselves from extreme temperatures.
Diet: These Uromastyx lizards are herbivorous. Leaves, flowers, seeds, and some fruits are a part of their vegetation-based diet. Their digestive systems are adapted to extracting nutrients from desert plants.
Fun Fact: When threatened, Uromastyx lizards gulp air and make themselves look bigger and intimidating. They have unique dry weather adaptations such as – specialized nasal passages extracting moisture from the air, body temperature regulation tactics, etc.
Uromastyx lizards are reptiles native to arid locations in North Africa and the Middle. Defensive when threatened but docile in general, Uromastyx lizards are popular pets because they are low maintenance and unique looking. These lizards have a unique way of maintaining their temperature in arid heat. They bask in the sun during cooler hours of the day. This raises their body temperature. They take shelter in their burrows to cool down when it gets significantly hotter.
2. Unicorn Fish
Scientific name: Naso unicornis
Type of animal: Marine Fish
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Habitat: The Unicorn fish are found in coral reefs, rocky tropical-subtropical regions, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. They range at depths of 10 to 60 meters in the waters.
Diet: Unicorn fish are herbivores; they primarily feed on seaweed and algae.
Fun Fact: The elongated extension on the forehead of the unicorn fish resembles a unicorn horn. It is used for courtship displays and distinguishing this particular species. Their unique ability to change color is used during courtship displays and territorial disputes.
The unicorn fish possess an elongated body with a horn-like projection on their forehead. These fishes exhibit an interesting head-stand behavior in cleaning themselves. They invert themselves, resting on their heads and ventral sides facing upwards. They also possess a specialized gill cover that can release a stream of water, blowing away any debris on their food.
3. Umbrella Cockatoo
Scientific name: Cacatua alba
Type of animal: Bird
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: Can live up to 70 years and more.
Habitat: Umbrella Cockatoos reside in the rainforests and nearby islands of Indonesia. Inhabiting dense and humid canopies of the forests, they prefer being around water sources.
Diet: These cockatoos have a varied diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, flowers, and insects. They are also known to consume bark and wood to aid in digestion and beak maintenance.
Fun Fact: Umbrella Cockatoos are known for their unique crest of feathers on their heads, which they can raise or lower depending on their mood or level of excitement. They are highly intelligent and social birds, capable of mimicry and forming strong bonds with their human caretakers.
The Umbrella Cockatoo is a stunning bird with predominantly white plumage and a distinctive crest that resembles an open umbrella when raised. These intelligent birds display charismatic behavior, often forming strong bonds with their human companions. They are known for their mimicry skills. With an impressive lifespan of up to 70 years, the Umbrella Cockatoo is a beloved and captivating pet for bird enthusiasts.
4. Utonagan
Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris (domestic dog)
Type of animal: Dog (domesticated breed)
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Habitat: Utonagan is a domestic breed that lives in human households as pets.
Diet: Utonagan dog’s diet can include meat, vegetables, and grains as homemade feed.
Fun Fact: Utonagan dogs were selectively bred to resemble wolves in appearance. This breed was developed in the 1980s in the United Kingdom, aiming to capture the majestic charm of wolves with the behavior of domestic dogs.
Utonagan dogs are friendly and sociable breeds thriving on human companionship. They are highly intelligent and quick learners. They are highly empathetic and understand emotions. This makes them exceptional companions for individuals in need of emotional support.
5. Uakari
Scientific name: Cacajao
Type of animal: Primate
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 20 to 25 years
Habitat: Uakaris inhabit the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly in the Amazon River basin. They are arboreal creatures found in flooded forests and swampy areas near rivers.
Diet: Uakaris are mainly herbivorous primates. They eat fruits, leaves, seeds, flowers, etc. They occasionally eat insects as well.
Fun Fact: Uakaris have a unique red-pink-white (varying from species to species) and a bald face. Uakaris live in large social groups and are highly vocal, using various calls and vocalizations to communicate within their group.
Uakaris are primates found in the lush rainforests of South America. Their striking red or bald faces are a visual signal within their social groups. These arboreal creatures live in large troops, exhibiting social behavior and communication through various vocalizations. With their frugivorous diet and preference for flooded forest habitats, uakaris play an essential role in seed dispersal and ecosystem maintenance. Their unique appearance and behavior make them intriguing and charismatic residents of the Amazon rainforest.
6. Ural Owl
Scientific name: Strix uralensis
Type of animal: Bird
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 10-15 years
Habitat: Ural Owls prefer mature forests with a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees. They are found in forests across northern Eurasia, including parts of Europe, Asia, and the Ural Mountains.
Diet: Ural Owls are carnivorous and prey on small mammals and rodents like mice and voles. They also eat small birds, reptiles, and insects.
Fun Fact: Ural Owls are known for their deep hooting calls, often heard during the breeding season. These calls are used for territorial defense and attracting mates.
The Ural Owl has a large and robust body with long, broad wings and a short, sturdy tail. They have rounded heads with prominent ear tufts. Their facial disc, the area surrounding their eyes, is pale and framed by dark feathers. These owls are generally solitary birds, occupying large territories. They are known to be aggressive when defending their nests and fiercely attack intruders, including humans if they feel threatened.
7. Urial
Scientific name: Ovis orientalis vignei
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 12-15 years
Habitat: Urials are found in rocky and mountainous regions across Central Asia, including parts of Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
Diet: Urials are herbivores that graze on grasses, herbs, and shrubs.
Fun Fact: Urials are highly agile climbers who can easily navigate steep and rocky terrain. They are known for their jumping ability and can clear obstacles and gaps while traversing their habitat.
Urials are medium-sized sheep species. Rams are larger than ewes, with an average shoulder height of around 32-37 inches. They have a stocky body, powerful legs, and a woolly coat. The males’ most notable feature is their impressive, spiraling horns. These wild sheep are gregarious animals and form herds consisting of females, young offspring, and a dominant male.
8. Uintatherium
Scientific name: Uintatherium
Type of animal: Extinct Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 20-30 years
Habitat: Uintatherium fossils have been found in North America, particularly in regions once part of the ancient floodplain environments. These animals likely inhabited forested areas near rivers and lakes.
Diet: Uintatheriums were herbivorous mammals.
Fun Fact: Uintatherium was a slow-moving animal due to its large size and body structure. It likely relied on its size and defensive features to deter predators.
Uintatherium had a massive body with a short neck and sturdy limbs. It had a barrel-shaped torso, and its head was large and elongated. The skull featured a prominent bony horn on the snout and multiple pairs of small bony knobs on top. It had large, grinding teeth that indicate its herbivorous diet. The exact appearance of Uintatherium may have varied among species within the genus.
9. Uaru Cichlid
Scientific name: Uaru amphiacanthoides
Type of animal: Fish
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 10-15 years
Habitat: Uaru Cichlids are native to the Amazon River basin in South America and flooded areas of Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. They prefer slow-moving and heavily vegetated waters, including flooded forests, streams, and backwaters.
Diet: Uaru Cichlids are omnivorous. They feed on algae, aquatic plants, fruits, insects, and small invertebrates.
Fun Fact: Uaru Cichlids are known for their ability to change colors and patterns, displaying different hues depending on their mood, health, and breeding state.
Uaru Cichlids have an oval-shaped body with a laterally compressed profile. They can grow to a size of about 10-12 inches. Mature males develop a prominent forehead bulge or bump, a unique feature called “humphead” or “forehead bump.” This feature is more pronounced during breeding. These fish are known to form monogamous pairs and exhibit strong parental care. Both parents guard and tend to their offspring, which can contribute to their survival and growth.
10. Urechis Unicinctus
Scientific name: Urechis unicinctus
Type of animal: Marine Worm
Phylum: Annelida
Average lifespan: 5-10 years.
Habitat: Urechis Unicinctus are found in sandy or muddy intertidal zones and shallow coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly along the coastlines of China, Korea, Japan, and other East Asian countries.
Diet: Urechis Unicinctus is a deposit feeder. They feed on organic particles and detritus present in the sediment.
Fun Fact: Urechis Unicinctus is known as the “Fat Innkeeper Worm” or “Chinese Penis Fish.”
Urechis Unicinctus has an elongated and cylindrical body, reaching around 6-14 inches. They are pale pink or reddish-brown with a smooth and slimy texture. These creatures lack distinct segments or external features commonly seen in other annelid worms. They are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs. They release eggs and sperm into the water, where external fertilization occurs.
11. Umbrellabird
Scientific name: Cephalopterus
Type of animal: Bird
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: Up to 20 years.
Habitat: Umbrellabirds are found in the lowland rainforests of Central and South America, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
Diet: Umbrellabirds are omnivorous. They eat fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally small reptiles and amphibians.
Fun Fact: Umbrellabirds are known for their unique crests and throat pouches. Males of both species possess an impressive, umbrella-like crest on their heads.
Umbrellabirds are large, stocky birds with predominantly black plumage. Males are typically larger than females and possess unique ornamental features such as crests, wattles, or bare patches. These birds are known for deep and resonant vocalizations, including booming calls and low-pitched hoots. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal.
12. Ulysses Butterfly
Scientific name: Papilio Ulysses
Type of animal: Butterfly
Phylum: Arthropoda
Average lifespan: a few weeks to a few months.
Habitat: Ulysses Butterflies are native to the tropical rainforests, coastal areas, wetlands, and upland forests of Australia, particularly in the northeastern regions of Queensland.
Diet: Ulysses Butterflies feed on nectar from flowering plants like lantana, grevillea, and various rainforest blossoms.
Fun Fact: Ulysses Butterflies are known for their graceful and agile flight.
The Ulysses Butterfly is characterized by its vibrant blue wings with black borders. The upper side of the wings in males is a striking electric blue, while females have a lighter blue color with black veins. The undersides of the wings are brownish, providing camouflage when the butterfly rests with its wings closed.
13. Uguisu (Japanese Bush Warbler)
Scientific name: Horornis Diphone
Type of animal: Bird
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 4-5 years.
Habitat: Uguisu birds prefer dense vegetation, thickets, and undergrowth where they can find cover and forage for insects. They are found in the forests and woodlands of Japan.
Diet: Uguisu birds are insectivorous and also feed on small invertebrates.
Fun Fact: Uguisu birds symbolize spring and are associated with the arrival of cherry blossoms.
Uguisu birds have relatively plain plumage, mainly olive-brown, which provides camouflage within their forest habitats. They have a slightly rounded body with a long, slender beak. Both males and females have similar plumage. Traditionally, Uguisu’s song was valued for its therapeutic qualities and was believed to have a calming effect on people. Its song was used in Japanese tea ceremonies to create a serene atmosphere.
14. Unau (Two-Toed Sloth)
Scientific name: Choloepus
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 20-30 years.
Habitat: Unau sloths are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They prefer lowland forests, montane forests, and cloud forests.
Diet: Unau sloths are herbivores and feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits of various trees.
Fun Fact: Unau sloths are known for their incredibly slow movements. They are one of the slowest mammals on Earth.
Unau sloths have a stocky body with dense fur that varies in color, ranging from gray to brown. Their fur can have a greenish tint due to the algae that grow on it. They have short tails and rounded faces with large, forward-facing eyes. Their limbs are adapted for life in the trees, with long arms and curved claws for efficient movement and gripping branches.
15. Underwing Moth
Scientific name: Catocala
Type of animal: Insect
Phylum: Arthropoda
Average lifespan: Few weeks to a few months.
Habitat: Underwing Moths are found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are distributed across different North American, Europe, and Asia regions.
Diet: Underwing Moths are herbivorous. They feed on the leaves of deciduous trees, including oak, maple, birch, and poplar.
Fun Fact: Underwing Moths have evolved this wing pattern as a startle or defensive display to confuse or deter potential predators.
Underwing Moths have medium to large-sized wingspans, ranging from 3–5 inches. The upper wings are often cryptically colored, with shades of gray, brown, or black, resembling tree bark or leaves. The hindwings are the most vibrant and can display colors such as orange, yellow, pink, or red, often with intricate patterns or bands.
16. Upland Sandpiper
Scientific name: Bartramia longicauda
Type of animal: Bird
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 5-7 years.
Habitat: Upland Sandpipers are found in various regions of North America during the breeding season, including the central and northern parts of the United States and Canada.
Diet: Upland Sandpipers are carnivorous and feed on insects and other invertebrates, such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders.
Fun Fact: Upland Sandpipers are known for their distinctive and far-carrying vocalization, described as a whistling call that sounds like “wolf-whistle” or “wolf-poop.”
Upland Sandpipers have slender bodies and long legs, measuring approximately 11-12 inches. They have a unique appearance with a relatively large head, a long neck, and a long, thin bill. They are brownish, with buff-colored underparts and distinctive dark streaks on their neck and upper body. They have white eyering and short tails.
17. Utah Prairie Dog
Scientific name: Cynomys parvidens
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 3-5 years
Habitat: Utah Prairie Dogs prefer open grasslands, sagebrush plains, and meadows. They are native to the southwestern United States, specifically Utah’s central and southern parts.
Diet: Utah Prairie Dogs are herbivores.
Fun Fact: Utah Prairie Dogs communicate through vocalizations and body language. They have different alarm calls to alert their group members about the presence of predators, such as hawks, coyotes, and snakes.
The Utah Prairie Dog is a fascinating species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and biodiversity of prairie ecosystems. Their social behaviors, burrowing activities, and grazing habits contribute to the dynamic balance of their habitats. Efforts to protect their populations and unique grassland habitats are essential for long-term survival.
18. Ultramarine Lorikeet
Scientific name: Vini ultramarina
Type of animal: Bird
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 10-15 years.
Habitat: Ultramarine Lorikeets are seen in tropical rainforests, coconut plantations, and other wooded areas. They are endemic to the Samoan Islands in the South Pacific.
Diet: Ultramarine Lorikeets are omnivores. They feed on nectar, pollen, fruits, flowers, insects, and larvae.
Fun Fact: Ultramarine Lorikeets play a crucial role in pollination by transferring pollen from flower to flower as they feed on nectar. Ultramarine Lorikeets also have a unique adaptation known as a brush-like tongue.
Ultramarine Lorikeets are medium-sized birds, measuring around 7-8 inches. They have a stocky build with a short tail. These birds have vibrant blue plumage, a specialized diet, and an important role in pollination, making them a fascinating and important part of the island ecosystems.
19. Uinta Ground Squirrel
Scientific name: Urocitellus armatus
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 3-6 years.
Habitat: Uinta Ground Squirrels are native to the western United States, the Rocky Mountains, and surrounding areas. They prefer grasslands, meadows, sagebrush steppe, and alpine regions.
Diet: Uinta Ground Squirrels are herbivores and grasses, seeds, leaves, and other plant materials.
Fun Fact: Uinta Ground Squirrels are known for their hibernation behavior.
Uinta Ground Squirrels have a compact, robust body and short limbs. They measure approximately 7-9 inches with a short, bushy tail. Their fur coloration varies depending on the region and season but generally consists of brown, gray, and yellowish tones. They have relatively large eyes and prominent cheek pouches used for storing food.
20. Urutu Snake
Scientific name: Bothrops alternatus
Type of animal: Snake
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 10-15 years.
Habitat: Urutu Snakes are found in grasslands, savannas, forests, and agricultural areas. They are commonly found in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Diet: Urutu Snakes are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, birds, lizards, and amphibians.
Fun Fact: Urutu Snakes are ambush predators and use their venomous bite to immobilize and consume their prey.
The Urutu Snakes have robust bodies with triangular-shaped heads. They have light brown or grayish-brown coloration with darker blotches or bands along their bodies. They are known for their excellent camouflage, blending with their surrounding environment to ambush unsuspecting prey.
21. Uganda Kob
Scientific name: Kobus kob thomasi
Type of animal: Mammals
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 10-15 years.
Habitat: Uganda Kobs are found in floodplains, acacia woodlands, grasslands, and savannas of Uganda, East Africa, including South Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Diet: Uganda Kobs are herbivores and feed on grasses and herbs.
Fun Fact: Uganda Kobs are known for their impressive leaping displays known as “pronking.” The Uganda Kob is the national animal of Uganda and is featured on the country’s coat of arms.
The Uganda Kob is an iconic antelope species in East Africa, known for its impressive leaping displays, magnificent horns, and social behavior. It is an important component of the grassland ecosystems in the region and contributes to the natural beauty and diversity of the African savannas. It holds cultural significance and is often associated with the country’s natural heritage.
22. Ukrainian Riding Horse
Scientific name: Equus ferus caballus
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 25-30 years.
Habitat: Ukrainian Riding Horses are domesticated horses primarily found in Ukraine.
Diet: Ukrainian Riding Horses are herbivores. They feed on grains, fruits, vegetables, grasses, hay, and other plant materials.
Fun Fact: Ukrainian Riding Horses are admired for their elegant appearance, well-proportioned body, strong legs, and expressive eyes.
Ukrainian Riding Horses are a versatile and athletic breed, prized for their adaptability and trainability. They have become popular for riders seeking a horse that can excel in different disciplines while maintaining a pleasant temperament. They generally have a well-muscled body, a medium-sized head, alert ears, and expressive eyes. The height of Ukrainian Riding Horses typically ranges from 15 to 16.2 hands.
23. Uinta Chipmunk
Scientific name: Tamias umbrinus
Type of animal: Mammal
Phylum: Chordata
Average lifespan: 3-5 years.
Habitat: Uinta Chipmunks prefer vegetation and ample cover from rocks, logs, and shrubs. They are native to the Uinta Mountains of Utah.
Diet: Uinta Chipmunks are omnivorous. They feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, insects, and small invertebrates.
Fun Fact: Uinta Chipmunks are known for their cheek pouches, which they use to carry food back to their burrows. These expandable pouches allow them to gather and transport large quantities of food efficiently.
Uinta Chipmunks have compact and slender bodies with bushy tails. They have a striped pattern on their back, alternating light and dark stripes extending from their head to their tail. The coloration of their fur varies, but they typically have reddish-brown or grayish-brown fur on their upper body and a lighter underbelly. They have white eye rings and prominent whiskers.
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Conclusion
The letter U is quite an unusual one! With so many animals living under the same Sun, it is not uncommon for us to forget a few. If we have missed your favorite animal that starts with U, please let us know, and we will add them.
