20 Animals That Start With Q (2023)

Welcome to animals that start with q. Tons of animals have names that start with the letter Q. 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 Q:

Quail

Quokka
Quagga
Quoll

Quetzal
Qinling Panda
Quetzalcoatlus northropi

Quacking Frog
Quechua Hocicudo
Queensland Lungfish

Quelea
Queensland Tube-Nosed Bat
Queensland Grouper

Queen Triggerfish
Queen Snapper
Queen Snake

Quagga Catshark
Queen Angelfish
Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing

Quahog

Table of Contents show

1. Quail

Quail are small to medium-sized game birds that are found throughout the world, with the exception of Antarctica.
There are many different species of quail, including the common quail, California quail, and Japanese quail.

They have a plump, rounded body with a small head and short, rounded wings.
Quail are known for their distinctive calls, which can vary depending on the species and situation.
They are ground-dwelling birds that feed on a variety of seeds, insects, and small invertebrates.

Quail are hunted for sport in many parts of the world, and are also raised on farms for food.
The lifespan of a wild quail is typically 1-2 years, although some species can live up to 5 years in captivity.
Quail are social birds and often live in pairs or small family groups.

They are able to fly short distances, but prefer to run and hide when threatened.
Quail are an important part of many ecosystems, and can help to control insect populations and disperse seeds.
Habitat loss and hunting have led to declines in quail populations in many areas, and some species are considered to be at risk of extinction.

2. Quokka

The quokka is a small marsupial that is native to Western Australia.
They are sometimes referred to as the “world’s happiest animal” due to their friendly and curious nature.
Quokkas have a round, teddy bear-like face with short, rounded ears and a small nose.

They have a stocky build with strong hind legs, which they use to hop around on two feet.
Quokkas are herbivores that feed on a variety of plants and grasses.
They are able to survive without drinking water for long periods of time, obtaining most of their moisture from the plants they eat.

Quokkas are mostly nocturnal, but can be active during the day, especially in cooler weather.
They are social animals that live in groups, and are often found in areas with dense vegetation.
Quokkas are considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and disease.

They have become a popular attraction for tourists visiting Rottnest Island, where they are a protected species.
Taking a selfie with a quokka has become a popular trend among visitors, although it is important to remember to give them space and not feed them, as it can be harmful to their health.

3. Quagga

The quagga was a subspecies of the plains zebra that was native to South Africa.

It had a distinctive coat pattern with stripes on the front of its body and a brownish color on the back.
The quagga became extinct in the late 19th century due to hunting and competition for resources with domesticated livestock.
It was declared extinct in the wild in 1878 and the last captive individual died in 1883.

The quagga was rediscovered by scientists in the 1930s, who found that it was genetically distinct from other subspecies of the plains zebra.
Efforts have been made to bring back the quagga through selective breeding, using animals with coat patterns that resemble those of the extinct subspecies.
These animals are known as “Rau quaggas” or “quagga-like zebras.”

The project has been controversial, with some critics arguing that it is not ethical to attempt to recreate an extinct subspecies, while others see it as a way to restore a lost part of South Africa’s natural heritage.
The quagga is considered to be an example of the impact of human activity on biodiversity, and has become a symbol of the need for conservation and preservation of endangered species.

4. Quoll

The quoll is a carnivorous marsupial that is native to Australia and Papua New Guinea.

There are four species of quolls, including the western quoll, eastern quoll, northern quoll, and tiger quoll.
They have a similar appearance to a small, spotted cat with a pointed snout, short legs, and a long tail.
Quolls are nocturnal animals that are solitary or live in small groups.

They are opportunistic hunters, feeding on a variety of prey including insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and even other marsupials.
Quolls are important predators in their ecosystems, helping to control populations of smaller animals.
All species of quolls are listed as vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and disease.

The tiger quoll is the largest species, with adults weighing up to 7 kg, while the northern quoll is the smallest, weighing around 300 g.
Quolls have a short lifespan, typically living 2-5 years in the wild.
Female quolls have a unique reproductive system, with two uteri and the ability to produce young from both at the same time.

Quolls have a strong odor that they use to mark their territories and communicate with other quolls.

5. Quetzal

The quetzal is a colorful bird that is native to Central America.
There are six species of quetzals, including the resplendent quetzal, which is the national bird of Guatemala.

Quetzals are known for their vibrant plumage, with males having long tail feathers that can be up to three feet long.
They inhabit mountainous regions and cloud forests, where they feed on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
Quetzals are considered to be important seed dispersers, helping to spread the seeds of the fruits that they eat throughout the forest.

The resplendent quetzal is considered to be a cultural and spiritual symbol for many indigenous peoples in Central America.
Quetzals are monogamous, with pairs typically staying together for several years.
Females lay 2-4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about two weeks.

Quetzals are listed as near-threatened or vulnerable, with habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and climate change among the major threats to their populations.
Efforts are being made to conserve quetzal habitats and reduce hunting, with some successful projects in places like Costa Rica and Panama.

6. Qinling Panda

The Qinling panda is a subspecies of the giant panda that is native to the Qinling Mountains in central China.

They have a unique appearance, with a shorter and rounder head and larger jaw muscles than other giant pandas.
There are only around 300 Qinling pandas left in the wild, making them one of the most endangered panda subspecies.
They primarily eat bamboo, but also consume other plants and occasionally small animals.

Qinling pandas are typically smaller than other giant pandas, with males weighing up to 110 kg and females up to 90 kg.
They have a distinctive black and white coat, which helps them to blend in with their forested habitats.
Qinling pandas have been isolated from other giant panda populations for thousands of years, leading to genetic differences and unique adaptations to their environment.

Habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, and climate change are the major threats to the survival of the Qinling panda.
Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and captive breeding programs to increase the population size and genetic diversity of the Qinling panda.

7. Quetzalcoatlus northropi

Quetzalcoatlus northropi is an extinct pterosaur species that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 68-66 million years ago.

It is one of the largest flying animals known to have existed, with an estimated wingspan of up to 10-11 meters (33-36 feet) and a weight of around 200-250 kg (440-550 pounds).
The name “Quetzalcoatlus” comes from the Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl, and was chosen because the pterosaur’s large size and wingspan were reminiscent of a dragon or bird.
Quetzalcoatlus is classified as a member of the Azhdarchidae family, which includes other large pterosaurs with elongated necks and relatively small heads.

Despite its large size, Quetzalcoatlus was a skilled flyer, with a light and efficient skeletal structure and large, strong wings.
It is believed to have primarily fed on small animals like lizards, insects, and mammals, which it may have caught by swooping down from the air.
The exact purpose of the pterosaur’s long, slender neck is not known, but it may have been used for hunting, reaching high foliage, or attracting mates.

Fossils of Quetzalcoatlus have been found in North America, particularly in Texas and New Mexico, and suggest that it inhabited coastal and inland areas during the Late Cretaceous period.
The extinction of Quetzalcoatlus and other pterosaur species is believed to have been caused by the same events that led to the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs, including a large asteroid impact and subsequent environmental changes.

8. Quacking Frog

The Quacking Frog or also called Tschudi’s Froglet, is a common frog found in creeks and swamps around Perth, Western Australia.

9. Quechuan Hocicudo

10. Queensland Lungfish

Here are some statistics about the Queensland Lungfish:

The Queensland Lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) is an ancient fish species that has been around for over 100 million years and is often referred to as a “living fossil”.

It is found in only a few rivers in eastern Australia, primarily the Burnett and Mary rivers, as well as in some reservoirs and hatcheries.
It can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and weigh over 40 kilograms (90 pounds).
The Queensland Lungfish has a distinctive elongated body, with a single dorsal fin, a pair of pectoral fins, and two sets of pelvic fins.

They are air-breathers and possess a specialized lung-like organ that allows them to breathe air, allowing them to survive in poorly oxygenated water.
Their diet consists of crustaceans, mollusks, worms, and small fish.
The Queensland Lungfish has a unique life cycle, with larvae spending the first few months of their lives in freshwater, before metamorphosing into air-breathing adults that migrate downstream to estuaries and coastal waters, where they live for several years before returning to freshwater to breed.

The Queensland Lungfish is a protected species, and fishing or capturing them without a permit is strictly prohibited.

11. Quelea

Here are some statistics about the Quelea:

The Quelea (Quelea quelea) is a small, seed-eating bird species that is found in large flocks in sub-Saharan Africa, from Mauritania to Ethiopia and south to South Africa.

It is considered one of the most abundant birds in the world, with estimates of the global population ranging from 1.5 to 10 billion individuals.
The Quelea is a small bird, typically measuring around 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 inches) in length and weighing around 20-30 grams (0.7-1.1 ounces).
Males are typically slightly larger and more brightly colored than females.

Queleas feed primarily on grass seeds, which they can strip from fields and crops in massive numbers, causing significant damage to agricultural areas.
The birds are known for their highly synchronized flocking behavior, which allows them to move and feed quickly and efficiently.
Queleas are considered a major agricultural pest in many parts of Africa, and efforts have been made to control their populations through trapping, shooting, and use of chemical pesticides.

Despite their pest status, the Quelea is an important food source for many predatory birds and mammals, and is also valued as a traditional food source for some human populations in Africa.

12. Queensland Tube-Nosed Bat

Here are some statistics about the Queensland Tube-Nosed Bat:

The Queensland Tube-Nosed Bat (Nyctimene robinsoni) is a species of bat found in northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.

It is a relatively small bat, with an average length of 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 inches) and a weight of around 7-12 grams (0.25-0.4 ounces).
The Queensland Tube-Nosed Bat is easily recognizable by its distinctive tubular nostrils, which protrude from the end of its snout.
The bat is nocturnal and feeds primarily on fruit, although it has also been known to eat insects and nectar.

The species is known for its social behavior, with groups of up to 20 individuals roosting together in tree hollows or caves.
The Queensland Tube-Nosed Bat is considered a vulnerable species, with populations declining due to habitat loss, disturbance of roost sites, and the introduction of invasive species such as feral cats and black rats.
Efforts are being made to protect the bat through habitat conservation and management, as well as by studying its behavior and ecology to better understand its needs and the threats it faces.

13. Queensland Grouper

Here are some statistics about the Queensland Grouper:

The Queensland Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus) is a large marine fish found in the waters of the western Pacific Ocean, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.
It is one of the largest species of grouper, with some individuals reaching lengths of over 2 meters (6.5 feet) and weights of up to 400 kilograms (880 pounds).

The Queensland Grouper is a slow-growing and long-lived species, with some individuals living for over 50 years.
It is a top predator in its ecosystem, feeding on a variety of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
The species is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to overfishing and habitat degradation caused by human activities such as trawling and pollution.

In Australia, the Queensland Grouper is a protected species and is subject to strict fishing regulations to ensure sustainable management of the population.
The species is also popular with recreational fishers and is considered a prized catch, with catch-and-release programs being implemented to help conserve the population.

14. Queen Triggerfish

Here are some statistics about the Queen Triggerfish:

The Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula) is a large marine fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from North Carolina to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
It is a brightly colored species, with a distinctive blue-green body and a yellowish-orange tail fin, and can grow up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) in length.
The Queen Triggerfish is a carnivorous predator that feeds on a variety of prey, including crustaceans, mollusks, and smaller fish.

The species is known for its sharp, strong teeth and powerful jaws, which it uses to crack open the shells of its prey.
The Queen Triggerfish is a popular game fish for recreational fishers, and is also caught commercially for food.
Despite its popularity, the species is not considered to be threatened or endangered, and is listed as of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

However, like all marine species, the Queen Triggerfish is vulnerable to overfishing and habitat degradation caused by human activities, and its populations should be carefully monitored to ensure their continued sustainability.

15. Queen Snapper

Here are some statistics about the Queen Snapper:

The Queen Snapper (Etelis oculatus) is a large, deepwater fish found in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the waters surrounding Hawaii, French Polynesia, and other Pacific island groups.

It has a distinctive, elongated body with a bright red color and large eyes, and can grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length.
The Queen Snapper is a carnivorous predator that feeds on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and squid.
It is prized by recreational anglers and commercial fisheries for its high quality flesh, which is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.

However, the Queen Snapper is vulnerable to overfishing and habitat degradation, and its populations have declined in many areas due to unsustainable fishing practices.
As a result, the species is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and efforts are being made to better manage its fisheries and protect its habitat.

16. Queen Snake

Here are some statistics about the Queen Snake:

The Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) is a non-venomous species of snake found in the eastern United States, primarily in the Ohio River drainage system and surrounding areas.
It is a small, slender snake that can grow up to 2 feet in length, with a dark brown or grayish coloration and a distinctive pattern of light-colored stripes along its body.
The Queen Snake is a semi-aquatic species that is often found in or near streams and other bodies of water, where it feeds on a variety of prey such as fish, amphibians, and crayfish.

It is considered an important species in its ecosystem, as it helps to control populations of smaller prey species and is itself preyed upon by larger predators such as birds and mammals.
The Queen Snake is not considered to be a threatened species at this time, but it is vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation due to human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and development.

17. Quagga Catshark

Here are some statistics about the Quagga Catshark:

The Quagga Catshark (Poroderma africanum) is a species of catshark found off the southern coast of Africa, from Namibia to South Africa.
It is a small shark, typically growing to a length of 30-40 cm (12-16 inches), with a slender body and a flattened head and snout.
The Quagga Catshark is named for its distinctive pattern of dark, almost zebra-like stripes on its body, reminiscent of the extinct Quagga subspecies of zebra.

Like other catsharks, it is a bottom-dwelling species that feeds primarily on crustaceans and small fish.
The Quagga Catshark is not considered to be a commercially valuable species, but it is sometimes caught as bycatch in commercial fishing operations.
While there is currently not enough data to assess the conservation status of this species, it is believed to be relatively common in its range and is not considered to be threatened at this time.

18. Queen Angelfish

Here are some statistics about the Queen Angelfish:

Scientific name: Holacanthus ciliaris
Average lifespan: 15-20 years
Size: Up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length
Weight: Up to 2.5 pounds (1.1 kg)
Habitat: Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Florida to Brazil, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, in coral reefs and rocky areas
Diet: Feeds on sponges, tunicates, jellyfish, and algae
Physical features: Brightly colored, with blue and yellow stripes on the body, a yellow tail, and blue lips and fins
Reproduction: Spawn in pairs, releasing their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs
Conservation status: Not currently listed as endangered, but population numbers are declining due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

19. Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing

Here are some statistics about the Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing butterfly:

Scientific name: Ornithoptera alexandrae
Wingspan: Up to 25 cm (9.8 in)
Length: Up to 12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Habitat: Native to the rainforests of Papua New Guinea
Diet: Nectar from flowers and juice from fruits
Conservation status: Endangered; listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction, deforestation, and collection for the international butterfly trade
Other facts:
- The Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing is the largest butterfly in the world.
- It was discovered in 1906 and named after Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII of England.
- The butterfly’s bright green and blue wings are adorned with yellow and white spots and a black border. The female has larger wings than the male.
- The Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing is an important symbol of conservation efforts in Papua New Guinea, and conservation programs have been established to protect its habitat and promote sustainable use of its resources.

20. Quahog

Here are some statistics about the Quahog:

The Quahog (Mercenaria mercenaria) is a hard-shell clam found along the Atlantic coast of North America.
It is also known as the hard clam, round clam, or chowder clam.
Quahogs are typically 3-5 inches in length, but can grow up to 6 inches.
They are capable of living for more than 30 years, with some individuals known to live for up to 100 years.
Quahogs are filter feeders, meaning they feed by pumping water through their gills and trapping small food particles in their mucus.
They are an important commercial and recreational shellfish, and are harvested for food, bait, and the pearl industry.
Quahogs are also significant in Native American culture, as they were used for food, wampum (beads made from their shells), and in religious ceremonies.

Conclusion: Animals That Start With Q