Animals That Start With W: 20 Wonderful Animals

Welcome to the wonderful world of animals that start with the letter W. From the largest land mammal in the world, the mighty walrus, to the fascinating water moccasin, this list includes a variety of creatures that are sure to amaze and captivate you. Did you know that the rare white-tailed eagle is not only one of the largest eagles in the world, but also a powerful hunter that can swoop towards its prey at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour?

Or how about the fact that the whimsical wildebeest is known for its annual migration, which sees over a million of these animals travel through the African savannah each year? Learn more about these and other fascinating animals on our list of animals that start with W.

Overview of animals that start with W

1. Whale Shark

Imagine swimming in the open ocean and coming face to face with the largest fish in the world – the whale shark. At up to 40 feet in length, it’s hard to believe that these filter feeders survive solely on a diet of fish, crabs, and plankton. Despite their impressive size, whale sharks are not deadly to humans. In fact, they are quite gentle and are known to swim alongside divers.  

2. Walrus

Walruses are fascinating creatures that inhabit the frigid waters of the Arctic Circle. These large marine mammals possess many unique features that make them well-suited to their environment. Their thick hair coverings help keep them warm, while their flippers aid in swimming in the icy waters. The most notable characteristic of the walrus, however, is its impressive pair of tusks. These tusks can grow up to four feet long and are used for a variety of tasks, including cracking open clams. Male walruses are larger than females, and they take a fiercely protective role with their families. 

3. Weasel

Weasels are the ultimate tiny predator that packs a punch. These little creatures may be small, but they are fierce hunters. They have an incredible appetite and have to consume as much as one-third of their body weight every day to survive. They have a keen sense of smell and sight which they use to track and capture their prey. Weasels are expert hunters and their prey consists of mice, voles, and lemmings. They are known for their unique hunting techniques and can be found in forests and areas with tall trees.  

4. Wyoming Toad

Wyoming Toads may be extinct in the wild, but they are not lost to us entirely. These fascinating creatures can still be found in zoos and animal preservation centers around the world, where they are carefully monitored and protected. Despite their plump, bulging eyes, Wyoming Toads rely heavily on their exceptional hearing senses to locate their preferred prey of beetles and ants. And watch out, predators!  

5. Woodpecker

Woodpeckers are fascinating creatures that inhabit almost every corner of the world, except for the polar regions. Their feet are specialized to give them a good grip on trees while they build their nests in the trunks. These birds are mainly herbivorous, feeding primarily on seeds, but they are also omnivorous, enjoying a variety of foods like insects and fruits. Their survival is not without challenges, as woodpeckers are preyed upon by several animals such as rodents, snakes, and wild cats. However, one fun fact that most people do not know is that woodpeckers have feathers on their beaks, which helps to prevent debris from entering their eyes, making them even better equipped for their tree-dwelling lifestyle.

6. Wooly Monkey

Wooly monkeys are fascinating creatures that can be found in the forests of South America. With their long, powerful tails, wooly monkeys are experts at navigating the trees. Unfortunately, their impressive climbing abilities make them a target for predators like wildcats and humans. Despite this, wooly monkeys are intelligent and playful animals that bring joy to both scientists and nature lovers alike. Their soft, wool-like fur adds to the charming nature of these creatures that typically live for about 6-9 years.  

7. Walking Catfish

Walking Catfishes are truly fascinating creatures that are becoming increasingly popular among fish enthusiasts. These freshwater fishes can be found in various bodies of water like ponds, lakes, and swamps throughout Asia. Although they are omnivores, they mainly feed on snails, insects, and small fish. Interestingly, they possess modified gills that allow them to survive in moist land for an extended period, making them quite distinctive from other fish species. Notably, walking catfishes are solitary creatures and only form pairs during their mating season.  

8. Walleye Fish

Walleye fishes are a fascinating species that are also known as Yellow pikes. These freshwater creatures have large and captivating glassy eyes that are hard to miss. Despite their unique appearance, they share the same basic structures as any other fish species, with an added bonus – their bulged eyes give them excellent night vision. They can be found in various freshwater habitats, from calm ponds to rushing streams and lakes. Interestingly, Walleye fishes are social creatures that move in groups, particularly in shallow water.  

9. Warthog

Warthogs may be omnivores, but they definitely have a preference for a plant-based diet. They chow down on bulbs, grasses, and roots with gusto, only resorting to meat when their usual fare is scarce. But what really sets warthogs apart are the big bumps on their faces and their impressive tusks. They’ve got not one, but two pairs of tusks to show off, perfect for defending themselves from predators or impressing their friends. And let’s not forget about their strong hooves – these tough little guys use them to dig deep into the earth in search of the perfect snack. Interestingly, warthogs don’t bother with building homes of their own. 

10. Water Buffalo

Water Buffaloes are fascinating creatures that belong to the herbivore species. They are known for travelling in herds and being vulnerable to numerous wild animal attacks. Despite this, they are a cosmopolitan species that have been domesticated for thousands of years. What’s even more interesting is their behavioral pattern of spending considerable time in rivers and indulging in mud baths, almost like their piggish counterparts. Water Buffaloes are also recognized for their remarkably long horns that can grow up to 10 feet, which is quite an impressive sight!

11. Western Gorilla

African Gorillas are fascinating creatures that come in two subspecies, both facing the risk of extinction. Of the two, the Western Gorilla is slowly disappearing from the African jungle. These massive apes can weigh up to 400 pounds on average, and they have a lifespan of 35 to 50 years. While they are herbivores, they sometimes feed on insects and lizards, making them omnivorous. It’s worth noting that Western Gorillas are smart enough to create basic tools, a rare trait among mammals.  

12. White Tiger

The majestic white tiger is a stunning sight to behold, especially when you catch a glimpse of its piercing blue eyes. These wild cats are known to thrive in environments with access to plentiful water, using their excellent swimming abilities to hunt for their preferred herbivorous prey. White tigers are a formidable species, weighing in at around 300-400kg, making them the second-largest tiger species after the Siberian tiger.  

13. Wallaby

Have you ever heard of Wallabies? These marsupials are fascinating creatures that belong to the kangaroo family. Despite being small in stature, wallabies have a lot in common with their larger kangaroo cousins. In fact, they share many of the same characteristics, such as their pouches and unique hopping gait. However, wallabies are set apart by their short height. They are often found in herds and enjoy grazing on a variety of vegetation, including grasses, leaves, fruits, and seeds. Unfortunately, wallabies are also preyed upon by many animals, including domestic pets like dogs and cats.  

14. Whiptail Lizard

Meet the whiptail lizard, also known for its slender, tube-like tail. This unique reptile may be small in size, but it packs quite a punch with its ability to reproduce asexually. With a lifespan of seven years, it’s important to note that these lizards are also preyed upon by a variety of predators, including foxes, coyotes, hawks, and Gila lizards. Despite their fragility, they are truly fascinating creatures to observe in their natural habitat.  

15. White Ferrets

White ferrets are one of the many domesticated animals that we have brought into our homes as pets. They may look cute and cuddly, but make no mistake, these creatures are vicious carnivores that feast on rats, mice, and rabbits. Despite their ferocious appetites, white ferrets are also known for their social nature. They thrive in the company of their owners and share a special bond that is unique to these albino ferrets. And if you thought their diet was limited to just meat, think again. These feisty little creatures occasionally enjoy nibbling on vegetables and fruits as well.  

16. Western Rat Snake

The Western Rat snake is a fascinating snake that is native to North America. One characteristic that sets this snake apart from others is its striking black skin with white markings that become more prominent as the snake matures. However, what really makes this species unique is its specialized scales on its lower body that help it climb trees with ease. These snakes can grow to be as long as 9 feet, making them one of the largest snakes found in North America. 

17. Wild boar

When you think about wild pigs, you might picture them snorting through the forests of Asia and Europe in large groups. These omnivores have a surprisingly long lifespan of 15-20 years, which is plenty of time to build a family. Speaking of family, these animals are dedicated parents, with mothers caring for their young for up to two years! But what about those tusks? Well, it turns out that male wild pigs use their upper tusks to sharpen their lower ones. It’s just another odd quirk of these fascinating creatures.  

18. White-Tailed Eagle

As the largest birds in Europe, sea eagles are truly impressive creatures. With their majestic wingspans extending up to eight feet, these apex predators are definitely not to be messed with. These incredible animals can be found throughout a wide range of countries, but are perhaps best known for their presence in Europe. Sporting brown feathers and striking white tails, sea eagles are truly a sight to behold. Although they feed primarily on fish, these birds of prey can take down prey that is much larger than their own size.  

19. White Rhinoceros

The White Rhinoceros is a majestic creature that has captured the interest of many animal lovers around the world. Known for being solitary animals, they prefer to hunt and feed alone when they can. White Rhinoceroses are known for their diet, which consists of fruits, grasses, and leaves. Living in Tropical bushland and savannah habitats, they can be found strolling around during the day. One of the most incredible things about the White Rhinoceros is that they are the second-largest land animals in the world. 

20. Whoodle

Meet the Whoodle, the adorable mixed breed that will capture your heart! This delightful combination of a Poodle and a Wheaten Terrier results in a unique and charming pup. One of the most eye-catching features of the Whoodle is its long and luxurious fur, which gives it a distinctive and elegant appearance. While they are highly intelligent, they can also be quite expensive to own. However, the joy that they bring to their loving owners is priceless. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion who loves to swim, the Whoodle is an excellent choice. 

FAQs

What mammal starts with the letter W?

The mammal that starts with the letter “W” is the “Walrus.” The walrus is a large marine mammal known for its prominent tusks, which can grow up to three feet in length. These tusks are elongated upper canine teeth and are used for various purposes, such as digging for food, creating breathing holes in ice, and establishing dominance during mating season. 

What animal or bird is from letter W?

 The “W” animal is the warthog, a robust wild pig found in Africa, known for its facial warts and large tusks used for defence against predators. Warthogs are adaptable, diurnal animals that forage for vegetation in various habitats. Despite their fierce appearance, they are generally non-aggressive and only resort to using their tusks when threatened. Another “W” animal is the whale, a diverse group of marine mammals with species like the blue whale being the largest animals on Earth. Whales are known for their streamlined bodies, complex vocalisations, and vital role in marine ecosystems. 

What animal has horns that start with W?

Watusi cattle, also known as Ankole-Watusi, are a breed of domestic cattle originally from Africa. They are notable for their distinctive large, long, and curved horns that can reach impressive lengths. 

Final Words

From the whimsical world of nature comes a diverse array of animals that start with the letter W. From the majestic whale with its gargantuan size and gentle demeanor, to the stealthy and cunning wolf that roams the forests of the world, these creatures are truly fascinating. Not to be forgotten, the weasel and the wolverine, both fierce predators with a tenacity that belies their small size. And let’s not overlook the winged wonders that grace our skies, such as the willet, the black-winged stilt, and the white-tailed kite. Whether big or small, land or sea, there’s no denying the captivating allure of these animals that start with W.

Reference:

• https://www.firstcry.com/intelli/articles/animal-names-that-start-with-w/
• https://www.activewild.com/animals-that-start-with-w