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

The animal kingdom is full of fascinating creatures, and this guide explores all the animals that start with R. From rainforest-dwelling mammals to reef-hugging fish and sky-soaring birds, you’ll find incredible diversity in both form and function. This curated list covers a wide range of species grouped by category, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and sea creatures.

Whether you’re a student, teacher, trivia lover, or wildlife enthusiast, this complete guide offers insight into the habitats, diets, behaviors, and conservation status of each animal. If you’re looking to learn more about rare, remarkable, or even downright rowdy animals that start with R, you’re in the right place.

Animals That Start With R

Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Raccoons are medium-sized mammals known for their masked appearance and dexterous front paws. They are native to North America and inhabit forests, wetlands, and urban areas. These nocturnal omnivores have a grayish coat and ringed tail, typically growing up to 70 cm long. Raccoons are highly adaptable and often forage in trash bins in cities. They are solitary but sometimes den communally in colder months. They are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Quick Facts Table:

Ragdoll Cat (Felis catus)

The Ragdoll is a domestic cat breed known for its docile temperament and bright blue eyes. Originating in the 1960s in California, they are popular for their affectionate nature and tendency to go limp when picked up. These cats have long, soft coats and come in colorpoint patterns. Ragdolls are indoor cats and thrive in calm households. They are not a wild species, but among the most beloved domestic cats.
Quick Facts Table:

Rattlesnake (Crotalus spp.)

Rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers found across the Americas, especially in arid deserts and scrublands. They are known for the rattling sound produced by specialized tail scales. Rattlesnakes vary in size depending on species, with the Eastern Diamondback being the largest. Their diet includes rodents, birds, and lizards. They use heat-sensing pits to detect prey. Most species are considered Least Concern.
Quick Facts Table:

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Red foxes are highly adaptable mammals with a wide range across North America, Europe, and Asia. They have reddish fur, bushy tails, and sharp facial features. Red foxes live in forests, grasslands, mountains, and even urban environments. They are omnivorous and known for their cunning behavior. Despite habitat loss in some areas, they remain common and are categorized as Least Concern.
Quick Facts Table:

Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

Red pandas are small arboreal mammals native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They have reddish-brown fur, a long ringed tail, and a waddling gait due to shorter front legs. These solitary herbivores feed mainly on bamboo. Red pandas are endangered due to habitat fragmentation.
Quick Facts Table:

Red Kangaroo (Osphranter rufus)

The red kangaroo is the largest marsupial in the world, native to the arid and semi-arid interior of Australia. Males are reddish-brown while females are bluish-gray. They move using powerful hind legs and are known for their long hops and strong tail. Red kangaroos are herbivorous and primarily feed on grasses.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas)

This striking amphibian is native to Central America’s rainforests. With bright green bodies and vivid red eyes, they’re icons of tropical biodiversity. Red-eyed tree frogs are nocturnal and arboreal, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates. Despite their bright colors, they are not poisonous.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri)

These carnivorous freshwater fish are found in the Amazon River Basin. They have a silvery body with a distinctive red belly and razor-sharp teeth. Red-bellied piranhas live in schools and are scavengers more than predators. While their feeding frenzies are exaggerated, they can be aggressive under stress.
Quick Facts Table:

Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

Red deer are one of the largest deer species in the world and are native to Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. They inhabit woodlands, moorlands, and grasslands and are known for the impressive antlers of the males. Their reddish-brown summer coats give them their name, which turns darker in winter. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and tree bark. Males are solitary outside the rutting season, while females and young stay in herds.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

This medium-sized hawk is found in North America, especially in wooded areas near water. It is easily identified by its reddish chest, checkered wings, and loud whistle-like call. Red-shouldered hawks are diurnal raptors that feed on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They are monogamous and fiercely territorial during nesting.
Quick Facts Table:

Rhinoceros (Rhinocerotidae)

Rhinoceroses are large herbivorous mammals with thick protective skin and prominent horns. They’re native to Africa and parts of Asia. Rhinos are divided into five species, including the black, white, Indian, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. They inhabit grasslands and forests and consume large quantities of plant matter daily. Sadly, all rhino species are threatened due to poaching and habitat loss.
Quick Facts Table:

Ring-Tailed Lemur (Lemur catta)

Found only in Madagascar, ring-tailed lemurs are easily recognized by their long, striped black-and-white tails. They live in dry forests and bushy scrublands, where they form large social groups called troops. They are active during the day and spend much time on the ground. These omnivores primarily eat fruit but will also eat leaves and insects.
Quick Facts Table:

Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis)

Despite their rodent-like appearance, rock hyraxes are closely related to elephants and manatees. They inhabit rocky terrains in Africa and the Middle East, living in large colonies. Their compact, tailless bodies help them squeeze into crevices to escape predators. They’re primarily herbivorous and bask in the sun to regulate body temperature.
Quick Facts Table:

Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)

This venomous arachnid is native to Australia and is closely related to the black widow. Females have a distinctive red stripe on their abdomen. Redback spiders prefer dry sheltered environments like sheds and under rocks. They spin messy webs and feed on insects, occasionally small vertebrates. Bites can cause severe pain but are rarely fatal.
Quick Facts Table:

River Otter (Lontra canadensis)

North American river otters are playful semi-aquatic mammals found near rivers, lakes, and coastal shorelines. They have dense, waterproof fur, webbed feet, and muscular tails. River otters are carnivorous, feeding on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. They’re strong swimmers and often slide on muddy or snowy slopes for fun.
Quick Facts Table:

Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome)

These small, crested penguins are native to sub-Antarctic islands and are known for their spiky yellow head feathers and red eyes. Rockhopper penguins get their name from their distinctive hopping movement across rocky terrain. They nest in colonies and feed primarily on krill, fish, and squid.
Quick Facts Table:

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)

Reindeer, known as caribou in North America, are large, cold-adapted deer native to the Arctic and subarctic regions. Both males and females grow antlers—a rare trait among deer. Their thick fur and wide, hoofed feet make them well-suited for snowy environments. Reindeer migrate seasonally and can travel up to 5,000 km a year. They are herbivores and feed on lichen, moss, and shrubs.
Quick Facts Table:

Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans)

The red lionfish is a venomous reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific but now invasive in the Atlantic. Its ornate fins and bold red and white stripes make it visually striking. Lionfish are ambush predators that feed on small fish and crustaceans. Their spines contain venom, which deters most predators.
Quick Facts Table:

Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata)

The rosy boa is a slow-moving, non-venomous snake native to the southwestern U.S. and Baja California. It has a calm temperament and a beautiful color pattern with orange or brown stripes. Rosy boas dwell in rocky deserts and feed on small mammals, particularly rodents. They are constrictors and rarely bite.
Quick Facts Table:

Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)

Ruffed grouse are medium-sized game birds found throughout North American forests. Males are known for their drumming display, where they beat their wings rapidly to attract mates. These birds have mottled brown feathers for camouflage. They forage on the ground, feeding on buds, berries, and insects.
Quick Facts Table:

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rainbow trout are colorful freshwater fish native to North American rivers and lakes. Their name comes from the iridescent pink stripe along their sides. They thrive in cold, oxygen-rich waters and are popular among anglers and in aquaculture. They feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and smaller fish.
Quick Facts Table:

Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)

This intelligent monkey is widely distributed across South, Central, and Southeast Asia. Rhesus macaques are highly adaptable and thrive in forests, temples, cities, and farmland. They have brownish fur and pinkish faces and live in complex social hierarchies. These omnivores are known for their tool use and learning ability.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Handed Tamarin (Saguinus midas)

This small New World monkey is native to the Amazon rainforest and easily identified by its reddish-orange hands and feet. Red-handed tamarins are arboreal and live in small family groups. They feed on fruits, insects, and nectar. Agile and fast, they can leap several meters between branches.
Quick Facts Table:

Royal Penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli)

Royal penguins are closely related to macaroni penguins and are found primarily on Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean. They have white faces and golden-yellow crests and breed in large colonies. Like other crested penguins, they forage for krill, fish, and squid in the ocean.
Quick Facts Table:

Red Sea Urchin (Mesocentrotus franciscanus)

This spiny echinoderm lives in rocky Pacific coastal waters from Alaska to Baja California. It has long, bright red spines and grazes on algae using a specialized mouth structure called Aristotle’s lantern. Red sea urchins play an important role in maintaining kelp forest balance.
Quick Facts Table:

Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)

The common redstart is a small migratory songbird found across Europe and western Asia. Males have bright orange underparts, gray upperparts, and black faces. They nest in tree cavities and feed on insects, especially during the breeding season. Redstarts migrate to Africa for the winter.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

This striking bird is a common sight across North America, especially in wetlands and grassy fields. Males are glossy black with bold red and yellow shoulder patches, while females are brown and streaked. Red-winged blackbirds are territorial during breeding season and often seen perched on cattails. They feed on insects and seeds.
Quick Facts Table:

Ringneck Dove (Streptopelia risoria)

Also known as the Barbary dove, this gentle bird is commonly kept as a pet or seen in ceremonial releases. It has a pale beige body and a distinctive black ring on the back of its neck. Though domesticated, it descended from African collared doves. They are monogamous and coo frequently.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

A powerful bird of prey, the red-tailed hawk is widely distributed across North America. It’s named for its broad, rust-colored tail visible during flight. These raptors hunt rodents and small mammals, often seen soaring in wide circles or perched on poles. They mate for life and defend large territories.
Quick Facts Table:

Red Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum syspila)

This non-venomous snake is known for its mimicry of venomous coral snakes, with alternating red, black, and white/yellow bands. Found in central and southeastern U.S., red milk snakes are secretive and often hide under logs. They constrict small prey like rodents and reptiles.
Quick Facts Table:

Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus)

This bright green snake is common in the southeastern U.S., often spotted in bushes and low trees. Its slender body blends well with vegetation, making it hard to detect. It feeds on insects and spiders and is non-venomous and harmless to humans. Rough green snakes are excellent climbers and swimmers.
Quick Facts Table:

Rock Cod (Sebastes spp.)

“Rock cod” is a general name for several Pacific rockfish species found in deep coastal waters. These bottom-dwelling fish are important to commercial fisheries. They come in various colors and often have mottled camouflage. Rock cod feed on crustaceans and smaller fish.
Quick Facts Table:

River Dolphin (Inia geoffrensis)

Also known as the Amazon river dolphin or boto, this pink-hued freshwater dolphin lives in South America’s Amazon and Orinoco basins. It has a long snout, flexible neck, and excellent sonar. River dolphins feed on fish, crustaceans, and even turtles. They are vulnerable due to pollution and damming.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)

This small North American songbird is recognizable by its reddish-orange breast, white face, and black eye stripe. It’s agile, often seen moving headfirst down tree trunks. Red-breasted nuthatches feed on insects and seeds and are known to cache food for winter.
Quick Facts Table:

Rock Bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus)

Native to the western Pacific, the rock bream is a large, deep-bodied fish with vertical black bands and tough teeth plates used for crushing shellfish. It is prized in commercial and recreational fishing. These fish are usually found near rocky reefs.
Quick Facts Table:

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)

With bubblegum-pink plumage and a unique spoon-shaped bill, this wading bird inhabits marshes and wetlands in the Americas. It sweeps its bill side to side in shallow water to catch small fish and invertebrates. Their color comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet.
Quick Facts Table:

Rock Wallaby (Petrogale spp.)

Rock wallabies are small, agile marsupials found in rocky outcrops and cliffs throughout Australia. They have strong hind legs, padded feet, and long tails used for balance when leaping. Their fur varies from gray to reddish-brown. They feed mainly on grasses and shrubs and are most active at dawn and dusk.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Legged Frog (Rana draytonii)

The California red-legged frog is a large amphibian native to California and Baja California. It prefers slow-moving streams and ponds with dense vegetation. Named for its reddish hind legs, this frog is a threatened species due to habitat destruction and invasive predators.
Quick Facts Table:

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)

A vibrantly colored parrot native to Australia, the rainbow lorikeet sports a mix of blue, green, yellow, and orange plumage. These birds are nectar specialists and have brush-tipped tongues for feeding on blossoms. They’re highly vocal and social, often seen in noisy flocks.
Quick Facts Table:

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

This small hummingbird is known for its iridescent orange-red plumage and aggressive territorial behavior. It migrates from Mexico to as far north as Alaska. Rufous hummingbirds feed on nectar and insects, and their wings can beat over 50 times per second.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)

Despite its name, this woodpecker has a red cap and nape, while its belly is only faintly tinged red. It is found across the eastern United States. It clings to tree trunks and branches, using its strong beak to excavate insects and store food in crevices.
Quick Facts Table:

Robber Fly (Asilidae family)

Robber flies are predatory insects known for their aggressive hunting of other insects mid-air. Found globally, they resemble wasps and have bristly bodies and piercing mouthparts. They paralyze their prey with venom and then liquefy it with enzymes.
Quick Facts Table:

Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)

Also called redfish, this saltwater fish is native to the Atlantic coast of the U.S. It is recognizable by the dark spot near its tail. Red drums inhabit estuaries and nearshore environments and are a popular game fish. Juveniles live in shallow marshes.
Quick Facts Table:

Reticulated Giraffe (Giraffa reticulata)

This giraffe subspecies is native to northeastern Kenya, southern Ethiopia, and Somalia. It has a striking coat pattern of polygonal patches outlined by bright white lines. Reticulated giraffes are herbivores that browse on acacia trees and travel in small groups.
Quick Facts Table:

Rusty-Spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus)

One of the smallest wild cats in the world, the rusty-spotted cat is found in India and Sri Lanka. It has reddish-gray fur with rusty-colored spots and stripes. They are elusive, solitary hunters of birds, rodents, and insects.
Quick Facts Table:

Red-Cheeked Gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae)

Also known as the yellow-cheeked gibbon, this primate is native to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Males are black with golden cheeks, while females are tan-colored. These tree-dwelling apes are known for their loud, melodic calls and brachiation skills.
Quick Facts Table:

Read: Animals That Start With O
Read: Animals That Start With J
Read: Animals That Start With F
Read: Animals That Start With V
Read: Animals That Start With L

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many species are covered in this list?

This article includes over 80 animals that start with R, spanning mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and marine species.

Why are conservation statuses important?

Conservation status helps us understand the risk level each species faces. It guides environmental protection efforts and public awareness.

Which habitats do these animals mostly live in?

Animals that start with R are incredibly diverse—living in deserts, oceans, rainforests, tundras, rivers, and cities across the globe.

Are any of these animals dangerous?

Yes, some animals on the list like rattlesnakes, redback spiders, and lionfish are venomous or potentially dangerous, but most pose little threat to humans.

Do all animals on this list still exist today?

Yes, all listed animals are extant, though some are critically endangered or threatened due to habitat loss or human activity.

Conclusion

From reef-dwelling red lionfish to rainforest-swinging red-cheeked gibbons, the range of animals that start with R is as rich as it is remarkable. This curated list shows just how widespread and diverse these species are—from birds and bugs to beasts of the savanna.

Whether you’re learning about conservation or just expanding your animal knowledge, there’s always more to explore in the natural world. So next time you hear a rustle in the reeds or spot a red flash in the forest, remember—it might just be an R-animal in action.