80+ Animals That Start With B: List, Facts & Fun

The animal kingdom is bursting with diversity, and the letter B brings an incredible mix of mammals, birds, reptiles, and even fish that start with it. From bold predators like the Bengal tiger to gentle grazers like the bison, each species plays a unique role in our planet’s ecosystems. This guide explores over 80 animals that start with B, grouped by their types and habitats.

You’ll learn about their sizes, diets, behavior, and conservation status — plus a fun fact for every creature. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a student working on an animal project, this A-to-Z journey through the “B” species is packed with learning and wonder.

Animals That Start With B

1. Baboon (Papio)

Baboons are large, ground-dwelling monkeys found in Africa and Arabia. They live in troops that can number over 100 members. With their dog-like muzzles, powerful jaws, and cheek pouches for storing food, baboons are omnivorous and intelligent. They communicate through vocalizations and gestures. Their habitats range from savannas to rocky hills.
Fun Fact: Baboons use over 30 different vocal sounds to communicate.

2. Badger (Meles meles)

Badgers are nocturnal mammals known for their sturdy bodies and digging skills. Native to North America, Europe, and Asia, they live in complex burrows called setts. They have black-and-white striped faces and are omnivorous, feeding on worms, insects, and roots.
Fun Fact: Badgers can dig tunnels faster than a human with a shovel.

3. Bat (Chiroptera)

Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. Found on every continent except Antarctica, they play key ecological roles like pollination and insect control. Some species, like fruit bats, have wingspans over 1.5 meters.
Fun Fact: A single bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in one hour.

4. Bear (Ursidae)

Bears are large omnivorous mammals found across North America, Europe, and Asia. They have powerful builds, thick fur, and excellent senses of smell. Species range from the tiny sun bear to the massive polar bear.
Fun Fact: Despite their size, bears can run up to 40 km/h (25 mph).

5. Beaver (Castor canadensis)

Beavers are known as nature’s engineers for building dams and lodges from wood and mud. They’re aquatic rodents with webbed feet and large, flat tails used for swimming and warning signals. Their dams create wetlands that benefit other species.
Fun Fact: Beaver teeth never stop growing, keeping them sharp for gnawing wood.

6. Bison (Bison bison)

The American bison, once near extinction, roams grasslands again thanks to conservation. They’re North America’s largest land mammals, with massive shoulders and shaggy brown fur. Bison graze on grasses and can survive harsh winters.
Fun Fact: Bison can jump up to 6 feet high despite their bulky build.

7. Bonobo (Pan paniscus)

Bonobos, close relatives of chimpanzees, live only in the Congo Basin. They are intelligent, highly social, and known for their peaceful behavior compared to chimps. Bonobos communicate through gestures and vocalizations.
Fun Fact: Bonobos use physical affection to resolve social conflicts.

8. Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)

The blue whale is the largest animal ever known, even bigger than dinosaurs. Found in oceans worldwide, it feeds primarily on krill. Despite its size, it moves gracefully and communicates through low-frequency calls that can travel miles underwater.
Fun Fact: A blue whale’s heart is the size of a small car.

9. Black Panther (Panthera pardus or Puma concolor)

The term “black panther” refers to melanistic leopards or jaguars. Their dark coats make them stealthy hunters in dense jungles. Found in Asia, Africa, and the Americas, they are apex predators feeding on deer and smaller mammals.
Fun Fact: The black color comes from a genetic variation that increases melanin.

10. Bushbaby (Galago senegalensis)

Bushbabies are small nocturnal primates from Africa with large eyes and excellent jumping ability. They feed on insects, fruit, and tree sap. Known for their calls that sound like crying babies, they live in treetop nests.
Fun Fact: Bushbabies can leap up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) between trees.

11. Bobcat (Lynx rufus)

The bobcat is a medium-sized wildcat native to North America. Recognized by its tufted ears, spotted coat, and short “bobbed” tail, it thrives in forests, deserts, and suburban edges. Bobcats are stealthy, solitary hunters that prey mainly on rabbits and rodents. They are adaptable and resilient, adjusting well even near human settlements.
Fun Fact: A bobcat can leap over 3 meters (10 feet) in a single bound.

12. Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

Also known as the African buffalo, this massive bovid is a symbol of strength and persistence. Living in large herds across sub-Saharan Africa, buffaloes graze on grasses and rely on group defense against predators like lions. Their horns curve outward and backward, forming a heavy boss in males.
Fun Fact: African buffaloes are responsible for more human deaths in Africa than any other large mammal.

13. Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

The brown bear, found across Eurasia and North America, is a powerful omnivore. Subspecies include the grizzly bear and Kodiak bear. It feeds on berries, salmon, and carrion. Brown bears hibernate during winter in dens or caves, emerging in spring with cubs born during their sleep.
Fun Fact: Brown bears have a bite force stronger than a tiger’s.

14. Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus)

Bushbucks are medium-sized antelopes found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They prefer dense vegetation and are mostly solitary. Their reddish-brown coat has white spots and stripes, offering camouflage. Males have short, spiraled horns.
Fun Fact: Bushbucks freeze motionless when threatened, blending perfectly with their surroundings.

15. Bandicoot (Peramelidae)

Bandicoots are small marsupials native to Australia and New Guinea. They resemble a cross between a rat and a rabbit and are nocturnal foragers that dig for insects and roots. Females have backward-facing pouches to keep dirt out while burrowing.
Fun Fact: Bandicoots have one of the shortest gestation periods of any mammal—just 12 days.

16. Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)

Known as the “white whale,” belugas inhabit Arctic and subarctic waters. They are highly social, often forming pods of up to 10 individuals. Their flexible necks allow expressive movement, and they’re known for vocal “songs.”
Fun Fact: Belugas can mimic human speech patterns.

17. Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

The Bengal tiger is India’s national animal and one of the most iconic predators on Earth. It has a striking orange coat with black stripes and hunts deer and boar. Mostly nocturnal, tigers use stealth and strength to ambush prey.
Fun Fact: Each tiger’s stripe pattern is unique, like a human fingerprint.

18. Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus)

The bush dog is a small, rare canid native to Central and South America. It has short legs, webbed feet, and a dense reddish coat. Bush dogs are pack hunters that chase down prey like rodents and agoutis.
Fun Fact: Bush dogs have webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers.

19. Bilby (Macrotis lagotis)

Bilbies, or “rabbit-bandicoots,” are nocturnal marsupials from Australia. They have long ears, silky fur, and burrow for shelter. Bilbies play a vital ecological role by turning over soil while digging for food.
Fun Fact: The Easter Bilby replaces the Easter Bunny in Australian conservation campaigns.

20. Bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus)

The bontebok is a striking antelope native to South Africa, known for its glossy chocolate-brown coat and white face blaze. Once hunted nearly to extinction, it’s now thriving thanks to conservation.
Fun Fact: The bontebok cannot jump high but can run at speeds over 60 km/h (37 mph).

21. Boar (Sus scrofa)

The wild boar is the ancestor of domestic pigs and is found across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It has a sturdy, muscular build, a coarse coat, and sharp tusks. Omnivorous and intelligent, boars forage for roots, nuts, and small animals. They play an important ecological role in soil aeration through digging.
Fun Fact: Wild boars can detect food buried up to 25 cm (10 inches) underground.

22. Bat-Eared Fox (Otocyon megalotis)

Named for its enormous ears, the bat-eared fox inhabits African grasslands. It uses its ears to detect termites underground, which make up most of its diet. Social and playful, it often forms lifelong pairs.
Fun Fact: A bat-eared fox can hear termites moving beneath the soil.

23. Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes)

The bush rat is an Australian native rodent found in forests and shrublands. It’s nocturnal and feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects. Unlike invasive black rats, bush rats are shy and non-destructive.
Fun Fact: Bush rats help spread plant seeds through their droppings, aiding forest regrowth.

24. Babirusa (Babyrousa celebensis)

The babirusa, or “pig-deer,” is a wild pig native to Indonesian islands like Sulawesi. Its upper canines grow upward through the snout, curving backward. It lives in tropical forests and is omnivorous.
Fun Fact: Male babirusas’ tusks can curve so far they pierce their own skulls if not worn down.

25. Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata)

The band-tailed pigeon is North America’s largest native pigeon. It has a distinctive white neck band and a grayish body. These birds feed on fruits, acorns, and seeds and migrate seasonally across mountain ranges.
Fun Fact: Band-tailed pigeons can drink water by sucking it up without tilting their heads.

26. Brolga (Antigone rubicunda)

The brolga, a tall crane native to Australia, is famous for its graceful courtship dances. It has long legs, a red head patch, and a loud trumpeting call. Brolgas feed in wetlands and grasslands on roots and invertebrates.
Fun Fact: The word “brolga” comes from an Aboriginal term meaning “native companion.”

27. Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

Bluebirds are small, brightly colored thrushes native to North America. Males have vivid blue feathers and reddish breasts. They nest in tree cavities and eat insects and berries. Their cheerful songs symbolize happiness and renewal.
Fun Fact: Bluebirds can spot insects from over 60 feet away.

28. Blackbird (Turdus merula)

The common blackbird is a widespread songbird in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Males are glossy black with orange beaks, while females are brown. They sing melodious, flute-like songs from treetops at dawn and dusk.
Fun Fact: Blackbirds can imitate sounds from other birds and even ringtones.

29. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

The blue jay is an intelligent North American bird known for its bright plumage and loud calls. It mimics hawks to scare away rivals and uses memory to store food. Blue jays are part of the crow family and highly social.
Fun Fact: Blue jays can mimic human voices and other bird species.

30. Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

The barn owl is one of the most widespread birds on Earth. With a heart-shaped face and silent flight, it hunts small rodents in open fields. Its haunting screech differs from typical owl hoots.
Fun Fact: Barn owls can locate prey in total darkness using sound alone.

31. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The bald eagle, America’s national bird, is a powerful raptor known for its white head, dark brown body, and impressive wingspan. Found near rivers and lakes, it feeds primarily on fish and carrion. Once endangered, strong conservation measures have restored its population.
Fun Fact: Bald eagles can spot prey from over 3 km (2 miles) away.

32. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow is a sleek migratory bird recognized by its blue back, red face, and long forked tail. It nests in barns and under bridges and feeds on flying insects caught midair. These birds migrate thousands of kilometers each year between continents.
Fun Fact: Barn swallows can reach flight speeds up to 65 km/h (40 mph).

33. Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)

Native to Australia, the black swan is a graceful waterbird with entirely black plumage and a bright red bill. It feeds on aquatic plants and is known for lifelong pair bonds. Its appearance challenges the ancient belief that all swans were white.
Fun Fact: The term “black swan” symbolizes rare, unexpected events.

34. Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

This elegant wading bird has long pink legs and striking black-and-white plumage. Found across the Americas, it feeds in shallow water on crustaceans and insects. Its high-pitched calls and delicate movements make it a wetland icon.
Fun Fact: The black-necked stilt’s legs are the longest in proportion to its body among all birds.

35. Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

The great blue heron is a majestic wading bird found throughout North America. Standing tall with a grayish-blue body, it hunts fish, frogs, and insects using its sharp beak. It nests in colonies high in trees near water.
Fun Fact: Blue herons can stand motionless for hours waiting for prey.

36. Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The common buzzard is a medium-sized raptor native to Europe and Asia. It has broad wings, a short tail, and feeds mainly on small mammals and carrion. Known for its circling flight and loud “mewing” call, it’s adaptable to forests and farmland.
Fun Fact: Buzzards can hover in place using wind currents, similar to kestrels.

37. Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)

The blue tit is a small European songbird with bright blue and yellow plumage. Agile and curious, it feeds on insects and seeds, often visiting garden feeders. Blue tits are excellent climbers and highly social during winter months.
Fun Fact: Blue tits can hang upside down to reach insects under leaves.

38. Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)

The Eurasian bullfinch is a plump, striking bird with a black cap and a bright pinkish-red breast. It feeds on buds and seeds, especially in winter. Shy but beautiful, it’s a favorite among birdwatchers in temperate Europe and Asia.
Fun Fact: Bullfinches were once trained to mimic flute melodies in captivity.

39. Blue-footed Booby (Sula nebouxii)

Found along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America, this seabird is famous for its bright blue feet and comical mating dance. It dives spectacularly into the ocean to catch fish. Both males and females share nesting duties.
Fun Fact: The bluer the feet, the more attractive the booby appears to potential mates.

40. Barred Owl (Strix varia)

The barred owl, also known as the hoot owl, is a nocturnal raptor with dark eyes and striped plumage. Found across North America, it hunts rodents and frogs in forests. Its haunting call sounds like “Who cooks for you?”
Fun Fact: Barred owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees to scan for prey.

41. Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor)

The boa constrictor is a large, non-venomous snake native to Central and South America. It kills prey by constriction, wrapping its muscular body around animals like rodents and birds. Boas thrive in rainforests, grasslands, and semi-deserts. They are popular in the pet trade due to their calm nature.
Fun Fact: Boa constrictors can sense prey using heat-sensitive pits along their jaws.

42. Ball Python (Python regius)

The ball python, also known as the royal python, is a small African snake known for its docile nature. It curls into a tight ball when threatened. Ball pythons are popular pets and exhibit striking patterns in shades of brown, gold, and black.
Fun Fact: The name “royal python” comes from the legend that Cleopatra wore one around her wrist.

43. Basilisk Lizard (Basiliscus basiliscus)

The basilisk, or “Jesus Christ lizard,” is known for its ability to run across water. Native to Central America, it uses its large hind feet and rapid speed to sprint over surfaces. It’s an excellent climber and swimmer, feeding on insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.
Fun Fact: Basilisks can run on water for up to 4.5 meters (15 feet).

44. Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Native to Australia, the bearded dragon is a popular reptile named for the spiky “beard” under its chin. It changes color to regulate temperature and displays its beard during courtship or defense. These lizards are omnivorous and docile, making them common pets.
Fun Fact: Bearded dragons wave one arm slowly as a sign of submission.

45. Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)

The box turtle is a small, terrestrial turtle native to North America. Its hinged shell allows it to close completely for protection. Box turtles are omnivorous, feeding on plants, worms, and berries. They live long lives and have strong homing instincts.
Fun Fact: Some box turtles can live for more than 100 years.

46. Blue Iguana (Cyclura lewisi)

The blue iguana is a large, critically endangered reptile native to Grand Cayman Island. It has vivid blue skin that becomes brighter in sunlight. Herbivorous and territorial, it prefers rocky, sunlit areas. Conservation efforts have helped increase its population.
Fun Fact: The blue iguana can live longer than most reptiles—over 60 years in captivity.

47. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)

The black mamba is one of the fastest and most feared snakes in Africa. Contrary to its name, its scales are grayish-brown, while the inside of its mouth is black. It delivers a potent neurotoxic venom and can move at speeds up to 20 km/h (12 mph).
Fun Fact: Despite its deadly reputation, black mambas avoid humans whenever possible.

48. Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

The American bullfrog is North America’s largest frog species. It inhabits ponds and swamps, where its deep “jug-o-rum” call echoes at night. Bullfrogs eat almost anything they can swallow, including insects, fish, and even small birds.
Fun Fact: Bullfrogs can jump distances 10 times their body length.

49. Blue Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius “azureus”)

This small amphibian from Suriname is famous for its electric-blue skin with black spots. Its bright color warns predators of its potent toxins. These frogs are active during the day and feed on ants and termites.
Fun Fact: Captive-bred blue poison dart frogs lose their toxicity because of a diet change.

50. Box Jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri)

The box jellyfish, found in Indo-Pacific waters, is one of the most venomous creatures on Earth. Its cube-shaped bell and trailing tentacles can deliver toxins causing paralysis or cardiac arrest. Despite this, it is a beautiful swimmer and nearly transparent.
Fun Fact: Box jellyfish can see and actively swim to hunt prey.

51. Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)

The barracuda is a large, predatory fish found in tropical and subtropical oceans. Recognized by its torpedo-shaped body and sharp, fang-like teeth, it’s one of the fastest swimmers in the sea. Barracudas ambush prey such as smaller fish using bursts of speed.
Fun Fact: Barracudas can accelerate up to 43 km/h (27 mph) when hunting.

52. Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)

The blue tang, also known as the palette surgeonfish, is a bright blue reef fish popularized by “Dory” in Finding Nemo. It has a yellow tail and can change its shade depending on mood and health. Blue tangs graze on algae and live in Indo-Pacific coral reefs.
Fun Fact: When threatened, blue tangs hide in coral and wedge themselves tight using their dorsal spine.

53. Betta Fish (Betta splendens)

The betta fish, also called the Siamese fighting fish, is a small freshwater species native to Thailand. Males are famous for their vibrant fins and territorial aggression. They breathe air directly thanks to a special labyrinth organ.
Fun Fact: Bettas can survive in oxygen-poor water by gulping air at the surface.

54. Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus)

One of the ocean’s fastest fish, the Atlantic bluefin tuna is a massive migratory predator. It can maintain warm body temperatures and travel thousands of kilometers. Highly prized for sushi, it’s unfortunately overfished.
Fun Fact: Bluefin tuna can reach speeds of 70 km/h (43 mph).

55. Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae)

Butterflyfish are small, colorful reef dwellers found in tropical seas. Their disk-shaped bodies and bold patterns make them popular in aquariums. They feed on coral polyps, algae, and plankton.
Fun Fact: Some butterflyfish mate for life and are always seen in pairs.

56. Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)

The blue shark is a sleek, migratory predator known for its vivid blue color. Found in deep waters worldwide, it hunts squid and fish. It’s one of the most graceful swimmers in the ocean but vulnerable to overfishing.
Fun Fact: Blue sharks migrate thousands of kilometers annually, often crossing entire oceans.

57. Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

The barramundi, or Asian sea bass, is a prized food fish found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters. It’s known for its adaptability, living in both freshwater and saltwater. This species changes sex during its life, beginning as male and turning female later.
Fun Fact: The name “barramundi” comes from an Aboriginal word meaning “large-scaled river fish.”

58. Blowfish (Tetraodontidae)

Also known as pufferfish, blowfish inflate their bodies into spiky balls when threatened. Found in tropical waters, they contain a potent neurotoxin (tetrodotoxin) that can be deadly. Despite this, some species are eaten as the delicacy “fugu.”
Fun Fact: One blowfish’s toxin can kill 30 adult humans if consumed improperly.

59. Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)

The blue crab is a famous crustacean found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Its blue-tinted claws and delicious meat make it a seafood staple. It’s an agile swimmer that uses its paddle-shaped legs to move backward or sideways.
Fun Fact: The Latin name Callinectes sapidus means “savory beautiful swimmer.”

60. Bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

The bumblebee is a fuzzy, black-and-yellow insect vital for pollination. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees form small colonies and can fly in colder temperatures. They feed on nectar and pollen, playing a key role in ecosystems and agriculture.
Fun Fact: Bumblebees can beat their wings 200 times per second.

61. Beetle (Coleoptera)

Beetles make up the largest order of insects, with over 350,000 species worldwide. They occupy nearly every habitat on Earth except the ocean. Known for their hard elytra (wing covers), beetles range from tiny weevils to large rhinoceros beetles.
Fun Fact: One in every four known animal species on Earth is a beetle.

62. Butterfly (Lepidoptera)

Butterflies are colorful, flying insects known for their delicate wings covered in microscopic scales. Found worldwide, they undergo complete metamorphosis from caterpillar to adult. Many species migrate seasonally in search of warmer climates.
Fun Fact: Monarch butterflies migrate over 4,000 km (2,500 miles) each year.

63. Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus mactans)

This infamous spider is known for its shiny black body and red hourglass mark. Found worldwide, the female’s venom is potent but rarely fatal to humans. Black widows live in dark, sheltered places like woodpiles and sheds.
Fun Fact: The female often eats the male after mating—hence the name “black widow.”

64. Blue Morpho Butterfly (Morpho peleides)

One of the world’s most stunning butterflies, the blue morpho hails from Central and South American rainforests. Its vivid blue wings shimmer due to microscopic light-reflecting scales. When folded, the brown underside camouflages it from predators.
Fun Fact: The blue morpho’s color is caused by light diffraction, not pigment.

65. Bumblebee Bat (Craseonycteris thonglongyai)

Also called Kitti’s hog-nosed bat, this is the world’s smallest mammal. Native to Thailand and Myanmar, it weighs less than a coin and lives in limestone caves. It feeds on tiny insects using echolocation.
Fun Fact: The bumblebee bat weighs just 2 grams—less than a teaspoon of sugar.

66. Blue Dragon Sea Slug (Glaucus atlanticus)

This tiny marine slug floats upside down on the ocean surface, feeding on venomous jellyfish like the Portuguese man o’ war. Its blue and silver coloration helps it blend with sea and sky. Despite its beauty, it can deliver a painful sting.
Fun Fact: The blue dragon stores jellyfish venom in its own tissues for self-defense.

67. Barnacle (Cirripedia)

Barnacles are crustaceans that attach themselves permanently to rocks, boats, and whales. They filter-feed using feathery appendages and are encased in hard calcium shells. Though immobile as adults, their larvae drift freely in the ocean.
Fun Fact: Barnacles have the longest reproductive organ relative to body size in the animal kingdom.

68. Blue Whale Barnacle (Coronula diadema)

This barnacle species lives exclusively on blue whales, forming circular patches on their skin. It benefits from the whale’s movement through nutrient-rich water, feeding on plankton.
Fun Fact: Each blue whale can host hundreds of specialized barnacles on its body.

69. Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata)

This small but deadly cephalopod inhabits Pacific coral reefs. Normally beige, it flashes bright blue rings when threatened. Its venom contains tetrodotoxin, one of the most potent toxins known to science.
Fun Fact: A single blue-ringed octopus carries enough venom to kill 26 humans.

70. Boxfish (Ostraciidae)

Boxfish are small, armored fish with cube-shaped bodies covered in bony plates. Found in coral reefs, their slow swimming and bright patterns deter predators. When stressed, some species release a toxic substance into the water.
Fun Fact: Boxfish inspired the design of certain Mercedes-Benz car models due to their hydrodynamic shape.

71. Bonito (Sarda sarda)

The Atlantic bonito is a swift, torpedo-shaped fish related to tuna and mackerel. Found in temperate and tropical waters, it’s known for its silvery stripes and speed. Bonitos are prized by sport fishers and often travel in large schools.
Fun Fact: Bonitos can swim up to 64 km/h (40 mph), rivaling some sharks in speed.

72. Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina)

Also known as “sea monkeys,” brine shrimp thrive in salt lakes and brine pools where few animals survive. They are vital in the food chain, serving as nourishment for flamingos and fish.
Fun Fact: Brine shrimp eggs can survive years in dry conditions, hatching when rehydrated.

73. Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans)

The blue marlin is one of the largest and most iconic fish in the sea. With its spear-like bill and cobalt-blue body, it’s a powerful predator. Females grow much larger than males, reaching over 900 kg.
Fun Fact: Blue marlins can leap completely out of the water when hooked by anglers.

74. Barramundi Cod (Cromileptes altivelis)

This distinctive reef fish has a humpbacked body and spotted white skin. Found in the Indo-Pacific, it’s a prized aquarium species and a delicacy in Southeast Asia.
Fun Fact: Juvenile barramundi cods can change sex as they mature.

75. Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)

The blacktip shark is recognized by the dark markings on its fins. It’s a fast, agile predator found in warm coastal waters. Known to leap and spin when feeding, it’s harmless to humans when left undisturbed.
Fun Fact: Blacktip sharks can spin up to three times in the air when breaching.

76. Blue Penguin (Eudyptula minor)

Also called the “little penguin,” this species is the smallest of all penguins. Found in New Zealand and southern Australia, it has blue-gray feathers and spends much of its time at sea feeding on fish and squid.
Fun Fact: Blue penguins only stand about 33 cm tall — the size of a bowling pin.

77. Binturong (Arctictis binturong)

The binturong, or bearcat, is an arboreal mammal native to Southeast Asia. It’s not a bear or a cat but a civet relative with a prehensile tail. Its scent is oddly reminiscent of buttered popcorn.
Fun Fact: Binturongs communicate with scent marks that smell like movie popcorn.

78. Bilby Bat (Macroderma gigas)

Also called the ghost bat, this carnivorous bat is native to Australia. It hunts other bats, small birds, and rodents, using keen hearing and echolocation. Its pale fur gives it an eerie ghostlike appearance.
Fun Fact: The ghost bat is Australia’s largest carnivorous bat species.

79. Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo)

A small member of the hammerhead family, the bonnethead has a smooth, rounded head. Found in coastal waters of the Americas, it feeds mainly on crabs and seagrass — making it one of the few omnivorous sharks.
Fun Fact: The bonnethead is the only known shark that eats seagrass as a major food source.

80. Blue Jayfish (Trachinotus glaucus)

Also known as the blue trevally, this sleek marine fish is found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Its metallic blue body and forked tail make it a fast swimmer and skilled predator of small fish and crustaceans.
Fun Fact: Blue trevallies often hunt alongside larger species like groupers to catch escaping prey.

Read: Animals That Start With E
Read: Animals That Start With X
Read: Animals That Start With N

FAQs

What are some common animals starting with B?

Common examples include bear, bison, bat, beaver, and butterfly. These animals span multiple habitats, from forests to oceans.

Which animal that starts with B is the largest?

The blue whale holds the record — it’s not only the largest animal that starts with B but also the largest to ever live on Earth.

Are there endangered animals that start with B?

Yes. Species like the bonobo, blue whale, blue iguana, and Bengal tiger are all classified as endangered or vulnerable.

What habitats do B animals live in?

Animals beginning with B can be found everywhere — from the Arctic (beluga whale) to deserts (bearded dragon) and tropical forests (binturong).

Which B animals are known for their intelligence?

Bonobos, bottlenose dolphins, and bears show remarkable intelligence, using tools, solving problems, and demonstrating social learning.

Conclusion

From the mighty blue whale to the tiny bumblebee bat, the world’s animals that start with B showcase astonishing diversity and adaptability. They swim, soar, crawl, and climb across nearly every habitat on Earth. Whether it’s the brainy bonobo, the fierce Bengal tiger, or the delicate blue morpho butterfly, each plays a vital role in the balance of nature.

By learning about them, we not only appreciate their beauty but also strengthen our commitment to protecting biodiversity for future generations.