60 Animals That Start With I for Kids
Let's talk about animals that start with I. From the immense oceans to the infinite skies, nature is filled with incredible creatures, some of which have names starting with this intriguing letter.
If you're curious about these interesting animals and want to learn more about them, you're in the right spot. Let's jump into a world where every name begins with "I" and discover some truly fascinating animals.
See also: More Animals That Start With
Animals in Asia Starting with I
Indian Elephant
- Description: Large mammal with gray skin and a trunk
- Scientific Name: Elephas maximus indicus
- Group Called: A herd
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore; consumes grasses, leaves, and bark
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 60 years
- Interesting Facts: Can weigh as much as 5,000 kilograms
Indian Rhino
- Description: Large, armored rhinoceros with a single horn
- Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis
- Group Called: A crash
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore; eats grass, fruits, and leaves
- Lifespan and Aging: About 40 years
- Interesting Facts: Has a distinct armor-plated appearance
Indigo Snake
- Description: Long, shiny blue-black snake
- Scientific Name: Drymarchon couperi
- Group Called: A nest
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; feeds on other snakes, small mammals, and birds
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 25 years
- Interesting Facts: They are non-venomous and one of the longest snake species in North America
Ibis
- Description: Bird with a long, curved bill and long legs
- Scientific Name: Threskiornithidae
- Group Called: A congregation
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore; eats fish, insects, and small reptiles
- Lifespan and Aging: 15 to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Known for their bald heads and iridescent plumage
Imperial Pheasant
- Description: Birds with vibrant blue and white feathers
- Scientific Name: Lophura imperialis
- Group Called: A nide
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore; consumes seeds and insects
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 15 years
- Interesting Facts: One of the rarest and most precious pheasant species
Indian Flying Fox
- Description: Large bat with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters
- Scientific Name: Pteropus giganteus
- Group Called: A colony
- Diet and Nutrition: Frugivore; primarily consumes fruit
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 15 years
- Interesting Facts: Despite their name, they cannot actually fly, but glide
Irrawaddy Dolphin
- Description: Aquatic mammal with a bulging forehead
- Scientific Name: Orcaella brevirostris
- Group Called: A pod
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; consumes fish and crustaceans
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 30 years
- Interesting Facts: Known for its high-pitched clicks used in echolocation
Indian Cobra
- Description: Venomous snake recognizable by its hood
- Scientific Name: Naja naja
- Group Called: A quiver
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; preys on rodents and frogs
- Lifespan and Aging: 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Plays an important role in the cultural and religious life in India
Indochinese Tiger
- Description: Large wild cat with orange fur and black stripes
- Scientific Name: Panthera tigris corbetti
- Group Called: A streak or an ambush
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; hunts deer, boar, and other mammals
- Lifespan and Aging: 15 to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Among the smaller subspecies of tigers and critically endangered
Imperiled Bat
- Description: Small, nocturnal flying mammal
- Scientific Name: A variety of species
- Group Called: A cauldron
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore; feeds on insects
- Lifespan and Aging: Varies by species
- Interesting Facts: Essential for controlling insect populations and pollinating plants
Animals in Africa Starting with I
Impala
- Description: Medium-sized antelope with lyre-shaped horns
- Scientific Name: Aepyceros melampus
- Group Called: A herd
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore; eats grasses and leaves
- Lifespan and Aging: 12 to 15 years
- Interesting Facts: Known for their remarkable jumping ability
Ivory Gull
- Description: Small, white bird living in coastal areas
- Scientific Name: Pagophila eburnea
- Group Called: A colony
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; feeds on fish and crustaceans
- Lifespan and Aging: 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Recognizable by its pure white plumage
Island Canary
- Description: Small songbird with yellow feathers
- Scientific Name: Serinus canaria
- Group Called: A charm or a flock
- Diet and Nutrition: Granivore; consumes seeds
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 10 years
- Interesting Facts: Originated from the Canary Islands, thus its name
Iberian Lynx
- Description: Wild cat with pointed ears and short tail
- Scientific Name: Lynx pardinus
- Group Called: Solitary (typically)
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; mainly rabbits
- Lifespan and Aging: 13 years
- Interesting Facts: Considered the world's most endangered feline species
Inland Taipan
- Description: Extremely venomous snake
- Scientific Name: Oxyuranus microlepidotus
- Group Called: Solitary
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; feeds on rodents
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Has the most toxic venom of any land snake
Isabelline Shrike
- Description: Bird with a gray back and rufous flanks
- Scientific Name: Lanius isabellinus
- Group Called: Solitary
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore; eats insects and small vertebrates
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 12 years
- Interesting Facts: Named after the color Isabelline
Ivory-Billed Woodpecker
- Description: Large bird known for its distinctive bill
- Scientific Name: Campephilus principalis
- Group Called: A descent
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore; mainly feeds on wood-boring insects
- Lifespan and Aging: 15 to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Thought to be extinct or critically endangered
Indian Peafowl
- Description: Large bird with a colorful plumage and a fan-shaped crest
- Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus
- Group Called: A muster or an ostentation
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore; eats seeds, insects, and small creatures
- Lifespan and Aging: 15 to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Males are known for their vibrant tail feathers
Impenetrable Forest Gorilla
- Description: Large primate with dark fur
- Scientific Name: Specific subspecies not determined
- Group Called: A troop
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore; mainly eats leaves, stems, and fruits
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 50 years
- Interesting Facts: Lives in the dense forests of Africa
Invisible Geko
- Description: Small, elusive lizard
- Scientific Name: Not available
- Group Called: Not specified
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore; feeds on insects
- Lifespan and Aging: Varies
- Interesting Facts: Known for its ability to blend into its environment
Animals in North America Starting with I
Indiana Bat
- Description: Small, insect-eating bat
- Scientific Name: Myotis sodalis
- Group Called: A cauldron
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore; primarily moths and flies
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 14 years
- Interesting Facts: Endangered species with populations declining
Ivory Throated Hummingbird
- Description: Small bird with vibrant feathers and rapid wing flaps
- Scientific Name: Not precise nomenclature available
- Group Called: A charm
- Diet and Nutrition: Nectarivore; feeds on nectar and insects
- Lifespan and Aging: 3 to 5 years
- Interesting Facts: Can hover in place by flapping its wings in a figure-eight motion
Island Fox
- Description: Small fox native to the Channel Islands of California
- Scientific Name: Urocyon littoralis
- Group Called: A skulk or leash
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore; eats fruits, insects, and small mammals
- Lifespan and Aging: 4 to 6 years in the wild
- Interesting Facts: One of the smallest fox species
Immortal Jellyfish
- Description: Small, biologically immortal jellyfish
- Scientific Name: Turritopsis dohrnii
- Group Called: A smack
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; plankton and fish eggs
- Lifespan and Aging: Potentially infinite due to its ability to revert to a juvenile state
- Interesting Facts: Only species known to revert back to its polyp state after maturing
Iowa Pleistocene Snail
- Description: Small, ice age-era snail
- Scientific Name: Discus macclintocki
- Group Called: Not specified
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore; feeds on decomposed leaves
- Lifespan and Aging: 5 to 7 years
- Interesting Facts: Listed as an endangered species
Ironclad Beetle
- Description: Beetle with an extremely hard exoskeleton
- Scientific Name: Various species
- Group Called: A confusion
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore; feeds on fungi and decaying matter
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to two years
- Interesting Facts: Known for its ability to withstand being stepped on without injury
Inyo Mountains Salamander
- Description: Small, elusive amphibian found in mountainous regions
- Scientific Name: Batrachoseps campi
- Group Called: Not specified
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore; feeds on small invertebrates
- Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
- Interesting Facts: Lives in moisture-rich environments like under rocks and logs
Icicle Worm
- Description: Marine worm found in cold, deep waters
- Scientific Name: Not available
- Group Called: Not specified
- Diet and Nutrition: Detritivore; consumes dead organic material
- Lifespan and Aging: Varies
- Interesting Facts: Thrives in extremely cold temperatures
Inland Silverside
- Description: Small, slender fish found in freshwater
- Scientific Name: Menidia beryllina
- Group Called: A school
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore; eats zooplankton and small invertebrates
- Lifespan and Aging: 1 to 3 years
- Interesting Facts: Often used as bait for fishing
Illinois Chorus Frog
- Description: Small, terrestrial frog with distinct markings
- Scientific Name: Pseudacris illinoensis
- Group Called: An army
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore; eats insects and spiders
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 5 years
- Interesting Facts: Named for its loud, distinctive call
Animals in South America Starting with I
Inca Tern
- Description: Sea bird with a distinctive mustache
- Scientific Name: Larosterna inca
- Group Called: A flock or colony
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; mainly feeds on fish
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 16 years
- Interesting Facts: Lives along the Pacific coast of South America
Invisible Tarantula
- Description: Large spider species known for its elusive nature
- Scientific Name: Not provided
- Group Called: Solitary
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; feeds on insects and small vertebrates
- Lifespan and Aging: 10 to 12 years
- Interesting Facts: Camouflages itself in its environment
Iguana
- Description: Large lizard known for its spiny back and dewlap
- Scientific Name: Iguana iguana
- Group Called: A mess
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore; eats leaves, fruits, and flowers
- Lifespan and Aging: 10 to 15 years
- Interesting Facts: Can shed their tails to escape predators and regrow them
Inca Dove
- Description: Small dove with a scaled appearance
- Scientific Name: Columbina inca
- Group Called: A dole or a pitying
- Diet and Nutrition: Granivore; primarily consumes seeds
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 10 years
- Interesting Facts: Known for its distinctive 'coo-coo-coo' call
Icefish
- Description: Fish with transparent blood
- Scientific Name: Chaenocephalus aceratus
- Group Called: A school
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; preys on krill and other fish
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 10 years
- Interesting Facts: Has antifreeze proteins in its blood to survive cold temperatures
Imperial Shag
- Description: Black and white bird similar to a cormorant
- Scientific Name: Leucocarbo atriceps
- Group Called: A flight
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore; feeds on fish and squid
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 10 years
- Interesting Facts: Excellent divers, can reach depths of over 25 meters
Ipanema Bat
- Description: Small bat species found in Brazil
- Scientific Name: Pygoderma bilabiatum
- Group Called: A colony
- Diet and Nutrition: Frugivore; eats fruits
- Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
- Interesting Facts: Named after the Ipanema neighborhood
Indigo-capped Hummingbird
- Description: Vibrantly colored small bird
- Scientific Name: Saucerottia cyanifrons
- Group Called: A charm
- Diet and Nutrition: Nectarivore; feeds on nectar and occasionally insects
- Lifespan and Aging: 3 to 5 years
- Interesting Facts: Males have a distinctive blue cap
Iberá Seedeater
- Description: Small bird endemic to the Iberá Wetlands
- Scientific Name: Sporophila iberaensis
- Group Called: A flock
- Diet and Nutrition: Granivore; primarily seeds
- Lifespan and Aging: Unknown
- Interesting Facts: Recently described species, identified in the early 21st century
Ironwood Poison Frog
- Description: Small, brightly colored poison frog
- Scientific Name: Not specified
- Group Called: Solitary
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore; consumes small insects
- Lifespan and Aging: 4 to 8 years
- Interesting Facts: Secrete toxins through their skin as a defense mechanism
Animals in Europe Starting with I
Ibex
- Description: Mountain-dwelling wild goat with impressive horns
- Scientific Name: Capra ibex
- Group Called: Herd
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Known for their incredible climbing abilities
Iberian Lynx
- Description: A rare, medium-sized cat native to the Iberian Peninsula
- Scientific Name: Lynx pardinus
- Group Called: Solitude
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, primarily rabbits
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 13 years in the wild
- Interesting Facts: One of the world's most endangered feline species
Iberian Wolf
- Description: Distinct subspecies of gray wolf found in the Iberian Peninsula
- Scientific Name: Canis lupus signatus
- Group Called: Pack
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, varied diet including deer and rabbits
- Lifespan and Aging: 6-8 years in the wild
- Interesting Facts: Known for the distinct markings on their coat
Icterine Warbler
- Description: A small, yellowish-green songbird
- Scientific Name: Hippolais icterina
- Group Called: Flock
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 5 years
- Interesting Facts: Named for the yellowish tinge (icterine) of their plumage
Irish Setter
- Description: A large breed of gun dog known for its flamboyant red coat
- Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
- Group Called: Pack
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
- Lifespan and Aging: About 12-15 years
- Interesting Facts: Originally bred for hunting, excellent family pets due to their friendly nature
Italian Greyhound
- Description: The smallest of the sighthounds, known for its elegant appearance
- Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
- Group Called: Pack
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
- Lifespan and Aging: 12-15 years
- Interesting Facts: Despite their slender build, they are quite agile and speedy
Irish Hare
- Description: A species of hare native to Ireland, larger than rabbits
- Scientific Name: Lepus timidus hibernicus
- Group Called: Down
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 5 years
- Interesting Facts: Known for their long, black-tipped ears
Iceland Gull
- Description: A medium-sized gull that breeds in the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland
- Scientific Name: Larus glaucoides
- Group Called: Colony
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Named after Iceland, where they are commonly seen in the winter
Isabelline Shrike
- Description: A bird of prey with a distinctive reddish-buff color
- Scientific Name: Lanius isabellinus
- Group Called: Solitary
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on insects and small birds
- Lifespan and Aging: 7-10 years
- Interesting Facts: Often called the "butcher bird" for impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire
Italian Sparrow
- Description: A small passerine bird found throughout Italy
- Scientific Name: Passer italiae
- Group Called: Flock
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 3 years
- Interesting Facts: Thought to be a hybrid between the House Sparrow and the Spanish Sparrow
Animals in Oceania Starting with I
Inland Taipan
- Description: The world's most venomous snake, native to Australia
- Scientific Name: Oxyuranus microlepidotus
- Group Called: Solitary
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, primarily feeds on rodents
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Sometimes called the "fierce snake"
Irukandji Jellyfish
- Description: A very small but extremely venomous jellyfish found in Australia's marine waters
- Scientific Name: Carukia barnesi
- Group Called: Bloom
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore, feeds on tiny fish
- Lifespan and Aging: Less than a year
- Interesting Facts: Its sting is notorious for being both extraordinarily painful and sometimes fatal
Island Thrush
- Description: A bird species found across various islands in the Pacific and Southeast Asia
- Scientific Name: Turdus poliocephalus
- Group Called: Flock
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
- Lifespan and Aging: 3-5 years
- Interesting Facts: Known for their varied plumage across different regions
Imperial Pigeon
- Description: A large, fruit-eating pigeon native to the Pacific Islands
- Scientific Name: Ducula
- Group Called: Flock
- Diet and Nutrition: Herbivore
- Lifespan and Aging: 5-10 years
- Interesting Facts: Plays an important role in seed dispersal
Illawarra Flame Tree
- Description: Not an animal, but this Australian native tree is notable for its vibrant red flowers
- Scientific Name: Brachychiton acerifolius
- Group Called: N/A
- Diet and Nutrition: N/A
- Lifespan and Aging: Can live for over 100 years
- Interesting Facts: Its striking appearance contrasts beautifully with the green landscapes of Australia
Isopoda (Giant Isopod)
- Description: Large crustaceans resembling pill bugs, found in deep seas around New Zealand and Australia
- Scientific Name: Bathynomus
- Group Called: School
- Diet and Nutrition: Scavenger
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 5 years
- Interesting Facts: Can grow up to 14 inches in length
Isthmus Frog
- Description: A species of frog native to New Zealand
- Scientific Name: Litoria ewingii
- Group Called: Army
- Diet and Nutrition: Insectivore
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 8 years
- Interesting Facts: Known for their distinctive croaking sound which is used for communication during mating season
Indigo-winged Parrot
- Description: A colorful bird species found in Papua New Guinea
- Scientific Name: Psittacula
- Group Called: Flock
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
- Lifespan and Aging: 20-30 years
- Interesting Facts: They have a vivid indigo color on their wings
Island Fox
- Description: A small fox native to six of the eight Channel Islands of California
- Scientific Name: Urocyon littoralis
- Group Called: Skulk
- Diet and Nutrition: Omnivore
- Lifespan and Aging: 4-6 years
- Interesting Facts: One of the smallest fox species in the world
Ivory Gull
- Description: A small gull with a pure white plumage, found in the Pacific Islands
- Scientific Name: Pagophila eburnea
- Group Called: Colony
- Diet and Nutrition: Carnivore
- Lifespan and Aging: Up to 20 years
- Interesting Facts: Often seen following polar bears to scavenge leftovers from their kills
Final Thoughts on Animals That Start With I
We hope you have learned some fascinating things about the unique animals whose names begin with the letter "I". These creatures, from towering Indian Elephants to the tiny Invisible Tarantula, demonstrate the incredible diversity and beauty of the animal kingdom.
By exploring these animals, we gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the various life forms that inhabit it. Whether on land, in the sea, or in the air, animals that start with "I" offer a glimpse into the unique adaptations and survival strategies that make our planet so extraordinary.
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