20 Animals That Start With M (2023)

Welcome to animals that start with m. Tons of animals have names that start with the letter M. 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 M:

Macaque

Macaroni Penguin
Macaw
Machaeroides

Mackenzie Wolf
Macrauchenia
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Madagascar Jacana
Madagascar Tree Boa
Moth

Magellanic Penguin
Maggot
Magnolia Warbler

Magpie
Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish)
Maiasaura

Maine Coon
Mal Shi
Malayan Civet

Manatee

Table of Contents show

1. Macaque Monkey

Macaques are a group of primates that belong to the genus Macaca and are native to Asia and Africa.
There are over 20 species of macaques, ranging in size from the tiny pygmy macaque to the larger bonnet macaque.

Macaques are social animals and live in large groups or troops, which can number in the hundreds.
They are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including fruits, seeds, insects, and small mammals.
Macaques are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities, and have been the subject of numerous studies on primate behavior and cognition.

Some species of macaques, such as the rhesus macaque, are considered invasive in certain areas and are a threat to native ecosystems.
Macaques are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.
Macaques are considered to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity in some cultures, and are often kept as pets or used for medical research.

Macaques are also hunted for their meat and for use in traditional medicine in some countries.
Some species of macaques are considered to be endangered, and conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve their populations.

2. Macaroni Penguin

The Macaroni Penguin is a species of penguin that is native to the Southern Ocean and the sub-Antarctic islands.

They are named after the elaborate yellow crest of feathers on their heads, which resembles the plumed hats worn by 18th-century dandies, known as “macaronis.”
Macaroni Penguins are medium-sized penguins, with a height of approximately 28 to 30 inches and a weight of 4 to 7 pounds.
They feed primarily on krill, squid, and small fish, and can dive to depths of up to 500 feet in search of food.

Macaroni Penguins breed in large colonies on sub-Antarctic islands, where they build nests and lay one or two eggs.
They are highly social birds and are known for their loud calls and displays, which they use to communicate with each other.
Macaroni Penguins are migratory birds and spend the non-breeding season at sea, traveling as far as 6,000 miles from their breeding colonies.

The global population of Macaroni Penguins is estimated to be around 18 million individuals.
They are considered to be a vulnerable species, with declining populations due to a variety of threats, including overfishing, climate change, and habitat loss.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve Macaroni Penguin populations, including monitoring and research, habitat protection, and management of fishing activities.

3. Macaw

Macaws are a group of large, colorful parrots native to Central and South America.
There are over 20 species of macaws, ranging in size from the small Hahn’s Macaw to the large Hyacinth Macaw.
Macaws are known for their bright, distinctive plumage and powerful, screeching calls.

They are highly intelligent birds and are considered to be among the most intelligent of all parrots.
Macaws are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods, including seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects.
They are social birds and live in large flocks, often with other species of parrots.

Macaws are excellent fliers and are known for their aerial acrobatics and ability to fly long distances.
They are popular as pets, but the trade in captive-bred and wild-caught macaws has led to declines in populations of many species.
Macaws are threatened by habitat loss, hunting for their feathers, and capture for the pet trade.

Some species of macaws, such as the Spix’s Macaw and the Glaucous Macaw, are now considered to be extinct in the wild.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve macaw populations, including habitat protection, monitoring and research, and regulation of the trade in wild-caught and captive-bred birds.

4. Machaeroides

Machaeroids, also known as false-vampire bats, are a group of bats found in Africa and Madagascar.

They are small to medium-sized bats, with a wingspan of up to 16 inches and a weight of up to 2 ounces.
Machaeroids are named for their long, sharp canine teeth, which are used to bite their prey and pierce their skins.
They feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and are known to fly into homes in search of food.

Machaeroids are nocturnal and roost in trees, caves, and buildings during the day.
They are social animals and live in small groups, often with other species of bats.
Machaeroids are important ecologically, as they help to control populations of small mammals and insects.

They are also considered to be a nuisance in some areas, as they have been known to feed on domestic animals and damage crops.
There is limited information available on the populations and conservation status of machaeroids, and more research is needed to understand and protect these bats.
Conservation efforts for machaeroids may include habitat protection, monitoring and research, and education and outreach to reduce conflict with humans.

5. Mackenzie Wolf

The Mackenzie Wolf, also known as the Mackenzie Valley Wolf or Alaskan Tundra Wolf, is a subspecies of the Gray Wolf found in Alaska and Canada.
The Mackenzie Wolf is a large predator, with males weighing up to 120 pounds and females weighing up to 80 pounds.
They are known for their thick fur, which is typically a mixture of gray, black, and white.

Mackenzie Wolves feed primarily on large mammals, such as caribou, moose, and bison, but will also take smaller prey such as beavers and hares.
They are social animals and live in packs, with a dominant pair of wolves leading the group.
Mackenzie Wolves are excellent hunters and are known for their cooperation and communication skills when hunting.

They play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystem by controlling populations of large mammals.
The global population of Mackenzie Wolves is estimated to be around 10,000 individuals.
They are considered to be a species of least concern by the IUCN, however, their populations have been affected by hunting, habitat loss, and persecution.

Conservation efforts for Mackenzie Wolves may include habitat protection, monitoring and research, and education and outreach to reduce conflicts with humans.

6. Macrauchenia

Macrauchenia is an extinct genus of mammals that lived in South America during the Pleistocene epoch.
Macrauchenia was a large, ungulate-like mammal, with a long neck and legs, and a distinctive elongated snout.

It is believed to have had a herbivorous diet and to have used its long neck and snout to reach for vegetation.
The exact evolutionary relationships of Macrauchenia are still unknown, but it is considered to be a member of the South American ungulate radiation.
Fossils of Macrauchenia have been found in several countries in South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru.

Macrauchenia was a keystone species in its ecosystem, and its extinction likely had significant impacts on the ecological balance of South America.
The exact cause of Macrauchenia’s extinction is unknown, but it may have been due to a combination of environmental changes, overhunting by early human populations, and competition with other large mammals.
Macrauchenia is one of several extinct South American ungulates that have been studied by scientists to understand the evolutionary history and ecology of this unique group of mammals.

7. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

The Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, also known as the hissing roach or the Giant Hissing Cockroach, is a species of cockroach native to Madagascar.
These cockroaches are large, with adults reaching up to 2.5 inches in length and 0.5 inches in width.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are known for their distinctive hissing sound, which they make by exhaling air through their spiracles, or breathing holes.

They are nocturnal insects and spend the day hiding in cracks and crevices, or underground burrows.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches feed on decaying plant matter and are considered to be important decomposers in their ecosystem.
They are also commonly kept as pets due to their large size, distinctive hissing sound, and low maintenance requirements.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches have a long lifespan, with some individuals living up to 5 years in captivity.
They are considered to be a hardy species, and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels.
Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are not considered to be pests, as they do not damage crops or homes, and are unlikely to spread disease.

Conservation efforts for Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches are not necessary, as they are not considered to be threatened or endangered.

8. Madagascar Jacana

The Madagascar Jacana is a species of waterbird that is endemic to Madagascar.
Madagascar Jacanas are known for their large, spiny feet and sharp claws, which enable them to walk on floating vegetation and water lilies.

They have a distinctive, striking appearance, with glossy black plumage and striking red eyes.
Madagascar Jacanas are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plants, insects, and small crustaceans.
They are highly social birds and often form large flocks, especially during the breeding season.

Madagascar Jacanas are known for their intricate mating rituals and cooperative breeding behavior, with multiple males participating in the care of the young.
These birds are typically found in shallow freshwater wetlands, including marshes, ponds, and lakes.
The population of Madagascar Jacanas is thought to be stable, and they are not considered to be threatened or endangered.

Despite this, the Madagascar Jacana is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN due to the loss and degradation of its wetland habitat.
Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of the Madagascar Jacana and to protect its wetland habitat, which is also important for many other species of waterbirds and other wildlife.

9. Madagascar Tree Boa

The Madagascar Tree Boa is a species of boa constrictor that is endemic to Madagascar.

These snakes are arboreal, meaning they live in trees, and are often found in primary and secondary forests.
Madagascar Tree Boas have a distinctive appearance, with a brown or grayish-brown coloration and a pattern of lighter stripes and spots.
Adults can reach up to 6 feet in length, although most individuals are between 3 and 4 feet long.

Madagascar Tree Boas are non-venomous and kill their prey through constriction, wrapping their bodies around the prey and squeezing until it can no longer breathe.
These snakes feed on a variety of prey, including birds, rodents, and small primates.
Madagascar Tree Boas are generally nocturnal, spending most of the day sleeping in trees and hunting at night.

The population of Madagascar Tree Boas is thought to be stable, and they are not considered to be threatened or endangered.
However, like many species in Madagascar, the Madagascar Tree Boa is facing a number of threats, including habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation due to deforestation and other human activities.
Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of the Madagascar Tree Boa and to protect its forest habitat, which is also important for many other species of wildlife.

10. Moth

Moths are insects that belong to the order Lepidoptera, which also includes butterflies.
There are over 160,000 species of moths worldwide, making them one of the most diverse groups of insects.
Moths have wings covered in scales, which give them their distinctive coloration and patterns.

Most moths are nocturnal and are attracted to light, while some species are active during the day.
Moths feed on a variety of substances, including nectar, fruit juices, and tree sap, although some species feed on wool, fur, or feathers.
Moths play important roles in many ecosystems, serving as pollinators and providing food for other animals, such as bats, birds, and spiders.

Some species of moths, such as the Luna Moth, Cecropia Moth, and Atlas Moth, are known for their large size and striking appearance.
Moths are also an important part of many cultures and are often featured in myths, legends, and folklore.
Some species of moths, such as the Gypsy Moth and the Douglas Fir Tussock Moth, can cause damage to crops and forests.

Despite their ecological and cultural significance, many species of moths are facing threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, and conservation efforts are necessary to protect these important insects.

11. Magellanic Penguin

The Magellanic Penguin is a species of penguin that is found along the coasts of South America, from Peru to Tierra del Fuego.
These penguins are also found along the coasts of southern Africa, and on the Galapagos Islands, Juan Fernández Islands, and Isla des Los Estados.

Magellanic Penguins are medium-sized penguins, with adults reaching an average height of 70 cm and weight of 2-5 kg.
They have a distinctive black and white feather pattern, with a white belly and a black back and head.
Magellanic Penguins feed on a variety of small fish, squid, and krill, which they catch while swimming in the ocean.

They are colonial breeders, forming large colonies during the breeding season, where they build nests and raise their young.
Magellanic Penguins are known for their strong, lifelong pair bonds and their synchronized movements, such as their synchronized diving and swimming.
These penguins are considered to be a vulnerable species, due to threats such as overfishing, oil spills, and habitat loss.

Conservation efforts are necessary to protect Magellanic Penguins and their habitats, and to ensure their long-term survival.
In recent years, the population of Magellanic Penguins has declined, and it is estimated that there are only about 1 million individuals left in the wild.

12. Maggot

Maggots are the larvae of flies and other insects, belonging to the order Diptera.

Maggots are elongated and worm-like in appearance, with a soft and legless body.
Maggots feed on decaying organic matter, such as dead animals, feces, and plant material, playing an important role in the decomposition process and nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
Some species of maggots, such as the Cheese Fly maggot, can cause damage to stored food products and crops, causing economic losses for farmers.

Some species of maggots are used for medical purposes, such as for debridement therapy to clean wounds, or for maggot therapy to treat infected wounds.
Maggots are also used in forensic entomology to help determine the time of death, based on the stage of development of the maggots found on a dead body.
Maggots have a distinctive and important role in the food chain, serving as a food source for other insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Maggots are part of the diet of several species of fish, such as catfish, bass, and sunfish, and are also used as bait for fishing.
Maggots have a short lifespan, usually lasting several days to a few weeks, after which they pupate and emerge as adult flies.

13. Magnolia Warbler

The Magnolia Warbler is a species of small songbird, belonging to the wood-warbler family Parulidae.

These birds are native to North America and breed in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, as well as in the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States.
During the winter months, Magnolia Warblers migrate to the Caribbean and Central America.
The Magnolia Warbler has a distinctive appearance, with a yellow underbelly and a black and yellow streaked back. They also have a bright yellow patch on the crown of their head.

These birds feed on insects, spiders, and small berries, foraging for food in the underbrush and trees.
Magnolia Warblers are known for their energetic and fluttering flight, and their high-pitched, buzzy songs.
These birds play an important role in their ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and serving as a food source for other animals.

In recent years, the population of Magnolia Warblers has declined, due to habitat loss, deforestation, and the use of pesticides.
Conservation efforts are necessary to protect Magnolia Warblers and their habitats, and to ensure their long-term survival.
Despite the decline in their population, Magnolia Warblers are still a common sight during their migration and breeding seasons, and can be found in wooded areas and forests throughout their range.

14. Magpie

Magpies are large, highly intelligent birds belonging to the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, ravens, and jays.
Magpies are found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Magpies are known for their distinctive appearance, with black and white plumage and long tails.

These birds are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, carrion, and human food.
Magpies are highly intelligent, with cognitive abilities similar to those of apes and dolphins. They have a remarkable ability to recognize themselves in a mirror, a rare ability in the animal kingdom.
Magpies are known for their complex social behavior, living in communities with complex social structures and communication.

Magpies have a reputation for being aggressive, particularly during the breeding season when they may attack humans and other animals to protect their nests.
Magpies are important for the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and serving as a food source for other animals, such as birds of prey and small mammals.
Magpies have been the subject of cultural significance throughout history, with some cultures viewing them as symbols of good luck and others regarding them as pests.
Magpies are protected by law in many countries, and their populations have remained relatively stable in recent years. However, they are still vulnerable to habitat loss and other threats, and conservation efforts are necessary to protect them and their habitats.

15. Mahi Mahi (Dolphin Fish)

Mahi Mahi, also known as the Dolphin Fish, is a species of fish that belongs to the Coryphaenidae family.
Mahi Mahi is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, and is most commonly caught in the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean.
Mahi Mahi is known for its distinctive appearance, with a bright green or yellow back, a blue sides and a silver belly.
These fish are fast-swimming and predatory, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans.
Mahi Mahi can grow to a large size, with some individuals reaching up to 6 feet in length and weighing over 100 pounds.
The meat of the Mahi Mahi is firm, white and flavorful, making it a popular food item for human consumption.
Mahi Mahi is also an important species for sport fishing, with many anglers targeting these fish for their fighting abilities and for the challenge of landing a large specimen.
The populations of Mahi Mahi are considered to be healthy, but they are still vulnerable to overfishing and other threats such as habitat destruction, pollution and climate change.
Efforts to manage and conserve Mahi Mahi populations are ongoing, with many countries implementing regulations and programs to maintain sustainable fishing practices and protect this important species.

16. Maiasaura

Maiasaura is a genus of dinosaur that lived in what is now North America during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 76 to 73 million years ago.
Maiasaura is a type of hadrosaur, a group of dinosaurs known for their flat, duck-billed snouts and crests on their heads.
Maiasaura was a herbivore, feeding on plants and vegetation.
Fossils of Maiasaura have been found in Montana, USA, and Alberta, Canada.
Maiasaura is considered one of the first dinosaurs to exhibit evidence of parental care, with fossil evidence suggesting that the young of the species were cared for by the adults.
Maiasaura grew to be up to 30 feet long and weighed over 10,000 pounds.
The name Maiasaura means “good mother lizard”, reflecting the discovery of the dinosaur’s parental care behavior.
Maiasaura is an important species for understanding the evolution and behavior of dinosaurs, and is considered a keystone species in the study of dinosaur ecology and evolution.

17. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a breed of domestic cat that is native to the United States.
The breed is named after the state of Maine, where it is thought to have originated, and is one of the oldest natural breeds of domestic cat in North America.
The Maine Coon is known for its distinctive appearance, including its large size, long fur, tufted ears and bushy tail.
Males of the breed can weigh up to 20 pounds and grow up to 4 feet long from nose to tail tip, making them one of the largest breeds of domestic cat.
Maine Coons are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, and are often described as “gentle giants”.
The breed is intelligent and playful, and is known to be affectionate and good with children and other pets.
The coat of the Maine Coon is long and dense, and requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
The breed is considered to be healthy and hardy, with a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years.
The Maine Coon is a popular breed of cat, and is recognized by many cat registries and organizations, including the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA).

18. Mal Shi

The Mal Shi is a small, toy-sized dog breed that is a cross between a Maltese and a Shih Tzu.
The breed is known for its adorable appearance, including its long, silky fur, large eyes, and short snout.
The Mal Shi is typically a small breed, with adults typically weighing between 8 to 12 pounds.
The breed is known for its friendly, affectionate, and playful personality, and is often described as being loyal and good with children.
The coat of the Mal Shi is long and silky, and requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
The breed is generally considered to be healthy, but may be prone to certain health issues such as eye problems, ear infections, and dental problems.
The Mal Shi is a relatively new breed, having been developed only in the past few decades, and is not recognized by many major dog breed registries, including the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Despite this, the breed is becoming increasingly popular as a companion animal, and is often sought after by those looking for a small, cute, and cuddly dog.

19. Malayan Civet

The Malayan civet, also known as the Asian palm civet, is a small, carnivorous mammal native to Southeast Asia.
The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, which features a long, slender body, short legs, and a bushy tail.
The fur of the Malayan civet is typically grayish-brown, with black and white markings on the face and legs.
Adults typically weigh between 4 to 11 pounds and grow up to 2 feet in length.
The Malayan civet is an omnivorous species that feeds on a variety of foods, including fruits, insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
The species is primarily arboreal, meaning that it lives and forages for food in trees.
The Malayan civet is a solitary animal, and is most active at night.
The species is considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as its population is relatively stable and widespread throughout its range.
However, the Malayan civet is still hunted for its fur, and is also considered a potential vector for the transmission of diseases such as SARS and Nipah virus.
In some areas, the Malayan civet is also considered a pest, as it may damage crops or feed on domesticated animals.

20. Manatee

The manatee, also known as the sea cow, is a large, aquatic mammal native to the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Manatees are slow-moving and gentle animals, and can grow up to 13 feet in length and weigh up to 1,200 pounds.
They are herbivores and feed on a variety of aquatic plants, including seagrasses and mangroves.
Manatees have a distinctive appearance, with a rounded body, flippers, and a flat tail. They also have a wrinkled, whiskery face and small, highly sensitive eyes.
Manatees are known for their slow metabolism and sluggish movements, and they typically spend the majority of their time resting and eating.
They are social animals and often gather in groups, especially during the winter months when they seek refuge in warm water sources.
The West Indian manatee is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to various threats, including habitat loss, boat strikes, and fishing gear entanglement.
Manatees have a slow reproductive rate, with females giving birth to just one calf every two to five years.
Conservation efforts to protect the species include habitat protection, regulation of boating and fishing activities, and rehabilitation and release of injured individuals.
Despite these efforts, the manatee population remains vulnerable and continued conservation action is needed to ensure the species’ survival.

Conclusion: Animals That Start With M