20 Animals That Start With Y (2023)

Welcome to animals that start with y. Tons of animals have names that start with the letter Y. 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 Y:

Yakutian Laika
Yarara
Yellow Anaconda

Yellow Aphids
Yellow Bellied Sapsucker
Yellow Belly Ball Python

Yellow Cobra
Yellow Perch
Yellow Sac Spider

Yellow Spotted Lizard
Yellow Tanager (Black-and-Yellow Tanager)
Yellow Tang

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake
Yellow-Eyed Penguin
Yellowfin Tuna

Yellowhammer
Yellowthroat
Yeti Crab

Yokohama chicken

Table of Contents show

1. Yak

Yaks are domesticated mammals native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas in central Asia.
Yaks are hardy animals that are well-suited to life in the extreme conditions of their native environment, including high altitudes, harsh winds, and cold temperatures.

They have thick, shaggy coats that provide insulation from the cold, and their broad, flat hooves are well-adapted to navigating steep and rocky terrain.
Yaks are large animals, with bulls weighing up to 1,500 pounds and standing up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder.
They are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, herbs, and lichens, and they can go for long periods without drinking water as they obtain moisture from their food.

Yaks are valued for their meat, milk, and hides, and they are also used as draft animals for transportation and plowing in their native regions.
The domesticated yak population is estimated to be around 14 million, with the majority of yaks found in Tibet and surrounding areas.
In some parts of their range, yaks are threatened by habitat loss and overgrazing, which can lead to soil erosion and degradation of the land.

Efforts are underway to conserve and protect the yak and its habitat, including the creation of protected areas and the development of sustainable grazing practices.
In addition to their practical uses, yaks are also an important cultural symbol in many parts of central Asia, and they are often worshipped as sacred animals in traditional religious practices.

2. Yakutian Laika

Yakutian Laika is a breed of dog originating from the Yakutia region of Siberia, Russia.

Yakutian Laikas are sled dogs and were traditionally used for transportation and hunting by the indigenous people of the region.
They have a thick, dense coat that provides insulation against the cold temperatures of their native environment, and their large paws are well-adapted to navigating deep snow.
Yakutian Laikas are medium-sized dogs, weighing between 35-60 pounds and standing 20-23 inches tall at the shoulder.

They have a strong work ethic and are known for their endurance and ability to run long distances.
Yakutian Laikas are independent and intelligent dogs that are highly trainable, and they are also affectionate and loyal to their owners.
The breed is considered rare, and there are relatively few Yakutian Laikas outside of their native region.

In recent years, the Yakutian Laika has gained recognition as a breed and has been recognized by some kennel clubs, including the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale).
In addition to their role as sled dogs, Yakutian Laikas also make excellent companion animals and are well-suited to life in cold climates.
Efforts are underway to conserve and protect the Yakutian Laika, including breeding programs and the creation of breed standards.

3. Yarara

Yarara is the Spanish name for the South American rattlesnake, also known as the Fer-de-Lance.
Yararas are venomous snakes and are considered to be among the most dangerous snakes in the Americas.
They are found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, savannas, and wetlands, and are distributed throughout much of South America, including countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.

Yararas are long snakes, reaching up to 6 feet in length, and they are characterized by their slender bodies, triangular-shaped heads, and distinctive rattles at the end of their tails.
They feed primarily on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and they are known to be fast-moving and aggressive.
Yararas are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young, and they are typically more active during the warmer months of the year.

The venom of the Yarara is highly toxic and can cause serious illness and death in humans.
Despite their dangerous reputation, Yararas play an important role in the ecosystem as predators that help control populations of small mammals and other animals.
There is ongoing research into the biology, behavior, and ecology of Yararas, as well as efforts to mitigate the impacts of human activities on their populations.

4. Yellow Anaconda

The Yellow Anaconda is a species of large, non-venomous snake found in South America.
It is one of the largest species of snake in the world, with some individuals reaching up to 30 feet in length and weighing over 250 pounds.
Yellow Anacondas are typically yellow or greenish-yellow in color, with distinctive black markings on their bodies.

They are found in a variety of habitats, including swamps, marshes, and river systems, and they are primarily active at night.
Yellow Anacondas feed primarily on mammals, birds, and reptiles, and they are known to be strong swimmers and excellent hunters.
They are semi-aquatic and are often found in or near water, where they use their powerful coils to constrict and drown their prey.

Yellow Anacondas are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, and their young are born fully formed and ready to fend for themselves.
While Yellow Anacondas are not considered to be a threat to humans, they should be treated with caution as they are powerful and can be aggressive if provoked.
Populations of Yellow Anacondas are declining in some areas due to habitat loss and hunting, and they are considered to be a species of concern by many conservation organizations.

Research into the biology, behavior, and conservation of Yellow Anacondas is ongoing, with the goal of improving our understanding of this unique and fascinating species.

5. Yellow Aphids

Yellow aphids are small, pear-shaped insects with a yellow or light green color
They feed on the sap of plants and are often considered pests because of their tendency to damage crops and reduce the overall health of the plant

They have a characteristic curling of their antennae and have two tubes at the rear called cornicles, which secrete a waxy substance for protection
Aphids reproduce asexually and can produce multiple generations in a single season, leading to rapid population growth
Yellow aphids can spread plant diseases by carrying and transmitting them as they feed on different plants

Natural predators of yellow aphids include ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies, as well as birds and parasitic wasps.

6. Yellow Bellied Sapsucker

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a type of woodpecker that is native to North America
It is named for its behavior of drilling holes in trees to feed on sap and the insects that are attracted to it

Adults have a distinctive black and white pattern on their bodies with a red forehead and a yellow belly, as their name suggests
They migrate to Central and South America for the winter and breed in deciduous and coniferous forests in North America during the summer
Their diet consists of sap, insects, and fruit and they are important pollinators and seed dispersers in their habitats

The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is not considered to be a threatened species, although their populations have declined in some areas due to deforestation and other habitat loss.

7. Yellow Belly Ball Python

The Yellow Belly Ball Python is a morph, or variation, of the Ball Python species (Python regius)
They get their name from the distinctive yellow or gold coloration on their belly and lower sides

They are native to West and Central Africa and are one of the most popular pet snakes due to their docile temperament and manageable size
Ball Pythons are typically shy and will curl into a tight ball when they feel threatened
They are known for their ability to live a long time, with some individuals living over 30 years in captivity

Ball Pythons are also one of the most versatile and forgiving species for captive breeding, making them popular among reptile enthusiasts and breeders.
They are non-venomous and typically grow to be about 4-5 feet in length, although some individuals can reach lengths of 6 feet or more.
Yellow Belly Ball Pythons are not considered to be threatened in the wild and are not listed as endangered.

8. Yellow Cobra

The yellow cobra, also known as the yellow tree cobra, is a venomous species of cobra found in Africa.
It is known for its distinctive yellow or greenish-yellow coloration.
Adults typically grow to an average length of 4 to 5 feet, although some individuals can reach up to 6 feet in length.

Yellow cobras are highly venomous and their bite can cause severe symptoms including difficulty breathing, paralysis, and death if left untreated.
They are primarily arboreal, meaning they live and hunt in trees, but can also be found on the ground.
Their diet consists mainly of small rodents, lizards, and birds.

Yellow cobras are considered to be a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, their populations may be declining due to habitat loss and hunting for their skin.

9. Yellow Perch

The yellow perch is a freshwater fish species native to North America.
It is a popular game fish and is often considered a good catch for recreational anglers.

The average yellow perch weighs about 1 pound, with the largest specimen on record being 4.3 pounds.
They are characterized by their yellow belly and sides, with dark green or brown stripes along their back.
Yellow perch typically inhabit shallow, weedy areas of lakes, rivers, and streams.

They feed on small aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Yellow perch are oviparous and lay their eggs in shallow water.
They have a lifespan of around 6 to 8 years in the wild, but have been known to live up to 15 years in captive conditions.

The yellow perch is economically important, as it is one of the most commercially harvested freshwater fish species in the United States.

10. Yellow Sac Spider

Here are some key statistics about the Yellow Sac Spider:

Scientific name: Cheiracanthium mildei

Distribution: Found throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia
Habitat: Usually found in temperate and warm regions, inhabiting fields, gardens, and forests
Size: Adults can reach a body length of around 8-10 mm

Color: Yellowish-green or yellowish-grey in color
Feeding: Prey primarily on insects, including other spiders
Reproduction: Female yellow sac spiders lay their eggs in a silken sac and guard them until they hatch

Venom: Yellow sac spiders are venomous, but their bite is considered to be medically insignificant for humans
Life span: Typically live for 1 year.

11. Yellow Spotted Lizard

Yellow Spotted Lizards are also known as “Common Spiny-tailed Lizards” or “Double-tailed Lizards.”

They belong to the genus Ctenosaura and are native to Central America and Mexico.
Yellow Spotted Lizards are arboreal and typically inhabit dry tropical forests, shrublands, and savannas.
They are excellent climbers and can often be found basking on branches or tree trunks.

They are herbivorous and feed mainly on leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Yellow Spotted Lizards have a distinctive appearance, with a spiny tail and a yellow-spotted black body.
They have sharp claws and powerful jaws that they use to defend themselves from predators.

Yellow Spotted Lizards are fast runners and are also capable of running on their hind legs.
The average length of an adult Yellow Spotted Lizard is about 18-20 inches, with a tail that can be twice as long as its body.
They have a lifespan of up to 20 years in the wild.

12. Yellow Tanager (Black-and-Yellow Tanager)

Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
Length: Approximately 5.5 to 6.5 inches
Weight: Around 0.6 to 0.7 ounces

Color: Black and yellow feathers, with a yellow face and underbelly
Distribution: Found in Central America and northern South America
Habitat: Rainforests, jungle edges, and secondary growth forests

Diet: Primarily feeds on insects and fruit, also eats nectar and spiders
Breeding: Yellow Tanagers are monogamous and usually lay 2 to 4 eggs in a nest
Conservation Status: Not considered threatened or endangered

Characteristics: Known for their bright yellow and black feathers, active foraging habits, and melodious songs.

13. Yellow Tang

Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens
Common Name: Yellow Tang

Type: Saltwater Fish
Family: Acanthuridae
Size: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)

Distribution: Pacific Ocean, Hawaiian Islands, and other tropical waters
Habitat: Coral reefs, shallow lagoons, and rocky outcroppings
Diet: Omnivore; feeds on algae, plankton, and small invertebrates

Life Span: Up to 25 years in captivity, less in the wild
Coloration: Bright yellow with a bluish-black spot near the base of the tail
Physical Characteristics: Oval shaped body, sharp spines on their dorsal and anal fins

Behaviour: Active and social, swims in schools and can be aggressive towards other fish of similar color or shape
Reproduction: Oviparous (lays eggs), breeding takes place in pairs or small groups
Status: Not threatened, widely available in the aquarium trade.

14. Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

The Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake is a venomous species of sea snake found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
It is considered one of the most widely distributed sea snakes in the world.
They have a yellow-to-orange belly and a greenish-yellow back.

They have a flat, paddle-like tail and a small head, making them well-adapted to swimming in the open ocean.
Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes feed on small fish and invertebrates, such as eels and fish eggs.
These snakes are relatively small, reaching a maximum length of about 4 feet (1.2 meters).

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs, with females laying around 5-20 eggs per clutch.
Despite their venomous nature, Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes are not considered a threat to humans as they are shy and non-aggressive.
Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes are listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

15. Yellow-Eyed Penguin

Scientific name: Megadyptes antipodes
Habitat: Found in the coastal forests of New Zealand’s South Island and Stewart Island, as well as the southeast coast of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef
Size: Approximately 60-70 cm in length and 2.5-4.5 kg in weight

Coloration: Unique yellow iris, distinctive yellow feather lores (feathers above the eyes) and a black head and neck
Diet: Primarily feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans
Breeding: Mate for life and build a nest made of twigs and leaves in coastal forests or on offshore islands

Population: Estimated to be around 4,000 individuals and is considered endangered due to habitat loss, introduced predators and disease
Conservation status: Endangered species listed under IUCN Red List and protected under the New Zealand Wildlife Act and the Australian Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

16. Yellowfin Tuna

Scientific name: Thunnus albacares
Family: Scombridae (Mackerels and Tunas)
Size: Can grow up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) in length and weigh up to 400 pounds (180 kg)
Distribution: Found in warm ocean waters around the world, especially in the Pacific and Indian Oceans
Habitat: Usually found in offshore waters at depths of around 200-500 feet (60-150 meters)
Feeding: Yellowfin tunas feed on small fish and squid, and are also known to consume larger prey like mackerel, sardines, and anchovies
Breeding: Yellowfin tunas are fast-swimming fish that migrate to warmer waters to breed
Conservation Status: Currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the IUCN, but populations have declined in some areas due to overfishing and bycatch in other fisheries
Commercial Importance: Yellowfin tunas are one of the most economically important species of tuna, and are caught for human consumption, sport fishing, and as a source of oil and fishmeal.

17. Yellowhammer

Here are some key statistics about the Yellowhammer:

Scientific name: Emberiza citrinella
Class: Aves (Birds)
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Emberizidae
Size: 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches)
Weight: 20-30 g (0.7-1.1 ounces)
Distribution: Found across Europe, Western Asia and North Africa
Habitat: Grassy areas and open woodlands, often near farmland
Migration: Some populations are migratory, while others are resident
Diet: Primarily seeds, but also insects and spiders
Breeding: Nests are made of grass and placed in trees, bushes, or reed beds
Clutch size: 4-5 eggs
Incubation period: 11-14 days
Conservation status: Least Concern (LC)

18. Yellowthroat

Scientific name: Geothlypis trichas
Family: Parulidae (New World warblers)
Size: 12-13 cm (4.7-5.1 inches)
Weight: 9-12 g (0.3-0.4 oz)
Distribution: Found in North America, Central America and the Caribbean
Habitat: Wetlands, marshy areas, and scrublands
Migration: Some populations are migratory, while others are resident
Diet: Insects, spiders, and other small arthropods
Breeding: Builds cup-shaped nests near the ground, usually in dense vegetation
Incubation: 11-13 days
Clutch size: 3-6 eggs
Life span: 2-5 years
Status: Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List
Characteristics: Has a bright yellow head, neck and breast, with a white belly and olive back
Song: Has a loud, clear, and distinct song, often described as “witchity-witchity-witchity”
Behavior: Usually found alone or in pairs, but may form flocks during migration
Similar species: The Hooded Warbler and the Common Yellowthroat look similar but can be distinguished by differences in their plumage, song and behavior.

19. Yeti Crab

Here are some key statistics about the Yeti Crab:

Scientific name: Kiwa hirsuta
Class: Malacostraca
Order: Decapoda
Family: Kiwaidae
Distribution: Deep-sea vents in the South Pacific Ocean, near the coast of Easter Island
Length: 5-6 cm
Weight: Not specified
Appearance: Yellowish-white color with dense setae (hairs) covering its body, legs and claws
Diet: Chemosynthetic bacteria living in deep-sea vents
Life span: Not specified
Adaptations: Ability to live in high temperature and high pressure environments; dense setae to cultivate bacteria for food source
Threats: Potential impact from deep-sea mining and fishing operations

20. Yokohama Chicken

Here are some statistics about the Yokohama chicken:

Origin: Japan
Breed type: Rare and exotic breed of chicken
Purpose: Primarily kept for ornamental purposes
Egg production: Low to moderate
Egg color: Creamy white
Meat production: Not commonly used for meat production
Weight: Roosters can weigh up to 4 lbs and hens can weigh up to 3 lbs
Size: Medium-sized chicken with a distinctive appearance
Plumage: Unique, fluffy feathers with a variety of color patterns, including black and white, blue and white, and more.
Temperament: Generally friendly and docile, but can be flighty and skittish in new environments
Health: Generally hardy and healthy, but may be prone to mites or lice if proper hygiene is not maintained
Special characteristics: Known for its impressive crest of feathers on its head and neck, which sets it apart from other breeds of chicken.

Conclusion: Animals That Start With Y