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Animals That Start With The Letter P

Updated: Aug 10, 2023

Step into the playful world of animals that start with the letter "P"! From penguins to panthers, this adventure promises a parade of paws, feathers, and fur. Get ready to plunge into the fascinating tales of these peculiar and prancing creatures as we explore the vibrant diversity of the animal kingdom's "P" stars.


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

Panda climbing a tree.

Panda

Pandas are large, bear-like mammals that are native to central China. They are known for their distinctive black and white coloring and their love of bamboo, which makes up the majority of their diet. Pandas are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, and they are protected in many areas. Pandas are also popular in zoos and are known for their docile, gentle nature. There are two species of panda: the giant panda and the red panda. Giant pandas are larger and have a black and white coat, while red pandas are smaller and have a reddish-brown coat.


Panther walking in tall grass.

Panther

The panther is a large, carnivorous cat that is native to the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It is also known as the leopard or the jaguar, depending on the region in which it is found. Panthers are known for their sleek, muscular bodies, their powerful jaws and claws, and their ability to climb trees. They are skilled hunters and are able to take down a variety of prey, including deer, pigs, and small mammals.


Parakeet in a bird cage.

Parakeet

A parakeet is a small, brightly colored tropical bird that is native to South America, Australia, and other parts of the world. There are many different species of parakeet, including the budgerigar, also known as the "budgie," which is the most common pet parakeet. Parakeets are known for their small size, vibrant feathers, and ability to mimic human speech. They are social animals and are often kept in pairs or small groups. Parakeets are popular as pets due to their low maintenance and ability to be trained to perform tricks. They are also kept in aviaries and are known for their playful, energetic personality.


Parrot eating food.

Parrot

Parrots are a type of tropical bird that is known for their brightly colored feathers and their ability to mimic human speech. There are many different species of parrots, including the African grey parrot, the Amazon parrot, and the macaw. Parrots are found in a variety of habitats, including rainforests, woodlands, and grasslands, and are known for their strong, curved beaks and their powerful, grasping feet. Parrots are intelligent and are able to learn a variety of behaviors, including talking, singing, and performing tricks. They are also popular as pets due to their social nature and ability to form strong bonds with their human caregivers.


Partridge standing in a bed of rocks.

Partridge

The partridge is a type of small, plump bird that is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. There are many different species of partridge, including the red-legged partridge, the chukar, and the grey partridge. Partridges are known for their distinctive appearance, including their round bodies, short wings, and patterned feathers. They are also known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of calls and whistles. Partridges are ground-dwelling birds and are often found in fields and grasslands. They are also popular as game birds and are often hunted for sport. Partridges are also sometimes kept as pets and are known for their hardy, easy-to-care-for nature.


Closeup of a peacock.

Peacock

The peacock is a large, brightly colored bird that is native to India and other parts of Asia. It is known for its long, colorful tail feathers, which it displays to attract a mate. Peacocks are a type of pheasant and are known for their distinctive calls and their elaborate courtship rituals. Peacocks are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including insects, small animals, and plant matter. They are also popular as ornamental birds and are often kept in zoos and aviaries. Peahens, which are the female counterparts of peacocks, are known for their brown and green coloring and their shorter, less colorful tails.


Peccary standing in a pile of rocks.

Peccary

Peccaries are a type of pig-like mammal that is native to the Americas. There are three species of peccary: the white-lipped peccary, the collared peccary, and the Chacoan peccary. Peccaries are known for their stocky bodies, short legs, and long, sharp tusks. They are social animals and are often found in herds. Peccaries are omnivorous and feed on a variety of plant and animal matter, including roots, fruits, seeds, insects, and small mammals. Peccaries are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts, and are known for their strong sense of smell and their aggressive behavior when threatened.


Pelican flying over the ocean.

Pelican

Pelicans are a type of large, waterbird that is found in a variety of habitats around the world, including coasts, rivers, and lakes. They are known for their large, pouched beaks, which they use to scoop up and carry fish. Pelicans are excellent swimmers and divers and are able to catch a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals. There are several different species of pelican, including the brown pelican, the white pelican, and the pink-backed pelican. Pelicans are often seen in large groups and are known for their cooperative hunting techniques. They are also popular as ornamental birds and are often kept in zoos and aviaries.


Penguin on top of ice.

Penguin

Penguins are a group of flightless birds that are found in a variety of habitats, including the icy coasts of Antarctica, the temperate forests of South America, and the rocky shores of Africa. They are adapted to life in the water and are excellent swimmers and divers. There are 17 different species of penguin, including the emperor penguin, the Adélie penguin, and the African penguin. Penguins are known for their distinctive appearance, including their tuxedo-like plumage, their flippers, and their webbed feet. They are also known for their social behavior and their complex courtship rituals.


Pheasant standing in front of trees.

Pheasant

Pheasants are a type of bird that are known for their colorful plumage and long tail feathers. They are native to Asia, but have been introduced to other parts of the world for hunting and ornamental purposes. There are many different species of pheasants, including the common pheasant, the ring-necked pheasant, and the golden pheasant. Pheasants are known to be shy and wary birds, and are often found in wooded areas or fields.


Piglet in a barn.

Pig

Pigs are a type of large, omnivorous mammal that is found in a variety of habitats around the world. There are many different breeds of pigs, including the domesticated pig, which is raised for meat, and the wild boar, which is found in forests and other natural habitats. Pigs are known for their sturdy, stocky bodies, their short legs, and their long, floppy ears. They are intelligent and are able to learn a variety of behaviors, including tricks and problem-solving tasks. Pigs are social animals and are often kept in large groups. They are also popular as pets and are known for their friendly, playful nature.


Two Pigeons

Pigeon

Pigeons are a type of bird that is found in a variety of habitats around the world, including cities, forests, and grasslands. There are many different species of pigeon, including the rock pigeon, which is also known as the "rock dove," and the racing pigeon, which is bred for long-distance flying. Pigeons are known for their distinctive appearance, including their plump bodies, short beaks, and iridescent feathers. They are also known for their strong homing instincts and their ability to navigate over long distances. Pigeons are often used for racing and other forms of competition, and they are also popular as pets due to their social nature and ability to be trained to perform tricks.


Pika on top of a rock.

Pika

Pikas are small, rabbit-like mammals that are native to Asia and North America. They are also known as "rock rabbits" due to their habit of living in rocky areas. Pikas are known for their rounded ears, small size, and distinctive call, which sounds like a high-pitched whistle. They are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, flowers, and mosses. Pikas are adapted to living in cold, mountainous environments and have thick fur to keep them warm. They are also known for their strong social bonds and are often seen in large groups.


Fisherman holding a Pike fish.

Pike

Pike are a type of large, predatory fish that is found in a variety of freshwater habitats around the world, including lakes, rivers, and streams. They are known for their long, slender bodies, sharp teeth, and voracious appetite. There are several different species of pike, including the northern pike, the muskellunge, and the pickerel. Pike are popular as game fish and are known for their strong fight when caught on a line. They are also sometimes kept as pets in large aquariums. Pike are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including other fish, birds, and small mammals. They are also known to cannibalize smaller pike.


Piranha swimming.

Piranha

Piranhas are a type of freshwater fish that is found in South America, especially in the Amazon Basin. They are known for their sharp teeth, powerful jaws, and voracious appetite. Piranhas are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including other fish, insects, and small mammals. They are known for their tendency to form large schools and for their aggressive behavior when hunting. While piranhas have a reputation for being ferocious predators, they are not typically dangerous to humans and are only known to attack when provoked or when food is scarce.


Platypus swimming.

Platypus

The platypus is a small, semi-aquatic mammal that is native to eastern Australia. It is one of the few mammals that lays eggs and is known for its unique appearance, which includes a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail. Platypuses are excellent swimmers and use their webbed feet and their sensitive bill to locate food in the water. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of aquatic insects and other small animals. Platypuses are also known for producing venom, which they use for defense.


Poison Dart Frog climbing a tree.

Poison Dart Frog

Poison dart frogs are a group of small, brightly colored frogs that are native to Central and South America. They are called "dart frogs" due to the toxic secretions on their skin, which were used by indigenous people to poison the tips of darts and arrows. There are many different species of poison dart frog, and they are known for their vibrant colors, which range from bright yellow and green to deep blue and black. Poison dart frogs are small, typically only growing to be about the size of a thumbnail, and are often kept as pets due to their small size and low maintenance.


Three Polar Bears wading in water.

Polar Bear

Polar bears are a type of large, carnivorous bear that is native to the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere. They are adapted to life in cold, snowy environments and are known for their thick, white fur, which helps to insulate their bodies and blend in with their snowy surroundings. Polar bears are skilled hunters and are able to take down a variety of prey, including seals, walruses, and other marine animals. They are also opportunistic feeders and will scavenge for food when necessary.


Polecat standing in the shadows.

Polecat

Polecats are a type of small, carnivorous mammal that is native to Europe and Asia. There are several different species of polecat, including the European polecat, the black-footed cat, and the African polecat. Polecats are closely related to weasels, ferrets, and mink, and are known for their long, slender bodies, sharp claws, and strong jaws. They are skilled hunters and are able to take down a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and insects. Polecats are also known for their strong, musky odor and their ability to spray a foul-smelling substance as a defense mechanism.


Porcupine standing in front of large rocks.

Porcupine

Porcupines are large, slow-moving rodents that are native to North America, South America, and Africa. They are known for their sharp quills, which they use for defense against predators. Porcupines are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plant matter, including tree bark, leaves, and fruit. They are nocturnal animals and are often seen at night climbing trees and foraging for food. Porcupines are also good swimmers and are able to cross streams and rivers. They are generally docile animals and are not aggressive towards humans, but they will shake their quills and make a loud, hissing noise if they feel threatened.


Prairie Dog nibbling on grass.

Prairie Dog

Prairie dogs are a type of small, burrowing rodent that is native to the grasslands of North America. There are several different species of prairie dog, including the black-tailed prairie dog, the white-tailed prairie dog, and the Gunnison's prairie dog. Prairie dogs are known for their social behavior and their complex underground burrow systems, which they use for shelter and protection. They are herbivorous and feed on a variety of grasses and other plants. Prairie dogs are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include a variety of chirps, barks, and whistles.


Prawn fish on ice.

Prawn

Prawns are a type of seafood that is similar to shrimp. They are found in a variety of aquatic environments, including oceans, rivers, and lakes, and are popular as a food item due to their delicate flavor and tender texture. Prawns are typically larger than shrimp and have a more pronounced flavor. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, including boiling, grilling, frying, and steaming, and are often served as appetizers or as part of a main dish. Prawns are also a good source of protein and are rich in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and iron.


Closeup of Praying Mantis.

Praying Mantis

The praying mantis is a type of insect that is known for its unique posture and its predatory behavior. It gets its name from the way it holds its front legs, which are bent and held in a position that resembles a person praying. Praying mantises are found in a variety of habitats around the world, including forests, grasslands, and gardens. They are known for their long, slender bodies and their large, compound eyes. Praying mantises are carnivorous and feed on a variety of insects and other small animals. They are also known for their ability to turn their heads and for their mating behavior, in which the female sometimes eats the male after copulation.


Closeup of Proboscis Monkey.

Proboscis Monkey

The proboscis monkey is a large, arboreal primate that is native to the rainforests of Borneo. It is known for its distinctive appearance, including its long, pendulous nose, which is larger in males than in females. Proboscis monkeys are also known for their reddish-brown fur, long tail, and powerful legs, which they use to move through the trees. They are primarily herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including leaves, flowers, and fruit. Proboscis monkeys are social animals and are often seen in large groups, which are led by a dominant male. They are also popular as ornamental animals and are often kept in zoos and other facilities.


Puff Adder

The puff adder is a type of venomous snake that is found in a variety of habitats across Africa. It is a large, heavy-bodied snake with a triangular head and a thick, muscular tail. Puff adders are known for their distinctive patterning, which includes dark bands on a lighter background color. They are also known for their behavior when threatened, which involves puffing up their body and hissing loudly to deter predators. Puff adders are venomous and are responsible for a significant number of snakebite incidents in Africa. They are generally non-aggressive and will only bite if provoked, but their venom is powerful and can be deadly if not treated promptly.


Closeup of Pangolin.

Pangolin

Pangolins, also known as scaly anteaters, are mammals found in Asia and Africa. They are covered in tough, overlapping scales made of keratin, the same material that makes up human hair and nails. Pangolins are shy, nocturnal animals that feed mostly on ants and termites. They are considered to be one of the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world due to illegal hunting and trade. All eight species of pangolin are currently protected by law and considered to be either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.


Puffer Fish

Puffer fish, also known as blowfish or puffers, are a group of fish that are found in a variety of aquatic environments, including oceans, rivers, and lakes. They are known for their ability to "inflate" their bodies by swallowing water or air, which makes them appear larger and more intimidating to predators. Puffer fish are also known for their small, spiky scales and their distinctive appearance. There are over 120 different species of puffer fish, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Puffer fish are popular as a food item in some parts of the world, but they are also toxic and can be dangerous to eat if not prepared correctly.


Puffin standing on a cliff.

Puffin

Puffins are a type of seabird that is found in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. They are small, stocky birds with black and white feathers and a distinctive, colorful beak. Puffins are excellent swimmers and divers and are able to catch a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals. They are also known for their social behavior and their elaborate mating rituals.


Puma looking away.

Puma

The puma, also known as the cougar or mountain lion, is a large, carnivorous mammal that is native to the Americas. It is known for its powerful muscles, long tail, and retractable claws, which it uses to take down a variety of prey, including deer, elk, and other small mammals. Pumas are solitary animals and are most active at dawn and dusk. They are also excellent climbers and are able to scale trees and other tall structures with ease. Pumas are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts, and are known for their stealthy and elusive nature.


Python looking at you.

Python

Pythons are a group of large, non-venomous snakes that are found in a variety of habitats around the world, including forests, grasslands, and swamps. They are known for their powerful muscles, which allow them to constrict and suffocate their prey, and for their long, triangular heads. Pythons are carnivorous and feed on a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are also good swimmers and climbers and are able to move through a variety of environments with ease. Pythons are popular as pets due to their docile nature and their ability to be trained to perform tricks.


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