Exploring the animal kingdom is always a blast, especially when you look animals whose names start with the letter "H". It's like a wild alphabet adventure that spans across continents, introducing us to the diverse and sometimes hidden creatures of the world.

Easter Chunky Lift-a-Flap Board Book (Babies Love)

(2332)

$7.99 (as of April 21, 2025 16:24 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Try Not to Laugh Challenge, Easter Joke Book for Kids: Easter Basket Stuffer for Boys, Girls, Teens & Adults, Fun Easter Activity Book with Cute ... Easter Activities for the Whole Family!

(1683)

$7.99 (as of April 21, 2025 16:24 GMT +01:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Whether hopping, slithering, or swimming, these animals are fantastic examples of nature's variety. So lets meet some of the unique names of animals that start with H from different parts of our planet!

See also: More Animals That Start With

Animals in Asia Starting with H

Himalayan Monal

• Description: A colorful pheasant with iridescent plumage
• Scientific Name: Lophophorus impejanus
• Group Called: A flock
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, eats plants and insects
• Lifespan and Aging: 5-7 years
• Interesting Facts: It's the national bird of Nepal

Himalayan Tahr

• Description: A large ungulate related to the wild goat
• Scientific Name: Hemitragus jemlahicus
• Group Called: A herd
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, mainly grasses
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 15 years
• Interesting Facts: They are excellent climbers

Hoary Bat

• Description: A large, dark brown bat with silver-tipped fur
• Scientific Name: Lasiurus cinereus
• Group Called: A colony
• Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore
• Lifespan and Aging: 6-7 years
• Interesting Facts: They migrate long distances seasonally

Honey Badger

• Description: A fearless and tough small mammal known for its strength
• Scientific Name: Mellivora capensis
• Group Called: A solitude (mostly solitary)
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 26 years in captivity
• Interesting Facts: They are immune to many venoms

Hoolock Gibbon

• Description: A small, agile primate with long arms
• Scientific Name: Hoolock
• Group Called: A band
• Diet and Nutrition: Frugivore, eating mostly fruit
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 25 years
• Interesting Facts: They are the second-largest of the gibbons

Horned Frog

• Description: A large frog with "horns" over its eyes
• Scientific Name: Ceratophrys
• Group Called: An army
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, eats mostly insects
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 6 years
• Interesting Facts: Known for their aggressive feeding behavior

Himalayan Blue Sheep

• Description: A large sheep with a distinctive bluish tint to their coat
• Scientific Name: Pseudois nayaur
• Group Called: A herd
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, grasses, and herbs
• Lifespan and Aging: 12-15 years
• Interesting Facts: Important prey for the snow leopard

Hawk Moth

• Description: A large moth known for its swift flying ability
• Scientific Name: Sphingidae
• Group Called: A flock
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, in larval stage they eat leaves, adults feed on nectar
• Lifespan and Aging: A few weeks to several months
• Interesting Facts: They are excellent at hovering

Harlequin Shrimp

• Description: A brightly colored shrimp with a striking pattern
• Scientific Name: Hymenocera picta
• Group Called: A pair
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, mainly feeds on starfish
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 7 years
• Interesting Facts: They mate for life

Hardwicke's Woolly Bat

• Description: A small bat known for roosting in the fur of large spiders
• Scientific Name: Kerivoula hardwickii
• Group Called: A colony
• Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: They live in complete darkness inside caves

Animals in Africa Starting with H

Hippopotamus

• Description: A large, mostly aquatic mammal with a huge mouth and teeth
• Scientific Name: Hippopotamus amphibius
• Group Called: A bloat
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, feeds on grasses
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 50 years
• Interesting Facts: They can close their nostrils underwater

Hyena

• Description: A carnivorous animal known for its strong jaws and scavenging habits
• Scientific Name: Hyaenidae
• Group Called: A clan
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 25 years
• Interesting Facts: They are more closely related to cats than to dogs

Hartebeest

• Description: A large, fawn-colored antelope with long horns
• Scientific Name: Alcelaphus buselaphus
• Group Called: A herd
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, mainly grasses
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 15 years
• Interesting Facts: Known for their speed and endurance

Hammerhead Shark

• Description: A distinct shark with a hammer-shaped head
• Scientific Name: Sphyrnidae
• Group Called: A school
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on fish and cephalopods
• Lifespan and Aging: 20-30 years
• Interesting Facts: Their head shape improves sensory perception

Honeyguide Bird

• Description: A small bird known for leading humans to beehives
• Scientific Name: Indicatoridae
• Group Called: A flight
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, feeds on beeswax and insects
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 8 years
• Interesting Facts: They have a mutual relationship with humans

Hedgehog

• Description: A small mammal with a coat of stiff, spiny quills
• Scientific Name: Erinaceinae
• Group Called: An array
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, insects, and plants
• Lifespan and Aging: 3-8 years
• Interesting Facts: They can roll into a ball for protection

Hadeda Ibis

• Description: A large bird with iridescent green wings and a loud call
• Scientific Name: Bostrychia hagedash
• Group Called: A flock
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, insects, and small animals
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
• Interesting Facts: Named after their distinctive "haa-haa-de-dah" call

Hyrax

• Description: A small, thickset herbivorous mammal resembling a rodent, but related to elephants
• Scientific Name: Procaviidae
• Group Called: A colony
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, eats leaves and fruit
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 12 years
• Interesting Facts: They have complex social structures

Helmeted Guineafowl

• Description: A bird known for its hard helmet-like casque on its head
• Scientific Name: Numida meleagris
• Group Called: A confusion
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, seeds and insects
• Lifespan and Aging: 10-15 years
• Interesting Facts: They are very vocal birds, especially when alarmed

Hornbill

• Description: A bird with a large, down-curved bill and a casque on top
• Scientific Name: Bucerotidae
• Group Called: A convocation
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, fruits and small animals
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 50 years in some species
• Interesting Facts: Some species have a unique nesting behavior where females are sealed in tree cavities

Animals in North America Starting with H

Harris's Hawk

• Description: A medium-large bird of prey known for its social hunting behavior
• Scientific Name: Parabuteo unicinctus
• Group Called: A cast
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, mainly small animals
• Lifespan and Aging: 15-20 years
• Interesting Facts: They often hunt in groups

Humpback Whale

• Description: A large whale known for its majestic jumps and song
• Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae
• Group Called: A pod
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on krill and small fish
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 80 years
• Interesting Facts: Their songs can last for hours

Hooded Skunk

• Description: A small, black and white mammal known for its ability to spray a foul odor
• Scientific Name: Mephitis macroura
• Group Called: A surfeit
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 7 years
• Interesting Facts: They have two types of spray glands

Hummingbird

• Description: A tiny bird known for its rapid wing beats and hovering flight
• Scientific Name: Trochilidae
• Group Called: A charm
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, feeds on nectar and insects
• Lifespan and Aging: 3-5 years
• Interesting Facts: They are the only birds that can fly backwards

Hellbender Salamander

• Description: A large, aquatic salamander with wrinkly skin
• Scientific Name: Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
• Group Called: A congress
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on small fish and invertebrates
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 30 years
• Interesting Facts: They breathe through their skin

Hoary Marmot

• Description: A large, gray marmot found in mountainous areas
• Scientific Name: Marmota caligata
• Group Called: A colony
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 15 years
• Interesting Facts: Known for their loud whistling to alert of predators

Harbor Seal

• Description: A marine mammal with a spotted coat
• Scientific Name: Phoca vitulina
• Group Called: A herd
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, fish and squid
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 35 years
• Interesting Facts: They can sleep underwater

Harlequin Duck

• Description: A small sea duck known for its striking plumage
• Scientific Name: Histrionicus histrionicus
• Group Called: A flock
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, feeds on insects, mollusks, and crustaceans
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 15 years
• Interesting Facts: They are strong swimmers, even in rough waters

Hawaiian Monk Seal

• Description: An endangered seal native to the Hawaiian Islands
• Scientific Name: Neomonachus schauinslandi
• Group Called: A rookery
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, fish, and cephalopods
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 30 years
• Interesting Facts: They are one of the most endangered seal species

House Finch

• Description: A small bird with a red head and breast in males
• Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
• Group Called: A charm
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, eats grains, seeds, and fruit
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 11 years
• Interesting Facts: They were originally found only in the western U.S. but are now widespread

Animals in South America Starting with H

Harpy Eagle

• Description: A large bird of prey, known for its strength and size
• Scientific Name: Harpia harpyja
• Group Called: A convocation
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on medium-sized mammals and birds
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 25 years
• Interesting Facts: They have the largest talons of any eagle

Howler Monkey

• Description: A large New World monkey known for its loud howl
• Scientific Name: Alouatta
• Group Called: A troop
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, mostly leaves
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
• Interesting Facts: They have a prehensile tail

Humboldt Penguin

• Description: A medium-sized penguin with a black and white coat
• Scientific Name: Spheniscus humboldti
• Group Called: A colony
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on fish and squid
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
• Interesting Facts: Named after the cold Humboldt Current where they swim

Hoatzin

• Description: A tropical bird with a blue face and a crest of feathers
• Scientific Name: Opisthocomus hoazin
• Group Called: A flock
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, feeds on leaves
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: They have a unique digestive system similar to cows

Hairy Armadillo

• Description: A small armadillo with hair covering its body and shell
• Scientific Name: Chaetophractus villosus
• Group Called: A fez
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, eats plants and small animals
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
• Interesting Facts: They can roll into a tight ball for defense

Helmeted Curassow

• Description: A large bird with a helmet-like casque on its head
• Scientific Name: Pauxi pauxi
• Group Called: A flock
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, fruits and seeds
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: They are threatened by habitat loss

Hyacinth Macaw

• Description: A large blue parrot with yellow rings around its eyes
• Scientific Name: Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus
• Group Called: A flock
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, feeds on nuts and fruits
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 50 years
• Interesting Facts: It's the largest flying parrot species

Hocó Colorao

• Description: A tall bird with a striking red and black coloration
• Scientific Name: Tigrisoma lineatum
• Group Called: A solitary
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on fish and amphibians
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: They are skilled hunters, often standing motionless to catch prey

Helmeted Manakin

• Description: A small bird with vibrant plumage and a helmet-like bump on its head
• Scientific Name: Antilophia galeata
• Group Called: A display (during mating season)
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, eats fruits and insects
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 7 years
• Interesting Facts: Males perform acrobatic displays to attract females

Hocico de Cochino

• Description: A small, cryptic rodent with a pig-like snout
• Scientific Name: Cavia aperea
• Group Called: A drift
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, primarily grass
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 8 years
• Interesting Facts: They are known for their social behavior

Animals in Europe Starting with H

Hazel Dormouse

• Description: A small rodent with golden-brown fur and large eyes
• Scientific Name: Muscardinus avellanarius
• Group Called: A snuggery
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, nuts, fruits, and insects
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 5 years
• Interesting Facts: They can hibernate for up to 7 months

Hoopoe

• Description: A colorful bird with a striking crest and long beak
• Scientific Name: Upupa epops
• Group Called: A crown
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, feeds on insects and seeds
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 11 years
• Interesting Facts: They have a unique, fan-like crest

Hen Harrier

• Description: A medium-sized raptor known for its agile flight and distinct plumage
• Scientific Name: Circus cyaneus
• Group Called: A cast
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, preys on small birds and mammals
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 12 years
• Interesting Facts: They have a distinctive white rump visible in flight

Harbor Porpoise

• Description: A small, shy marine mammal with a rounded body
• Scientific Name: Phocoena phocoena
• Group Called: A pod
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on fish and squid
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 23 years
• Interesting Facts: They are among the smallest marine mammals

Hercules Beetle

• Description: A large beetle recognized by its impressive horn used for battling
• Scientific Name: Dynastes hercules
• Group Called: A posse
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, feeds on rotting fruit
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 6 months as adults
• Interesting Facts: They are one of the largest beetles in the world

Hazel Grouse

• Description: A small woodland bird with a grey plumage and a red-brown belly
• Scientific Name: Tetrastes bonasia
• Group Called: A covey
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, eats berries and insects
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 7 years
• Interesting Facts: They are known for their distinctive "whirring" flight

Heath Fritillary

• Description: A small, striking butterfly with a chequered pattern on its wings
• Scientific Name: Melitaea athalia
• Group Called: A flutter
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, caterpillars feed on plant leaves
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 3 weeks as adults
• Interesting Facts: They prefer woodland and heathland habitats

European Hare

• Description: A fast-running, long-eared mammal larger than a rabbit
• Scientific Name: Lepus europaeus
• Group Called: A down
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, feeds on grasses and herbs
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 12 years
• Interesting Facts: They can reach speeds of up to 45 mph

European Hornet

• Description: A large wasp species with a reddish-brown body
• Scientific Name: Vespa crabro
• Group Called: A nest
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, feeds on insects, fruit, and tree sap
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 1 year for queens
• Interesting Facts: They are the largest European hornet species

Hawfinch

• Description: A large finch with a powerful bill and vibrant plumage
• Scientific Name: Coccothraustes coccothraustes
• Group Called: A charm
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, seeds and fruits mainly
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 12 years
• Interesting Facts: They can crack open cherry pits with their beaks

Animals in Oceania Starting with H

Hawaiian Goose

• Description: An endangered species of goose, native to Hawaii
• Scientific Name: Branta sandvicensis
• Group Called: A gaggle
• Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore, grasses and berries
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
• Interesting Facts: Also known as Nēnē, it's the state bird of Hawaii

Hector's Dolphin

• Description: A small and rare species of dolphin found only in New Zealand waters
• Scientific Name: Cephalorhynchus hectori
• Group Called: A pod
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, fish and squid
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
• Interesting Facts: They are the smallest and rarest marine dolphins

Hawaiian Hoary Bat

• Description: The only native land mammal of Hawaii, with silver-grey fur
• Scientific Name: Lasiurus cinereus semotus
• Group Called: A colony
• Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: They are endangered due to habitat loss

Humphead Wrasse

• Description: A large species of fish with a prominent bulge on its forehead
• Scientific Name: Cheilinus undulatus
• Group Called: A solitary or pair
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on mollusks and reef fish
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 30 years
• Interesting Facts: They can change their sex from female to male

Honeyeater

• Description: A diverse group of Australian birds known for feeding on nectar
• Scientific Name: Meliphagidae
• Group Called: A flock
• Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore, nectar and insects
• Lifespan and Aging: Varies widely
• Interesting Facts: They have brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar

Haast's Eagle

• Description: An extinct species of eagle that was once New Zealand's top predator
• Scientific Name: Harpagornis moorei
• Group Called: Extinct
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, primarily large birds and mammals
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: It was the largest eagle known to have existed

Humpback Anglerfish

• Description: A deep-sea fish known for its bioluminescent lure used to attract prey
• Scientific Name: Melanocetus johnsonii
• Group Called: A solitary
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, small fish and crustaceans
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: They live in complete darkness over 2000 meters below sea level

Huntsman Spider

• Description: A large, flat-bodied spider known for its incredible speed and agility
• Scientific Name: Sparassidae
• Group Called: A solitary
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, primarily insects and other small invertebrates
• Lifespan and Aging: Up to 2 years
• Interesting Facts: They don't use webs to catch prey

Hoary-headed Grebe

• Description: A small, aquatic bird with distinctive grey and white plumage
• Scientific Name: Poliocephalus poliocephalus
• Group Called: A flotilla
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, small fish and aquatic insects
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: They build floating nests in shallow water

Highland Tiger

• Description: Also known as the Tasmanian tiger or thylacine, now extinct
• Scientific Name: Thylacinus cynocephalus
• Group Called: Extinct
• Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, primarily kangaroos, wallabies, and birds
• Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
• Interesting Facts: It's the largest known carnivorous marsupial of modern times

Final Thoughts on Animals That Start With H

We hope you have learned some fascinating facts about the diverse creatures that share our Earth, each with a story as unique as its name starts with "H". From the high-flying hawks to the deep-diving humpback whales, the animal kingdom never ceases to amaze and inspire with its variety and adaptability.

So next time you encounter an animal, whether it's hopping in your backyard or highlighted in a documentary, remember the incredible diversity and the intricate roles each plays in the tapestry of life that keeps our planet thriving.