82 Animals That Start With Y: List, Facts & Fun

From the icy mountains of Tibet to the warm reefs of the Pacific, there’s a surprising world of animals whose names begin with the letter Y. In this guide, we’ll explore mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates — all starting with Y. Each creature’s section includes its scientific name, unique traits, diet, and conservation details.

Whether you’re studying biology, writing a report, or just curious about nature’s diversity, this list of animals that start with Y offers fascinating insights into life across every continent and ocean.

Animals That Start With Y

Yak (Bos grunniens)

Native to the Himalayas and Central Asia, the yak is a shaggy-haired bovine adapted to cold mountain climates. Its thick fur and dense undercoat help retain body heat in freezing temperatures. Yaks graze on grasses, herbs, and shrubs, thriving at altitudes up to 6,000 meters. Domesticated yaks are vital for transport, milk, and wool in high-altitude communities. Wild yaks are larger, darker, and rarer than their domestic cousins.
Fun Fact: Yaks can survive oxygen levels that are only 60% of what’s found at sea level!

Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata)

The yellow mongoose is a small carnivore native to southern Africa, found in open grasslands and scrublands. It has reddish-yellow fur, a bushy tail, and sharp claws used for digging burrows. The species feeds on insects, small reptiles, and occasionally fruit. They live in family groups and often share burrows with meerkats or ground squirrels. Their alarm calls alert others to predators like eagles and jackals.
Fun Fact: Yellow mongooses are immune to some snake venoms!

Yellow Baboon (Papio cynocephalus)

These medium-sized baboons inhabit savannas and light forests of eastern Africa. With golden-yellow fur and expressive faces, they live in complex troops that can exceed 200 individuals. They are omnivores, eating fruits, seeds, insects, and small mammals. Yellow baboons display intricate social hierarchies, grooming rituals, and vocal communication.
Fun Fact: Yellow baboons use over 30 distinct vocal calls to communicate!

Yapok (Chironectes minimus)

Also known as the water opossum, the yapok is the only marsupial that spends most of its life in the water. Found in Central and South America, it has webbed hind feet, dense waterproof fur, and a watertight pouch. It feeds on aquatic insects, fish, and crustaceans, often hunting at night. Both males and females carry young in their pouches, a rare trait among marsupials.
Fun Fact: Yapoks can close their pouches underwater to keep their young dry!

Yabby (Cherax destructor)

The yabby is a freshwater crayfish native to Australia, known for its adaptability and delicious flavor. It lives in creeks, rivers, and farm dams, surviving dry periods by burrowing deep into mud. Yabbies have hard exoskeletons that they periodically molt as they grow. They feed on algae, detritus, and small aquatic organisms.
Fun Fact: Yabbies can live for months underground during droughts!

Yellow-Throated Marten (Martes flavigula)

A striking carnivore native to Asia, the yellow-throated marten sports glossy fur with black, white, and bright yellow patches. It’s highly agile, preying on birds, squirrels, and even small deer. It lives in forests and mountainous regions, marking its territory with scent glands. Its playful, social behavior often includes hunting in pairs or trios.
Fun Fact: Yellow-throated martens can leap up to 3 meters between trees!

Yellow-Backed Duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor)

This shy antelope lives in dense rainforests across central and western Africa. Named for its golden dorsal stripe, the yellow-backed duiker feeds on leaves, fruits, and fungi. It’s mostly nocturnal and uses thick vegetation for cover. Despite its small size, it can aggressively defend itself from predators when cornered.
Fun Fact: It emits a loud bark-like sound when alarmed!

Birds That Start With Y

Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

The yellow warbler is a small, bright yellow songbird found across North and Central America. It thrives in wetlands, forests, and shrublands, nesting in small cup-shaped nests built from plant fibers. Males sing melodious calls during breeding season to attract mates and defend territories. Their diet mainly consists of insects, caterpillars, and spiders.
Fun Fact: Yellow warblers sometimes remove cowbird eggs from their nests to protect their own chicks!

Yellow-Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)

A long-tailed bird with a distinct curved yellow bill, this cuckoo migrates between North and South America. It prefers woodlands near rivers and eats caterpillars, cicadas, and grasshoppers. Known for its elusive behavior, it’s often heard before it’s seen.
Fun Fact: The yellow-billed cuckoo can consume hundreds of caterpillars in a single day!

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

The yellowhammer is a striking European bunting with golden plumage and a cheerful song. It inhabits open countryside, hedgerows, and farmlands. These birds feed mainly on seeds but switch to insects when feeding chicks. The male’s repetitive “a little bit of bread and no cheese” call is well known in folklore.
Fun Fact: Beatrix Potter immortalized the yellowhammer’s song in her children’s books!

Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)

Native to New Zealand, the yellow-eyed penguin is one of the rarest penguin species. It’s easily recognized by its pale yellow eyes and head band. Preferring secluded coastal forests, it breeds in hidden nests far from other colonies. Overfishing and habitat loss have made it endangered.
Fun Fact: The Māori call it “Hoiho,” meaning “noise shouter,” for its piercing call!

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)

A woodpecker found throughout North America, the yellow-bellied sapsucker drills holes in trees to feed on sap and trapped insects. These holes also help other animals like hummingbirds access food. The bird migrates seasonally, nesting in northern forests and wintering in the south.
Fun Fact: The sapsucker’s “sap wells” can feed dozens of species besides itself!

Yellow-Headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)

This North American bird is known for its striking black body and vivid yellow head. It inhabits marshlands, feeding on insects in summer and seeds in winter. Males are territorial, often gathering in large colonies to display to females.
Fun Fact: Yellow-headed blackbirds form massive flocks that can number in the tens of thousands!

Yellow-Crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)

This medium-sized heron has gray plumage, long legs, and a yellow-white crown stripe. Found in the Americas, it prefers wetlands, mangroves, and coastal lagoons. It feeds mainly on crabs and crustaceans, hunting at dusk and night.
Fun Fact: The yellow-crowned night heron crushes crab shells with its strong beak before swallowing!

Reptiles & Amphibians That Start With Y

Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus)

A cousin of the green anaconda, this large snake inhabits the wetlands of South America. It’s semi-aquatic, hunting fish, birds, and small mammals. Its yellow-brown scales with dark blotches provide camouflage in muddy waters.
Fun Fact: Yellow anacondas are powerful swimmers that can stay submerged for up to 10 minutes!

Yemen Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus)

Native to Yemen and Saudi Arabia, this chameleon is famous for its tall casque and ability to change colors. It lives in dry forests and valleys, feeding on insects, leaves, and small vertebrates. Males are more vibrantly colored than females.
Fun Fact: Yemen chameleons drink dew droplets directly from leaves in the morning!

Yellow-Bellied Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)

A freshwater turtle common in the southeastern United States, the yellow-bellied slider has a yellow plastron and striped shell. It basks on logs during the day and feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and fish. It’s a popular pet species but can become invasive when released.
Fun Fact: Yellow-bellied sliders can hold their breath for over 30 minutes underwater!

Fish & Marine Animals That Start With Y

Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

The yellowfin tuna is one of the most recognizable and commercially valuable fish in the ocean. Found in warm tropical and subtropical waters, it’s known for its metallic blue back and bright yellow fins. These powerful swimmers can reach incredible speeds and travel vast distances. They feed on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Fun Fact: Yellowfin tuna can swim up to 75 km/h (47 mph)!

Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens)

A bright yellow reef fish found around Hawaii and the Pacific Ocean, the yellow tang is a favorite among divers and aquarium enthusiasts. It grazes on algae, helping keep coral reefs clean. Its disk-shaped body and sharp tail spine make it agile and well-defended.
Fun Fact: Yellow tangs turn pale at night to conserve energy!

Yellowtail Amberjack (Seriola lalandi)

The yellowtail amberjack is a sleek predatory fish found in coastal waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Its yellow stripe and tail give it its name. These fast swimmers are prized game fish and often raised in aquaculture. They feed on squid, mackerel, and crustaceans.
Fun Fact: Yellowtail amberjacks can leap several feet out of the water when chasing prey!

Yellow Moray Eel (Gymnothorax prasinus)

A nocturnal predator of coral reefs, the yellow moray eel is famous for its snake-like body and menacing grin. Despite its appearance, it’s usually shy around divers. It feeds on fish, octopus, and crustaceans, using its powerful jaws to capture prey.
Fun Fact: Moray eels have a second set of jaws in their throat to pull food down!

Yellow Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda)

The yellow seahorse is a delicate and graceful marine species found in shallow waters and seagrass beds. Males carry the young in a special pouch, making this species a symbol of unique parenting. They use their prehensile tails to anchor themselves to plants while feeding on plankton.
Fun Fact: A single yellow seahorse can eat up to 3,000 tiny shrimp per day!

Yellowfin Surgeonfish (Acanthurus xanthopterus)

A large tropical reef fish, the yellowfin surgeonfish features a bluish body with yellow-tinted fins. It’s found in the Indo-Pacific region and feeds mainly on algae. Its sharp tail spines act as defensive “scalpels” against predators.
Fun Fact: Their color intensifies dramatically when they’re excited or stressed!

Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus)

A colorful reef fish found in the Caribbean and western Atlantic, the yellowtail snapper is known for its bright stripe and forked tail. It hunts small fish and crustaceans near coral reefs and sandy bottoms. These fish are social and often seen in large schools.
Fun Fact: Yellowtail snappers change color rapidly to blend into their surroundings!

Yellow Boxfish (Ostracion cubicus)

This charming box-shaped fish lives in coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. Juveniles are bright yellow with black spots, while adults fade to duller tones. The fish uses toxins as a defense mechanism against predators.
Fun Fact: Boxfish inspired the design of some modern car aerodynamics!

Yellowtail Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)

Also known as Clark’s anemonefish, this colorful species has a yellow tail and black body with white bands. Found across the Indo-Pacific, it lives symbiotically with sea anemones for protection. The fish are all born male, and dominant individuals can become female.
Fun Fact: Clownfish communicate by making clicking sounds!

Yellow-Spotted Stingray (Urobatis jamaicensis)

This ray species inhabits shallow Caribbean waters. It has an oval body with distinctive yellow or orange spots. The stingray feeds on worms, crustaceans, and small mollusks, using its flat mouth to suck prey from the sand.
Fun Fact: The stingray’s venomous spine regrows if lost or damaged!

Invertebrates & Others That Start With Y

Yellow Jacket (Vespula spp.)

A common predatory wasp found in North America and Europe, the yellow jacket has black and yellow stripes and a painful sting. It builds paper-like nests and feeds on insects and sugary foods. Though feared, yellow jackets play a vital role in controlling pest populations.
Fun Fact: Yellow jackets can sting multiple times without dying!

Yellow Butterfly (Eurema hecabe)

Known as the common grass yellow, this butterfly is widespread across Asia and Africa. Its bright lemon-colored wings make it a common sight in meadows and gardens. It feeds on nectar and lays eggs on legume plants.
Fun Fact: Males often gather in large groups at moist ground for minerals!

More Insects & Unique Animals That Start With Y

Yellow Dragonfly (Sympetrum flaveolum)

The yellow dragonfly, also known as the yellow-winged darter, is found throughout Europe and Asia. Its transparent wings shimmer with golden hues in sunlight. Preferring still waters and marshes, it feeds on mosquitoes, flies, and midges, helping control insect populations.
Fun Fact: Yellow dragonflies can hover like helicopters while hunting midair!

Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia)

This striking orb-weaver spider has bold black-and-yellow markings on its abdomen. Found across North America, it builds large circular webs in gardens and fields to trap flying insects. Females are much larger than males and rebuild their webs daily.
Fun Fact: Yellow garden spiders zigzag silk through their webs to make them visible to birds!

Yellow-Collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus)

Native to Tanzania, this small parrot boasts a yellow collar and a bright green body. It forms strong monogamous bonds and is a popular pet worldwide. Lovebirds nest in tree cavities and feed on seeds, fruits, and berries.
Fun Fact: A lovebird pair will preen each other daily to strengthen their bond!

Yellow-Headed Gecko (Gonatodes albogularis)

A small reptile native to Central and South America, the yellow-headed gecko features bright golden head coloring with a gray body. It hunts insects on rocks and tree trunks, mostly at dawn and dusk.
Fun Fact: Male yellow-headed geckos flash their golden heads to attract mates!

Yellowfin Goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus)

This small bottom-dwelling fish originates from Asia but has spread to other regions via ballast water. It thrives in estuaries and mudflats, feeding on worms and small crustaceans. It’s an adaptable species often studied for its invasive tendencies.
Fun Fact: Yellowfin gobies build intricate burrows for protection and breeding!

Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis)

A small insect-eating bat native to western North America, the Yuma myotis prefers habitats near rivers and lakes. It emerges at dusk to hunt mosquitoes and moths using echolocation. Colonies often roost under bridges or tree cavities.
Fun Fact: A single Yuma myotis can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes per hour!

Yellow-Necked Field Mouse (Apodemus flavicollis)

This rodent inhabits forests across Europe and Asia, identifiable by its yellow collar marking. It feeds on seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects, playing an important role in seed dispersal.
Fun Fact: Yellow-necked mice can jump over 70 cm (2 ft) high!

Yellow-Bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris)

This large ground squirrel lives in mountainous western North America. It’s known for its loud warning whistles and hibernation habits. Marmots feed on grasses, flowers, and grains, spending much of summer building fat reserves.
Fun Fact: Yellow-bellied marmots hibernate up to 8 months each year!

Yabby Shrimp Cray (Cherax tenuimanus)

Also called the western yabby or marron, this freshwater crayfish is native to southwest Australia. It’s dark blue or brown and prefers clean rivers and dams. Marrons are prized in aquaculture and play a role in freshwater ecosystems.
Fun Fact: The marron is the largest freshwater crayfish in Western Australia!

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

FAQs

What’s the largest animal that starts with Y?
The yak is the largest land animal starting with Y, weighing up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). In the ocean, the yellowfin tuna can reach over 200 kg (440 lb).

Which Y-animals are endangered?
The yellow-eyed penguin, yellow-backed duiker, and yellow seahorse are considered endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss and human activity.

Are there reptiles that start with Y?
Yes — examples include the yellow-bellied slider, yellow anaconda, and yellow-headed gecko, all well-adapted to their unique ecosystems.

Which Y-animals can be kept as pets?
Domestic or captive-bred species like the yellow mongoose, yellow lovebird, and yellow tang are popular pets when properly cared for.

Why are so many Y-animals yellow?
Yellow coloring often serves as camouflage in grasslands or coral reefs — and in some cases, it acts as a warning signal to predators.

Conclusion

From the towering yak of the Himalayas to the delicate yellow seahorse of tropical reefs, this list of animals that start with Y reveals how diverse and adaptable nature can be. Each creature plays an essential role — whether balancing ecosystems, pollinating plants, or inspiring human curiosity. Exploring them reminds us how every letter of the alphabet holds a world of living wonders waiting to be discovered.