While the letter Y may not seem like a common way to begin an animal’s name, the natural world is full of surprises. From exotic birds and reptiles to underwater creatures and curious mammals, many animals starting with “Y” are rare, colorful, and biologically important. Some are found in remote parts of the world like the Yellow-Eyed Penguin of New Zealand, while others—like the Yellowjacket or Yak—are well known across continents.
In this list, you’ll explore 30 animals that start with Y, each with its own unique traits, behaviors, and habitats. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, student, or trivia fan, this collection showcases just how diverse and intriguing the animal kingdom can be—even under one of the rarest letters in the alphabet.
1. Yak
Yaks are large, shaggy-haired mammals found in the high-altitude regions of Central Asia, especially Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia. Domesticated yaks can weigh up to 1,200 pounds (540 kg), while wild yaks are even larger. Their long fur, thick undercoat, and powerful lungs help them survive freezing mountain climates.
They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Yaks provide milk, meat, wool, and labor for local people and are essential to survival in high-altitude regions.
These animals are highly adapted to rugged terrains and play a vital role in the culture and economy of Himalayan communities.
2. Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna are large, fast-swimming fish found in warm ocean waters around the world. They can grow up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) long and weigh over 400 pounds (180 kg). Their sleek bodies are metallic blue on top and silver on the bottom, with long, bright yellow fins.
They live in open waters and are known for their speed and stamina. Yellowfin Tuna feed on squid, smaller fish, and crustaceans, often hunting in schools.
Highly prized in commercial and sport fishing, they are a popular species in sushi and seafood markets. However, overfishing poses a threat to their populations.
3. Yellowjacket
Yellowjackets are aggressive, black-and-yellow striped wasps commonly found in North America and Europe. These insects measure about 0.5 inches (12 mm) long and are often mistaken for bees due to their similar coloring.
They build nests in the ground, trees, or buildings and are highly protective of their colonies. Yellowjackets feed on nectar, fruit, and insects, making them both pollinators and pest controllers.
Unlike bees, they can sting multiple times, and their stings are painful. They become particularly aggressive in late summer and are attracted to sugary foods at picnics and outdoor gatherings.
4. Yellow Mongoose
The Yellow Mongoose is a small carnivorous mammal found in southern Africa’s dry, open habitats such as grasslands and savannas. It has a yellowish-orange coat, bushy tail with a white tip, and stands about 12 inches (30 cm) tall at the shoulder.
It feeds mainly on insects, especially termites and beetles, but also eats small reptiles, birds, and eggs. Yellow mongooses are active during the day and live in colonies, often sharing burrows with meerkats or ground squirrels.
They’re known for their alert posture and fast movements, which help them avoid predators like eagles and jackals.
5. Yellow Baboon
Yellow Baboons are medium-sized primates found in East Africa, especially in savannas, open forests, and grasslands. They get their name from their golden-yellow fur and have long limbs, a dog-like face, and a short tail.
Adults weigh between 25 to 55 pounds (11–25 kg), and they live in large, social troops. Yellow baboons are omnivores, eating fruits, seeds, insects, roots, and small animals.
They are intelligent and use complex social behaviors, vocalizations, and facial expressions to communicate. These adaptable monkeys play a key role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations.
6. Yellow Tang
Yellow Tangs are bright yellow saltwater fish commonly found in coral reefs around the Hawaiian Islands and other parts of the Pacific Ocean. They grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and are popular in the aquarium trade due to their vivid color and peaceful nature.
These fish live in shallow reefs and lagoons, grazing on algae that grow on rocks and coral. Their narrow, disc-shaped bodies and sharp spines help them navigate and defend themselves in tight reef spaces.
Yellow Tangs play a vital role in reef ecosystems by keeping algae growth under control and maintaining coral health.
7. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers are small, bright-yellow songbirds found throughout North and Central America during spring and summer. They measure about 5 inches (13 cm) in length and have a cheerful, whistling song that’s easy to recognize.
They prefer wetlands, thickets, and forest edges, where they nest in shrubs and feed on insects, spiders, and caterpillars. Males often have reddish streaks on their chest.
Yellow Warblers are long-distance migrants, traveling thousands of miles to Central and South America for winter. Their widespread presence and melodic calls make them favorites among birdwatchers.
8. Yellow-Eyed Penguin
The Yellow-Eyed Penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) is a rare and endangered penguin species native to New Zealand. It grows up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall and weighs around 11–13 pounds (5–6 kg). Its most distinctive feature is the pale yellow eyes and yellow stripe around its head.
Unlike most penguins, this species is shy and prefers nesting in secluded coastal forests and scrublands, away from large colonies. It feeds on fish and squid, diving deep into cold coastal waters.
Due to habitat loss, introduced predators, and disease, the Yellow-Eyed Penguin is considered one of the rarest penguins in the world.
9. Yellow Anaconda
The Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) is a large, non-venomous snake native to South America, particularly in swamps, marshes, and rivers of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil. It can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) long, with a thick, muscular body covered in yellow and black blotches.
It’s semi-aquatic, spending most of its time in or near water. The Yellow Anaconda feeds on fish, birds, reptiles, and small mammals, ambushing them with a powerful constriction.
Though smaller than its cousin, the Green Anaconda, it is still one of the largest snake species in the world and plays an important role in its wetland ecosystem.
10. Yellow-Crowned Night Heron
The Yellow-Crowned Night Heron is a medium-sized wading bird found in wetlands and coastal areas of the Americas. It stands about 24 inches (60 cm) tall and has gray-blue plumage, a black face with white cheek stripes, and a bold yellow crown on its head.
These birds are mostly active at dusk and during the night, stalking shallow waters for crustaceans—especially crabs and crayfish. They are solitary hunters but may roost in small groups.
Their slow movements and intense stare make them effective ambush predators. Yellow-Crowned Night Herons are also known for their unique croaking calls and graceful flight.
11. Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby
The Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby is a small, agile marsupial native to rocky outcrops and cliffs in South Australia and Queensland. It measures around 2 feet (60 cm) tall, with a long, striped tail and distinctive yellow-orange fur on its feet and forearms.
Adapted to rugged terrain, it uses its strong hind legs and tail for balance and leaping between rocks. These wallabies are herbivores, feeding on grasses, shrubs, and leaves, and they are most active during early morning and late afternoon.
Once threatened by predators and habitat loss, conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations.
12. Yellow Rat Snake
The Yellow Rat Snake is a non-venomous constrictor native to the southeastern United States. It can grow up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) long and has a yellow or gold body with four bold black stripes running the length of its back.
These snakes inhabit woodlands, swamps, and farmlands. They are excellent climbers and often found in trees or barns hunting for rodents, birds, and eggs.
Despite their size, Yellow Rat Snakes are harmless to humans and are actually beneficial in controlling rodent populations. When threatened, they may vibrate their tails or hiss but rarely bite.
13. Yellow-Bellied Marmot
The Yellow-Bellied Marmot is a large ground squirrel native to the western United States and southwestern Canada. It weighs up to 11 pounds (5 kg) and has thick brown fur with a yellowish belly and white markings around the nose.
Marmots live in mountainous areas and alpine meadows, where they dig burrows and form colonies. They are herbivores, feeding on grasses, flowers, and other vegetation.
These marmots hibernate for 6–8 months of the year. Known for their whistling alarm calls, they are sometimes called “whistle pigs” and are often seen basking on rocks during summer.
14. Yellow-Banded Dart Frog
The Yellow-Banded Dart Frog, also known as the Bumblebee Poison Dart Frog, is a small, brightly colored amphibian native to Venezuela. It grows to about 1.5 inches (4 cm) long and has black and yellow bands across its body.
This frog inhabits humid tropical rainforests and lives near water sources. It feeds on ants, mites, and other small invertebrates, from which it derives toxic alkaloids used for defense.
In the wild, its bright colors serve as a warning to predators. While poisonous in nature, captive-bred frogs are usually non-toxic due to differences in diet.
15. Yellowhead Jawfish
The Yellowhead Jawfish is a small, burrow-dwelling marine fish found in the sandy bottoms of coral reefs in the Caribbean Sea. It reaches about 4 inches (10 cm) in length and has a pale blue body with a distinct yellow head.
These fish are known for their behavior of hovering vertically above their burrows and darting inside when threatened. They use their mouths to scoop and move sand and shell fragments to maintain their homes.
Males exhibit mouthbrooding behavior—carrying fertilized eggs in their mouths until they hatch. Peaceful and curious, Yellowhead Jawfish are popular in saltwater aquariums.
16. Yellowtail Snapper
The Yellowtail Snapper is a colorful reef fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean, particularly around Florida, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean. It typically grows up to 30 inches (75 cm) long and has a silver body with a bright yellow stripe running from its snout to its forked yellow tail.
These fish inhabit coral reefs and coastal waters, often forming schools. They feed on crustaceans, squid, and smaller fish, using quick bursts of speed to capture prey.
Highly valued for both commercial and recreational fishing, yellowtail snapper is also a popular seafood item due to its mild flavor and flaky texture.
17. Yellow-Billed Cuckoo
The Yellow-Billed Cuckoo is a medium-sized migratory bird found in North, Central, and South America. It grows up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and has a slender body, long tail, and a curved yellow-and-black bill. Its plumage is brown on the back and white on the belly.
This cuckoo prefers woodland edges and riparian habitats. It feeds on large insects—especially caterpillars—and also eats fruits and berries.
Shy and secretive, the yellow-billed cuckoo is often heard more than seen, recognized by its distinct “coo-coo-coo” call. It plays an important role in controlling insect populations.
18. Yellow-Legged Gull
The Yellow-Legged Gull is a large seabird found throughout the Mediterranean, parts of Europe, and the Middle East. It resembles the common herring gull but is distinguished by its bright yellow legs and slightly darker gray wings.
Adults reach about 23 inches (58 cm) in length and have a wingspan of over 4 feet (120 cm). They nest in coastal cliffs, islands, and urban areas, often scavenging for food.
Their diet includes fish, invertebrates, garbage, and even small birds or eggs. Aggressive and opportunistic, yellow-legged gulls are well-adapted to both natural and human-influenced environments.
19. Yellow-Necked Mouse
The Yellow-Necked Mouse is a small rodent native to Europe and parts of western Asia. It resembles the common wood mouse but is slightly larger and has a distinctive yellowish band or patch across its chest.
These mice measure about 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) long, with a long tail and large eyes and ears. They live in woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens, where they feed on seeds, berries, insects, and fungi.
Nocturnal and agile, yellow-necked mice are good climbers and often build nests in tree holes or buildings. They are important for seed dispersal in forest ecosystems.
20. Yellow-Throated Marten
The Yellow-Throated Marten is a striking and agile member of the weasel family, found in forested regions of Asia, including the Himalayas, China, and Southeast Asia. It grows up to 30 inches (75 cm) long, with a bushy tail and a distinctive yellow-orange throat and chest.
These martens have a bold mix of black, brown, and golden-yellow fur, making them one of the most colorful mustelids. They are omnivores, feeding on birds, small mammals, fruit, and insects.
Yellow-throated martens are excellent climbers and are known for their fearless, curious behavior. They play an active role in forest food chains as both predators and scavengers.
21. Yellow Armadillo
The Yellow Armadillo, also known as the Six-Banded Armadillo, is native to South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It measures about 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) in length and has a series of six movable bands across its armored shell, which is pale yellow to light brown in color.
It prefers dry grasslands and savannas, where it digs burrows for shelter. This armadillo is primarily nocturnal and feeds on insects, larvae, plants, and small vertebrates.
It has strong claws for digging and is a solitary, shy animal. Though not endangered, habitat destruction poses a growing threat.
22. Yellow-Naped Amazon
The Yellow-Naped Amazon is a vibrant green parrot with a bold yellow patch on the back of its neck. Native to Central America, especially Honduras, Nicaragua, and parts of Costa Rica, it grows about 14–16 inches (35–40 cm) long.
Highly intelligent and sociable, it is famous for its exceptional ability to mimic human speech and sounds, making it a popular (though often illegal) pet.
In the wild, it lives in forests and woodlands, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and blossoms. Unfortunately, the species is endangered due to illegal trapping and habitat loss.
23. Yellow-Backed Duiker
The Yellow-Backed Duiker is a forest-dwelling antelope found in central and western Africa. It stands about 2.5 feet (75 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighs up to 175 pounds (80 kg). Its body is mostly dark brown or black, with a distinctive yellow or golden patch on its back.
It inhabits dense tropical forests and is extremely shy and elusive. Yellow-backed duikers are omnivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, fungi, and small animals.
They are solitary or found in pairs and are most active at dawn and dusk. Though not critically endangered, their numbers are declining due to hunting and deforestation.
24. Yellow-Cheeked Gibbon
The Yellow-Cheeked Gibbon is a tree-dwelling primate found in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Males are black with bright yellow or orange cheek patches, while females are lighter in color with dark facial markings. Adults grow to about 18–25 inches (45–63 cm) tall and weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kg).
They live in dense tropical forests and are known for their powerful calls and acrobatic swinging through the canopy. These gibbons are monogamous and live in small family groups.
They are critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, and conservation efforts are ongoing to protect their remaining populations.
25. Yellow-Barred Flutterer (Dragonfly)
The Yellow-Barred Flutterer is a striking species of dragonfly found in Southeast Asia and Australia. It has a wingspan of about 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) and features translucent wings with distinctive yellow and black bars, giving it a fluttering flight pattern.
These dragonflies prefer still or slow-moving water bodies like ponds, marshes, and lakes. They perch often and are commonly seen near vegetation around water sources.
They feed on small flying insects and play a crucial role in controlling mosquito populations. Their colorful appearance and hovering flight make them a favorite among insect enthusiasts.
26. Yellow Prawn
Yellow Prawns are small, shrimp-like crustaceans found in both saltwater and freshwater environments, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. They typically measure between 2 to 4 inches (5–10 cm) and are pale yellow or translucent with a slight golden hue.
They live in sandy or muddy bottoms near reefs, estuaries, and mangroves. Yellow prawns are omnivorous, feeding on algae, detritus, and tiny invertebrates.
They are important in the aquatic food chain and are also harvested for human consumption in many coastal communities. Their delicate flavor makes them popular in seafood dishes around the world.
27. Yellow-Spotted Lizard
The Yellow-Spotted Lizard (Lepidophyma flavimaculatum) is a nocturnal reptile found in Central America, particularly in forests of Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. It grows up to 5 inches (12 cm) and has a dark body covered in small yellow or orange spots.
This lizard is secretive and lives under leaf litter, logs, or rocks in moist forest environments. It feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Although fictionalized in movies like Holes as deadly, the real Yellow-Spotted Lizard is harmless to humans. It plays an important role in insect control and forest floor ecology.
28. Yellow-Collared Lovebird
The Yellow-Collared Lovebird, also called the Masked Lovebird, is a small, colorful parrot native to northeastern Tanzania. It measures about 6 inches (15 cm) long and is bright green with a black head, yellow collar around the neck, and orange beak.
These birds are social and often seen in noisy flocks. They inhabit savannas, open woodlands, and sometimes agricultural areas. Their diet includes seeds, fruits, and vegetation.
Popular in the pet trade for their vibrant colors and affectionate behavior, they are also known for forming strong pair bonds—hence the name “lovebird.”
29. Yellow-Tufted Honeyeater
The Yellow-Tufted Honeyeater is a striking bird native to southeastern Australia. It measures about 6 inches (15 cm) in length and has olive-green plumage with bright yellow tufts on the sides of its head and a black facial mask.
It lives in open forests, woodlands, and coastal heathlands. This honeyeater feeds on nectar, insects, and spiders, using its brush-tipped tongue to lap up sugary fluids from flowers.
Active and vocal, the Yellow-Tufted Honeyeater is often seen flitting between blossoms and branches. It plays an important role in pollination and insect control within its habitat.
30. Yabby
The Yabby is a freshwater crayfish native to Australia, commonly found in rivers, lakes, dams, and farm ponds. It can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long and varies in color from dark brown to green, blue, or black depending on water conditions and region.
Yabbies are nocturnal and spend much of their time hiding under rocks or burrowing into mud. They feed on plant material, algae, decaying organic matter, and small aquatic organisms.
They are a popular target for recreational fishing and are also used in aquaculture. Yabbies are resilient, adaptable, and a key species in freshwater ecosystems.