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35 Animals That Start With I

There are many animals that start with I on our planet. Do you know who they are? Here’s a long list of animals that start with the letter I!

From massive to tiny, these animals beginning with I are incredible, so we couldn’t avoid but write a little about them.

Keep in mind that this article is for those who want to deepen their knowledge of the animal kingdom as we’ll talk about species of animals that begin with I (as in Inca jay), not groups of animals (as in iguana).

Have we missed your favorite animal that starts with the letter I? Then let us know in the comments, and we will include it in this article.

Animals That Start With I

Below is our list of the most incredible animals that begin with the letter I. 

Impala

Impala portrait

Impalas are among the most elegant and graceful antelopes found in Africa. These slender, medium-sized animals have long, pointed S-shaped horns. 

In addition, these animals feed on grass as well as a variety of plant matter, including leaves, fruit, and seeds.

Iberian Lynx

Iberian lynx walking

One of the three wild cats of Europe, the Iberian lynx is the rarest of all lynx species. These are solitary wild cats that hunt for prey after sunset. 

Their diet consists of birds, rabbits, and other small animals. They are an endangered species at present, mainly due to habitat loss.

Inca Jay

Inca jay on branch

Inca Jays are colorful birds native to South America. They are usually between 11.6 to 12 inches long and have a striking multi-colored plumage. 

These birds feed on a variety of fruits, seeds, arthropods, and small vertebrates.

Indian Rock Python

Indian rock python on tree trunk

Indian rock pythons are large snakes native to several countries in Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan. 

These pythons have whitish or yellow bodies marked with blotched brownish patterns. 

They are non-venomous snakes that feed on a range of small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.

Italian Crested Newt

Italian crested newt on grass

The Italian crested newt is native to Europe, where it is found in Italy and the Balkan peninsula. 

They are good swimmers and prefer to reside near ponds. These amphibians can breathe through their skin, as well as their lungs and buccal cavity.

Indonesian False Bloodsucker

Indonesian False Bloodsucker Lizard on a spiny branch

Native to Indonesia, the next name on our list of animals that start with I is the Indonesian false bloodsucker. 

These lizards are greenish, often with dark olive-brown markings, and have lighter underparts. They are mainly found on the islands of Java and Sumatra.

Ivory Gull

Ivory gull on the ice

Ivory gulls are small seabirds found in the high Arctic region. Adult ivory gulls are pure white, while younger birds have black markings on the wings and tails. 

Being social birds, they are usually seen in colonies, especially during the breeding season. They have an average lifespan of 10 to 20 years.

Indian Roofed Turtle

Indian roofed turtle in the water

Indian roofed turtles can be easily recognized due to a noticeable “roof” on the top area of their shell. 

These turtles are native to some countries in Asia and have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Inland Taipan

Inland Taipan in strike position

Native to Australia, inland taipans are dark-colored diurnal snakes. The inland taipan is the world’s most venomous snake and can grow up to close to 6 feet. 

These snakes feed on a variety of mammals, although they have a high preference for rats.

Indian Peafowl

Male Indian peafowl

Indian peafowls are magnificent birds found across the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. 

The male birds (or peacocks) have a long tail of feathers bearing beautiful eyespots. 

During courtship, the bird can raise the tail into a fan to display the feathers to the peahen. They follow an omnivorous diet.

Indian Rhinoceros

Indian rhinoceros

The Indian rhinoceros is next on our list of animals that start with I. 

These huge mammals prefer to lead a solitary life and are often found wallowing in water to keep themselves cool. They have an average lifespan of 40 to 50 years in the wild.

Impressed Tortoise

Impressed tortoise isolated on white background

Impressed tortoises are native to the mountainous forests of South Asia, including parts of China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, and India. 

They are golden-brown and prefer to reside at higher elevations. They feed on mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Indian Cobra

Indian Cobra

The Indian cobra is a highly venomous snake responsible for a large portion of human deaths due to snakebite in the country. 

These are solitary reptiles that seek shelter in mounds and hollows. They have an average lifespan of 24 years.

Iberian Wolf

Iberian wolf looking up

A subspecies of the gray wolf, Iberian wolves, are found in Western Europe. 

These carnivorous animals are usually found in small packs and prey on various small animals, including rabbits, deer, and fish.

Intermediate Egret

Intermediate Egret in lagoon

Native to parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia, intermediate egrets are medium-sized birds belonging to the heron family.

They have full white plumage with dark-colored legs and a yellow bill. They are usually found near coasts and freshwater sources, where they prey on insects, fish, frogs, and crustaceans.

Indian Elephant

Indian elephant walking

The mighty Indian elephant is next on our list of animals that start with I. They are one of three extant recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant and native to mainland Asia.

Indian elephants are nomadic animals who travel from place to place while looking for food. 

Only the males of this type of animal have tusks. They have a long lifespan of around 70 years on average.

Iberian Magpie

Iberian Magpie perched on flower

Iberian magpies are slender birds who belong to the crow family. They are grayish with a black head and white throat and have bright blue tail feathers. 

They are usually found in flocks foraging for pine nuts, acorns, fruits, berries, insects, and so on.

Indian Leopard

Indian male leopard making eye contact

Indian leopards are a vulnerable species native to the Indian subcontinent. 

Poaching, in addition to the loss of habitat, has resulted in the decline of these big cats

They are solitary nocturnal animals who prefer to stay perched up high on trees during the day.

Indri

Portrait of Indri indri on a tree

The largest of all lemur species in the world, Indris, are natives of Madagascar. 

These mammals have a unique appearance with a stark resemblance to teddy bears. 

They are arboreal primates who follow a herbivorous diet mainly consisting of leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Indigo Snake

Indigo snake

Reaching around 8.5 feet, indigo snakes are the largest snakes found in the US. 

They are non-venomous snakes who capture prey by coiling over it and crushing it with their powerful jaws. They usually hunt small vertebrates, including smaller snakes.

Indian Wolf

Indian wolf stands on a rock

The Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) is a subspecies of gray wolves that inhabit open grasslands, scrublands, and thorny forests in some parts of Asia. 

These animals usually live in packs of 6 to 8 members, although they prefer to hunt independently. They have an average lifespan of 5 to 13 years.

Irrawaddy Dolphin

Irrawaddy dolphin jumping

Irrawaddy dolphins are close relatives of the orca and can grow up to 9 feet. 

They can swim at speeds of around 15.5 miles an hour and have an average lifespan of 30 years in the wild.

Indian Flying Fox

Close up of a female Indian flying fox with pup

How can our list of animals that begin with the letter I be complete without mentioning the Indian flying fox? 

These are reddish-brown bats with a fox-like appearance, hence their name. 

They have an advanced sense of smell and vision, which enables them to perceive their environment without using echolocation.

Island Fox

Island fox searching for food

Native to North America, the Island fox is a small animal residing on 6 of the 8 Channel Islands of California. 

These are solitary animals that follow an omnivorous diet. They are highly docile and can be easily tamed by humans.

Imperial Woodpecker

An imperial woodpecker on a trunk

Native to Mexico, the Imperial woodpecker is a critically endangered bird with a high probability of extinction. 

With around 22 to 23.5 inches, these are the largest among all woodpecker species found on earth. 

Their diet consists mainly of insect larvae hidden under the bark of trees.

Italian Wall Lizard

Italian wall lizard on rock

Native to Europe, Italian wall lizards are small lizards found abundantly in the southern part of Italy. 

They are solitary reptiles that feed on various small arthropods, mollusks, mammals, etc.

Inca Dove

Inca Dove

Inca doves are small, beautiful birds found in parts of North America. 

They have unique feathers that are mostly light gray but are darker on the tips, giving them a scaly appearance. 

They are found looking for seeds and grains on the ground, usually in pairs or larger flocks. Their lifespan varies between 2 to 8 years.

Imperial Amazon

Imperial Amazon parrot on tree

Native to the Caribbean island of Dominica, the Imperial Amazon is a beautiful yet critically endangered bird belonging to the parrot family. 

They can grow up to 19 inches in length and can be identified by their dark purple chests and greenbacks. 

At present, only 50 of these birds are estimated to be living in the wild.

Inca Tern

Black Inca Tern with red bill

Inca terns are beautiful birds identified by their gray bodies, reddish-brown beak and feet, and distinctive white mustache. 

These social birds are usually found in flocks of thousands. They are carnivorous birds and can live up to 14 years in the wild.

Icterine Warbler

Icterine Warbler sitting on a bush with red berries

The next name on our list of animals that start with I is the Icterine warbler. These are migratory birds that breed in parts of Europe but spend the winters in Africa. 

They have grayish-green plumage on the backs, while the underparts are pale yellow. They feed on both fruits and insects.

Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

Ivory-billed woodpecker on the tree

The ivory-billed woodpecker is a critically endangered woodpecker native to the bottomland hardwood forests and temperate coniferous forests of the Southern United States and Central America.

The ivory-billed woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in the world at roughly 20 inches long and 30 inches in wingspan. It is the largest woodpecker in its range.

Iceland Gull

Juvenile Iceland gull

Iceland gulls are found in the remote Arctic region, breeding in huge colonies. 

These seabirds are experts in capturing food from the water’s surface, even without landing. 

Their diet consists mainly of fish, snails, mussels, and other small marine animals.

Ibisbill

Ibisbill

Ibisbills are native to Central Asia and the Himalayan region, where they are commonly seen near stony riverbeds. 

These birds can be identified by their gray bodies, white belly, and long curved red bill. Their diet consists of insects, fish, and other small aquatic animals.

Island Scrub-Jay

Island scrub-jay bird on a branch

Native to North America, Island scrub-jays are members of the crow family. 

These omnivorous birds feed on acorns, insects, spiders, mice, lizards, etc. They are a vulnerable species among the rarest songbirds found in the US.

Iberian Worm Lizard

Closeup of an Iberian worm lizard

Last on our list of animals that start with I is the Iberian worm lizard. 

Native to Europe, these lizards have limbless ringed bodies, giving them a worm-like appearance. 

They are opportunistic feeders that prefer a diet of insects and larvae.

Animal Alphabet List

Animals that start with A

Animals that start with B

Animals that start with C

Animals that start with D

Animals that start with E

Animals that start with F

Animals that start with G

Animals that start with H

Animals that start with J

Animals that start with K

Animals that start with L

Animals that start with M

Animals that start with N

Animals that start with O

Animals that start with P

Animals that start with Q

Animals that start with R

Animals that start with S

Animals that start with T

Animals that start with U

Animals that start with V

Animals that start with W

Animals that start with X

Animals that start with Y

Animals that start with Z

Animals With I

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