Ultimate List: 65 Animals Names That Start with J

The world is home to an astonishing variety of animals names that start with J, each offering unique characteristics and fascinating stories. For instance, the jaguar stands as a symbol of power and mystery in the rainforests of Central and South America, illustrating the crucial role big cats play in their ecosystems.

Exploring these animals that start with J not only highlights their ecological importance but also invites a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of biodiversity on our planet. Each creature is a reminder of the diverse wonders that inhabit our world, waiting to be cherished and protected.

Why did we write this article? 

1. We share the Earth with animals and we each can benefit from understanding and appreciating the entire animal kingdom
2. Recognizing the importance of all creatures, big and small, can inspire us to make choices that benefit them and our planet.
3. As a good news website we have reported hundreds of good news stories about animals and we want it to be easier for you to enjoy them. Throughout this article, you’ll find links to good news stories about various animal species! We hope you get a chance to read a few and enjoy! 

We hope you discover something new and maybe even share a good news story about your favorite animal with a friend. 

Animals Names That Start with J 

• Jabiru
• Jacamar
• Jacana
• Jack
• Jack Crevalle
• Jack Russel
• Jack-Chi
• Jackabee
• Jackal
• Jackdaw
• Jackrabbit
• Jackson’s Chameleon
• Jagdterrier
• Jaglion
• Jaguar
• Jaguarundi
• Jaguarundi Cat
• Jamaican Boa
• Jamaican Iguana
• Jambu Fruit Dove
• Japanese Bantam Chicken
• Japanese Beetle
• Japanese Bush Warbler
• Japanese Chin
• Japanese Macaque
• Japanese Rat Snake
• Japanese Spider Crab
• Japanese Spitz
• Japanese Squirrel
• Japanese Terrier
• Javan Ferret-Badger
• Javan Leopard
• Javan Rhinoceros
• Javan Tiger
• Javanese
• Javelina
• Jay
• Jellyfish
• Jerboa
• Jerdon’s Courser
• Jewel Beetle
• Jocotoco Antpitta
• John Dory
• Jonah Crab
• Joro Spider
• Josephoartigasia Monesi
• Jumping Spider
• Jungle Carpet Python
• Jungle Cat
• Junglefowl

1. ‍Jabiru Animals Names That Start with J

Jabirus are the largest flying birds in the Americas. During their mating seasons, they weave large nests in trees that can be as big as 10 feet across. You may find up to six nests next to each other, some of which could belong to other species. These birds find most of their food in the wild, but they will seek out land animals and carrion during dry seasons. The red patches on their necks are featherless.

2. Jack Dempsey

Despite the beautiful scales of the Jack Dempsey fish, these sea creatures are aggressive with strong facial expressions. Thus, their personalities are why they’re named after 1920s boxer Jack Dempsey. Their scales may change colors slightly if their mood or water conditions suddenly change. Unusual color changes are a sign of illness. After laying their eggs, these fish protect their offspring until they hatch. Then, they raise the fry until they’re juveniles.

3. Jack Russell Terrier

Despite their small size, Jack Russell terriers are full of energy. They were bred as working dogs that could hunt alongside hounds. Jack Russells would squeeze into the dens of foxes and similar animals to scare the creatures out so hunters could capture them. If they’re not used as hunting dogs, Jack Russells need an owner that can devote lots of time to walks and playtime. They’re affectionate, but they tend to be loud and dominant toward other dogs without proper training.

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4. Jack Snipe

The speckled feathers of Jack snipes are used to help them blend into their surroundings. They wade through the water and stick their beak in the substrate to locate prey. When males want to attract a female, they will perform a dance while making sounds that resemble a galloping horse. Females lay three to four eggs at a time, and they hide them on land.

5. Jack-Knifefish

These fish stay close to the eastern coasts of North and South America, rarely going deeper than 200 feet. They can be bred in captivity, and luckily, the aquarium trade hasn’t harmed their wild population. When they’re scared, they’re more likely to hide than fight. However, they can be a threat to smaller fish in aquariums since they’ll try to eat them. They’re nocturnal and rarely adventure out into direct sunlight.

6. Jackal Buzzard

When protecting their territory, jackal buzzards will circle the air. While flying, they make sharp, loud sounds, similar to barking. They’re especially territorial during their breeding season, and they will attack any creatures that come near their nest. They build large nests out of sticks, and breeding pairs reuse the same nest every year. Females can lay up to three eggs, but the chick that hatches first will usually kill the younger siblings.

7. Jackson’s Chameleon

Jackson’s chameleons are known for the three large horns on their face, which they can use to fight or joust with if they feel threatened. Yet, only the males have horns. Like other chameleons, they have binocular-like eyes that allow them to zoom in. These lizards are one of the only reptiles that have live births instead of laying eggs. They keep themselves hydrated by drinking the dew off leaves. They are often kept as pets, but they do best living alone to avoid aggression.

8. Jackson’s Francolin

Jackson’s francolins, also known as Jackson’s spurfowl, are part of the pheasant family. They have a beautiful pattern of brown and silver feathers, along with bright red beaks and legs. They closely resemble scaly francolins, but they have a thin line of red skin around their eyes. They live in pairs or small groups, and they’re not fearful of humans. They make loud, rough vocalizations.

9. Jackson’s Hornbill

It’s easy to distinguish male and female Jackson’s hornbills because females have black bills and males have bright orange bills. They usually travel in pairs or small groups, and they’re especially drawn to dry areas. They look very similar to Von der Decken’s hornbill, but Jackson’s hornbills have white spots on their black wings. Their calls sound like deep clucks.

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10. Jackson’s Widowbird

Male Jackson’s widowbirds that are ready to breed have black feathers with a long, flowing tail. When it’s not a breeding season, the males shed their tails and change to a brown pattern similar to the females. To attract females during their mating season, males will jump in the air. Their population is near threatened because of habitat loss.

11. Jungle Cat

Jungle cats look like house cats, but they’re wild animals of Asia. Like other felines, they’re carnivorous and will hunt almost any small animals they can find. It’s hard for prey to escape their claws because they can run up to 20 miles per hour. To mark their territories, they rub their cheeks against objects and leave saliva behind. They’re mostly solitary except during their breeding season. In Ancient Egypt, people would mummify these wild cats and put them in tombs.

12. Joro Spider

While this intimidating spider is native to Asia, it has become an invasive species in some areas of the United States, such as Georgia. It’s thought that they traveled across the ocean on cargo ships. They can control insect pests, but people don’t want their large webs all over their properties. They’re venomous, but their bites aren’t dangerous to humans unless the person is allergic to the venom. This breed is named after a Japanese spider demon.

13. Jonah Crab

The preferred temperature of a Jonah crab is whatever temperature they become acclimated to. When water temperatures change, they will relocate to find an ideal spot. Jonah crabs are regularly captured and eaten by humans because their meat, claws, and legs are considered flavorful. The species is named after Jonah from the Bible, who a whale swallowed, because these crabs have bad luck with so many people hunting them.

14. John Dory

When John dories are approached by predators, they can confuse them by turning their bodies from side to side, making it look like they’re changing sizes. The dark spot in the middle of their bodies also provides confusion. They can be found anywhere from 15 to 1,200 feet below the ocean’s surface. To reproduce, females scatter their eggs throughout the sea floor, and males release sperm in the same area to fertilize the eggs externally.

15. Jeweled Chameleon

Jeweled chameleons, also known as Campan’s chameleons and Madagascar forest chameleons, only live in a small area of Madagascar. Their population is vulnerable because bushfires have led to habitat loss. These reptiles are ambush predators, so they will stay frozen in one place until prey approaches. Then, they’ll shoot their sticky tongue at the victim to capture their meal. When these chameleons hatch from their eggs, they’re only about 0.9 inches long.

Read More: 22+ Animal Names That Start With Q: From Quetzals to Quokkas

Conclusion

Our ultimate list of animals names that start with “J” highlights the incredible variety within the animal kingdom. Each entry showcases the beauty and complexity of nature, reminding us of the importance of every species. Whether it’s the agile jerboa or the colorful jackrabbit, each animal has a significant role to play.

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