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Animals That Start With The Letter J

Updated: Aug 14, 2023

Join the jubilant journey into the wild world of animals that jazz up the animal kingdom with the jazzy letter "J"! From the jittery jumpers to the jokers of the jungle, get ready to embark on a joyful jaunt through the animal alphabet's most jubilant members. With jingles, jests, and joyful tales, these "J"-powered animals are here to jazz up your day with their stories and antics. So, let's journey into the jigsaw puzzle of the animal world and explore the jive, the jokes, and the just plain jaw-dropping animals that start with the letter "J"!


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

Jaguar in the wilderness next to a stream.

Jaguar

The jaguar is a large cat that is native to the Americas. It is the third-largest cat in the world, after the tiger and the lion, and is known for its powerful jaws and sharp teeth. Jaguars are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and swamps. They are skilled predators, and will hunt a wide variety of animals, including deer, pigs, and even caiman. Jaguars are known for their distinctive coat, which is typically orange or yellow with black spots arranged in a circular pattern. They are an endangered species, and their population is declining due to habitat loss and other human-related activities.


jellyfish in the water.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish are marine invertebrates that belong to the phylum Cnidaria. They are known for their translucent, gelatinous bodies and their tentacles, which are equipped with stinging cells used for capturing prey. Jellyfish are found in all the world's oceans, and come in a wide range of sizes, from less than an inch to over eight feet in diameter. They are passive drifters, and are carried by ocean currents rather than actively propelling themselves through the water. Jellyfish are carnivorous, and they feed on a variety of small animals, including zooplankton and small fish. Some species of jellyfish are capable of reproducing asexually, and they can regenerate damaged tissue and regenerate lost tentacles.


jackal in the desert.

Jackal

The jackal is a small, carnivorous mammal that is native to Africa and Asia. There are several species of jackal, including the golden jackal, the black-backed jackal, and the side-striped jackal. Jackals are known for their distinctive calls, which sound like a series of high-pitched yaps. They are intelligent and adaptable animals, and are able to survive in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and forests. Jackals are omnivorous, and will feed on a wide variety of animals and plants, depending on what is available. They are known to be opportunistic predators, and will hunt small animals such as rodents and birds, as well as scavenge for food. Jackals are social animals, and are typically found in packs of around six individuals.


Jay sitting on a branch in a tree.

Jay

A jay is a type of colorful, crested bird that is found in wooded areas across the Northern Hemisphere. There are several species of jay, including the blue jay, the green jay, and the gray jay. Jays are known for their bright, distinctive plumage, which can be a variety of colors, including blue, green, gray, and brown. They are intelligent and curious birds, and are known to be adept at solving problems and finding food. Jays are omnivorous, and will feed on a wide variety of plants and animals, including nuts, seeds, insects, and even small reptiles and mammals. They are social birds, and are often found in small flocks. Some species of jay are known for their mimicry skills, and are able to imitate the calls of other birds.


Jerboa

The jerboa is a small, jumping rodent that is native to the desert regions of Asia and Africa. Jerboas are known for their long, thin hind legs and their ability to jump great distances. They are well-adapted to life in the desert, and are able to survive in hot, dry conditions. Jerboas are nocturnal, and they spend the day in burrows underground to avoid the heat. They are omnivorous, and will feed on a variety of plants and animals, including seeds, insects, and small rodents. Jerboas are social animals, and are often found in small groups. They are known for their distinctive calls, which sound like a series of clicks or chirps.


Closeup of Jabiru.

Jabiru

The jabiru is a large, stork-like bird that is native to Central and South America. It is the tallest flying bird in the Americas, and is known for its distinctive black and white plumage and its long, curved beak. Jabirus are found in a variety of wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, and flooded grasslands. They are omnivorous, and will feed on a wide variety of plants and animals, including fish, reptiles, and carrion. Jabirus are social birds, and are often found in small groups. They are known for their elaborate courtship rituals, which involve dancing and displaying their colorful plumage. The jabiru is considered to be a "near threatened" species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and other human-related activities.


Closeup of a Jumping Spider.

Jumping Spider

Jumping spiders are a type of small spider that is known for their ability to jump great distances. There are over 5,000 known species of jumping spiders, which are found on every continent except Antarctica. Jumping spiders are known for their excellent vision, and they use their keen eyesight to locate and stalk their prey. They are also known for their complex courtship rituals, which involve dancing and displaying colorful patches of fur. Jumping spiders are generally small, with a body size ranging from less than a quarter of an inch to just over an inch in length. They are not aggressive towards humans, and are not considered to be a threat. In fact, many people find jumping spiders to be fascinating and keep them as pets.


Two Japanese Macaques cuddling in the snow.

Japanese Macaque

The Japanese macaque, also known as the snow monkey, is a species of monkey that is native to Japan. It is the most northerly-living non-human primate, and is known for its ability to survive in cold, snowy environments. Japanese macaques are medium-sized monkeys, with a body length of around 20 inches and a weight of around 22 pounds. They have a distinctive reddish-brown coat, and are known for their long, fluffy tail. Japanese macaques are social animals, and they live in large groups called troops. They are omnivorous, and will feed on a wide variety of plants and animals, including fruits, seeds, insects, and small mammals. Japanese macaques are intelligent and adaptable, and they have been observed using tools, such as rocks to crack nuts, and hot springs to keep warm in the winter.


Jackrabbit hopping across a field of grass.

Jackrabbit

A jackrabbit is a type of large hare that is found in North and Central America. There are several species of jackrabbit, including the black-tailed jackrabbit and the white-tailed jackrabbit. Jackrabbits are known for their long ears and powerful hind legs, which they use to hop at high speeds to escape predators. They are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and savannas. Jackrabbits are herbivorous, and they will feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, herbs, and shrubs. They are known to be skittish and nervous animals, and are quick to flee when threatened.


Jaguarundi walking across a tree branch in the wild.

Jaguarundi

The jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) is a small, carnivorous mammal that is native to Central and South America. It is a member of the cat family, and is closely related to the puma and the jaguar. Jaguarundis are known for their slender, sleek build and their long, ringed tail. They are typically brown or gray in color, and have a short, smooth coat. Jaguarundis are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and swamps. They are skilled predators, and will hunt a wide variety of animals, including rodents, birds, and reptiles. Jaguarundis are solitary animals, and are rarely seen by humans due to their elusive nature.



Junglefowl on top of a roof.

Junglefowl

Junglefowl are a group of tropical birds that are closely related to chickens. There are four species of junglefowl: the red junglefowl, the grey junglefowl, the green junglefowl, and the Ceylon junglefowl. Junglefowl are found in a variety of tropical and subtropical habitats, including rainforests, grasslands, and scrublands. They are known for their colorful plumage, which is typically red, green, or grey, and their long, sharp claws, which they use to scratch at the ground to find food. Junglefowl are omnivorous, and will feed on a wide variety of plants and animals, including seeds, fruits, insects, and small reptiles. The red junglefowl is the ancestor of the domesticated chicken, and it is the most widely-distributed species of junglefowl.


Closeup of a Japanese Chin.

Japanese Chin

Japanese Chins, also known as Japanese Spaniel, are small, toy-sized dogs that are native to Japan. They are known for their playful and friendly personalities, and are often considered to be good companion dogs. Japanese Chins are generally good with children and other pets, and are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size and relatively low exercise needs. They are intelligent dogs and can be trained to perform a variety of tricks and obedience commands.


Javanese Cat

Javanese cats are a breed of domestic cats that are known for their long, silky coats and playful personalities. They are considered to be intelligent and affectionate pets, and are often compared to Siamese cats in terms of their appearance and personality. Javanese cats are also known for their ability to learn tricks and perform well in cat shows. They are generally good with children and other pets, and can adapt well to a variety of living environments.


Closeup of Jack Russell Terrier.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are small, energetic dogs that were originally bred for hunting small game. They are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and energetic personalities, and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Jack Russell Terriers are generally good with children and other pets, but can be stubborn and may require firm training and consistent boundaries to prevent them from becoming excessively boisterous or destructive. They are also known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise, so it's important to make sure they have plenty of opportunities to run and play.


Closeup of Jerusalem Cricket.

Jerusalem Cricket

Jerusalem crickets, also known as potato bugs, are insects that are native to western North America. They are named after Jerusalem because they are often found in Jewish cemeteries, although it is not clear why this is the case. Jerusalem crickets are not actually true crickets, but belong to the family Stenopelmatidae. They are large insects, with adults ranging in size from 1 to 2 inches in length. Jerusalem crickets are nocturnal and are generally found in areas with loose, moist soil, such as gardens and fields. They are not considered to be pests, but are sometimes mistaken for destructive insects due to their size and appearance. Despite their intimidating appearance, Jerusalem crickets do not have stingers or venom, and are not aggressive towards humans.


Jacamar on a branch in the wild.

Jacamar

Jacamars are a group of small to medium-sized birds that are native to the tropical regions of South and Central America. They are known for their bright, colorful plumage and long, thin bills, which they use to catch insects and other small prey. Jacamars are often found in rainforests and other humid, wooded areas, and are known for their distinctive, loud calls. There are about 40 species of jacamars, which are divided into two main groups: Galbulidae and Galbula. Jacamars are generally active during the day and are often seen perching on branches or flying between trees in search of food. They are not commonly kept as pets, but are popular among birdwatchers and ornithologists due to their bright colors and interesting behavior.


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