37 Animals That Start With V and Their Features Discussed

Some animals that start with “V” are vaquita, vanga, Vancouver Island marmot, velvet ant, viper, Virginia opossum, Visayan spotted deer, Vizsla, volcano rabbit, vulture, and various others including the vampire bat, vampire crab, and velvet worm.

*Tabulated Key Points

 

Species	Taxonomy	Features
Vaquita	Phocoena sinus (porpoise)	Small size, distinctive markings around eyes and lips, triangular dorsal fin
Vanga	Family: Vangidae (birds)	Diverse morphology, various beak shapes, adapted for insectivory, frugivory, and nectar-feeding
Vancouver Island Marmot	Marmota vancouverensis (ground squirrel)	Robust build, short legs, blunt nose, chocolate-brown fur, herbivorous
Velez’s Slender Salamander	Batrachoseps velez (lungless salamander)	Small, slender, smooth skin, no lungs, breathes through skin
Velvet Ant	Family: Mutillidae (wasps)	Brightly colored, velvety appearance, potent sting, wingless females
Velvet Asity	Philepitta castanea (bird)	Vibrant black and green plumage in males, ribbon-like tail feathers
Velvet Crab	Family: Portunidae (crabs)	Velvety appearance, robust flattened body, found in Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
Velvet Worm	Phylum: Onychophora	Elongated body, multiple pairs of legs, shoots sticky slime for prey capture
Verreaux’s Sifaka	Propithecus verreauxi (lemur)	Black and white fur, long limbs, distinctive sideways hopping locomotion
Vesselina’s Heart-nosed Bat	Cardioderma cor (bat)	Distinctive heart-shaped nose-leaf, found in Central Africa, roosts in caves
Viper	Family: Viperidae (snakes)	Triangular head, vertical pupils, heat-sensing pits, venomous, found in various environments worldwide
Viperfish	Family: Stomiidae (deep-sea fish)	Long, fang-like teeth, bioluminescent photophores, inhabits deep oceanic waters worldwide
Virginia Opossum	Didelphis virginiana (marsupial)	Prehensile tail, adaptability, “playing possum” defense, native to North America
Visayan Spotted Deer	Rusa alfredi (deer)	Reddish-brown coat with white spots, short antlers, slender build, endemic to Visayan islands
Visayan Warty Pig	Sus cebifrons (pig)	Warty facial bumps, bristly coat, short legs, critically endangered, endemic to Visayan islands
Vizsla	Dog breed	Golden rust coat, sleek build, versatile hunting dog, originally bred in Hungary
Vlei Rat	Family: Muridae (rodents)	Soft, thick fur, long tail, adapted to semi-aquatic lifestyle, found in southern Africa
Volcano Rabbit	Romerolagus diazi (rabbit)	Compact size, thick fur for insulation, round ears, endemic to high-altitude volcanic mountains
Vulture	Family: Accipitridae (birds of prey)	Bald head, powerful beak, scavenging behavior, distributed globally in various habitats
Fennec Fox	Vulpes zerda (fox)	Large ears for heat dissipation, pale coat for sandy environments, native to Sahara Desert
Vundu Catfish	Heterobranchus longifilis (catfish)	Elongated body, broad head, found in African rivers like the Congo and Niger
Vympel’s Salamander	Pachytriton vympelensis (salamander)	Sleek appearance, long, laterally compressed tail, found in subtropical forests of China
Vampire Bat	Subfamily: Desmodontinae (bats)	Feed exclusively on blood, heat-sensing facial pits, found in the Americas
Vampire Crab	Genus: Geosesarma (crabs)	Colorful, small size, distinctive claws, found in Java, Indonesia
Vampire Squid	Order: Vampyromorphida (cephalopod)	Dark coloration, bioluminescent webbing, found in deep oceanic waters worldwide
Van Zyl’s Golden Mole	Cryptochloris zyli (golden mole)	Velvety fur with a golden sheen, adapted for subterranean life, endemic to South Africa
Valley Bulldog	Dog breed hybrid	Muscular build, wrinkled face, friendly demeanor, a cross between English Bulldog and Boxer
Variegated Squirrel	Sciurus variegatoides (tree squirrel)	Colorful fur pattern, bushy tail, native to Central America
Veiled Chameleon	Chamaeleo calyptratus (chameleon)	Distinctive casque on head, color-changing ability, prehensile tail, native to the Arabian Peninsula
Velvety Free-tailed Bat	Molossus molossus (bat)	Velvety dark fur, free tail extending beyond membrane, found in the Americas
Velvet-tailed Rat	Genus: Pogonomys (rodents)	Soft, velvety fur, arboreal lifestyle, found in rainforests of Papua New Guinea
Verdant-eared Owl	Pulsatrix flaviventris (owl)	Vivid greenish-yellow facial disc, large build, native to South America
Vermilion Flycatcher	Pyrocephalus rubinus (bird)	Bright red plumage in males, agile aerial hunter, found in the Americas
Vermont Salamander	Various species in Vermont, USA	Smooth, moist skin, slender body, adapted to various ecosystems in Vermont
Vervain Hummingbird	Mellisuga minima (hummingbird)	Among the smallest birds, iridescent plumage, found in the Caribbean
Veragua Crossbill	Loxia megaplaga (finch)	Crossed bill for extracting seeds, endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama
Vermeulen’s White-faced Scops Owl	Otus lempiji lempiji (owl)	Small size, tufted “ears,” distinct facial markings, found in Southeast Asia

1. Vaquita:

 

 

Taxonomy: The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a small porpoise belonging to the family Phocoenidae. It is the smallest and most endangered cetacean species.

Features: Vaquitas have a distinctive appearance, with dark patches around their eyes and lips. They are small, reaching lengths of around 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) and weigh up to 120 pounds (55 kilograms). Their dorsal fin is triangular and relatively small.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Vaquitas are endemic to the northern part of the Gulf of California, Mexico. They inhabit shallow, murky coastal waters and are often associated with the presence of the totoaba fish, a factor contributing to their critical endangerment. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and prevent bycatch threats.

 

2. Vanga:

 

Taxonomy: Vangas are birds belonging to the family Vangidae, distributed across Madagascar and neighboring islands. They exhibit diverse morphologies and feeding strategies.

Features: Vangas vary greatly in appearance, from the hook-billed ground rollers to the finch-like Newtonias. Their beak shapes and sizes adapt to different feeding habits, including insectivory, frugivory, and nectar-feeding.

 

3. Vancouver Island Marmot:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) is a large ground squirrel species within the Sciuridae family.

Features: Characterized by a robust build, short legs, and a blunt nose, Vancouver Island Marmots have a distinct chocolate-brown fur. They are primarily herbivores, feeding on alpine vegetation.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Endemic to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, they inhabit alpine meadows, talus slopes, and other high-elevation areas.

 

4. Velez’s Slender Salamander:

Taxonomy: Velez’s Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps velez) is a species of lungless salamander belonging to the Plethodontidae family.

Features: This salamander is small with slender limbs, smooth skin, and a distinct coloration that helps it blend into its surroundings. It lacks lungs and breathes through its skin.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to California, USA, it occupies moist environments like woodlands and meadows.

 

5. Velvet Ant:

 

 

Taxonomy: Velvet ants (Mutillidae) are a family of wasps, and despite their name, they are not true ants. The females are wingless, resembling large, hairy ants.

Features: Known for their striking coloration and dense, velvety hair, velvet ants are often brightly colored, warning predators of their potent stings. Their appearance varies across species.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in various ecosystems worldwide, they prefer dry, sandy areas. The females are parasitoids, laying eggs in the nests of other bees or wasps.

 

6. Velvet Asity:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Velvet Asity (Philepitta castanea) is a species of bird in the Philepittidae family, endemic to Madagascar.

Features: Males are vibrant with velvety black and green plumage, while females have more subdued colors. They are known for their distinctive, long, ribbon-like tail feathers.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Inhabits the rainforests of northeastern Madagascar.

 

7. Velvet Crab:

Taxonomy: Velvet Crabs (Necora spp.) are marine crabs belonging to the family Portunidae.

Features: Named for the velvety appearance of their carapace, they have a robust, flattened body, and their color can vary.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, dwelling in rocky crevices.

 

8. Velvet Worm:

 

 

Taxonomy: Velvet Worms (Onychophora) are a phylum of invertebrates known for their soft, velvety appearance and unique hunting mechanism.

Features: Characterized by their elongated bodies, multiple pairs of legs, and the ability to shoot a sticky slime to capture prey.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in tropical rainforests and other humid environments worldwide.

 

9. Verreaux’s Sifaka:

 

 

Taxonomy: Verreaux’s Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) is a species of lemur in the family Indriidae.

Features: Recognized by their striking black and white fur, long limbs, and a distinct lack of a tail. They are known for their unique sideways hopping locomotion.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to southwestern Madagascar, inhabiting dry deciduous forests and spiny forests.

 

10. Volcano Rabbit:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Volcano Rabbit (Romerolagus diazi) is a small rabbit species within the Leporidae family.

Features: Known for its compact size and thick fur, which provides insulation in the cool mountainous regions it inhabits. It has rounded ears and a short tail.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Endemic to the high-altitude volcanic mountains of Mexico.

 

11. Vulture:

 

 

Taxonomy: Vultures are scavenging birds of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family, comprising both New World and Old World vultures.

Features: Vultures have a bald head, powerful beak, and sharp eyes adapted for locating carrion. They play a crucial role in ecosystems by cleaning up carcasses.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Distributed globally, vultures are found in a variety of habitats, from open plains to mountainous regions.

 

12. Vesselina’s Heart-nosed Bat:

 

 

Taxonomy: Vesselina’s Heart-nosed Bat (Cardioderma cor) is a species of bat within the Hipposideridae family.

Features: Recognizable for its distinctive heart-shaped nose-leaf. Bats in this family often have specialized structures around the nose.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in parts of Central Africa, dwelling in forests and roosting in caves.

 

13. Viper:

Taxonomy: Vipers are venomous snakes belonging to the family Viperidae, known for their hinged, hollow fangs.

Features: Vipers have a triangular-shaped head, vertical pupils, and heat-sensing pits on their face. Their coloration often provides effective camouflage.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Widely distributed across diverse environments, including forests, deserts, and grasslands. Vipers are found on multiple continents.

 

14. Viperfish:

Taxonomy: The Viperfish (Chauliodus spp.) is a deep-sea fish belonging to the family Stomiidae.

Features: Recognized for its long, fang-like teeth and photophores along its body, which emit bioluminescent light to attract prey in the dark depths of the ocean.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Inhabits deep oceanic waters worldwide, often found in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones.

 

15. Virginia Opossum:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a marsupial within the Didelphidae family.

Features: Known for its prehensile tail, adaptability, and distinctive “playing possum” defensive behavior where it feigns death when threatened.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to North America, from southern Canada to Central America, it thrives in various habitats, including forests and urban areas.

 

16. Visayan Spotted Deer:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi) is a species of deer in the Cervidae family.

Features: Characterized by its reddish-brown coat with white spots, this deer has relatively short antlers and a slender build.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Endemic to the Visayan islands in the Philippines, it inhabits dense forests.

 

17. Visayan Warty Pig:

Taxonomy: The Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons) is a critically endangered species of pig within the Suidae family.

Features: Known for its distinctive “warty” facial bumps, a bristly coat, and relatively short legs. Males typically have longer, curved tusks.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Endemic to the Visayan islands in the Philippines, it prefers forests and grasslands.

 

18. Vizsla:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Vizsla is a breed of dog belonging to the Pointer and Setter group, known for its hunting and retrieving capabilities.

Features: Vizslas have a distinctive golden rust coat, a sleek build, and a friendly expression. They are highly energetic and make excellent family companions.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Originally bred in Hungary, they are versatile hunting dogs adapted to various terrains.

 

19. Vlei Rat:

Taxonomy: The Vlei Rat (Otomys irroratus) is a species of rodent within the Muridae family.

Features: Characterized by its soft, thick fur, long tail, and adaptations for a semi-aquatic lifestyle, including partially webbed hind feet.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in wetlands and grasslands of southern Africa, particularly in countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe.

 

20. Vulpes zerda (Fennec Fox):

Taxonomy: The Fennec Fox (Vulpes zerda) is a small fox species belonging to the Canidae family.

Features: Known for its distinctive large ears, which help dissipate heat in its desert habitat. Fennec foxes have a pale coat, well-adapted for camouflage in sandy environments.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to the Sahara Desert and other arid regions of North Africa, they prefer sandy deserts and scrublands.

 

21. Vundu Catfish:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Vundu Catfish (Heterobranchus longifilis) is a large catfish species within the Clariidae family.

Features: Recognizable by its elongated body, broad head, and whisker-like barbels. It is a freshwater species with a wide mouth adapted for scavenging.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Indigenous to various African rivers, including the Congo and Niger rivers.

 

22. Vympel’s Salamander:

Taxonomy: Vympel’s Salamander (Pachytriton vympelensis) is a species of salamander within the Salamandridae family.

Features: Exhibits a sleek appearance with a long, laterally compressed tail. Its skin can have varied patterns and colors, aiding in camouflage.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to China, specifically the Guangdong Province, it inhabits streams and water bodies in subtropical forests.

 

23. Vampire Bat:

 

Taxonomy: Vampire Bats (Desmodontinae) are a subfamily of bats within the Phyllostomidae family, known for their blood-feeding habits.

Features: These bats have heat-sensing facial pits and sharp teeth adapted for making small incisions in their prey’s skin. They are the only mammals that feed exclusively on blood.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in various locations in the Americas, from Mexico to Argentina, typically roosting in caves.

 

24. Vampire Crab:

Taxonomy: Vampire Crabs (Geosesarma spp.) are a group of colorful, small crabs belonging to the Grapsidae family.

Features: Known for their vibrant colors, these crabs have striking patterns and distinctive claws. They are often kept as pets in the aquarium hobby.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Indigenous to intertidal zones of Java, Indonesia, they inhabit the forest floor near freshwater streams.

 

25. Vampire Squid:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is a small, deep-sea cephalopod belonging to its own order, Vampyromorphida.

Features: Named for its dark coloration and cloak-like webbing between its arms, giving it a vampire-like appearance. It has photophores for bioluminescence.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in deep oceanic waters worldwide, residing at depths of up to 3,000 feet (900 meters).

 

26. Van Zyl’s Golden Mole:

Taxonomy: Van Zyl’s Golden Mole (Cryptochloris zyli) is a species of golden mole within the Chrysochloridae family.

Features: Adapted for a subterranean lifestyle, it has a cylindrical body, shovel-like forelimbs, and a velvety fur with a golden sheen.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Endemic to South Africa, it inhabits sandy soils and is often associated with fynbos vegetation.

 

27. Valley Bulldog:

Taxonomy: The Valley Bulldog is a hybrid breed, a cross between the English Bulldog and the Boxer.

Features: Combining characteristics of both parent breeds, Valley Bulldogs have a muscular build, a distinctive wrinkled face, and a friendly demeanor.

Habitat/Geographic Region: As a domesticated dog breed, they can be found in various regions where people choose them as companions.

 

28. Variegated Squirrel:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Variegated Squirrel (Sciurus variegatoides) is a species of tree squirrel within the Sciuridae family.

Features: Exhibits a colorful fur pattern with a mix of white, black, and orange. Its bushy tail aids in balance while navigating tree branches.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to Central America, including regions from Mexico to Panama, it inhabits tropical forests.

 

29. Veiled Chameleon:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) is a species of chameleon within the Chamaeleonidae family.

Features: Known for its distinctive casque (helmet-like structure) on the head and the ability to change color. It has independently moving eyes and a prehensile tail.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to the Arabian Peninsula, it thrives in arid environments and is commonly kept as a pet.

 

30. Velvety Free-tailed Bat:

Taxonomy: The Velvety Free-tailed Bat (Molossus molossus) is a species of bat within the Molossidae family.

Features: Recognized for its velvety, dark fur and a free tail that extends beyond the tail membrane. They have a robust build and are skilled fliers.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in various habitats across the Americas, from the southern United States to Argentina.

 

31. Velvet-tailed Rat:

Taxonomy: The Velvet-tailed Rat (Pogonomys spp.) is a group of rodents within the Muridae family.

Features: Named for its soft, velvety fur, these rats have a long, bushy tail and are adapted to arboreal (tree-dwelling) lifestyles.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Indigenous to rainforests in Papua New Guinea and nearby islands, they prefer dense vegetation.

 

32. Verdant-eared Owl:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Verdant-eared Owl (Pulsatrix flaviventris) is a species of owl within the Strigidae family.

Features: Known for its distinctive facial disc with vivid greenish-yellow coloration around the eyes. It has a large, powerful build.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to South America, particularly the Amazon rainforest, it inhabits dense, tropical forests.

 

33. Vermilion Flycatcher:

Taxonomy: The Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) is a small passerine bird within the Tyrannidae family.

Features: Males are striking with bright red plumage, while females have more subdued colors. They are agile aerial hunters, catching insects on the wing.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in the Americas, from the southwestern United States to South America, they inhabit open areas like grasslands and deserts.

 

34. Vermont Salamander:

Taxonomy: The Vermont Salamander refers to various salamander species found in the state of Vermont, USA.

Features: Depending on the species, Vermont salamanders exhibit diverse features, but generally, they have smooth, moist skin and a slender body.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Inhabiting various ecosystems in Vermont, including forests, wetlands, and streams.

 

35. Vervain Hummingbird:

 

 

Taxonomy: The Vervain Hummingbird (Mellisuga minima) is a species of hummingbird within the Trochilidae family.

Features: Among the smallest birds globally, it has iridescent plumage and remarkable hovering abilities. Males often have vibrant throat colors.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Native to the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, it thrives in tropical and subtropical habitats.

 

36. Veragua Crossbill:

Taxonomy: The Veragua Crossbill (Loxia megaplaga) is a species of finch within the Fringillidae family.

Features: Characterized by its crossed bill, which is adapted for extracting seeds from conifer cones. Plumage varies, but males often have red hues.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Endemic to the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, it inhabits montane forests.

 

37. Vermeulen’s White-faced Scops Owl:

 

 

Taxonomy: Vermeulen’s White-faced Scops Owl (Otus lempiji lempiji) is a subspecies of the White-faced Scops Owl within the Strigidae family.

Features: Identified by its small size, tufted “ears,” and distinct facial markings. Its plumage can vary, but it typically exhibits cryptic colors for camouflage.

Habitat/Geographic Region: Found in various habitats across Southeast Asia, including forests and open woodlands.