Animals That Start With A | List & Examples

Many people want to learn about animals that start with the letter A. Teachers use these lists for school work. Kids like to find animals for each letter. Pet owners want to know about animals they can keep at home. This article covers both animals that live with people and animals that live in the wild.
You’ll find examples of many different animals that start with A. Some are pets you might know. Others are wild animals from around the world. Each animal has its own special way of living.
Here’s a simple list of all the animals that starts with a :
- Alpaca
- Angus Cattle
- Angora Rabbit
- Appaloosa Horse
- Australian Shepherd
- Abyssinian Cat
- Affenpinscher
- American Shorthair Cat
- Aardvark
- Antelope
- Armadillo
- Arctic Fox
- Aardwolf
- Addax
- Agouti
- Aye-aye
- Anteater
- Asian Elephant
- American Bison
- Alpine Ibex
- Amazon River Dolphin
- African Wild Dog
- American Black Bear
- Arctic Hare
- Australian Cattle Dog
- American Eskimo Dog
- American Foxhound
- Anatolian Shepherd
- Australian Kelpie
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Albatross
- Andean Condor
- African Grey Parrot
- American Crow
- Atlantic Puffin
- Australian Magpie
- Azure-winged Magpie
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Adélie Penguin
- African Fish Eagle
- American Kestrel
- Australian King Parrot
- Amazon Parrot
- Arctic Tern
- Asian Koel
- American Goldfinch
- Australian Wood Duck
- African Jacana
- American White Pelican
- Australian Brushturkey
- Alligator
- Anaconda
- Axolotl
- Asian Water Monitor
- American Alligator
- African Rock Python
- Argentine Black and White Tegu
- Amazon Tree Boa
- Australian Green Tree Frog
- American Bullfrog
- Asian Vine Snake
- African Spurred Tortoise
- Aldabra Giant Tortoise
- American Crocodile
- Asian Forest Scorpion
- Armadillo Lizard
- Australian Frilled Lizard
- Asian Box Turtle
- Amazon River Turtle
- African Dwarf Frog
- Angelfish
- Arapaima
- Atlantic Cod
- Australian Lungfish
- Asian Arowana
- American Eel
- Archerfish
- Atlantic Salmon
- Australian Bass
- African Cichlid
- Amazon Pufferfish
- Asian Sheepshead Wrasse
- American Paddlefish
- Australian Ghost Shark
- Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
- African Butterflyfish
- Asian Stone Catfish
- Australian Herring
- American Shad
- Amazonian Manatee
- Ant (as pets)
- Ant (Wild)
- Atlas Moth
- Asian Giant Hornet
- Africanized Honey Bee
- American Burying Beetle
- Australian Walking Stick
- Amazonian Giant Centipede
- Asian Tiger Mosquito
- Army Ant
- Assassin Bug
- Ambrosia Beetle
- Azure Damselfly
- American Cockroach
- African Land Snail
- Asian Lady Beetle
- Australian Funnel-web Spider
- Antlion
- Apple Snail
- Asian Weaver Ant
Looking for animals that start with B ? Here’s the list
Domestic Animals That Start With A
Here’s a simple list of domestic animals that start with a :
- Alpaca
- Angus Cattle
- Ant (as pets)
- Axolotl
- Angora Rabbit
- Appaloosa Horse
- Australian Shepherd
- Abyssinian Cat
- Affenpinscher
- American Shorthair Cat
1. Alpaca
Alpacas are soft, fluffy animals that look like small llamas. People keep them on farms for their wool. Alpacas are gentle and calm animals. They make soft sounds to talk to each other.
Farmers raise alpacas in many places around the world. These animals come from South America. They eat grass and hay. Alpacas live in groups and like to be with other alpacas.
People use alpaca wool to make warm clothes. The wool is very soft and warm. It does not make people itch like some other wools do. Alpaca wool comes in many colors like white, brown, and black.
Alpacas are easy to take care of. They do not need much food or water. They are clean animals that pick one spot to go to the bathroom. This makes them good farm animals.
2. Angus Cattle
Angus cattle are black cows that farmers raise for meat. These cows are strong and healthy. They can live in hot and cold places. Angus cattle come from Scotland but now live all over the world.
Farmers like Angus cattle because they grow fast. The meat from these cows tastes good. Many people eat Angus beef at restaurants. The cows are good mothers and take care of their babies well.
Angus cattle eat grass in fields. They also eat hay and grain. These cows are calm and easy to handle. They do not get sick very often. This makes them good animals for farmers to raise.
Red Angus cattle also exist. They are the same as black Angus but have red fur. Both types make good meat and are popular with farmers.
3. Ant (as pets)
Some people keep ants as pets in special glass homes called ant farms. Pet ants are fun to watch as they work. They dig tunnels and carry food. Ant farms help people learn how ants live.
The most common pet ants are harvester ants. These ants are safe and easy to keep. They eat seeds and small pieces of food. Pet ants need water and food every few days.
Ant farms come with sand or gel for the ants to dig in. The ants make tunnels that you can see through the glass. Watching ants work together teaches people about teamwork.
Pet ants do not bite or sting if you leave them alone. They are quiet pets that do not make noise. Ant farms are good for people who want to learn about insects.
4. Axolotl
Axolotls are water animals that some people keep as pets. They look like fish but have legs and gills. Axolotls stay in water their whole lives. They are also called Mexican walking fish, but they are not fish at all.
Pet axolotls live in fish tanks with cool water. They eat worms and small fish. Axolotls can grow back parts of their body if they get hurt. This special skill makes them very interesting to scientists.
Axolotls come in different colors. Some are pink, others are brown or black. They have feathery gills on their heads that help them breathe in water. Their eyes are small and they cannot see very well.
These animals are quiet and calm. They do not need much care but they need clean, cool water. Axolotls can live for many years if people take good care of them.
5. Angora Rabbit
Angora rabbits are fluffy pets with very long, soft fur. People keep them for their wool and as pets. These rabbits need daily brushing to keep their fur nice. Their fur grows very long and thick.
There are different types of Angora rabbits. English Angoras are small and make good pets. French Angoras are bigger and have more wool. All Angora rabbits are gentle and calm.
People spin Angora rabbit fur into yarn for making clothes. The fur is very soft and warm. It is more expensive than sheep wool because it is harder to get. Each rabbit does not make very much wool.
Angora rabbits eat hay, vegetables, and rabbit food. They need a safe place to live and fresh water. These rabbits can live inside or outside in good weather. They like to hop around and play.
6. Appaloosa Horse
Appaloosa horses are known for their spotted coats. These horses have dots and patches of different colors. They are strong and smart horses that people ride and show. Appaloosa horses come from Native American tribes.
These horses are good for riding and working. They are calm and easy to train. Appaloosa horses can jump, run fast, and pull things. Many people use them for fun riding and in horse shows.
Appaloosa horses have special eyes that are often white around the edges. Their hooves have stripes on them. Not all Appaloosa horses have spots, but most do. The spots can be big or small.
People feed Appaloosa horses hay, grass, and grain. They need fresh water and a safe place to live. These horses like to be with other horses. They are friendly with people who treat them well.
7. Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherds are smart dogs that people keep as pets and working dogs. They have thick, fluffy fur that comes in many colors. These dogs are very active and need lots of exercise. Australian Shepherds are good at herding sheep and cattle.
These dogs are loyal and love their families. They are good with children and other pets. Australian Shepherds learn tricks quickly because they are very smart. They need training and mental activities to stay happy.
Australian Shepherds have beautiful eyes that can be blue, brown, or one of each color. Their fur is medium-length and needs regular brushing. These dogs shed their fur, especially during certain seasons.
People use Australian Shepherds for many jobs. They help on farms, work as therapy dogs, and compete in dog sports. These dogs need active owners who can give them plenty of exercise and attention.
8. Abyssinian Cat
Abyssinian cats are sleek, athletic cats that people keep as pets. They have short fur with a special ticked pattern that makes them look wild. These cats are very active and playful. They love to climb and explore their homes.
Abyssinian cats are friendly and social. They like to be around people and follow their owners around the house. These cats are smart and can learn to open doors and cabinets. They are curious about everything.
These cats have large ears and almond-shaped eyes. Their fur comes in colors like ruddy brown, red, blue, and fawn. Abyssinian cats are medium-sized and have muscular bodies. They are excellent jumpers and climbers.
Abyssinian cats need interactive toys and climbing trees to stay happy. They are healthy cats that live long lives. These cats do well in homes with people who can give them attention and playtime.
9. Affenpinscher
Affenpinschers are small dogs with monkey-like faces. People keep them as companion pets. These dogs have wiry, rough fur that is usually black. They are brave and confident despite their small size.
These dogs are good watchdogs and will bark to alert their owners of visitors. Affenpinschers are loyal to their families but can be stubborn. They need patient training and socialization with other dogs and people.
Affenpinschers have big personalities in small bodies. They weigh only 7-10 pounds but think they are much bigger. These dogs have bushy eyebrows and beards that give them their monkey-like appearance.
These dogs do well in apartments because they are small. They need daily walks but do not require as much exercise as larger dogs. Affenpinschers are good pets for people who want a small, loyal companion.
10. American Shorthair Cat
American Shorthair cats are popular pets in many homes. They have short, dense fur that is easy to care for. These cats come in many colors and patterns. They are calm and friendly cats that get along well with families.
These cats are good hunters and were originally brought to America on ships to catch mice. American Shorthairs are healthy and strong cats. They are not too active but enjoy playing with toys and climbing.
American Shorthair cats have round faces and sturdy bodies. They are medium to large-sized cats. These cats are independent but also enjoy spending time with their families. They are gentle with children.
These cats live long lives and do not have many health problems. They are easy to care for and adapt well to different living situations. American Shorthairs are good pets for first-time cat owners.
Wild Animals That Start With A
Here’s a simple list of wild animals that start with a :
- Alligator
- Aardvark
- Antelope
- Armadillo
- Albatross
- Anaconda
- Arctic Fox
- Angelfish
- Ant (Wild)
- Axolotl (Wild)
- Aardwolf
- Addax
- Agouti
- Alpaca (Wild – Vicuña)
- Arapaima
- Argali
- Atlas Moth
- Aye-aye
- Anteater
1. Alligator
Alligators are large reptiles that live in water and on land. They have long, strong jaws with many sharp teeth. Alligators eat fish, birds, and other animals. They are powerful hunters that can move fast in water.
These animals live in swamps, rivers, and lakes. Most alligators in the United States live in Florida and other southern states. They also live in China, but Chinese alligators are much smaller.
Alligators lay eggs in nests made of plants and mud. Mother alligators take care of their babies for about two years. Baby alligators make squeaking sounds to call their mothers. Adult alligators can grow to be very large.
People should stay away from wild alligators. These animals can be dangerous if they feel scared or hungry. Alligators are important for keeping the balance of nature in their homes.
2. Aardvark
Aardvarks are strange-looking animals that live in Africa. They have long noses and big ears. Aardvarks dig holes in the ground with their strong claws. They sleep during the day and hunt for food at night.
These animals eat ants and termites. They use their long tongues to catch insects from inside hills and trees. Aardvarks can eat thousands of ants in one night. Their thick skin protects them from ant bites.
Aardvarks are about the size of a pig. They have gray skin and very little hair. Their tails are thick and strong. Aardvarks are good at digging and can make deep holes quickly.
Baby aardvarks stay with their mothers for about six months. They learn how to find food and dig holes. Aardvarks live alone most of the time. They are shy animals that try to hide from people.
3. Antelope
Antelopes are fast-running animals that live in Africa and Asia. They have long, thin legs and can run very fast. Antelopes eat grass and leaves. They live in groups called herds for safety.
There are many types of antelopes. Some are small like rabbits. Others are big like deer. Gazelles are a type of antelope that can run up to 60 miles per hour. Impalas are another common type of antelope.
Antelopes have good eyes and ears to watch for danger. When they see a lion or other hunter, they run away quickly. Some antelopes can jump very high and far. They make warning sounds to tell other antelopes about danger.
Most antelopes live in Africa on grasslands called savannas. They move around to find fresh grass and water. Antelopes are important food for lions, leopards, and other big cats.
4. Armadillo
Armadillos are small animals with hard shells on their backs. The shell protects them from other animals that want to eat them. Armadillos can roll up into a ball when they are scared. They look like little tanks with legs.
These animals live in North and South America. They dig holes in the ground with their claws. Armadillos eat bugs, worms, and small animals. They have long noses that help them smell food in the dirt.
Armadillos are good diggers. They make tunnels under the ground where they sleep and have babies. Some armadillo tunnels are very long and deep. The tunnels stay cool in hot weather.
Most armadillos are about the size of a cat. They have poor eyesight but good hearing. Armadillos are active at night when it is cooler. They are shy animals that try to stay hidden from people.
5. Albatross
Albatrosses are huge sea birds with very long wings. They can fly for hours without flapping their wings. These birds spend most of their lives flying over the ocean. They only come to land to have babies.
Albatrosses eat fish and squid from the ocean. They can dive into the water to catch food. These birds can live for many years. Some albatrosses live to be over 60 years old.
The biggest albatrosses have wings that are 11 feet wide. They are some of the largest flying birds in the world. Albatrosses make their nests on islands in the ocean. They often come back to the same place every year.
These birds are good at flying but not good at walking on land. They have webbed feet like ducks. Albatrosses mate for life, which means they stay with the same partner. They dance together to show their love.
6. Anaconda
Anacondas are huge snakes that live in South America. They are some of the biggest snakes in the world. Anacondas live in rivers and swamps. They are very good swimmers and spend most of their time in water.
These snakes eat large animals like deer, birds, and fish. Anacondas squeeze their food until it cannot breathe. They can unhinge their jaws to swallow animals bigger than their heads. Anacondas do not need to eat very often.
Female anacondas are much bigger than males. They can grow to be over 20 feet long and weigh more than 200 pounds. Anacondas have green and brown colors that help them hide in the water.
Baby anacondas are born alive, not from eggs. They can swim and hunt right away. Anacondas are not dangerous to people unless people bother them. They prefer to stay away from humans.
7. Arctic Fox
Arctic foxes are small, fluffy animals that live in very cold places. They have thick fur that changes color with the seasons. In winter, their fur is white like snow. In summer, it turns brown or gray.
These foxes live in the Arctic where it is cold all year. They eat small animals like mice and birds. Arctic foxes also eat fish and eggs when they can find them. They are good hunters and can hear animals moving under the snow.
Arctic foxes have small ears and short legs to help them stay warm. Their paws have fur on the bottom to keep them from slipping on ice. They make dens in the ground where they sleep and raise their babies.
These animals are very smart and can solve problems. They store extra food for winter when it is hard to find. Arctic foxes live in family groups during the summer but hunt alone in winter.
8. Angelfish
Angelfish are colorful fish that live in warm ocean water. They have flat, round bodies and long fins. Many angelfish are bright yellow, blue, or black with stripes. They are popular fish for people to watch while diving.
These fish live near coral reefs in tropical oceans. They eat small fish, plants, and tiny sea animals. Angelfish use their small mouths to pick food from tight spaces in the coral. They are active during the day and rest at night.
Angelfish swim alone or in small groups. They are territorial, which means they protect their home area from other fish. Some angelfish can change colors when they are excited or scared.
There are also freshwater angelfish that people keep in fish tanks. These are different from ocean angelfish but have the same name. Tank angelfish are easier to care for and come in many colors.
9. Ant (Wild)
Wild ants are small insects that live almost everywhere on Earth. They live in groups called colonies that can have thousands of ants. Each colony has a queen ant that lays eggs and worker ants that find food and build the nest.
Ants are very strong for their size. They can carry things that weigh more than they do. Ants work together to move large pieces of food back to their nest. They leave scent trails to show other ants where to find food.
Different types of ants eat different things. Some eat other insects. Others eat seeds or leaves. Leaf-cutter ants cut leaves and use them to grow mushrooms for food. Army ants travel in large groups and eat everything in their path.
Ants are important for nature because they help plants grow and clean up dead things. They also provide food for many birds and other animals. Some ants can bite or sting to protect themselves.
10. Axolotl (Wild)
Wild axolotls live only in lakes near Mexico City. They are critically endangered, which means very few are left in the wild. Most axolotls now live in labs and as pets. Scientists are working to save wild axolotls.
In the wild, axolotls eat worms, insects, and small fish. They hide in plants and rocks at the bottom of lakes. Wild axolotls are usually brown or black to help them blend in with mud and rocks.
The lakes where axolotls live have become dirty from pollution. This makes it hard for axolotls to survive. People are working to clean the lakes and breed axolotls to put back in the wild.
Wild axolotls are different from pet axolotls. Wild ones are usually darker and smaller. They are better at hiding and finding food. Scientists study wild axolotls to learn how to help them survive.
11. Antelope (Specific Types)
Gazelles are small, fast antelopes with thin legs. They live in Africa and Asia. Gazelles can run up to 60 miles per hour to escape from lions and other hunters. They have tan and white fur with black stripes.
Impalas are medium-sized antelopes that live in Africa. They are known for their amazing jumping ability. Impalas can jump 10 feet high and 30 feet far. They live in large herds and eat grass and leaves.
Kudus are large antelopes with long, twisted horns. Only male kudus have horns. They live in Africa and eat leaves from trees and bushes. Kudus are good at hiding in thick plants.
Springboks are small antelopes from South Africa. They are famous for jumping straight up in the air when they are happy or scared. This jumping is called “pronking.” Springboks can jump 6 feet high.
12. Aardwolf
Aardwolves are small animals that look like hyenas but are much smaller. They live in Africa and eat termites. Aardwolves are not dangerous to people. They are shy and come out mostly at night.
These animals have striped fur like zebras. They use their long tongues to eat termites from the ground. Aardwolves can eat thousands of termites in one night. They do not hunt other animals.
Aardwolves live in holes in the ground. They often use old aardvark holes. Aardwolves live alone or in small family groups. They mark their territory with scent.
Baby aardwolves are born in underground dens. They stay with their parents for about one year. Aardwolves are important for controlling termite populations in Africa.
13. Addax
Addax are rare antelopes that live in the Sahara Desert. They have long, twisted horns and pale fur that helps them stay cool in the hot desert. Addax are endangered animals with very few left in the wild.
These antelopes can live without drinking water for long periods. They get water from the plants they eat. Addax have special hooves that help them walk on sand. They are active at night when it is cooler.
Addax live in small groups and travel across the desert looking for food. They eat grasses and other desert plants. These animals can survive in very hot and dry conditions that would kill other animals.
Scientists and zoos are working to save addax from extinction. They breed addax in captivity and plan to release them back into the wild. Addax are important for the desert ecosystem.
14. Agouti
Agoutis are small mammals that live in Central and South America. They look like large guinea pigs with long legs. Agoutis have brown fur and can run very fast. They live in forests and eat fruits, nuts, and seeds.
These animals are important for forest health because they bury nuts and seeds. Many trees grow from seeds that agoutis have buried and forgotten. Agoutis have strong teeth that can crack open hard nuts.
Agoutis are active during the day and sleep at night. They make their homes in hollow logs or burrows. When scared, agoutis can jump up to 6 feet high. They communicate with each other using different sounds.
These animals are prey for jaguars, ocelots, and large birds. Agoutis are good swimmers and will jump into water to escape danger. They play an important role in tropical rainforest ecosystems.
15. Alpaca (Wild – Vicuña)
Vicuñas are wild relatives of domestic alpacas. They live high in the Andes Mountains of South America. Vicuñas have the finest wool in the world. They are smaller than domestic alpacas and live in family groups.
These animals are very fast and can run up to 30 miles per hour. Vicuñas are shy and run away when they see people. They eat grass and other plants that grow in the mountains. They can live at very high altitudes.
Vicuñas have soft, dense fur that keeps them warm in cold mountain weather. Their wool is so fine that it was once only used by royalty. Today, people shear vicuñas carefully without hurting them.
These animals are no longer endangered thanks to conservation efforts. Local people now protect vicuñas and benefit from their valuable wool. Vicuñas are symbols of the Andes Mountains.
16. Arapaima
Arapaimas are huge freshwater fish that live in the Amazon River. They are some of the largest freshwater fish in the world. Arapaimas can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 400 pounds. They have armor-like scales.
These fish can breathe air as well as water. They come to the surface to gulp air through their mouths. Arapaimas eat other fish, birds, and small animals that fall into the water. They are powerful predators.
Arapaimas are also called pirarucu. They have been an important food source for Amazon people for thousands of years. These fish are now protected because overfishing made them rare.
Female arapaimas carry their babies in their mouths to protect them. The babies stay close to their parents for several months. Arapaimas are important for the Amazon River ecosystem.
17. Argali
Argalis are large wild sheep that live in the mountains of Asia. They are the biggest wild sheep in the world. Male argalis have huge curved horns that can weigh up to 75 pounds. They live in rocky, mountainous areas.
These sheep are excellent climbers and can move easily on steep mountain slopes. Argalis eat grass, herbs, and shrubs. They migrate to different areas depending on the season to find food.
Argalis live in herds that can have hundreds of animals. In winter, they move to lower areas where there is less snow. These sheep have thick wool that keeps them warm in cold mountain weather.
Argalis are hunted by snow leopards, wolves, and lynx. They are also threatened by habitat loss and hunting by humans. Conservation efforts are working to protect argali populations.
18. Atlas Moth
Atlas moths are some of the largest moths in the world. They live in tropical forests of Asia. These moths have beautiful wings with patterns that look like snake heads. The patterns help scare away predators.
Atlas moths have a wingspan that can be almost 12 inches wide. They are mostly active at night and are attracted to lights. Adult atlas moths do not eat anything and live only to mate and lay eggs.
The caterpillars of atlas moths are large and green. They eat leaves from trees and grow very big before turning into moths. People in some countries raise atlas moths for their silk cocoons.
These moths are important pollinators for some plants. They help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from flower to flower. Atlas moths are beautiful insects that many people enjoy watching.
19. Aye-aye
Aye-ayes are strange-looking primates that live only in Madagascar. They have long, thin middle fingers that they use to tap on trees and find insects. Aye-ayes are nocturnal, which means they are active at night.
These animals have large ears, yellow eyes, and bushy tails. They make ball-shaped nests in trees where they sleep during the day. Aye-ayes eat insects, nuts, and fruit. They are the only primates that use tools to find food.
Aye-ayes are endangered because people in Madagascar think they bring bad luck. Many forests where they live have been cut down. Scientists are working to protect aye-ayes and teach people that they are harmless.
These unique animals are related to lemurs. They are about the size of a house cat. Aye-ayes are important for the forests of Madagascar because they help control insect populations.
20. Anteater
Anteaters are mammals that eat ants and termites. There are four types of anteaters, and they all live in Central and South America. Giant anteaters are the biggest and can be 6 feet long. They have long snouts and tongues.
These animals use their strong claws to tear open ant and termite nests. Their tongues can be 2 feet long and are covered with sticky saliva. Anteaters can eat thousands of ants in one day.
Anteaters have no teeth, so they swallow their food whole. They have thick fur that protects them from ant bites. Giant anteaters carry their babies on their backs. The babies stay with their mothers for about a year.
Anteaters are important for controlling ant and termite populations. They are threatened by habitat loss and hunting. Some anteaters are small and live in trees, while others are large and live on the ground.
Conclusion
This article covered many animals that start with the letter A. You learned about domestic animals like alpacas, Angus cattle, and Angora rabbits that people keep on farms or as pets. You also read about wild animals like alligators, aardvarks, and Arctic foxes that live in nature.
Each animal that starts with A has its own special way of living. Some are big and some are small. Some live in water and others live on land. Some eat plants and others eat meat. All of these animals are important parts of nature.
Learning about animals by alphabet is a fun way to discover new creatures. You can continue learning about animals that start with other letters too. Each letter has its own interesting animals to learn about.