37 Animals that Starts with the Letter B: A Complete List

Have you ever watched a Bengal tiger stalk its prey or seen a blue whale breach the ocean’s surface? These are just two incredible creatures in nature’s “b” collection.

This guide reveals notable animals, each with its own extraordinary story.

Beyond the familiar bears and bison roaming the North American wilderness, there are hidden gems like the colorful blue tang fish (yes, just like dory!) and the charming bearded reedling bird, which has distinctive mustache-like feathers.

These animals showcase nature’s vast creativity – from the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird, to some of its most powerful predators.

For a school project or out of pure curiosity, get ready to be impressed by these distinguished creatures. They all share one simple thing: beginning with the letter b.

List of Animals that Start with the Letter B

1. Baboon

Baboons are large primates known for their dog-like snouts, sharp canines, and social nature. They live in large troops and communicate using vocalizations, facial expressions, and gestures. 

Name	Baboon
Scientific name	Papio (genus)
Habitat	Savannas, woodlands, hills
Diet	Omnivorous

 

Fun facts:

• Baboons have an excellent sense of hearing and can pick up sounds over long distances.
• They use tools like sticks to help them forage for food.

2. Badger

Badgers are stout, burrowing mammals recognized for their black-and-white striped faces.

They are powerful diggers who create elaborate tunnel systems (setts). They are mostly nocturnal, help control insect populations, and often feed on small animals, fruits, and worms.

Name	Badger
Scientific name	Meles meles (European) or Taxidea taxus (American)
Habitat	Woodlands, farmland, grasslands
Diet	Omnivorous

 

Fun facts:

• Badgers can dig up to 5 meters in one night to create their homes, called setts.
• Their strong claws are adapted for digging, and they can even dig through concrete in search of food!

3. Bandicoot

Bandicoots are small, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia. Their elongated snouts and strong hind legs allow them to hop and dig for food. Their pouch, which opens backward, helps keep dirt out while burrowing.

Name	Bandicoot
Scientific name	Family Peramelidae
Habitat	Australian forests, grasslands
Diet	Omnivorous

Fun facts:

• Bandicoots are nocturnal and have a highly developed sense of smell to locate food.
• The name “bandicoot” comes from the Telugu word “pandikokku,” which means “pig rat.”

4. Barn owl

The barn owl is one of the most widespread owl species. Its heart-shaped face and nearly silent flight make it an efficient night hunter, and its exceptional hearing allows it to locate prey in complete darkness.

Name	Barn owl
Scientific name	Tyto alba
Habitat	Worldwide (farmlands, grasslands)
Diet	Carnivorous (small prey)

Fun facts:

• Barn owls can hear high-frequency sounds, which helps them hunt in total darkness.
• Their heart-shaped face helps funnel sound to their ears, allowing them to hear prey from far away.

5. Barracuda

Barracudas are fast, predatory fish with elongated bodies, sharp teeth, and powerful jaws. They are found in tropical and subtropical oceans and can strike their prey at lightning speed.

Name	Barracuda
Scientific name	Genus Sphyraena
Habitat	Tropical & subtropical oceans
Diet	Carnivorous (fish)

Fun facts:

• Barracudas can swim up to 36 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest fish in the ocean.
• Their sharp teeth and streamlined bodies make them formidable predators of smaller fish.

6. Basilisk

The green basilisk, often called the “Jesus Christ lizard,” inhabits Central American rainforests and is famous for its ability to run across water using its specialized hind legs.

Name	Basilisk (green basilisk)
Scientific name	Basiliscus plumifrons
Habitat	Central American rainforests
Diet	Omnivorous

Fun facts:

• The green basilisk can run up to 20 meters per second across the water, using its large feet to create small air pockets.
• In addition to running on water, they are also expert climbers, using their prehensile tails for support.

7. Bison

Bison are massive, shaggy-haired mammals native to North American plains. Once hunted to near extinction, these iconic herbivores have been successfully reintroduced in protected areas.

Name	Bison
Scientific name	Bison bison
Habitat	North American plains, grasslands
Diet	Herbivorous (grasses)

Fun facts:

• Bison can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and run at speeds of 35 miles per hour.
• Their thick fur helps them survive harsh winters in the North American plains.

8. Bats

Bats are the only true flying mammals found on every continent except Antarctica. Many species use echolocation to navigate and hunt, emitting high-frequency calls and interpreting the echoes.

Name	Bat
Scientific name	Order Chiroptera
Habitat	Worldwide (caves, trees, buildings)
Diet	Insectivorous or frugivorous (species-dependent)

Fun facts:

• Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. Their wingspan ranges from a few inches to over six feet.
• Some bat species can consume up to 1,000 insects in a single night.

9. Beaver

Beavers are semi-aquatic rodents best known for their dam-building behavior. They build lodges using sticks, mud, and stones and modify water flow, which benefits local ecosystems.

Name	Beaver
Scientific name	Genus Castor
Habitat	Rivers, streams, ponds
Diet	Herbivorous (bark, leaves)

Fun facts:

• Beavers can chew through trees with their sharp teeth and build dams that can alter ecosystems.
• A single beaver dam can create a pond that provides a habitat for many other species.

10. Bee

Bees are crucial pollinators that help fertilize a large percentage of the world’s food crops. They live in well-organized colonies with a queen, workers, and drones, producing honey and wax.

Name	Bee
Scientific name	Genus Apis (honey bees), among others
Habitat	Worldwide
Diet	Herbivorous (nectar, pollen)

Fun facts:

• A single bee can visit up to 5,000 flowers in a single day while searching for nectar.
• Bees are the only insect that produces food consumed by humans, namely honey.

11. Beetle

Beetles comprise the largest order of insects, with hundreds of thousands of species. Their hardened forewings (elytra) protect the more delicate hind wings and abdomen.

Name	Beetle
Scientific name	Order Coleoptera
Habitat	Worldwide (varied habitats)
Diet	Varied (plants, detritus, other insects)

Fun facts:

• Beetles are the largest group of animals on Earth, with over 350,000 species.
• Some beetles can carry objects up to 850 times their body weight.

12. Beluga whale

Also called the “sea canary” for their wide range of vocalizations, beluga whales have distinctive white skin and a flexible neck. They inhabit cold Arctic and subarctic waters.

Name	Beluga whale
Scientific name	Delphinapterus leucas
Habitat	Arctic & subarctic waters
Diet	Carnivorous (fish, crustaceans)

Fun facts:

• Belugas have an impressive vocal range and are known for their chirps, whistles, and clicks.
• They can turn their heads from side to side thanks to their flexible necks, which helps them communicate.

13. Bengal tiger

Bengal tigers are powerful, striped felines native to the Indian subcontinent. They are one of the largest tiger subspecies known for their distinctive orange coats with black stripes.

Name	Bengal tiger
Scientific name	Panthera tigris tigris
Habitat	Indian subcontinent (forests, grasslands)
Diet	Carnivorous (large prey)

Fun facts:

• Bengal tigers can jump up to 10 meters in a single bound to catch prey.
• These tigers are solitary animals, marking their territory with distinct scent marks.

14. Bernese mountain dog

The Bernese mountain dog is a large, sturdy working breed originally from the Swiss Alps. It has a thick tricolor coat and is known for its gentle temperament and loyalty.

Name	Bernese mountain dog
Scientific name	Canis lupus familiaris
Habitat	Domesticated (originally Swiss Alps)
Diet	Omnivorous (typical domestic dog feed)

Fun facts:

• Bernese mountain dogs were originally bred to work as farm dogs in the Swiss Alps.
• Despite their large size, they are known for their gentle temperament and are great family pets.

15. Bilby

Bilbies are small, nocturnal marsupials with long ears and an elongated snout. They inhabit arid regions of Australia and are known for their burrowing habits.

Name	Bilby
Scientific name	Genus Macrotis
Habitat	Australian deserts, grasslands
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, seeds, bulbs)

Fun facts:

• Bilbies have a long, soft, and silky fur that helps them stay insulated in Australia’s deserts.
• They are nocturnal and use their long ears to detect predators and prey in the dark.

16. Binturong

Also called the “bearcat,” the binturong is native to south and southeast Asia. It has a prehensile tail and emits a scent reminiscent of popcorn.

Name	Binturong
Scientific name	Arctictis binturong
Habitat	South & southeast asian rainforests
Diet	Omnivorous (fruits, small animals)

Fun facts:

• Binturongs are also known as “bearcats” because of their physical resemblance to bears and cats.
• They emit a scent similar to popcorn due to a chemical in their glands.

17. Black Bear

Black bears are the most common bear species in North America. They are highly adaptable and live in forests, swamps, and even near urban areas.

Name	Black bear
Scientific name	Ursus americanus
Habitat	North American forests
Diet	Omnivorous

Fun facts:

• Black bears are excellent swimmers who can cross rivers and lakes for food.
• Despite their name, black bears can have fur in colors ranging from black to brown to even cinnamon.

18. Black Mamba

The Black Mamba is one of the world’s fastest and most venomous snakes. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa, and its bite delivers a highly potent neurotoxic venom.

Name	Black mamba
Scientific name	Dendroaspis polylepis
Habitat	Sub-saharan Africa (savannas, woodlands)
Diet	Carnivorous (small mammals, birds)

Fun facts:

• The black mamba is the fastest snake on land, capable of speeds up to 12 miles per hour.
• Their venom is so potent that it can kill a human in less than 30 minutes if untreated.

19. Blobfish

The blobfish is a deep-sea fish found on the coasts of Australia and Tasmania. Its gelatinous body is adapted to the high-pressure environment of the deep ocean and appears “blobby” when brought to the surface.

Name	Blobfish
Scientific name	Psychrolutes marcidus
Habitat	Deep Ocean (Australia, Tasmania)
Diet	Carnivorous (crustaceans)

Fun facts:

• Blobfish live at 600 meters or more depths, where pressure is several dozen times higher than at sea level.
• Due to the pressure difference, blobfish look quite different on the surface and become gelatinous.

20. Blue Whale

The blue whale is the largest animal ever lived on Earth, surpassing even the biggest dinosaurs. It feeds primarily on tiny krill and strains massive volumes of water through its baleen plates.

Name	Blue whale
Scientific name	Balaenoptera musculus
Habitat	All major oceans
Diet	Carnivorous (krill)

Fun facts:

• Blue whales are so large that their tongues alone can weigh as much as an elephant.
• Despite their size, blue whales feed on the tiniest of creatures: krill.

21. Boa Constrictor

The boa constrictor is a large, non-venomous snake found in tropical regions of Central and South America. It subdues prey by coiling around it and applying pressure (constriction).

Name	Boa constrictor
Scientific name	Boa constrictor
Habitat	Tropical forests (Central & South America)
Diet	Carnivorous (small mammals, birds)

Fun facts:

• Boa constrictors kill their prey by wrapping around it and squeezing it until it suffocates.
• They can grow to over 13 feet long and live up to 40 years in captivity.

22. Bobcat

The bobcat is a medium-sized wild cat native to North America. It has tufted ears and a short, “bobbed” tail. The bobcat feeds on small—to medium-sized prey.

Name	Bobcat
Scientific name	Lynx rufus
Habitat	North American forests, deserts, swamps
Diet	Carnivorous (small to medium prey)

Fun facts:

• Bobcats are highly adaptable and can live in various habitats, from forests to deserts.
• They are known for their stealth and are exceptional hunters, capable of catching prey larger than themselves.

23. Boar

The board, or wild boar, is the wild ancestor of domestic pigs. It has thick fur and sharp tusks and is found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Boars are known for their adaptability and can thrive in various habitats.

Name	Boar
Scientific name	Sus scrofa (wild boar)
Habitat	Forests, grasslands, wetlands (Eurasia, Africa)
Diet	Omnivorous

Fun facts:

• Wild boars have been known to travel in groups called sounders, typically consisting of females and their young.
• They are powerful diggers who can root up the ground for food.

24. Bonobo

Bonobos are among humanity’s closest living relatives, sharing a significant portion of our genetic makeup. They are found in the Congo basin and are known for their matriarchal societies and peaceful interactions.

Name	Bonobo
Scientific name	Pan paniscus
Habitat	Rainforests of the Congo Basin
Diet	Omnivorous

Fun facts:

• Bonobos are closely related to chimpanzees, with about 98% of their DNA shared with humans.
• They are known for their peaceful, matriarchal society and sexual behaviors that help maintain social bonds.

25. Box Jellyfish

Box jellyfish, named for their cube-shaped bell, are considered some of Earth’s most venomous marine creatures. They inhabit tropical coastal regions, primarily in the Indo-Pacific.

Name	Box jellyfish
Scientific name	Class Cubozoa (e.g., Chironex fleckeri)
Habitat	Coastal waters (indo-pacific)
Diet	Carnivorous (small fish, crustaceans)

Fun facts:

• Box jellyfish are among the most venomous creatures in the world, capable of delivering a fatal sting.
• They have 24 eyes but can only see shadows and light, so they navigate the oceans using this limited vision.

26. Budgerigar

The budgerigar, often called a “budgie,” is a small, colorful parakeet native to Australia. It is popular as a pet worldwide due to its cheerful nature and ability to mimic sounds.

Name	Budgerigar
Scientific name	Melopsittacus undulatus
Habitat	Australian scrublands, open habitats
Diet	Herbivorous (seeds)

Fun facts:

• Budgerigars are excellent mimics, capable of learning and repeating sounds, including human speech.
• They are among the most common pet birds worldwide due to their small size and social nature.

27. Buffalo

“Buffalo” can refer to the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) or the domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). These large bovids are known for their imposing horns and herd behavior.

Name	Buffalo
Scientific name	Syncerus caffer Or Bubalus bubalis
Habitat	Grasslands, wetlands
Diet	Herbivorous (grasses)

Fun facts:

• Buffaloes are extremely strong and can defend themselves against predators like lions.
• They form strong herd bonds and are highly protective of one another.

28. Bumblebee

Bumblebees are robust, fuzzy pollinators that live in small colonies. They are mostly found in temperate regions and play a vital role in pollinating wildflowers and crops.

Name	Bumblebee
Scientific name	Genus Bombus
Habitat	Worldwide (primarily temperate regions)
Diet	Herbivorous (nectar, pollen)

Fun facts:

• Bumblebees can fly up to 15 miles per hour despite their small size.
• Unlike honeybees, bumblebees can fly in cooler temperatures and even light rain.

29. Bush Baby

Bush babies (or galagos) are small, nocturnal primates native to Africa. They have large eyes for night vision and powerful hind legs that enable them to leap great distances.

Name	Bushbaby
Scientific name	Genus Galago
Habitat	Sub-saharan African forests
Diet	Omnivorous (insects, fruits)

Fun facts:

• Bush babies have incredibly strong hind legs, allowing them to leap distances of up to 10 meters in one jump.
• They have large eyes that help them see in the dark, which is essential for their nocturnal lifestyle.

30. Bullfrog

Bullfrogs are large amphibians noted for their deep, resonant call. The American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is a voracious predator that feeds on insects, small rodents, and other frogs.

Name	Bullfrog
Scientific name	Lithobates catesbeianus (american bullfrog)
Habitat	North American ponds, swamps
Diet	Carnivorous (insects, small vertebrates)

Fun facts:

• Bullfrogs are known for their loud “jug-o-rum” call, which can be heard over long distances.
• They can live up to 10 years in the wild and grow more than 8 inches long.

31. Bullfinch

Bullfinches are small passerine birds found in woodlands and gardens across Europe and Asia. Males often sport bright red underparts, making them quite distinctive.

Name	Bullfinch
Scientific name	Genus Pyrrhula
Habitat	Woodlands, gardens (Eurasia)
Diet	Omnivorous (seeds, insects)

Fun facts:

• Bullfinches are famous for their beautiful, melodic song, which is often heard in woodlands and gardens.
• Males Have Bright Red Underparts, Which Stand Out Against the Green Background of Their Environment.

32. Bull Shark

The bull shark is unique among sharks in its ability to survive in salt and water. It frequently travels far up rivers. Bull sharks are aggressive predators found in warm, shallow coastal waters worldwide.

Name	Bull shark
Scientific name	Carcharhinus leucas
Habitat	Coastal waters, rivers (tropical & subtropical)
Diet	Carnivorous (fish, mammals)

Fun facts:

• Bull sharks are known for their aggressive behavior and are one of the few sharks that can survive in salt and freshwater.
• They Have Been Known to Travel Far up Rivers, Even as Far as The Mississippi River.

33. Burmese Python

The Burmese python is among the largest snake species in the world. Native to Southeast Asia, it’s become an invasive species in Florida, USA, disrupting local ecosystems.

Name	Burmese python
Scientific name	Python bivittatus
Habitat	Southeast Asian jungles, marshes
Diet	Carnivorous (small to medium mammals)

Fun facts:

• Burmese pythons are among the largest snakes in the world, with some reaching lengths over 18 feet.
• They are non-venomous and kill their prey through constriction, suffocating them.

34. Burro (donkey)

The burro (or donkey) is a domesticated descendant of the African wild ass. They are hardy working animals used worldwide for carrying loads and riding.

Name	Burro (donkey)
Scientific name	Equus africanus asinus
Habitat	Domesticated worldwide
Diet	Herbivorous (grasses, hay)

Fun facts:

• Donkeys are highly intelligent and can remember paths and locations for years.
• They have an excellent sense of hearing, which helps them detect danger from miles away.

35. Bustard

Bustards are large terrestrial birds found in open grasslands and semi-arid regions. Many species perform elaborate courtship displays involving puffing up their throats and fanning their tails.

Name	Bustard
Scientific name	Family Otididae
Habitat	Open grasslands, semi-arid regions
Diet	Omnivorous

Fun facts:

• Bustards are known for their spectacular courtship displays, which involve puffing up their throats and fanning their tails.
• Some species of bustards are capable of flight, although many prefer to stay grounded.

36. Bushmaster

The bushmaster is a genus of venomous pit vipers found in the rainforests of Central and South America. It is among the longest venomous snakes in the Western Hemisphere.

Name	Bushmaster
Scientific name	Genus Lachesis (e.g., Lachesis muta)
Habitat	Rainforests in Central & South America
Diet	Carnivorous (small mammals, birds)

Fun facts:

• The bushmaster is one of the longest venomous snakes in the Americas, reaching over 12 feet.
• These Snakes Live in The Rainforests of Central and South America, Where They Use Camouflage to Remain Hidden.

37. Bream

The term “bream” can refer to several species of fish found in both fresh and saltwater. Freshwater bream (Abramis brama) is common in Europe, while marine bream belongs to the family Sparidae.

Name	Bream
Scientific Name	Abramis Brama (freshwater) or Family Sparidae (marine)
Habitat	Freshwater/Marine (Eurasia, Worldwide)
Diet	Omnivorous

Fun Facts:

• Bream is highly sought after in freshwater and marine environments due to their delicious meat.
• They are social fish that often swim in schools, providing a spectacle for onlookers.

Wrapping It Up!

From the bustling beehives to the deep ocean where blue whales roam, we’ve investigated a vast variety of animals that start with B.

Each creature, big or small, plays a vital role in our world’s ecosystem.

Remember, this list of b animals is just a glimpse into our planet’s amazing diversity of wildlife. Some animals face challenges in the wild, and knowing about them is the first step toward protecting them.

We hope this guide has sparked your curiosity and deepened your appreciation for these creatures.

If you spotted your favorite animal or encountered a new one, there is always more to learn about the world of wildlife.

Feel free to share this guide with fellow animal lovers or use it as a resource for your next project!