20 Animals That Start With J (2023)

Welcome to animals that start with j. Tons of animals have names that start with the letter J. 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 J:

Jabiru

Jacana
Jack Russell Terrier
Jackabee

Jackal
Jackdaw
Jackrabbit

Jackson’s Chameleon
Jaguar
Jaguarundi Cat

Jamaican Boa
Japanese Beetle
Japanese Chin

Japanese Macaque
Japanese rat snake
Japanese Spitz

Japanese Squirrel
Javanese
Javan Rhinoceros

Jellyfish

Table of Contents show

1. Jabiru

The Jabiru is a type of stork native to Central and South America. Here are some statistics about the Jabiru:

Scientific name: Jabiru mycteria

Classification: Aves (birds)
Order: Ciconiiformes (storks)
Family: Ciconiidae

Length: Approximately 3.3 to 4.3 feet (1 to 1.3 meters)
Weight: 6 to 14 pounds (2.7 to 6.4 kilograms)
Wingspan: Approximately 7.5 to 8.5 feet (2.3 to 2.6 meters)

Habitat: Wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and flooded grasslands
Distribution: Central and South America, including parts of Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru
Diet: Fish, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals

Behavior: Jabirus are social birds that often form large flocks. They are skilled hunters and feed by standing in shallow water and using their long bills to spear prey. They also consume carrion (dead animals).
Status: Least Concern (according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature)

2. Jacana

The Jacana is a type of wading bird that is native to wetlands in Central and South America, as well as parts of the Caribbean. Here are some statistics about the Jacana:

Scientific name: Jacana jacana
Classification: Aves (birds)
Order: Charadriiformes (waders, plovers, and shorebirds)

Family: Jacanidae
Length: Approximately 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters)
Weight: Approximately 2.6 ounces (75 grams)

Wingspan: Approximately 16 to 20 inches (40 to 50 centimeters)
Habitat: Wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and flooded grasslands
Distribution: Central and South America, including parts of Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru, as well as parts of the Caribbean

Diet: Insects, small crustaceans, and plants
Behavior: Jacanas are known for their distinctive walking style, which involves spreading their long toes and using them to “walk” on floating vegetation. They are also known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve a series of calls, head bobbing, and wing flapping.
Status: Least Concern (according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature)

3. Jack Russell Terrier

The Jack Russell Terrier is a small breed of dog that is energetic and intelligent.
These dogs are typically about 10-15 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 13-17 pounds.
They have a short, smooth coat that is typically white with black or tan markings.

The Jack Russell Terrier is known for its high energy level and need for regular exercise and mental stimulation.
These dogs are typically loyal and affectionate with their owners, but can be reserved or even aggressive towards strangers.
They were originally bred for hunting small game, and are known for their strong prey drive and ability to dig and climb.

The Jack Russell Terrier has a lifespan of about 13-16 years.
These dogs can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, deafness, and eye problems.
The Jack Russell Terrier is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a member of the Terrier Group.

4. Jackabee

The Jackabee is a crossbreed between the Jack Russell Terrier and the beagle!

5. Jackal

Jackals are carnivorous mammals that belong to the Canidae family, which also includes wolves, coyotes, and foxes.
There are three species of jackals: the golden jackal, the black-backed jackal, and the side-striped jackal.

Jackals are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and desert regions.
Jackals are typically smaller in size than wolves, with long legs and a thin, pointed muzzle.
Golden jackals are the most widely distributed species of jackal, found in parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Black-backed jackals are found in parts of Africa, and side-striped jackals are found in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.
Jackals are social animals and typically live in packs, which are led by a dominant pair of individuals.
Jackals are known for their vocalizations, which include howls, yips, and barks.

Jackals are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and carrion.

6. Jackdaw

The Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) is a small passerine bird in the crow family
It is native to Europe, Asia, and northwest Africa

Jackdaws are about the size of a pigeon, with a wingspan of around 60 cm and a body length of around 34 cm
They are predominantly grey in color, with a black head and neck, and a distinctive pale blue-grey eye ring
Jackdaws are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of insects, fruit, seeds, and small invertebrates

They are social birds, often found in flocks and known for their vocalizations, including a distinctive “chack” call
Jackdaws are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, and have been observed using tools, exhibiting self-recognition in mirrors, and exhibiting social learning
The species is widely distributed across much of Europe and Asia, and is a common sight in many urban and rural areas

The population of Jackdaws is generally stable and not considered to be at risk of extinction.

7. Jackrabbit

The Jackrabbit, also known as the antelope squirrel or antelope ground squirrel, is a species of ground squirrel native to western North America.
Jackrabbits are known for their long, powerful hind legs and large ears, which they use to detect predators and regulate their body temperature.

They can reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h) when running and can jump up to 10 feet (3 meters) in a single bound.
Jackrabbits are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and scrublands.
They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants and seeds.

Jackrabbits are generally active during the day, but may also be active at dawn and dusk.
They are preyed upon by a variety of predators, including hawks, eagles, snakes, and coyotes.
Jackrabbits can live up to 7 years in the wild, although most do not survive beyond their first year due to predation.

8. Jackson’s Chameleon

The Jackson’s chameleon (Chamaeleo jacksonii) is a species of chameleon native to the highlands of Kenya and Tanzania in Africa.
They are a medium-sized chameleon, with males reaching up to about 16 inches (40 cm) in length and females reaching about 12 inches (30 cm).
Jackson’s chameleons are known for their distinctive three horns on their head, with the middle horn being the longest.

They are also known for their ability to change color, which they do to communicate with other chameleons and to blend in with their surroundings.
Jackson’s chameleons are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and grasslands.
They are primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees, but they can also be found on the ground.

They are opportunistic eaters, feeding on a variety of insects, including crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles.
Jackson’s chameleons have a lifespan of about 4-6 years in the wild, and up to 10 years in captivity.
They are not endangered, but their populations have been declining due to habitat loss and the pet trade.

9. Jaguar

Jaguars are large carnivorous cats that belong to the genus Panthera.
There are currently nine recognized subspecies of jaguars: the Panthera onca onca (Central and South America), the Panthera onca goldmani (Central America), the Panthera onca arizonensis (Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas), the Panthera onca palustris (Panama and northwest South America), the Panthera onca peruviana (Peru and northwest South America), the Panthera onca veraecrucis (Central America and Mexico), the Panthera onca hernandesii (Mexico and Central America), the Panthera onca paraguensis (Paraguay and Argentina), and the Panthera onca augusta (Brazil).
Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas and the third largest in the world, after lions and tigers. They can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weigh up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds).

Jaguars are known for their powerful jaws and strong bite, which they use to hunt a variety of prey, including deer, pigs, tapirs, and caimans. They are also skilled climbers and swimmers.
Jaguars are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and wetlands. They are native to Central and South America, and their range extends from Mexico to Argentina.
Jaguars are listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. Their populations have declined due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore jaguar populations, including habitat conservation and restoration, law enforcement to prevent poaching, and education and outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of jaguars and the threats they face.

10. Jaguarundi Cat

Jaguarundi cats, also known as Puma yagouaroundi, are small carnivorous mammals native to Central and South America
They are about the size of a domestic cat, with a body length of about 20-30 inches and a weight of 4-16 pounds

They have a sleek, slender build, with long legs and a long tail
They are generally dark-colored, with fur that can range in shade from brown to black, and sometimes with a reddish or orange tint
They are agile and fast runners, and are skilled climbers and swimmers

Jaguarundis are solitary animals, and are active during the day and at night
They are carnivorous and hunt a variety of prey, including birds, rodents, and small mammals
They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas

They are considered near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.

11. Jamaican Boa

The Jamaican boa, also known as the Jamaican red boa or Epicrates subflavus, is a species of nonvenomous boa native to Jamaica
They are a type of constricting snake, and use their powerful bodies to squeeze their prey to death before consuming it

Jamaican boas can grow to be quite large, with an average length of 6-8 feet and a weight of up to 15 pounds
They are generally brown or reddish in color, with black or dark brown markings on their backs and sides
Jamaican boas are nocturnal, and are most active at night

They are skilled climbers, and can often be found in trees or other high places
They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas
Jamaican boas are carnivorous, and feed on a variety of prey including birds, rodents, and other small mammals

They are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.

12. Japanese Beetle

The Japanese beetle, also known as Popillia japonica, is a species of insect native to Japan
It was accidentally introduced to the United States in 1916 and has since become a major pest in many parts of the country

Japanese beetles are small, with an average length of about 0.5 inches and a weight of about 0.25 grams
They have a metallic green and bronze coloration, and have distinctive copper-colored wings
Japanese beetles are active during the day, and are most commonly found in gardens and agricultural fields

They are herbivorous, and feed on a wide variety of plants including flowers, vegetables, and trees
They are known to damage plants by eating the leaves, flowers, and fruit, and can cause significant damage to crops and ornamental plants
They are found throughout the eastern United States, and have also been introduced to Canada, Europe, and Asia

There are various methods for controlling Japanese beetles, including the use of insecticides, traps, and natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps.

13. Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is a small breed of dog that originated in Japan
They are toy dogs, with a weight ranging from 4-9 pounds and a height of 7-11 inches at the shoulder

They have a long, silky coat that can be black and white, red and white, or red
The Japanese Chin is a friendly, intelligent breed that is good with children and other pets
They are known for their affectionate nature and their ability to adapt to different living environments

They are generally healthy, but can be prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, and respiratory issues
They have a lifespan of 12-15 years on average.

14. Japanese Macaque

The Japanese Macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is a type of Old World monkey native to Japan

They are medium-sized primates, with a weight ranging from 9-17 pounds and a body length of 20-25 inches
They have a thick, short coat that can be reddish-brown, gray, or black in color, and a distinctive pink face
Japanese Macaques are social animals that live in large groups, or troops, of up to several hundred individuals

They are known for their intelligence and ability to adapt to different environments, including snowy mountain ranges and urban areas
They have a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals
Japanese Macaques have a lifespan of around 25 years in the wild, and can live up to 30 years in captivity

They are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to habitat loss and hunting.

15. Japanese Rat Snake

The Japanese Rat Snake, also known as the Japanese Ratsnake or Coluber flaviventris, is a nonvenomous snake native to Japan and parts of China and Korea
They are medium to large snakes, with an average length of 4-6 feet but some individuals can reach up to 8 feet

They have a slender, flexible body with smooth scales and a solid-colored or patterned appearance that can be various shades of brown, gray, or black
Japanese Rat Snakes are semi-arboreal and are often found in trees and bushes, but they can also be found on the ground
They are skilled climbers and are known for their agility and speed

They are non-aggressive and prefer to flee from potential threats rather than fight
They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, lizards, and eggs
Japanese Rat Snakes have a lifespan of around 10-15 years in the wild, and can live up to 20 years in captivity.

16. Japanese Spitz

Japanese Spitz is a small to medium-sized breed of dog, originating from Japan.
Average height: Males, 41-46 cm (16-18 inches); Females, 37-41 cm (14-16 inches)
Average weight: Males, 7-10 kg (15-22 pounds); Females, 5-8 kg (11-18 pounds)

Coat: Thick and double-layered, with a soft and dense undercoat and a longer, glossy outer coat.
Coat colors: Pure white
Life expectancy: 12-14 years

Activity level: High energy and highly active, they require daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, playful, and intelligent. They make great family pets and are good with children and other animals.
Trainability: Highly trainable and eager to please, but they can be stubborn and strong-willed at times.
Health concerns: Generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health problems such as patellar luxation, eye problems, and dental issues.
Popular uses: Companion dogs, watchdogs, and show dogs.

17. Japanese Squirrel

The Japanese Squirrel (Sciurus lis) is a species of squirrel native to Japan.
Average length: 20-24 cm (8-9.5 inches), including the tail
Average weight: 200-250 g (7-9 ounces)
Coat: Soft and dense fur that can range in color from reddish-brown to gray, with a white underbelly
Habitat: Primarily found in deciduous forests and urban areas in Japan
Diet: Herbivorous, with a diet consisting mainly of tree seeds, nuts, and fruits
Life expectancy: 2-4 years in the wild, up to 8 years in captivity
Activity level: Active during the day and mostly arboreal, spending most of their time in trees
Reproduction: Female Japanese Squirrels give birth to 2-3 young per year, with the breeding season occurring between February and June
Threats: Destruction of forest habitats, urbanization, and predation by domestic cats and other animals.
Conservation status: Currently classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

18. Javanese

Origin: Developed in the United States from crosses between Siamese and Balinese cats
Average size: Medium-sized cats, with males weighing 5-10 pounds and females weighing 5-8 pounds
Coat: Silky, medium-length hair in a variety of colors and patterns
Coat colors: A wide range of colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, and tortoiseshell
Eye color: Typically blue or green, but can vary depending on the color of the coat
Life expectancy: 12-15 years
Temperament: Active, playful, intelligent, and affectionate, making them great companions
Trainability: Highly trainable and eager to please, they enjoy interactive toys and games
Health concerns: Generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health problems such as gum disease and ear infections.
Popular uses: Companion cats and show cats.

19. Javan Rhinoceros

The Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is a species of rhinoceros native to Southeast Asia.

Average size: One of the smallest species of rhinoceros, with adults weighing between 800-1400 kg (1763-3086 lbs) and standing 1.5-1.7 m (5-5.5 ft) at the shoulder
Coat: Thick, hairless skin that is gray to brown in color, with patches of armor-like skin
Horns: They have a single horn on the nasal bridge, which is made of compacted keratin, similar to human hair or nails.
Habitat: Native to tropical lowland forests, but have also been known to inhabit swamps, grasslands, and savannas
Diet: Herbivorous, with a diet consisting of various types of vegetation, including leaves, shoots, and branches
Life expectancy: 35-40 years in the wild, up to 45 years in captivity
Reproduction: Female Javan Rhinoceroses have a gestation period of around 15-16 months, giving birth to a single calf
Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and poaching. Poaching for their horns is a major threat, as they are highly valued in traditional medicine in some parts of Asia.
Conservation status: Critically endangered, with an estimated population of only 60-70 individuals in the wild, and none in captivity.

20. Jellyfish

Jellyfish is a common name used to refer to numerous species of gelatinous, predatory sea creatures belonging to the phylum Cnidaria.

Size: Varies widely between species, from a few millimeters to several meters in diameter
Body shape: Bell-shaped, with tentacles hanging from the rim of the bell
Color: Varies depending on species, but can be transparent, translucent, or brightly colored
Habitat: Found in a variety of ocean habitats, from warm shallow waters to the deep sea
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small planktonic animals, fish, and other jellyfish
Reproduction: Reproduce sexually and asexually, with some species capable of both
Life expectancy: Varies widely between species, with some living only a few months, while others can live for several years
Movement: Propelled by the rhythmic contraction of their bell-shaped bodies, they are capable of limited directional movement
Venom: Possess specialized stinging cells called nematocysts, which they use for defense and to capture prey
Conservation status: Some species of jellyfish are considered invasive, and their populations can rapidly expand and cause harm to native species and ecosystems. Others are declining in number due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

Conclusion: Animals That Start With J