Welcome to animals that start with h. Tons of animals have names that start with the letter H. Many of them can be found around you, while some others are a bit more exotic.
Here’s the complete list of animals that start with H:
- Habu Snake
- Haddock
- Hagfish
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Halibut
- Hamburg Chicken
- Hammerhead Shark
- Hamster
- Harbor Seal
- Hardhead Catfish
- Hare
- Harlequin Rabbit
- Harlequin Frog
- Harp Seal
- Harpy Eagle
- Harrier
- Harris Hawk
- Havamalt
- Havanese
- Havapoo
1. Habu Snake
- The Habu Snake (Protobothrops flavoviridis) is a venomous snake found in Japan, Taiwan, and the Ryukyu Islands.
- It is a member of the pit viper family and is known for its long, thin body and distinctive coloration, which can vary from yellow to brown to green.
- The Habu Snake is typically found in forests, fields, and gardens, where it feeds on small mammals, birds, and lizards.
- It is known to be aggressive and will often bite when provoked or threatened.
- The Habu Snake’s venom contains several toxins that can cause swelling, bleeding, and severe pain in humans.
- There is an antivenom available for the Habu Snake’s venom, but treatment may also involve supportive care and pain management.
- The Habu Snake is considered a protected species in Japan, where it is known to be a symbol of good luck. However, it is also considered a pest by some farmers due to its habit of preying on livestock.
2. Haddock
- The Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) is a saltwater fish found in the North Atlantic Ocean.
- It is a popular food fish and is often used in dishes such as fish and chips, chowder, and scampi.
- The Haddock is a member of the cod family and is similar in appearance, with a long, slender body and a white or pale grey color.
- It has a distinctive black lateral line that runs along its body and a dark spot near the base of its pectoral fin.
- The Haddock is typically found at depths of 50-300 meters (160-980 feet) and feeds on small crustaceans and mollusks.
- It grows to an average length of 60-90 cm (24-36 inches) and can weigh up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs).
- The Haddock is an important commercial species, with significant fisheries in countries such as Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
- It is also a popular game fish, with recreational anglers targeting it in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
3. Hagfish
- The Hagfish (Myxini) is a type of primitive, jawless fish found in the ocean depths of the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- It is known for its slimy, eel-like appearance and its ability to secrete large amounts of mucus from glands on its body.
- The Hagfish has a long, slender body with a series of barb-like structures on its underside. It lacks scales, fins, and a true vertebral column.
- It has small, tooth-like structures on its tongue that it uses to scrape and feed on dead or decaying animals.
- The Hagfish grows to an average length of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) and is typically found at depths of 500-1000 meters (1600-3200 feet).
- It is considered a primitive species, with a fossil record dating back over 300 million years.
- The Hagfish is not considered a commercial species, but it is occasionally caught and used as bait or for its skin, which is used to make leather.
- It is considered a delicacy in some cultures, but is also considered a nuisance due to its ability to tie itself into knots and produce large amounts of slime when caught.
4. Hairy Woodpecker
- The Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is a medium-sized bird found throughout most of North America.
- It is a member of the woodpecker family and is closely related to the Downy Woodpecker.
- The Hairy Woodpecker is known for its distinctive black-and-white coloration, with a black head, wings, and tail and a white back, breast, and belly.
- It has a long, straight bill and a chisel-like tip that it uses to drum on trees and to extract insects from wood.
- The Hairy Woodpecker feeds on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, as well as fruit and nuts.
- It typically nests in cavities in trees, but will also use nest boxes and other artificial nest sites.
- The Hairy Woodpecker is a common backyard bird, and can often be attracted to bird feeders with suet and other high-energy foods.
- It is a permanent resident in most of its range, but some populations in northern areas migrate south for the winter.
5. Halibut
- The Halibut (Hippoglossus spp.) is a type of flatfish found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans.
- It is the largest flatfish species, with some individuals weighing over 300 kg (660 lbs).
- The Halibut has a broad, oval-shaped body with a small head and a pointed snout. It is typically brown or grey in color, with a white underside.
- It is a bottom-dwelling fish and feeds on a variety of prey, including other fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
- The Halibut is an important commercial species and is often caught using trawls, longlines, and other fishing gear.
- It is highly valued for its delicate, white flesh and is often used in dishes such as sushi, chowder, and fish cakes.
- The Halibut is also a popular game fish, with recreational anglers targeting it in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
- Some populations of Halibut are considered overfished, and conservation efforts are underway to protect and rebuild these stocks.
6. Hamburg Chicken
- The Hamburg Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is a breed of domestic chicken that originated in Germany.
- It is known for its small size and distinctive feathering, which includes a large crest of feathers on its head and long, pointed tail feathers.
- The Hamburg Chicken comes in several color varieties, including black, silver, and golden.
- It is a dual-purpose breed, meaning it is used for both egg production and meat production.
- The Hamburg Chicken is a prolific egg layer, with some individuals producing over 250 eggs per year.
- It is a hardy breed and can withstand cold temperatures, making it well-suited for outdoor environments.
- The Hamburg Chicken is popular among backyard chicken enthusiasts due to its small size and attractive appearance.
- It is also recognized by several poultry breed organizations, including the American Poultry Association and the British Poultry Standard.
7. Hammerhead Shark
- Hammerhead sharks are a group of sharks in the family Sphyrnidae, which includes nine species.
- The most well-known species is the Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), which can reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters) and weigh up to 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms).
- Other species of hammerhead sharks include the Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), the Smooth Hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena), and the Bonnethead (Sphyrna tiburo).
- Hammerhead sharks are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
- These sharks are named for the distinctive shape of their head, which is wide and flattened with a “hammer” shape at the front.
- Hammerhead sharks are known for their highly developed senses, including highly sensitive electroreceptors on their head which they use to detect prey.
- Hammerhead sharks are opportunistic predators and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and crustaceans.
- Hammerhead sharks are not considered to be a major threat to humans, but they can be dangerous if provoked or if a person gets too close to them in the water.
8. Hamster
- Hamsters are small, burrowing rodents that are native to Asia and Europe.
- There are several different species of hamsters, including the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), the Russian hamster (Phodopus sungorus), and the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus).
- Hamsters are popular pets due to their small size, playful nature, and ease of care.
- The average lifespan of a hamster is about 2-3 years, although some species can live longer.
- Hamsters are known for their nocturnal habits and are most active at night.
- Hamsters are omnivorous and require a diet that includes a mix of seeds, grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Hamsters have strong teeth that they use to chew and grind their food, as well as to dig and burrow in their environment.
- Hamsters are known for their ability to store food in cheek pouches and can carry large amounts of food back to their burrows.
- Hamsters are social animals and can live in groups, but they can also thrive as single pets.
9. Harbor Seal
- Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are a type of pinniped, a group of semi-aquatic marine mammals that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses.
- Harbor seals are found in coastal waters around the world, including the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and the Baltic and North Seas.
- These seals are named for their habit of living in harbors and other sheltered areas, although they can also be found in open ocean environments.
- Harbor seals are small to medium in size, with males weighing up to about 300 pounds (136 kilograms) and females weighing up to about 250 pounds (113 kilograms).
- Harbor seals have a streamlined body shape and are adapted for life in the water, with front and hind flippers for swimming, and a layer of blubber for insulation.
- Harbor seals are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
- Harbor seals are social animals and often form large groups, or “haulouts,” on land or ice.
- Harbor seals are vulnerable to habitat loss and human disturbance, and some populations are at risk.
- Harbor seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the United States and are listed as a species of concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
10. Hardhead Catfish
- The hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis) is a species of catfish that is native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of the United States, from Florida to New York.
- Hardhead catfish are also known as gafftopsail catfish, gulf catfish, and smooth-tailed catfish.
- These catfish are named for the hard, bony plates on the top of their head.
- Hardhead catfish are medium-sized, with adults reaching lengths of up to about 40 inches (100 centimeters) and weighing up to about 20 pounds (9 kilograms).
- Hardhead catfish have a triangular head, a long, smooth body, and a forked tail.
- Hardhead catfish are found in a variety of habitats, including estuaries, lagoons, and inshore coastal waters.
- These catfish are opportunistic predators and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
- Hardhead catfish are an important food source for larger predatory fish and birds, and are also commercially harvested for their meat.
- Hardhead catfish are not considered a major threat to humans, but they can cause injury if handled carelessly due to the sharp spines on their fins.
11. Hare
- Hares are a group of mammals in the family Leporidae, which includes rabbits and pikas.
- There are several species of hares, including the European Hare (Lepus europaeus), the Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus), and the Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus).
- Hares are larger and more athletic than rabbits, with longer ears, legs, and hind feet.
- Hares are found in a variety of habitats around the world, including forests, grasslands, and deserts.
- These mammals are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, herbs, and shrubs.
- Hares have strong, powerful legs and are known for their speed and agility, which they use to escape predators.
- Hares have a higher reproductive rate than rabbits, with larger litters and shorter gestation periods.
- Hares are preyed upon by a variety of predators, including foxes, wolves, and birds of prey.
- Hares are important to the ecosystem as a food source for other animals and as a source of nitrogen for plants through their urine and feces.
12. Harlequin Rabbit
- The Harlequin rabbit is a breed of domestic rabbit that was developed in the early 20th century in Europe.
- Harlequin rabbits are named for their distinctive coloring, which is characterized by a base coat of white with large, irregular patches of black, red, or blue.
- These rabbits have a medium to large size, with males weighing up to about 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) and females weighing up to about 9 pounds (4 kilograms).
- Harlequin rabbits have a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its condition.
- These rabbits are known for their energetic and playful personalities and make good pets for families with children.
- Harlequin rabbits are generally hardy and healthy, but they can be prone to obesity if they do not get enough exercise and are fed a diet high in calories.
- It is important to provide Harlequin rabbits with a spacious enclosure that allows them to move around and express their natural behaviors.
- Harlequin rabbits should be fed a diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of high-quality rabbit pellet food.
- Harlequin rabbits are not a common breed and may be difficult to find at rabbit shows or from breeders.
13. Harlequin Frog
- The Harlequin Frog (Atelopus sp.) is a small, brightly colored species of frog that is native to Central and South America.
- There are around 100 species of Harlequin Frogs, many of which are endangered or critically endangered.
- Harlequin Frogs are known for their brightly colored patterns, which can range from yellow and green to red and black.
- These frogs are typically found in rainforests, where they live in the leaf litter and underbrush.
- Harlequin Frogs are often found near streams, as they require a constant supply of water for breeding.
- The diet of Harlequin Frogs consists mainly of insects and other small invertebrates.
- These frogs are threatened by habitat destruction, pollution, and the spread of the chytrid fungus, which is believed to be responsible for the decline of many amphibian species.
- Despite their small size, Harlequin Frogs are important indicators of the health of their environment, as they are sensitive to changes in the ecosystem.
14. Harp Seal
- The Harp Seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) is a species of seal found in the North Atlantic Ocean, with a range that includes Canada, Greenland, and the northern coast of Europe.
- Harp Seals are known for their distinctive white coat, which they develop at around three weeks of age.
- These seals have a small, pointed head and a long, slender body, with large front flippers and a shorter hind flipper.
- Adult males typically grow to be about 6.5 feet long and weigh around 350 pounds, while females are slightly smaller, growing to around 6 feet long and weighing around 250 pounds.
- Harp Seals are primarily found on sea ice, where they give birth to their pups and mate.
- These seals feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and krill, and are known to dive to depths of up to 400 feet in search of food.
- The population of Harp Seals is currently thought to be stable, with an estimated population of around 7 million individuals.
- However, these seals are still at risk from a variety of threats, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change, which can affect their habitat and prey.
15. Harpy Eagle
- The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is a large, powerful raptor that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
- It is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, with a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet and a weight of up to 20 pounds.
- The Harpy Eagle has a distinctive appearance, with a black and white head and a grey body. Its wings and tail are also black, with white markings.
- These eagles are primarily found in lowland rainforests, where they hunt a variety of prey, including monkeys, sloths, and large birds.
- The Harpy Eagle is a top predator in its environment, and plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
- Despite its impressive size and strength, the Harpy Eagle is at risk from habitat destruction and deforestation, which can lead to the loss of their prey and nesting sites.
- The population of Harpy Eagles is thought to be declining, and the species is listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
16. Harrier Hawk
- The Harrier (Circus sp.) is a group of medium-sized birds of prey that are found throughout the world. There are approximately 25 species of harriers, which belong to the family Accipitridae.
- Harriers are known for their long wings and tail, which they use to hover and search for prey.
- These birds have a slender, agile build and a distinctive, narrow head. They have keen eyesight and good hearing, which they use to locate prey.
- Harriers are mostly found in open grassland or marshy habitats, where they hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Most species of harriers are migratory, and some species can cover long distances during their migrations.
- The population of harriers varies widely among different species, with some species having relatively stable populations while others are at risk of extinction.
- Threats to harriers include habitat destruction, pollution, and persecution by humans.
17. Harris Hawk
- Harris Hawks are a medium to large sized bird of prey native to the Americas.
- They are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and deserts.
- Harris Hawks have a wingspan of up to 4 feet and weigh up to 2.5 pounds.
- They are known for their social behavior and are often found hunting in groups.
- Harris Hawks are opportunistic hunters and will prey on a variety of animals, including rodents, birds, lizards, and insects.
- They have excellent eyesight and can spot prey from a distance of up to a mile.
- Harris Hawks are considered a good species for falconry due to their cooperative hunting behavior and ability to be trained.
18. Havamalt Dog
- The Havamalt dog is a cross between a Havanese and Matese Dog!
19. Havanese Dog
- The Havanese is a small dog breed native to Cuba.
- They are a member of the toy group and weigh between 7 and 13 pounds.
- Havanese are known for their long, silky coats, which come in a variety of colors including white, cream, black, and silver.
- They are intelligent and energetic dogs that are well-suited to apartment living.
- Havanese are generally good with children and other pets and make excellent companion dogs.
- They are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities and are often described as being playful and lively.
- Havanese are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
- They are prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and heart conditions.
20. Havapoo Dog
- The Havapoo dog is a cross between a Havanese and Poodle Dog!
Conclusion: Animals That Start With H
Here’s the complete list of animals that start with H:
- Habu Snake
- Haddock
- Hagfish
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Halibut
- Hamburg Chicken
- Hammerhead Shark
- Hamster
- Harbor Seal
- Hardhead Catfish
- Hare
- Harlequin Rabbit
- Harlequin Frog
- Harp Seal
- Harpy Eagle
- Harrier
- Harris Hawk
- Havamalt
- Havanese
- Havapoo