top of page
Writer's picturejessiekdesign

Animals That Start With The Letter O

Updated: Aug 13, 2023

From the ocean depths to the overhead skies, these creatures will offer a whirlwind tour of oddities, onlookers, and outright showstoppers. With oceanic calls, oddball antics, and over-the-top awesomeness, these "O"-themed animals are orchestrating a symphony of stories and surprises just for you. So, let's open up to the outlandish and explore the animal kingdom's most remarkable stories that all start with the letter "O"!


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

Ocelot stalking prey in the wild.

Ocelot

The ocelot is a medium-sized wild cat that is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It is known for its distinctive coat, which is marked with a pattern of solid black spots, bars, and stripes. Ocelots are carnivorous and primarily hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are excellent climbers and swimmers and are active mainly at night. Ocelots are considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and poaching, and they are protected in many areas. Ocelots are also popular in the pet trade, although it is illegal to keep them as pets in many places.


Octopus against the glass of an aquarium.

Octopus

An octopus is a sea animal with a soft, round body and eight long tentacles. Octopuses are known for their intelligence and are able to learn and adapt to new situations. They are also skilled at camouflage and can change the color and texture of their skin to blend in with their surroundings. Octopuses are carnivorous and hunt a variety of prey, including crabs, lobsters, and small fish. They are found in all of the world's oceans and are known for their ability to live in a variety of environments, from shallow coral reefs to deep, dark trenches. There are over 300 different species of octopus.


Okapi in a zoo.

Okapi

The okapi is a large, hoofed mammal that is native to the rainforests of central and eastern Africa. It is the only living relative of the giraffe and is known for its distinctive striped pattern, which helps it blend in with its forest surroundings. Okapis are herbivorous and primarily eat leaves, shoots, and fruit. They are solitary animals and are active mainly at dawn and dusk. Okapis are considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and poaching, and they are protected in many areas. Okapis are also popular in zoos and are known for their docile, gentle nature.


Olm

The olm is a type of aquatic salamander that is native to the underground waterways of southeastern Europe. It is also known as the "human fish" due to its pale, pinkish skin and its ability to survive for long periods of time without food. Olms are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small aquatic animals, including worms, insects, and small fish. They are adapted to life in the dark, underground rivers and caves where they live, and have excellent senses of smell and hearing. Olms are considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and pollution, and they are protected in many areas.

Opossum on top of fence.

Opossum

The opossum is a marsupial that is native to North America. It is the only marsupial that is found in the United States, and is known for its distinctive appearance, including its pointed snout, long, hairless tail, and white face. Opossums are omnivorous and will eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, fruit, and small animals. They are also known for their ability to "play possum," or feign death, when threatened by predators. Opossums are nocturnal animals and are active mainly at night. They are common in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas.


Orangutan sitting next to a tree.

Orangutan

Orangutans are a species of ape that is native to the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia. They are large primates with long, muscular arms and reddish-brown fur. Orangutans are intelligent and are known for their tool use and problem-solving abilities. They are also good climbers and are able to move through the trees with ease. Orangutans are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, and they are protected in many areas. Orangutans are also popular in zoos and are known for their playful and curious nature. There are two species of orangutan: the Bornean orangutan and the Sumatran orangutan.


 A pod of Orcas swimming in the wild.

Orca

found in all of the world's oceans. They are known for their distinctive black and white coloring and are the largest member of the dolphin family. Orcas are highly intelligent and are known for their sophisticated hunting techniques, which they use to prey on a variety of animals including seals, sea lions, and other whales. Orcas are also known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of clicks, whistles, and other noises. Orcas are popular in marine parks and aquariums, but they are also endangered in some areas due to pollution, overfishing, and other human activities.


Oriole eating fruit on a ledge.

Oriole

Orioles are a type of brightly colored songbird that is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and parks. There are several different species of orioles, including the Baltimore oriole, the orchard oriole, and the Bullock's oriole. Orioles are known for their colorful plumage, which is often orange or yellow, and their distinctive songs. They are also known for their long, thin beaks, which they use to feed on insects and nectar from flowers. Orioles are found in many parts of the world, including North and South America, Europe, and Asia.


Oryx running in the desert.

Oryx

Oryx are a type of antelope that are native to Africa and the Middle East. There are several different species of oryx, including the gemsbok, the beisa oryx, and the scimitar oryx. Oryx are known for their long, sharp horns and their distinctive white coloration. They are adapted to living in hot, dry environments and are able to survive long periods of time without water. Oryx are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses and shrubs. Some


Osprey in the wild.

Osprey

The osprey is a large, predatory bird that is found on every continent except Antarctica. It is also known as the "fish hawk" due to its diet, which consists almost exclusively of fish. Ospreys are known for their keen eyesight and their ability to dive into the water to catch fish. They have a wingspan of up to 6 feet and are identifiable by their white head and underparts, dark brown wings, and hooked beak. Ospreys are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, coasts, and rivers, and are known for their strong, graceful flight. They are also popular in falconry and are often trained to hunt small game.


Ostrich walking in a field of short grass.

Ostrich

The ostrich is the largest living bird in the world and is native to Africa. It is known for its long neck, long legs, and distinctive appearance. Ostriches are flightless birds and are unable to fly, but they are fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. Ostriches are herbivorous and primarily feed on leaves, seeds, and fruit. They are also known for their powerful legs, which they use to defend themselves against predators. Ostriches are found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and deserts. They are also popular in zoos and are often kept for their feathers, which are used to make a variety of products.


Otter on a bank next to water.

Otter

Otters are a type of semi-aquatic mammal that is found in a variety of habitats around the world, including rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. There are 13 different species of otters, including the river otter, the sea otter, and the giant otter. Otters are known for their streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and dense, waterproof fur. They are excellent swimmers and are able to swim long distances using their powerful tails. Otters are carnivorous and primarily feed on fish, although some species will also eat other aquatic animals such as crabs and shellfish. Otters are intelligent and social animals and are often seen in groups.


Owl sitting in a barn.

Owl

Owls are a type of bird of prey that is found in a variety of habitats around the world. There are over 200 different species of owls, which range in size from the tiny elf owl to the large great horned owl. Owls are known for their distinctive appearance, including their large, forward-facing eyes, sharp talons, and silent flight. They are also known for their excellent vision and hearing, which they use to locate and capture their prey. Owls are carnivorous and primarily feed on small mammals, birds, and insects. Owls are active mainly at night and are often associated with wisdom and mystery in many cultures.


Ox in a field.

Ox

An ox is a large, hoofed mammal that is often used as a draft animal to pull carts, plows, and other heavy loads. Oxen are usually male, castrated cattle that are trained for work from a young age. They are known for their strength and endurance, and have been used for transportation and farming for thousands of years. Oxen are typically docile and are easier to handle than uncastrated male cattle, which can be more aggressive. They are also known for their long lifespans and are able to work for many years before they need to be retired. Oxen are found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Europe.


A pile of Oysters.

Oyster

Oysters are a type of mollusk that is found in coastal waters around the world. They are known for their hard, rounded shells, which are made up of two halves that are hinged together. Oysters are filter feeders and feed on tiny particles of food that they filter from the water using their gills. They are a popular food and are often served raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. Oysters are also an important species in many marine ecosystems and are used as a natural method of water filtration in some areas. There are many different species of oysters, including the Pacific oyster, the European oyster, and the Kumamoto oyster.


Oarfish

The oarfish is a type of long, thin fish that is found in deep, open waters around the world. It is also known as the "king of the herrings" due to its size, which can reach up to 50 feet in length. Oarfish are known for their elongated, ribbon-like bodies and their distinctive red or pink coloration. They are deep-water fish and are rarely seen near the surface, but they are sometimes washed ashore after storms or during times of stress. Oarfish are thought to be a source of many "sea serpent" sightings and are often depicted in mythology and folklore. They are also popular in some cultures as a food fish.


Explore the other letters of the alphabet:


Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page