Animals That Start With M | List & Examples
Many people search for animal names by specific letters for various reasons. Students might need examples for school projects, parents could be helping with homework, or animal lovers may want to expand their knowledge. This article covers animals that start with the letter M, from common pets to wild creatures found around the world.
Here’s the simple list of animals that start with M :
- Macaw
- Maine Coon
- Maltese
- Manatee
- Mandrill
- Manta Ray
- Marmoset
- Moose
- Mouse
- Meerkat
- Magpie
- Mallard
- Mongoose
- Monkey
- Mantis
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mole
- Marten
- Mockingbird
- Millipede
- Mink
- Mastiff
- Marlin
- Mule
- Muskrat
- Mussel
- Mackerel
- Malamute
- Marbled Cat
- Margay
- Markhor
- Marmot
- Marsupial
- Masked Palm Civet
- Meadowlark
- Merganser
- Midge
- Minke Whale
- Molly
- Monitor Lizard
- Moorhen
- Moray Eel
- Mudskipper
- Muflon
- Mullet
- Muntjac
- Muskox
- Mynah Bird
- Marbled Salamander
- Mexican Hairless Dog
- Miniature Pinscher
- Mole Rat
- Mountain Goat
- Mountain Lion
- Mudpuppy
- Mule Deer
Check out the animals that start with the letter N
Domestic Animal Names That Start With M
Here’s the simple list of domestic animals that start with M :
- Maine Coon
- Maltese
- Mastiff
- Malamute
- Mexican Hairless Dog
- Miniature Pinscher
- Molly
- Mouse
- Mule
- Miniature Horse
- Manx Cat
- Munchkin Cat
- Muscovy Duck
1. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds in the world. These cats can weigh up to 25 pounds and are known for their long, fluffy coats and friendly personalities.
Maine Coons come from the state of Maine in the United States. They have thick fur that helps them survive cold winters. Their coats come in many colors and patterns.
These cats are very social and get along well with children and other pets. They are often called “gentle giants” because of their large size and calm nature. Maine Coons are also known for making chirping sounds instead of regular meowing.
2. Maltese
The Maltese is a small toy dog breed that weighs between 4 to 7 pounds. These dogs have long, silky white coats that feel very soft to touch. They are popular pets because of their small size and loving nature.
Maltese dogs have been around for over 2,000 years. They were first bred on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea. Rich people in ancient times loved these dogs as companions.
These dogs are very loyal to their owners and can be protective despite their tiny size. They need regular grooming to keep their coats looking beautiful. Maltese dogs are good apartment pets because they don’t need a lot of space to be happy.
3. Mastiff
The Mastiff is one of the heaviest dog breeds, with males weighing up to 230 pounds. These dogs are gentle and calm, making them good family pets despite their large size.
Mastiffs have been around for thousands of years. They were used as guard dogs and war dogs in ancient times. Today, they are mostly kept as family pets and companions.
These dogs have short coats that are easy to care for. They come in colors like fawn, apricot, and brindle. Mastiffs are known for being patient with children and having a protective nature toward their families.
4. Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is a large working dog breed that was bred to pull heavy sleds. These dogs have thick, double coats that keep them warm in very cold weather.
Malamutes were first bred by the Inuit people of Alaska. They used these dogs to transport goods and people across frozen land. The dogs are built for strength and endurance rather than speed.
These dogs are very friendly and social. They love being around people and other dogs. Malamutes need a lot of exercise and do best with active families who can give them plenty of physical activity.
5. Mexican Hairless Dog
The Mexican Hairless Dog, also called the Xoloitzcuintli, is an ancient breed that comes in three sizes. Most of these dogs have no hair, but some have a short coat.
This breed is over 3,000 years old and was considered sacred by the Aztecs. They believed these dogs could guide souls to the underworld. The dogs were also used for warmth and healing purposes.
Mexican Hairless Dogs are calm and loyal pets. Their skin feels warm to touch, which made them popular as natural heating pads. They need sunscreen and special skin care because they have no fur to protect them.
Wild Animal Names That Start With M
Here’s the simple list of wild animals that start with M :
- Macaw
- Manatee
- Mandrill
- Manta Ray
- Marmoset
- Moose
- Meerkat
- Magpie
- Mallard
- Mongoose
- Monkey
- Mantis
- Mosquito
- Moth
- Mole
- Marten
- Mockingbird
- Millipede
- Mink
- Marlin
6. Macaw
Macaws are large, colorful parrots that live in South and Central America. These birds can grow up to 40 inches long and have bright feathers in colors like red, blue, yellow, and green.
Most macaws live in rainforests where they eat fruits, nuts, and seeds. They have very strong beaks that can crack open hard nuts. Macaws are excellent fliers and can reach speeds of up to 35 miles per hour.
These birds are very intelligent and can learn to mimic human speech. They live in flocks and are very social with other macaws. Sadly, many macaw species are endangered because their forest homes are being destroyed.
7. Manatee
Manatees are large, gentle marine mammals that live in warm coastal waters. These animals can weigh up to 1,200 pounds and grow 13 feet long. They are also called sea cows because they graze on underwater plants.
Manatees live in shallow waters in Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. They spend most of their time eating seagrass and other water plants. A manatee can eat up to 150 pounds of plants each day.
These animals are very peaceful and move slowly through the water. They need to come to the surface to breathe air every few minutes. Manatees are endangered because boat propellers often hurt them when they swim near the surface.
8. Mandrill
The mandrill is the largest monkey in the world. Male mandrills can weigh up to 80 pounds and have bright blue and red coloring on their faces. The brighter the colors, the more dominant the male is.
Mandrills live in the rainforests of central Africa. They spend most of their time on the ground but sleep in trees at night. These monkeys eat fruits, seeds, bark, and sometimes insects.
Mandrills live in large groups called hordes that can have over 1,000 members. They are very social animals and communicate through sounds, gestures, and facial expressions. Female mandrills are much smaller than males and have less colorful faces.
9. Manta Ray
Manta rays are the largest rays in the ocean, with wingspans that can reach 23 feet across. These gentle giants glide through the water by flapping their large, wing-like fins.
Manta rays live in warm ocean waters around the world. They feed by swimming with their mouths open to catch tiny sea creatures called plankton. These rays are filter feeders, meaning they strain food from the water.
Despite their large size, manta rays are harmless to humans. They are very intelligent and have been seen playing and interacting with divers. Each manta ray has unique spot patterns on its belly, like human fingerprints.
10. Marmoset
Marmosets are small monkeys that live in the rainforests of South America. These tiny primates weigh only about one pound and are known for their long, fluffy tails and tufted ears.
Most marmosets live in the Amazon rainforest where they eat tree sap, fruits, and insects. They have special teeth that help them bite into tree bark to get the sweet sap inside.
Marmosets are very social and live in family groups. They communicate through high-pitched calls and scent marking. Baby marmosets usually come in pairs of twins, and the whole family helps take care of them.
11. Moose
The moose is the largest member of the deer family. Male moose can weigh up to 1,800 pounds and stand 6 feet tall at the shoulder. They have large, flat antlers that can span 6 feet across.
Moose live in northern forests in Canada, Alaska, and some northern U.S. states. They prefer areas with lakes and swamps where they can find their favorite foods like water lilies and other aquatic plants.
These animals are excellent swimmers and can dive up to 20 feet deep to reach underwater plants. Male moose lose their antlers every winter and grow new ones each spring. Despite their size, moose can run up to 35 miles per hour.
12. Meerkat
Meerkats are small mammals that live in the deserts of southern Africa. These social animals stand about 12 inches tall and are famous for standing upright on their hind legs to watch for danger.
Meerkats live in underground burrow systems called warrens. These burrows can be 5 feet deep and have many tunnels and chambers. A family group of meerkats is called a mob or gang.
While some meerkats look for food, others stand guard and watch for predators like eagles and snakes. When a guard spots danger, it makes a warning call that sends the whole group running to safety. Meerkats eat insects, small reptiles, and eggs.
13. Magpie
Magpies are intelligent black and white birds that belong to the crow family. These birds are known for their long tails and their ability to mimic sounds, including human speech.
Magpies live in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. They build large, dome-shaped nests in trees and prefer open areas with scattered trees.
These birds are very smart and can solve complex problems. They are one of the few animals that can recognize themselves in a mirror. Magpies eat a varied diet that includes insects, small animals, eggs, and fruits.
14. Mallard
The mallard is the most common duck in the world. Male mallards have bright green heads and white neck rings, while females are brown with orange and brown bills.
Mallards live on ponds, lakes, and rivers throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. They are dabbling ducks, which means they feed by tipping forward in the water to reach underwater plants.
These ducks are very adaptable and can live in both wild and urban areas. Mallards migrate south in winter but return to the same breeding areas each spring. They are the ancestors of most domestic ducks.
15. Mongoose
Mongooses are small, agile mammals famous for their ability to fight venomous snakes. These quick animals have long bodies, short legs, and can move very fast when hunting or escaping danger.
Most mongooses live in Africa and southern Asia. They prefer areas with rocks and bushes where they can hide from predators. Mongooses eat insects, small mammals, birds, and eggs.
The mongoose’s quick reflexes and thick fur help protect it from snake bites. They are immune to some snake venoms, which makes them effective snake hunters. Mongooses are very social and often live in large family groups.
16. Monkey
Monkeys are primates that live in many parts of the world. There are over 250 different species of monkeys, ranging from tiny pygmy marmosets to large baboons.
Most monkeys live in tropical forests, but some species live in mountains, grasslands, and even cities. They eat fruits, leaves, insects, and sometimes small animals depending on their species.
Monkeys are very intelligent and social animals. They use tools, solve problems, and have complex communication systems. Many monkey species are endangered because their forest homes are being destroyed by humans.
17. Mantis
The praying mantis is an insect known for its prayer-like front legs and excellent hunting skills. These insects can turn their heads 180 degrees to look around for prey.
Mantises live all over the world in gardens, forests, and grasslands. They are ambush predators, meaning they sit very still and wait for insects to come close before striking.
These insects are beneficial to gardens because they eat many pest insects. Female mantises are famous for sometimes eating the male’s head during mating. Mantises can live for about one year and lay their eggs in foam cases.
18. Mosquito
Mosquitoes are small flying insects found all over the world. Only female mosquitoes bite humans and animals to get blood, which they need to produce eggs.
These insects breed in standing water, from large ponds to small puddles. Mosquito larvae live in water and eat tiny organisms before transforming into flying adults.
While mosquitoes are annoying, they also serve as food for many animals like birds, bats, and fish. However, some mosquito species can spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever to humans.
19. Moth
Moths are insects closely related to butterflies. There are over 160,000 species of moths worldwide, making them one of the most diverse insect groups.
Most moths are active at night and are attracted to lights. They have feathery or thread-like antennae and hold their wings horizontally when at rest. Moths live in almost every habitat on Earth.
Many moths are important pollinators for night-blooming flowers. Some moth species, like the hummingbird moth, fly during the day and look like tiny hummingbirds. Moth caterpillars eat leaves and can sometimes be garden pests.
20. Mole
Moles are small mammals that live most of their lives underground. These animals have powerful front feet with large claws for digging tunnels through soil.
Moles live in underground tunnel systems that can extend for hundreds of feet. They eat earthworms, insect larvae, and other small creatures they find in the soil.
Most moles are nearly blind because they don’t need to see in their dark tunnels. They have an excellent sense of touch and can detect vibrations in the ground. Moles rarely come above ground except to find new territory.
This article covered many different animals that start with the letter M, from beloved pets like Maine Coons and Maltese dogs to wild creatures like moose and meerkats. These animals show the amazing diversity of life on Earth, from tiny insects to massive marine mammals. Each animal has special features that help it survive in its environment. Learning about animals that start with M can help you appreciate the natural world and maybe discover some new favorite creatures.
