Undoubtedly, brown can occasionally appear uninteresting. Nevertheless, brown undeniably represents solidity and dependability as a colour. It is a natural hue, reminiscent of the very essence of the earth. Consequently, it embodies the warmth, security, resilience, safety, and trustworthiness associated with the earth.
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Being a natural colour, brown is omnipresent wherever you go. Additionally, it carries a spiritual significance, reminding us that we originate from and will ultimately return to “dust.” In other words, it serves as a reminder of our origins and fate.
Brown is widely prevalent in the animal realm. It is among nature’s hues, and brown animals utilize it as an effective camouflage. By blending with the earth, brown-hued creatures can either ambush their prey or conceal themselves from predators. Thus, the brown colour functions as a survival adaptation for brown animals .
Moreover, brown animals possess an added advantage in terms of temperature regulation. Brown helps them retain warmth during cold seasons by effectively absorbing heat. Conversely, in hot seasons (unless they exert themselves excessively), brown animals do not overheat because brown enables them to release sufficient heat.
Despite its commonness, the world is home to numerous intriguing brown animals that pique curiosity. These creatures exhibit a range of brown shades, each possessing its own beauty. This article highlights ten of these captivating brown animals, some of which you may already be familiar with, while others will surely surprise you.
1. Capybara
Our top contender is none other than the Capybara. Also known as Carpincho or Water Hog, this remarkable creature belongs to the rodent family. Believe it or not, the Capybara holds the title of being the largest rodent on the planet. There exist two species of Capybara: Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris and isthmus, with the former being larger than the latter.
Capybaras are semi-aquatic brown animals that inhabit the savannas and wetlands of Northern and Central South America. Similar to the aforementioned Mink, these creatures are excellent swimmers.
When it comes to diet, Capybaras are primarily herbivorous, consuming aquatic plants, grasses, and various other plant species. Interestingly, they also engage in a behavior called coprophagy, where they consume their own feces to obtain proteins. This peculiar practice is made possible by the microbial digestion that occurs within their stomachs. However, they only consume their morning feces.
Their facial features, including their eyes, nose, and ears, are positioned high on their heads, allowing them to remain extremely vigilant. Given that they are appealing targets for apex predators such as jaguars and pumas, their heightened alertness is crucial.
2. Hoopoe
The Hoopoe, a fascinating creature, displays its splendor with a distinctive head crest that resembles a regal crown. Its appearance is marked by a captivating shade of brown. This bird can be found in Asia, Africa, and Europe, and it belongs to the category of birds known as ground foragers.
There are three types of Hoopoes: the African hoopoe, Eurasian hoopoe, and Madagascan hoopoe. Unfortunately, the Saint Helena hoopoe, which constituted a fourth species, became extinct many years ago. All three extant species exhibit a reddish or sandy-brown coloration. Their wings, tails, and crests are adorned with alternating black and white stripes. Additionally, they possess a lengthy beak that they employ for probing the ground in search of small reptiles and insects. Despite this, they are not exclusively carnivorous as they also consume fruits and seeds.
The Hoopoe’s brown hue serves a valuable purpose, particularly due to its ground-foraging behavior. Despite descending to the ground in pursuit of food, these birds possess swift flying capabilities, allowing them to quickly ascend once again. They are robust and skilled aviators.
3. Mink
The Mink is a widely distributed species found in North America, Europe, and Asia. These creatures are adapted to both land and water environments, as they spend a considerable amount of time in the water despite being primarily terrestrial. Minks prefer habitats that offer a combination of trees and water, which helps them maintain a balance between their terrestrial and aquatic lifestyles.
In order to meet their various needs, minks have developed excellent swimming, climbing, jumping, and digging abilities. They are capable of swimming impressive distances of up to 100 feet underwater.
Despite their appearance, minks are carnivorous and exhibit aggressive predatory behavior. With just a single bite to the neck, they can swiftly incapacitate their prey. This demonstrates the remarkable strength and power of their jaws and teeth. Among their preferred food sources are fish, snakes, rabbits, and mice.
The Mink species can be further classified into two subspecies, namely the European mink and the American mink. Although these two subspecies share many similarities, the main distinction lies in their geographic distribution.
4. Walrus
The Walrus, a brown creature dwelling in frigid regions, can be observed alongside its companions near the Arctic Circle. Being highly sociable, it tends to congregate in groups of up to 100 individuals, engaging in boisterous vocalizations as a means of communication. Their resounding calls are so loud that they are hard to miss.
Apart from their vocal exchanges, identifying a Walrus is made easy by its distinct physical characteristics. Weighing between 2,200 to 4,400 pounds, it surpasses even the weight of Polar bears, while standing at an impressive height ranging from 7.25 to 11.5 feet. This makes the Walrus the largest brown animal on our list. Additionally, they possess elongated white tusks, rugged whiskers, flat flippers, and blubbery bodies. Their hides exhibit a wrinkled appearance.
During the mating season, the Walrus displays heightened aggression, utilizing its tusks to establish territory and protect the females. However, the tusks serve a purpose beyond defense. They are also employed by the Walrus to navigate its way through icy waters.
There are two recognized subspecies of the Walrus, namely the Atlantic and Pacific Walruses. The Atlantic Walrus is primarily found along the coastal areas of Canada, while the Pacific Walrus inhabits the northern seas and their surrounding regions.
Walruses are carnivorous creatures, with shellfish being their preferred meal. Their sensitive whiskers aid them in locating and capturing shellfish effectively. Additionally, their diet includes worms, snails, crabs, shrimp, clams, and mollusks.
5. Cedar Waxwing
Have you ever laid eyes on a Cedar Waxwing? If you have, you will notice a remarkable distinction between this bird and other brown avian species. The Cedar Waxwing possesses a captivating allure that surpasses the ordinary, particularly evident in its striking color patterns that can leave you gazing in awe for extended periods.
The Cedar Waxwing is a bird of medium size. Its wings exhibit a harmonious blend of dark brown, black, white, and red hues, while its body showcases a vibrant yellow shade, contributing to its overall beauty.
This avian species thrives in various habitats such as woodlands, regions abundant in pine and cypress trees, and areas characterized by deciduous vegetation. They show a preference for these habitats when located near streams, which is why they are predominantly found in Canada and the northwest of South America. Although less frequently, they can also be encountered in grasslands and sagebrush habitats. In rare instances, they may even be spotted along desert washes.
While the Cedar Waxwing is an omnivore, its diet predominantly consists of plants. Its name is derived from its fondness for cedar berries, which are particularly abundant during the winter season. Additionally, they have a penchant for strawberries, raspberries, and various other fruits. These birds have a peculiar feeding behavior of plucking and consuming fruits in clusters. During the summer, they supplement their diet with insects as a source of protein.
In terms of nesting, the female Cedar Waxwing holds the final decision-making authority in selecting a suitable location. However, both males and females actively participate in searching for potential nesting sites. Once the female makes her choice, they collaborate in constructing the nest, a process that typically takes approximately 5 to 6 days to complete.
Given their sociable nature, Cedar Waxwings are often observed flocking together with their counterparts.
6. Bongo Antelope
The Bongo Antelope, scientifically known as Tragelaphus eurycerus, is the third largest species of antelope globally. Its fur displays a reddish-brown hue with white stripes. The animal possesses a slender mane running along its spine, white markings on its cheeks, a white crescent on its chest, and a white stripe between its eyes and nose.
There are two subspecies of the Bongo Antelope, each inhabiting distinct environments according to their preference. The first subspecies, known as the Western bongo, primarily reside in lowland areas. On the other hand, the second subspecies, referred to as the Eastern bongo, occupy mountainous regions. Notably, the brown coloration of the Eastern bongo is darker compared to that of the Western bongo.
Both subspecies share common characteristics such as being herbivorous and nocturnal. Their diet primarily consists of leaves, flowers, twigs, and thistles. Interestingly, they also consume wood that has been charred by lightning. This lightning-burned wood serves as a source of essential salts and minerals for the bongo.
7. Bicolor Commodore
The stunning butterfly depicted in the image is known as the Bicolor Commodore. It belongs to the nymphalid family and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, particularly Southeast Asia. The distinguishing feature of the Bicolor Commodore is its predominantly dark brown wings, which contrast with bright yellow forewings. Additionally, there is a distinct white patch on the hind wings, while both the forewings and hindwings exhibit zigzag patterns along their edges.
Unfortunately, there is limited information available about this exquisite butterfly, but it predominantly inhabits natural environments. In certain regions of Asia, such as India, the Bicolor Commodore has been observed flying at elevations as high as 8,200 feet, an impressive feat for a butterfly. It comes as no surprise, then, that the wingspan of the Bicolor Commodore can reach up to 3.25 inches.
Considered by many as one of the most captivating brown animals, the Bicolor Commodore earns its place on our list. However, we welcome your opinions and invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section at the end of the article.
8. Bactrian Camel
Also known as the Mongolian Camel or Domestic Bactrian Camel, the Bactrian Camel inhabits the rocky deserts of East and Central Asia. These majestic creatures are substantial in size, weighing between 660 and 2,200 pounds and towering over 7 feet tall at the hump.
One notable characteristic of the Bactrian Camel is its possession of two humps, unlike other camel species that typically have a single hump. These humps serve the purpose of storing fat, which can be converted into both water and energy. This natural adaptation enables camels to thrive and survive in extreme environments.
Remarkably, these impressive camels can endure temperatures as low as -30°C in winter and as high as 50°C in summer. Additionally, they can traverse for weeks without access to water. Due to their limited sweating, they minimize fluid loss. However, as they utilize the fat stored in their humps, the humps become looser and saggy.
When the Bactrian Camel replenishes its water levels, it can consume as much as 30 gallons of water in a short period.
The Bactrian Camel is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. Although they are omnivorous, their diet mainly consists of plants. They will resort to consuming meat only if plant food is unavailable. These camels possess strong mouths that allow them to easily crush ice blocks, showcasing their formidable capabilities.
9. Alpaca
I understand what you may be thinking, but it’s important to note that Alpacas (Lama pacos) are distinct from Llamas (Lama glama). Alpacas are South American camelids that weigh approximately 110 to 190 pounds. They inhabit mountainous regions ranging from Southern Colombia and Southern Ecuador to Northern Chile and Northern Argentina, where tender grasses flourish.
Typically, Alpacas have a slender physique with a small head, long neck, large pointed ears, long legs, and a short tail. They come in a variety of colors, including sixteen primary shades. These colors encompass light, medium, and dark brown; light, medium, and dark fawn; beige; white; black; and grey.
There are two types of Alpacas: Huacaya and Suri. Huacaya Alpacas have crimped fiber that grows perpendicular to the skin, while Suri Alpacas have straight fiber that hangs down toward the ground. The majority of Alpacas belong to the Huacaya variety. Suris are rarer, as they are less adaptable to adverse conditions compared to Huacayas.
Alpaca owners, primarily Andeans, domesticate these brown animals primarily for their wool and, to a lesser extent, for their meat. If you enjoy Llama meat, you might find Alpaca meat even more appealing. Some individuals keep Alpacas as pets or for show purposes due to their adorable and docile nature. Their amiable personality makes them easy to handle, and some people even form deep bonds with Alpacas as animal companions.
10. Kodiak Bear
At the tenth position on our list, we encounter the Kodiak bear, which belongs to the largest subspecies of brown bears. Some arguments even suggest that it surpasses the Polar bear in size. If these statements hold true, it indicates that the Kodiak bear is the largest bear species globally. Its remarkable size is evident as it weighs up to 1500 pounds and measures 10 feet tall when standing on its hind legs and 5 feet tall on all four legs.
The Kodiak bear derives its name from its exclusive habitat, the Kodiak Islands, located south of the main landmass of Alaska. These islands have served as their isolated home for approximately 12,000 years, keeping them separate from other bear populations. Currently, there are around 3,500 Kodiak bears, and their numbers appear to be increasing.
Both male Kodiak bears, known as boars, and female Kodiak bears, known as sows, along with their cubs, resemble other brown bears in appearance. They possess large, round heads with small eyes and ears. Additionally, they have short but powerful limbs, accompanied by paws adorned with non-retractable claws.
One might assume that a bear of this magnitude would primarily consume meat. However, this is not the case for the Kodiak bear. While they do consume meat, their diet consists mostly of plants. In fact, when given the choice, a Kodiak bear would prefer to indulge in elderberries rather than meat. Among meat sources, they particularly favor fish, with salmon being a preferred meal.
That concludes our list of the ten most intriguing brown animals. Did you find it enjoyable? Feel free to leave a comment below with your thoughts.
FAQs
What animal has brown colour?
Many animals have brown fur, skin, or feathers, making it a popular color in the animal kingdom. The brown coloration is caused by pigments that are present in their body. Different shades of brown animals can also be seen, from light tan to dark chocolate brown. Some animals that have notable brown coloration are brown bears, deer, horses, and squirrels. Interestingly, some brown animals can change the color of their fur to brown during specific seasons, such as arctic foxes and weasels.Â
Why are some animals, Brown?
One reason is camouflage – brown fur or feathers allow animals to blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators or prey. Another reason is thermoregulation – brown fur can absorb more heat from the sun, helping animals stay warm in colder climates. Additionally, some brown animals have coloring due to genetics or as a result of their diet.Â
Is an elephant brown?
While we might assume that all elephants are the same color, they can actually vary in hue depending on their age, subspecies, and habitat. Some elephants, for instance, may be a light grey or even pinkish in color, while others might have a darker brownish or reddish tinge to their skin.Â
Why is a lion brown?
It turns out that their tawny hue is not just a random genetic mutation – it’s a highly effective camouflage mechanism that allows them to blend seamlessly into their natural environment. Lions have evolved to perfectly match the warm brown tones of the savannah grasses where they typically hunt, making it easier for them to sneak up on their prey undetected.
Final Words on 10 Brown Animals
As we conclude our journey through the world of curious brown animals, we hope that you’ve found these ten creatures as fascinating as we have. From the clever capuchin monkey to the elusive sun bear, each animal offered unique insights into the wonder and diversity of our planet.
Reference:
- https://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/7I.html
- https://www.britannica.com/animal/elephant-mammal
- https://homework.study.com/explanation/what-color-is-a-giraffe.html
A motivated philosophy graduate and student of wildlife conservation with a deep interest in human-wildlife relationships, including wildlife communication, environmental education, and conservation anthropology. Offers strong interpersonal, research, writing, and creativity skills.
