Animals That Start With D : Diverse Species Around the World

Animals that begin with the letter D range from familiar creatures like dogs, dolphins, and deer to lesser-known species such as the dhole, dik-dik, dugong, and dusky shark. This guide explores land animals, sea animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, extinct species, and unique wildlife from every continent. Each section includes characteristics, habitats, diets, behaviors, and fascinating traits that make these species stand out.

What are the Types of Animals that start with d?

Before jumping into specific species, it helps to understand the broad categories:

• Mammals (Deer, Dog, Dingo, Dhole, Donkey, Dugong, Dormouse, Dik-dik, Dwarf Brocket)
• Birds & Flying Creatures (Duck, Dove, Drongo, Darter, Dodo)
• Marine Animals (Dolphin, Dugong, Dogfish, Drum Fish, Damselfish)
• Reptiles & Amphibians (Desert Tortoise, Diamondback Terrapin, Desert Iguana, Dusky Salamander)
• Insects & Invertebrates (Dragonfly, Damselfly, Dung Beetle)
• Extinct & Prehistoric Species (Dodo, Deinonychus, Diplodocus, Desmatophoca)

You’ll notice that some animals, like the Dugong, appear in multiple categories (mammals and marine animals). That’s the beauty of natural classification , many animals overlap ecosystems.

Mammals That Start With D

Here are some mammals that start with d:

Dog

The domestic dog is one of the world’s most widely recognized animals. Known for companionship, intelligence, and a huge diversity of breeds, dogs belong to the Canidae family and share ancestry with wolves.

Deer

Deer are graceful herbivores found across North America, Europe, and Asia. Species such as the white-tailed deer, mule deer, and red deer play essential roles in forest ecosystems.

Dolphin

Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals known for complex communication, echolocation, and strong social bonds. Species include the bottlenose dolphin, dusky dolphin, and spinner dolphin.

Donkey

Domesticated for thousands of years, donkeys are sturdy animals valued for their endurance, especially in arid regions.

Dhole

The dhole is an endangered wild dog found in Asia. It is known for cooperative hunting and unique whistling communication.

Dromedary Camel

Also called the Arabian camel, this desert specialist has a single hump and thrives in harsh, hot environments.

Dik-Dik

A tiny antelope from Eastern and Southern Africa, the dik-dik is known for its large eyes and distinctive whistling alarm call.

Dormouse

Dormice are small rodents known for long hibernation periods and impressive climbing abilities.

Dugong

A gentle marine herbivore related to manatees. Dugongs graze on seagrass beds in warm coastal waters.

Desert Fox (Fennec Fox)

Although famously known as the fennec fox, this desert mammal is recognized for its oversized ears and ability to survive extreme temperatures.

Dusky Leaf Monkey

A primate species found in Southeast Asia known for expressive eyes, long tails, and social troop behavior.

Read Also: Animals That Start With E

Birds That Start With D

Here are some birds that start with d:

Duck

Ducks inhabit freshwater lakes, ponds, and coastal wetlands. Variations include mallards, wood ducks, and domestic breeds.

Dove

Doves symbolize peace and are found worldwide. Species like the mourning dove adapt easily to suburban environments.

Drongo

Drongos are agile, black-feathered insect-eaters known for mimicry and fearless behavior toward predators.

Darter

Also called snakebirds, darters are fish-eating birds that spear prey with sharp beaks.

Dusty (Dusky) Warbler

A small migratory bird found in dense shrubs and often identified by its repetitive, buzzing call.

Denham’s Bustard

A large African bird found in grasslands, known for striking plumage and display behavior.

Dunlin

A wading bird recognized for large-scale migrations and curved black bills used to probe mudflats.

Reptiles That Start With D

Here are some reptiles that start with d:

Desert Tortoise

A slow-moving reptile adapted to desert climates, known for burrowing and long lifespans.

Diamondback Rattlesnake

One of North America’s most iconic venomous snakes, identifiable by its diamond-patterned back and warning rattle.

Desert Iguana

Common in the southwestern United States and Mexico, it thrives in hot, arid terrains.

Dwarf Crocodile

One of the smallest crocodile species, found in African rainforests and slow-moving rivers.

Desert Horned Lizard

A flat-bodied reptile capable of squirting blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism.

Amphibians That Start With D

Here are some amphibions that start with d:

Dart Frog (Poison Dart Frog)

Brightly colored frogs living in tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Many species carry potent skin toxins.

Dusky Salamander

A small amphibian found near streams and moist forests in North America.

Desert Rain Frog

Known for its squeaky sound and round body, this frog inhabits the coastal deserts of Namibia and South Africa.

Fish That Start With D

Here are some fishes that start with d:

Dogfish Shark

A small shark species common in temperate oceans. They travel in schools and feed on squid and fish.

Drum Fish

Named for the drumming sound they create by vibrating muscles near their swim bladders.

Damselfish

Colorful reef fish common in the Indo-Pacific. They fiercely defend territory in coral ecosystems.

Dusky Shark

A large coastal predator found in warm, shallow seas with long migrations during maturity.

Dab Fish

A flatfish species found in the North Atlantic, popular in cold-water marine habitats.

Insects & Invertebrates Starting With D

Here are some insects and invertebrates that start with d:

Dragonfly

Dragonflies are agile aerial hunters with remarkable eyesight and fast, darting flight patterns.

Dung Beetle

Famous for rolling dung balls, this beetle plays an important role in nutrient recycling.

Damselfly

Similar to dragonflies but slender, with wings held together when at rest.

Desert Locust

A powerful migratory locust species capable of forming massive swarms.

Diving Beetle

Aquatic beetles that use trapped air under their wings to breathe underwater.

Dust Mite

Microscopic creatures commonly found in household environments, particularly in bedding and carpets.

Extinct Animals That Started With D

Here are some animals name that are extincted and their name start with d:

Dinosaur Species

Many dinosaurs fall under the letter D, including:

• Diplodocus
• Deinonychus
• Dimetrodon
• Dreadnoughtus
• Daspletosaurus

These prehistoric animals varied in size, diet, and behavior across the Mesozoic era.

Dodo

A flightless bird native to Mauritius, extinct by the 17th century.

Dire Wolf

A large prehistoric wolf known from the Pleistocene epoch.

Animals That Start With D by Habitat

Here are some habitat wise animals that start with d:

Desert Animals

• Dromedary camel
• Desert tortoise
• Desert fox
• Desert rain frog
• Desert iguana
• Desert horned lizard
• Desert locust

Forest Animals

• Deer
• Dusky leaf monkey
• Dormouse
• Drongo
• Dwarf crocodile

Ocean & Freshwater Animals

• Dolphin
• Dugong
• Dogfish shark
• Damselfish
• Darter
• Dunlin

Savanna & Grassland Animals

• Dik-dik
• Denham’s bustard
• Dung beetle

If you wanna know about more details about the extinct animals read the essay guide on Animal Extinction.

Animals That Start With D by Diet

Here are some animals that start with d according to their diet:

Herbivores

• Deer
• Dik-dik
• Dugong
• Desert tortoise
• Donkey

Carnivores

• Dhole
• Dolphin
• Dusky shark
• Diamondback rattlesnake

Omnivores

• Dog
• Duck
• Drongo
• Dust mite

Unique & Interesting Facts About D Animals

• Dolphins sleep with one side of the brain at a time.
• Dholes communicate with whistles instead of barks.
• Dragonflies can fly backward and reach incredible speeds.
• Dik-diks live in monogamous pairs for life.
• Dugongs inspired ancient mermaid legends among sailors.
• Diamondback rattlesnakes can strike at speeds faster than the blink of an eye.
• Dodos had no natural predators before humans arrived.

Conclusion

Animals beginning with the letter D demonstrate extraordinary diversity, from desert specialists and forest dwellers to ocean predators and tiny insects. Whether exploring mammals like dolphins and deer, birds such as drongos and dunlins, or prehistoric creatures like Diplodocus and Deinonychus, each species contributes uniquely to global ecosystems.

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