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Animals That Start With The Letter H

Updated: Aug 14, 2023

Hold onto your curiosity hats, because we're about to hop into the habitat of animals that headline the animal kingdom with the hearty letter "H"! From the high-fliers to the hide-and-seek champions, get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming tour through the animal alphabet's most captivating characters. With howls, honks, and a hint of hijinks, these "H"-powered animals are ready to hog the spotlight with their tales and talents. So, let's huddle up for a hilarious and hair-raising adventure as we uncover the fascinating stories of the animals that start with the letter "H"!


Let's Explore Animals That Start With The Letter H!

Hammerhead Shark swimming in the ocean.

Hammerhead Shark

Hammerhead sharks are a group of sharks that are characterized by their distinctive hammer-shaped heads. There are nine different species of hammerhead sharks, including the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), and the smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena). Hammerhead sharks are found in warm, tropical waters around the world, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They are generally large sharks, with some species reaching lengths of over 6 meters. Hammerhead sharks are known for their unique head shape, which is thought to help them detect prey more effectively by increasing their sensory range.


Closeup of Hamster on a table.

Hamster

Hamsters are small, cute, and popular pets. They are rodents that belong to the family Cricetidae and are native to Europe, Asia, and parts of the Middle East. There are several different species of hamsters, including the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), also known as the golden hamster, which is the most common species kept as a pet. Hamsters are known for their small size, round bodies, and short, fluffy fur. They are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. Hamsters are generally docile and can make good pets for children and adults. They are generally easy to care for and do not require a lot of space. However, they do need a cage with plenty of bedding, food, and water, as well as toys and other items to keep them entertained.


Hare in the wild.

Hare

Hares are mammals that belong to the family Leporidae, which also includes rabbits. They are similar to rabbits, but they are generally larger, have longer ears, and have longer hind legs that allow them to run faster and jump farther. Hares are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and tundra, and are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. There are several different species of hares, including the jackrabbit, the European hare, and the snowshoe hare. Hares are herbivores, meaning they feed on plants. They have a varied diet that includes grasses, herbs, and twigs. Hares are known for their high reproductive rate and are able to produce multiple litters of offspring per year.


Harpy Eagle in the wild.

Harpy Eagle

The harpy eagle is a large, powerful bird of prey that is found in the rainforests of Central and South America. It is a member of the Accipitridae family, which also includes hawks, eagles, and kites. The harpy eagle is known for its striking appearance, with a distinctive white head, black crown, and grey body. It has powerful, talon-like claws and a sharp, hooked beak that it uses to hunt and capture prey. The harpy eagle is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 2 meters. It is a top predator in its ecosystem and feeds on a variety of prey, including monkeys, sloths, and birds. The harpy eagle is considered to be endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.


Two Hartebeests in the wild.

Hartebeest

The hartebeest, also known as the kongoni, is a type of antelope native to Africa. It is a large animal with a characteristic sloping back, long face, and thin legs. Hartebeest are social animals and are often found in herds of up to several hundred individuals. They are herbivores and feed on grasses and other vegetation. There are several different subspecies of hartebeest, including the red hartebeest, Coke's hartebeest, and the hirola. Hartebeest are classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and hunting.


Hawk sitting in a tall tree.

Hawk

Hawks are a group of birds of prey in the family Accipitridae, which includes species such as eagles, kites, and harriers. Hawks are known for their keen eyesight and strong grasping feet, which they use to catch and kill their prey. They can be found in a variety of habitats around the world, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Hawks come in a range of sizes, with some species having wingspans of more than 5 feet. Do you have any specific questions about hawks?


Hedgehog standing in fall leaves.

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are known for the sharp spines on their backs, which they use for defense against predators. Hedgehogs are nocturnal animals and spend most of the day sleeping in dens or burrows. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of insects, small vertebrates, and fruits and vegetables. In some parts of the world, hedgehogs are kept as pets. However, it is important to research the specific care requirements of hedgehogs before bringing one into your home, as they have specific dietary and housing needs.


Hermit Crab in an aquarium.

Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs are small crustaceans that are known for their habit of living in abandoned snail shells or other hollow objects. They are called "hermit" crabs because they are solitary animals that typically live alone, although they may be found in groups in the wild. There are many different species of hermit crabs, ranging in size from less than an inch to several inches in length. Hermit crabs are scavengers and will eat a variety of food items, including plants, algae, and small animals. They are often kept as pets and are popular due to their low maintenance and interesting behavior.


Heron flying over pond.

Heron

Herons are a group of wading birds known for their long legs, sharp beaks, and elegant posture. They are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and shorelines, and are known for their ability to stand motionless for long periods of time as they wait to catch fish and other small prey. There are many different species of herons, including the great blue heron, the green heron, and the black-crowned night heron. Herons are generally quiet birds, but some species may make loud, rasping calls. They are often seen as symbols of grace and patience.


Bowl filled with multiple Herring fish.

Herring

Herring is a type of small, oily fish that is found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It is an important food source for both humans and a wide variety of animals, including seabirds, whales, and other fish. Herring are typically found in large schools and are harvested using a variety of methods, including seine netting and trawling. They are a popular food fish and are often pickled, smoked, or salted for preservation. In addition to being eaten as a food, herring are also used as bait in recreational and commercial fishing.


Hippopotamus drinking water.

Hippopotamus

Hippopotamuses, or hippos, are large, semi-aquatic mammals native to Africa. They are one of the heaviest land animals, weighing up to 3 tons. Hippos are found in a variety of habitats, including rivers, lakes, and swamps, and are known for their large, barrel-shaped bodies and short, stumpy legs. They are herbivorous and spend most of their time in the water or mud, only coming ashore to graze on grass at night. Despite their docile appearance, hippos are aggressive animals and can be very dangerous to humans. They are known to attack boats and people who come too close to them.


Hornbill sitting on a branch in the wild.

Hornbill

Hornbills are a group of tropical birds known for their distinctive beaks, which are long and curved and often have a horn-like protrusion on the top. Hornbills are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and grasslands, and are known for their colorful plumage and loud calls. There are many different species of hornbills, ranging in size from about a foot long to more than 3 feet long. Hornbills are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including fruit, insects, and small animals. Some species of hornbills are considered endangered due to habitat loss and hunting.


Hornet sitting on a leaf.

Hornet

Hornets are large, predatory insects that belong to the same family as wasps and yellow jackets. They are known for their ability to sting and their nests, which are made of a papery material and can be found in trees, shrubs, or other protected areas. Hornets are social insects and live in colonies, with a hierarchical structure consisting of a queen, workers, and drones. Hornets are carnivorous and feed on other insects, which they catch and bring back to the nest to feed to their young. Some species of hornets are considered pests because they can sting humans and animals, although they are generally not aggressive unless provoked.


A mother horse standing with her colt.

Horse

Horses are large, hoofed mammals that are known for their strong muscles, agile movements, and intelligence. They are one of the most iconic and beloved domesticated animals, and have been used for transportation, work, and recreation for centuries. There are many different breeds of horses, which vary in size, shape, and color, and are bred for a variety of purposes, including racing, riding, and draft work. Horses are herbivorous and require a diet of hay, grains, and other roughage to stay healthy. They are also social animals and are often kept in herds or pairs.


Horseshoe Crab in the wild.

Horseshoe Crab

The horseshoe crab is a marine arthropod that is closely related to spiders and scorpions. They are called horseshoe crabs because of the shape of their bodies, which resemble a horseshoe. Horseshoe crabs are ancient animals that have been around for over 445 million years. They are found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States and in parts of Asia. Horseshoe crabs are often used as bait for eel and conch fishing, and their blue blood is used in medical laboratories for testing for bacterial contamination.


Howler Monkey carrying infant on her back while climbing on top of a roof.

Howler Monkey

Howler monkeys are large primates that are native to Central and South America. They get their name from the loud howling calls that they make, which can be heard from up to 3 miles (5 km) away. Howler monkeys are known for their long, thick fur, which is usually black or brown in color. They have a prehensile tail that they use to grasp branches and other objects, and they are skilled climbers. Howler monkeys live in large social groups and are herbivorous, feeding on leaves, fruit, and flowers. They are an important seed disperser in their ecosystem.


  Hummingbird flying in the sky.

Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are small birds known for their ability to fly at high speeds and hover in mid-air by flapping their wings rapidly. There are more than 300 species of hummingbirds, and they are found in the Americas, from Alaska to the tip of South America. Hummingbirds are important pollinators and play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are also known for their bright, iridescent feathers and their long, slender beaks, which they use to extract nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds are able to fly faster than any other bird, and they are able to fly backwards and upside down. They are also able to regulate their body temperature and metabolism to allow them to survive on a diet of mostly nectar.


Humpback Whale jumping out of the water.

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are a type of cetacean, a group of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises. They are known for their distinctive humpback shape, long pectoral fins, and distinctive black and white coloring. Humpback whales are found in all the world's oceans and are known for their complex vocalizations and acrobatic displays, such as breaching and tail slapping. They are known to migrate long distances, often traveling thousands of miles each year. Humpback whales are endangered and are protected by international law. They are threatened by hunting, entanglement in fishing gear, and habitat loss.


Hyena in the wild.

Hyena

Hyenas are large carnivorous mammals that are native to Africa and parts of Asia. There are four species of hyena: the spotted hyena, the brown hyena, the striped hyena, and the aardwolf. Hyenas are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth, which they use to kill and eat their prey. They are social animals and live in large groups called clans. In some species, the females are larger and more dominant than the males. Hyenas are known for their distinctive calls, which are often depicted in media as maniacal laughter. They are also known for their habit of scavenging, or feeding on the remains of other animals.


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