280 Animals That Start With M: List, Fun Facts & Pictures

Welcome to our guide about animals that start with M! This list serves as a valuable resource for students, teachers, parents, and animal enthusiasts who want to learn more about the wonderful world of wildlife.

By organizing animals alphabetically, we make it simple to find and learn about specific creatures.

This post focuses specifically on animals that start with M, showcasing the variety and uniqueness of these mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.

Join us as we examine these interesting creatures and expand your knowledge of the animal kingdom!

Why Learn Animal Names by Alphabet ‘M’?

Learning about animals that start with M offers several benefits:

• Helps children build vocabulary in a fun, engaging way
• Supports classification skills and understanding of biodiversity
• Provides a structured approach to studying the animal kingdom
• Sparks curiosity about different species and their habitats
• Makes science education more accessible and interesting
• Aids in memory development through categorization

The letter M introduces us to an array of creatures from massive mammals to minute insects, showing the incredible variety in nature’s design.

List of Popular Animals That Start With M

Let’s meet some well-known animals that begin with the letter M, each with its own special traits and habitats that make it stand out in the natural world.

1. Macaw

Brilliantly colored parrots known for their intelligence and loud calls, macaws thrive in warm climates and often live in groups. They can mimic human speech and display playful behavior.

Origin	Central and South America
Habitat	Tropical rainforests
Scientific Name	Ara macao

Fun Fact
Macaws use their strong beaks to crack open nuts that most animals can’t access.

2. Magpie

Magpies are black-and-white birds known for their vocal mimicry and complex social behaviors. They are highly alert and are sometimes seen collecting shiny objects out of curiosity.

Origin	Europe, Asia, and Australia
Habitat	Woodlands, grasslands, urban areas
Scientific Name	Pica pica

Fun Fact
Magpies can recognize themselves in mirrors, showing signs of self-awareness.

3. Maine Coon (Cat)

Large and gentle, Maine Coons are among the oldest natural cat breeds in North America. They have long, water-resistant fur and are known for being calm and affectionate.

Origin	United States
Habitat	Domestic
Scientific Name	Felis catus

Fun Fact
Maine Coons often chirp and trill instead of meowing like most cats.

4. Mallard Duck

Recognizable by the male’s green head, mallards are adaptable and widespread ducks. They are dabbling feeders and often seen in parks, lakes, and rivers near people.

Origin	Northern Hemisphere
Habitat	Wetlands, ponds, lakes, rivers
Scientific Name	Anas platyrhynchos

Fun Fact
Mallards are the ancestors of nearly all domestic duck breeds.

5. Manatee

These slow-moving marine mammals are also called sea cows. Manatees feed on aquatic vegetation and are gentle giants with thick skin and paddle-like flippers.

Origin	Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea
Habitat	Coastal waters, rivers, and springs
Scientific Name	Trichechus manatus

Fun Fact
Manatees can eat up to 10% of their body weight in plants each day.

6. Mandrill

Mandrills are primates with vibrant facial colors and powerful limbs. They live in large groups and are known for being both shy and socially complex within the wild.

Origin	Central Africa
Habitat	Rainforests and savannas
Scientific Name	Mandrillus sphinx

Fun Fact
Mandrills have the brightest facial coloring of any mammal.

7. Manta Ray

Graceful ocean dwellers, manta rays glide through the water with wide, flat bodies. They feed on plankton and are harmless to humans, often moving alone or in small groups.

Origin	Tropical and subtropical oceans
Habitat	Open ocean, coral reefs
Scientific Name	Manta birostris

Fun Fact
Manta rays have the largest brain-to-body ratio of all fish.

8. Meerkat

Small, upright mammals known for their social structure and constant vigilance, meerkats live in colonies and use teamwork for foraging and protection.

Origin	Southern Africa
Habitat	Arid deserts and savannas
Scientific Name	Suricata suricatta

Fun Fact
Meerkats take turns standing guard to alert the group of approaching danger.

9. Mink

Minks are semi-aquatic carnivores known for their sleek fur and agile hunting in water. They’re solitary animals, often active at night or dawn.

Origin	North America and Europe
Habitat	Riverbanks, lakes, wetlands
Scientific Name	Neovison vison (American mink) / Mustela lutreola (European mink)

Fun Fact
Minks can swim underwater for several minutes to catch prey like fish and frogs.

10. Mole

Moles are expert diggers with broad front paws and poor eyesight. They build complex tunnel systems underground and feed mostly on insects and worms.

Origin	North America, Europe, and Asia
Habitat	Grasslands, gardens, forests
Scientific Name	Talpa europaea (common mole)

Fun Fact
A mole can dig up to 15 feet of tunnel in just one hour.

11. Mongoose

Mongooses are nimble, fearless hunters known for their ability to fight and kill venomous snakes. They are curious animals often seen exploring their surroundings.

Origin	Africa and Southern Asia
Habitat	Forests, grasslands, semi-deserts
Scientific Name	Herpestes ichneumon (Egyptian mongoose)

Fun Fact
Mongooses have quick reflexes and some resistance to snake venom.

12. Moose

The largest species in the deer family, moose are solitary and recognizable by their large antlers and long legs. They are powerful swimmers and often found near water.

Origin	North America and Northern Eurasia
Habitat	Boreal forests, wetlands
Scientific Name	Alces alces

Fun Fact
A moose can close its nostrils while underwater to feed on aquatic plants.

13. Moray Eel

Moray eels are elongated fish that hide in reef crevices and ambush prey with their sharp teeth. Their second set of jaws helps them grasp and swallow food.

Origin	Warm and tropical seas worldwide
Habitat	Coral reefs, rocky seabeds
Scientific Name	Muraenidae family

Fun Fact
Moray eels have a secondary jaw, called a pharyngeal jaw, that extends to pull prey in.

14. Mountain Lion (Cougar)

A large, powerful cat with a long tail, the mountain lion is silent and elusive, hunting mostly at dawn or dusk across wide territories.

Origin	North and South America
Habitat	Mountains, forests, deserts
Scientific Name	Puma concolor

Fun Fact
Mountain lions can leap over 20 feet in a single bound when chasing prey.

15. Moth

Moths are nocturnal insects related to butterflies, often drawn to light and recognized for their scaled wings and importance in ecosystems as pollinators and food sources.

Origin	Worldwide
Habitat	Forests, meadows, urban areas
Scientific Name	Varies by species; e.g., Actias luna

Fun Fact
Some moths can detect pheromones from several miles away.

16. Mudskipper

This amphibious fish can live both in water and on land. It uses its pectoral fins to “walk” on mud and can breathe through its skin and mouth lining.

Origin	Indo-Pacific region
Habitat	Mangrove swamps, tidal flats
Scientific Name	Periophthalmus genus

Fun Fact
Mudskippers can blink, which is rare among fish.

17. Mule

A hybrid between a male donkey and a female horse, the mule inherits strength and stamina, making it reliable for carrying loads in rugged terrain.

Origin	Domesticated worldwide
Habitat	Mountains, farms, deserts
Scientific Name	Equus mulus

Fun Fact
Mules rarely reproduce and are almost always sterile due to their mixed heritage.

18. Musk Ox

With a thick coat and strong build, the musk ox endures freezing temperatures and forms protective circles to guard against predators.

Origin	Arctic regions of North America and Greenland
Habitat	Tundra and cold grasslands
Scientific Name	Ovibos moschatus

Fun Fact
Musk oxen release a strong scent from glands to attract mates.

19. Muskrat

Muskrats are aquatic rodents known for their dense fur and ability to build dome-shaped lodges in wetlands using plants and mud.

Origin	North America
Habitat	Marshes, ponds, slow-moving rivers
Scientific Name	Ondatra zibethicus

Fun Fact
Muskrats can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes.

20. Mexican Redknee Tarantula

This tarantula is easily recognized by its black body with red-orange leg joints and is a slow-moving spider often kept as a pet.

Origin	Mexico
Habitat	Scrubland, dry forests
Scientific Name	Brachypelma smithi

Fun Fact
Mexican redknee tarantulas flick tiny hairs to defend themselves from threats.

21. Malayan Tapir

The Malayan tapir has a distinct black and white coloring and a flexible snout. It is the largest of all tapir species and primarily active at night.

Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Rainforests, swamps, lowlands
Scientific Name	Tapirus indicus

Fun Fact
Despite their size, Malayan tapirs are excellent swimmers and often escape threats by diving into water.

22. Marmoset

These tiny monkeys have claw-like nails and live in close-knit groups. Marmosets communicate using high-pitched calls and are highly social.

Origin	South America
Habitat	Tropical forests, tree canopies
Scientific Name	Callithrix genus

Fun Fact
Some marmoset species can give birth to twins multiple times per year.

23. Marlin

Known for their elongated bodies and spear-like snouts, marlins are among the fastest fish in the ocean and are prized in sport fishing.

Origin	Atlantic and Indo-Pacific Oceans
Habitat	Open ocean
Scientific Name	Makaira genus

Fun Fact
Marlins can swim at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.

24. Milk Snake

A non-venomous snake with bands of red, black, and yellow or white, the milk snake mimics the coloration of venomous coral snakes.

Origin	North and Central America
Habitat	Forests, fields, rocky areas
Scientific Name	Lampropeltis triangulum

Fun Fact
The milk snake got its name from the false belief that it drank milk from cows.

25. Marbled Salamander

This small amphibian is named for its black body with white or gray banding and is mostly active during wet conditions.

Origin	United States
Habitat	Damp woodlands, forest floors
Scientific Name	Ambystoma opacum

Fun Fact
Marbled salamanders breed in dry pools that later fill with rain, giving their larvae an early start.

26. Malayan Tiger

A critically endangered subspecies, the Malayan tiger has a sleek coat with narrow stripes and plays a key role in forest ecosystems.

Origin	Peninsular Malaysia
Habitat	Tropical and subtropical forests
Scientific Name	Panthera tigris jacksoni

Fun Fact
There are estimated to be fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left in the wild.

27. Marten

A small carnivore with a slender body and bushy tail, the marten is agile and primarily hunts small mammals in forests.

Origin	Europe, Asia, North America
Habitat	Forests, woodlands
Scientific Name	Martes genus

Fun Fact
Martens are known for their exceptional climbing abilities and often nest in tree hollows.

28. Masked Owl

This owl is known for its heart-shaped face and striking black and white plumage, mostly found in forests and wooded areas.

Origin	Australia, Southeast Asia
Habitat	Woodlands, forests
Scientific Name	Tyto novaehollandiae

Fun Fact
Masked owls are skilled at silently gliding through dense forests to catch their prey.

29. Mountain Gorilla

Mountain gorillas are critically endangered and live in the high-altitude forests of central Africa, known for their social and peaceful behavior.

Origin	Central Africa
Habitat	Cloud forests, mountain slopes
Scientific Name	Gorilla beringei beringei

Fun Fact
Mountain gorillas live in tight-knit family groups led by a dominant silverback male.

30. Marabou Stork

A large, scavenging bird with a bare head and neck, the marabou stork is found in Africa and is often associated with urban waste areas.

Origin	Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat	Savannas, wetlands, garbage dumps
Scientific Name	Leptoptilos crumenifer

Fun Fact
Marabou storks are known for their large, balloon-like throat pouch, which is used for communication.

31. Mediterranean Monk Seal

A rare and endangered marine mammal, the Mediterranean monk seal is found in caves along the coasts of the Mediterranean and nearby regions.

Origin	Mediterranean Sea, Aegean Sea
Habitat	Coastal caves, beaches
Scientific Name	Monachus monachus

Fun Fact
Mediterranean monk seals are known for their playful behavior, often interacting with divers and fishermen.

32. Moorhen

A small waterbird with a distinctive red beak and a black body, the moorhen is commonly found in ponds, lakes, and wetlands.

Origin	Europe, Asia, Africa
Habitat	Freshwater lakes, wetlands
Scientific Name	Gallinula chloropus

Fun Fact
Moorhens are excellent swimmers and can often be seen diving underwater to avoid predators.

33. Mexican Axolotl

Famous for its regenerative abilities, the Mexican axolotl is an aquatic salamander that remains in its larval stage throughout its life.

Origin	Central Mexico
Habitat	Lakes, canals
Scientific Name	Ambystoma mexicanum

Fun Fact
Axolotls can regenerate lost limbs, parts of their heart, and even parts of their brain.

Here are animals 34 to 40 in your specified format:

34. Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo

A rare species of kangaroo that lives in the trees of Papua New Guinea, Matschie’s tree kangaroo is adapted to an arboreal lifestyle with strong limbs and a long tail.

Origin	Papua New Guinea
Habitat	Tropical rainforests, trees
Scientific Name	Dendrolagus matschiei

Fun Fact
Matschie’s tree kangaroo is an excellent climber and can leap from tree to tree in search of food.

35. Miniature Schnauzer (Dog)

A small but strong and active dog breed, the Miniature Schnauzer is known for its distinctive beard and eyebrows, making it a popular companion breed worldwide.

Origin	Germany
Habitat	Homes, urban and suburban areas
Scientific Name	Canis lupus familiaris

Fun Fact
Miniature Schnauzers are intelligent, social dogs that enjoy being part of family activities.

36. Mexican Wolf

A subspecies of the gray wolf, the Mexican wolf is one of the most endangered carnivores in North America, found in the mountains of Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Origin	Mexico, United States
Habitat	Forests, mountainous regions
Scientific Name	Canis lupus baileyi

Fun Fact
Mexican wolves have an essential role in controlling prey populations in their ecosystem.

37. Mandarin Fish

Known for its vibrant blue and orange colors, the Mandarin fish is a small, brightly colored fish found in the Indo-Pacific, often hiding in coral reefs.

Origin	Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia
Habitat	Coral reefs, shallow lagoons
Scientific Name	Synchiropus splendidus

Fun Fact
Mandarin fish secrete mucus that helps protect them from parasites and other threats in their habitat.

38. Maned Wolf

The maned wolf is native to South America and is recognized for its long legs and reddish-orange fur. It is the largest canid species in South America.

Origin	South America
Habitat	Grasslands, savannas, wetlands
Scientific Name	Chrysocyon brachyurus

Fun Fact
The maned wolf has a distinctive odor, which has been described as similar to cannabis.

39. Mangrove Monitor (Lizard)

A large, arboreal lizard found in mangrove forests of northern Australia and New Guinea, the Mangrove Monitor is known for its sharp claws and long tail.

Origin	Northern Australia, New Guinea
Habitat	Mangrove forests, coastal areas
Scientific Name	Varanus indicus

Fun Fact
Mangrove monitors are excellent swimmers and often dive underwater to catch prey.

40. Mallee Fowl

A ground-dwelling bird found in the Australian outback, the Mallee Fowl is known for its large nests, which it constructs by digging large mounds of sand and leaves.

Origin	Australia
Habitat	Arid regions, woodlands, grasslands
Scientific Name	Leipoa ocellata

Fun Fact
Mallee Fowl incubate their eggs by using the heat from decomposing vegetation in their mounds.

41. Marwari Horse

The Marwari horse is a rare breed from India, known for its inward-turning ear tips and high endurance, traditionally used in battle and ceremonial processions.

Origin	India
Habitat	Grasslands, rural stables
Scientific Name	Equus ferus caballus

Fun Fact
The Marwari horse can rotate its ears 180 degrees independently, giving it excellent awareness of its surroundings.

42. Mauritius Kestrel

Once considered the rarest bird of prey in the world, the Mauritius kestrel is a small falcon species that has made a remarkable comeback through conservation.

Origin	Mauritius
Habitat	Forests, cliffs, and valleys
Scientific Name	Falco punctatus

Fun Fact
Mauritius kestrel populations rebounded from only four known individuals in 1974 to over 300 today.

43. Mud Turtle

A small freshwater turtle with a domed shell and leathery skin, mud turtles are commonly found in slow-moving or still water bodies in the Americas.

Origin	North and South America
Habitat	Ponds, marshes, wetlands
Scientific Name	Kinosternon spp.

Fun Fact
Mud turtles can live in both water and on land, and they hibernate in mud during cold seasons.

44. Malachite Kingfisher

A brightly colored bird with shimmering blue-green feathers and an orange belly, the Malachite kingfisher is often seen perched near rivers and lakes.

Origin	Sub-Saharan Africa
Habitat	Rivers, lakes, wetlands
Scientific Name	Corythornis cristatus

Fun Fact
Despite its dazzling colors, the Malachite kingfisher is very small, often mistaken for a flying jewel.

45. Mountain Zebra

This striped herbivore from southern Africa is smaller and more stocky than its plains relative and has a unique grid-like pattern on its rump.

Origin	Southern Africa
Habitat	Mountains, dry grasslands
Scientific Name	Equus zebra

Fun Fact
Mountain zebras have a dewlap — a flap of skin under their necks — not seen in other zebra species.

46. Musk Turtle

A small, hardy turtle that emits a musky odor when threatened, the musk turtle is commonly found in the slow-moving waters of eastern North America.

Origin	North America
Habitat	Rivers, swamps, and ponds
Scientific Name	Sternotherus odoratus

Fun Fact
Also called “stinkpots,” musk turtles can climb submerged logs and trees despite their aquatic nature.

47. Mountain Goat

Adapted to high altitudes and steep terrain, mountain goats have strong hooves and thick coats to survive harsh alpine climates in North America.

Origin	North America
Habitat	Mountain cliffs, alpine meadows
Scientific Name	Oreamnos americanus

Fun Fact
Mountain goats can scale near-vertical cliffs with ease, often climbing over 1,500 feet in just 20 minutes.

48. Mimic Octopus

This intelligent cephalopod can imitate the appearance and movements of other marine animals such as lionfish, sea snakes, and flatfish to avoid predators.

Origin	Indo-Pacific Ocean
Habitat	Sandy seafloors, shallow coasts
Scientific Name	Thaumoctopus mimicus

Fun Fact
The mimic octopus chooses its imitation based on the predator it encounters, a rare behavior in animals.

49. Mexican Beaded Lizard

A venomous lizard with bead-like scales, the Mexican beaded lizard is slow-moving but dangerous, with a powerful bite used to subdue small prey.

Origin	Mexico and Central America
Habitat	Scrublands, forests, deserts
Scientific Name	Heloderma horridum

Fun Fact
Its venom is being studied for use in diabetes medications due to its blood sugar-lowering effects.

50. Malay Civet

A solitary, nocturnal mammal with a long tail and ringed patterns, the Malay civet is a carnivore that helps control rodent populations in Southeast Asia.

Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Tropical rainforests, plantations
Scientific Name	Viverra tangalunga

Fun Fact
Unlike most civets, the Malay civet often avoids human settlements and sticks to deep forests.

Lesser-Known Animals Starting with “M”

While many are familiar with moose and monkeys, the natural world houses numerous lesser-spotted creatures beginning with M that merit attention for their unique adaptations and roles in their native habitats.

51. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

52. Madagascar Lovebird

53. Madagascar Tree Boa

54. Magellanic Penguin

55. Magellanic Woodpecker

56. Magpie Goose

57. Mahogany Glider

58. Malaysian Black Tapir

59. Malaysian Giant Turtle

60. Malaysian Horned Frog

61. Malaysian Shield Toad

62. Malabar Civet

63. Malabar Flying Frog

64. Malabar Gliding Frog

65. Malayan Banded Coral Snake

66. Malayan Box Turtle

67. Malayan Civet

68. Malayan Gharial

69. Malayan Krait

70. Malayan Peacock Pheasant

71. Malayan Porcupine

72. Malayan Softshell Turtle

73. Malayan Sun Bear

74. Malayopython reticulatus (Reticulated Python)

75. Mallorcan Midwife Toad

76. Malmignatte Spider

77. Malta Freshwater Crab

78. Manchurian Hare

79. Manchurian Leopard Cat

80. Manchurian Mole

81. Maned Rat

82. Mang Mountain Pit Viper

83. Mangrove Cuckoo

84. Mangrove Diamondback Terrapin

85. Mangrove Snake

86. Mangshan Pit Viper

87. Manitoba Toad

88. Manila Clam

89. Manila Thrush

90. Manipur Bush Quail

91. Mantella Frog

92. Mantled Howler Monkey

93. Mantis Shrimp

94. Many-banded Krait

95. Many-colored Chaco Finch

96. Many-spotted Catshark

97. Many-spotted Skipper Butterfly

98. Marabou Spider

99. Marbled Cat

100. Marbled Crayfish

101. Marbled Electric Ray

102. Marbled Frogmouth

103. Marbled Gecko

104. Marbled Godwit

105. Marbled Hatchetfish

106. Marbled Polecat

107. Marbled Sand Frog

108. Marbled Teal

109. Marbled Whipray

110. Margaritifera margaritifera (Freshwater Pearl Mussel)

111. Margay

112. Maria’s Birdwing Butterfly

113. Maribou Spider

114. Marico Flycatcher

115. Mariana Crow

116. Mariana Fruit Bat

117. Mariana Mallard

118. Mariana Swiftlet

119. Marian’s Skipper Butterfly

120. Marine Iguana

121. Marine Toad

122. Marion Flightless Moth

123. Marion Island Fur Seal

124. Maroon Clownfish

125. Maroon Leaf Monkey

126. Maroon-bellied Parakeet

127. Maroon-tailed Parakeet

128. Marsh Deer

129. Marsh Frog

130. Marsh Harrier

131. Marsh Owl

132. Marsh Sandpiper

133. Marsh Skipper Butterfly

134. Marsh Tapaculo

135. Marsican Brown Bear

136. Marsupial Mole

137. Marshall Eagle

138. Martenitsa Spider

139. Martinique Anole

140. Martinique Curlytail Lizard

141. Martinique Giant Ameiva

142. Martinique Racer

143. Mary River Turtle

144. Masked Angelfish

145. Masked Booby

146. Masked Frog

147. Masked Lapwing

148. Masked Palm Civet

149. Masked Shrike

150. Maskray

151. Massasauga Rattlesnake

152. Masterwort Beetle

153. Matamata Turtle

154. Mata Mata Treefrog

155. Matamoro Skipper Butterfly

156. Maternal Mouthbrooder Cichlid

157. Mauritius Blue Pigeon

158. Mauritius Cardinal

159. Mauritius Fody

160. Mauritius Fruit Bat

161. Mauritius Olive White-eye

162. Mauritius Pink Pigeon

163. Mauritius Red Fody

164. Mauritius Skink

165. Mauritian Flying Fox

166. Mauritian Gecko

167. Mauritian Kestrel

168. Mauritian Shelduck

169. Mauritian Skink

170. Mauritian Tomb Bat

171. Mauve Stinger Jellyfish

172. Maxima Clam

173. May Beetle

174. Mayan Cichlid

175. Mayfly

176. Mayotte Chameleon

177. Mayotte Drongo

178. Mayotte Island Day Gecko

179. Mayotte White-eye

180. Meadow Jumping Mouse

181. Meadow Lark

182. Meadow Pipit

183. Meadow Vole

184. Mealy Amazon Parrot

185. Mealybug Destroyer (Ladybird Beetle)

186. Meandering Cowry

187. Meat Ant

188. Mediterranean Gull

189. Mediterranean Moray

190. Mediterranean Seahorse

191. Mediterranean Spur-thighed Tortoise

192. Mediterranean Starfish

193. Mediterranean Tree Frog

194. Mediterranean Water Shrew

195. Meerkat Beetle

196. Mekong Catfish

197. Mekong Giant Catfish

198. Mekong River Dolphin

199. Melancholy Thistle Butterfly

200. Melanistic Jaguar

201. Melanistic Leopard

202. Melanistic Serval

203. Melba Finch

204. Melon-headed Whale

205. Melville Island Bandicoot

206. Menarambo Cichlid

207. Menippe Crab

208. Menorcan Horse

209. Menorcan Wall Lizard

210. Menura (Lyrebird)

211. Mercury Frog

212. Merida Andes Frog

213. Merida Tree Frog

214. Merino Sheep

215. Merry Widow Butterfly

216. Mescalero Apache Frog

217. Meshweb Weaver Spider

218. Mesopotamian Spiny-tailed Lizard

219. Messmate Pipefish

220. Metanephrops australiensis (Australian Lobster)

221. Mexican Alligator Lizard

222. Mexican Axolotl

223. Mexican Burrowing Toad

224. Mexican Duck

225. Mexican Gray Squirrel

226. Mexican Hairless Dog (Xoloitzcuintli)

227. Mexican Jay

228. Mexican Mole Lizard

229. Mexican Mud Turtle

230. Mexican Redleg Tarantula

231. Mexican Salamander

232. Mexican Shrew

233. Mexican White-tailed Deer

234. Microbat

235. Microcebus (Mouse Lemur)

236. Microdon Hoverfly

237. Micronecta scholtzi (Water Boatman)

238. Microseris Butterfly

239. Micrurus (Coral Snake genus)

240. Middle Spotted Woodpecker

241. Midland Brown Snake

242. Midland Painted Turtle

243. Midwife Toad

244. Miombo Rock Thrush

245. Miombo Wren-Warbler

246. Mississippi Green Water Snake

247. Mississippi Kite

248. Mississippi Map Turtle

249. Mississippi Sandhill Crane

250. Missouri Tarantula

251. Mitred Parakeet

252. Mockingbird

253. Mock Viper

254. Mocker Swallowtail Butterfly

255. Modest Anole

256. Mohave Rattlesnake

257. Moheli Scops Owl

258. Moho (Hawaiian bird)

259. Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard

260. Mojave Green Rattlesnake

261. Mojave Rattlesnake

262. Mole Crab

263. Mole Salamander

264. Mole Snake

265. Mole Cricket

266. Molokai Flightless Moth

267. Molokai Tree Snail

268. Molossus Bat

269. Mongolian Gerbil

270. Mongolian Horse

271. Mongolian Lark

272. Mongolian Racerunner (Lizard)

273. Mongolian Wolf

274. Monito del Monte

275. Monk Parakeet

276. Monk Seal

277. Monocled Cobra

278. Monocled Monitor (Lizard)

279. Montane Shaggy Bat

280. Mountain Reedbuck

These lesser-known M-animals illustrate how much remains to be learned about our planet’s wildlife, with each species contributing to the rich tapestry of life in ways we’re still coming to understand.

What are the Educational Uses of this List?

This compilation of animal names for kids has numerous applications in educational settings:

For Teachers:

• Create scavenger hunts where students identify M-animals
• Design vocabulary exercises focused on animal characteristics
• Develop biology lessons about habitats using specific M-animals as examples

For Parents:

• Play alphabet animal games during car rides or waiting times
• Create flashcards with animal names and facts
• Encourage drawing and coloring activities featuring M-animals

For Homeschoolers:

• Build comprehensive science units around animal classifications
• Create projects comparing different M-animals across ecosystems
• Use as prompts for research and writing assignments

These activities support learning animals by alphabet in an organized, methodical way that builds knowledge systematically.

Conclusion

The animal kingdom offers an incredible array of creatures whose names begin with M, from the mighty moose to the minute millipede.

Each animal plays a vital role in its ecosystem and has adapted in unique ways to survive. We hope this guide has increased your knowledge about animals that start with M and sparked an interest in learning more.

Want to keep exploring the animal kingdom? Check out our other guides:

• Animals That Start With N
• Animals That Start With G
• Animals That Start With H
• Animals That Start With U

Which “M” animal is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!