The realm of animals beginning with the letter Q invites you to an enchanting exploration!
You can read more relevant animal Info with fun facts starting with the letter ‘P’.
Join us as we unveil their curious habits, remarkable features, and the charm they add to the captivating tapestry of nature.
Animals That Start with Q
- Quail
- Queen Triggerfish
- Quokka
- Quoll
- Quahog (type of clam)
- Quadwing (fictional bird in Harry Potter)
- Quandong (a type of bird found in Australia)
- Quelea (a small bird found in Africa)
- Quetzal (a vibrantly colored bird found in Central America)
- Quokka Rat (extinct rat species from Australia)
Quagga
| Scientific Name | Equus quagga quagga |
| Special Habit | Extinct subspecies of the plains zebra |
| Place of Origin | Southern Africa, specifically South Africa |
| Size | Similar to modern zebras, around 4.6 to 5.3 feet at the shoulder |
| Commonly Found In | Grasslands and open plains |
| Lifespan | Estimated around 20 years in the wild |
| Diet | Herbivorous, mainly grazing on grasses |
| Reproduction | Viviparous, giving birth to live offspring |
| Conservation Status | Extinct |
The quagga was known for its unique appearance, featuring a zebra-like pattern on the front half of its body while having a plain brown color on the rear half.
Quahog Clam
| Scientific Name | Mercenaria mercenaria |
| Special Habit | Burrowing bivalve mollusk |
| Place of Origin | Coastal waters of North America |
| Size | Varies, with some reaching 4 inches in shell length |
| Commonly Found In | Sandy and muddy substrates in shallow marine waters |
| Lifespan | Long-lived, up to 40 years or more |
| Diet | Filter-feeder, extracting plankton from the water |
| Reproduction | Oviparous, releasing eggs into the water for external fertilization |
| Conservation Status | Not evaluated |
Quahog clams have growth rings on their shells similar to tree rings, providing a record of their age and environmental conditions throughout their lives.
Quail
| Scientific Name | Various species (e.g., Coturnix coturnix) |
| Special Habit | Ground-dwelling birds, often in flocks |
| Place of Origin | Worldwide, diverse habitats |
| Size | Small to medium, 6-10 inches in length |
| Commonly Found In | Grasslands, woodlands, and agricultural areas |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years, depending on species |
| Diet | Seeds, insects, and small invertebrates |
| Reproduction | Oviparous, lay eggs in nests on the ground |
| Conservation Status | Varied, some species are game birds |
Quails are known for their distinctive “bobwhite” calls, and they have a strong association with traditional game bird hunting.
Queen Snake
| Scientific Name | Regina septemvittata |
| Special Habit | Semi-aquatic snake, excellent swimmer |
| Place of Origin | Eastern North America, near freshwater habitats |
| Size | Moderate size, around 2-3 feet in length |
| Commonly Found In | Streams, rivers, and other aquatic environments |
| Lifespan | Approximately 5-8 years |
| Diet | Mainly feeds on crayfish |
| Reproduction | Oviparous, lays eggs in concealed locations |
| Conservation Status | Not assessed |
The Queen Snake is also known as the “crawfish snake” due to its primary diet of crayfish.
Quetzal
| Scientific Name | Pharomachrus spp. (e.g., Pharomachrus mocinno) |
| Special Habit | Colorful, forest-dwelling birds with long tail feathers |
| Place of Origin | Central America, particularly cloud forests |
| Size | Medium-sized, around 14-16 inches in length |
| Commonly Found In | Montane cloud forests |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Diet | Fruits, insects, small vertebrates |
| Reproduction | Monogamous, nest in tree cavities |
| Conservation Status | Some species are near threatened due to habitat loss |
The Resplendent Quetzal, found in Central America, was considered sacred by the ancient Mayans and Aztecs, often associated with the god Quetzalcoatl.
Quetzalcoatlus Northropi
| Scientific Name | Quetzalcoatlus northropi |
| Special Habit | Extinct pterosaur, flying reptile |
| Place of Origin | North America during the Late Cretaceous |
| Size | One of the largest flying animals, with a wingspan of up to 36 feet |
| Commonly Found In | Fossil remains found in North America |
| Lifespan | Extinct |
| Diet | Presumed to be carnivorous, feeding on small vertebrates |
| Reproduction | Presumed egg layers, little known about reproduction |
| Conservation Status | Extinct |
Quetzalcoatlus northropi is not a dinosaur but a pterosaur, belonging to a group of flying reptiles that lived at the same time as dinosaurs.
Quokka
| Scientific Name | Setonix brachyurus |
| Special Habit | Herbivorous marsupial, known for a friendly and smiling appearance |
| Place of Origin | Australia, particularly found in southwestern regions |
| Size | Small, around 16-21 inches in length |
| Commonly Found In | Rottnest Island and nearby regions in Australia |
| Lifespan | 5-10 years |
| Diet | Herbivorous, feeds on vegetation and fruits |
| Reproduction | Marsupial pouch, gives birth to underdeveloped young |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable due to habitat loss and introduced predators |
Quokkas are often referred to as the “world’s happiest animal” due to their seemingly smiling facial expression.
Quoll
| Scientific Name | Various species (e.g., Dasyurus spp.) |
| Special Habit | Carnivorous marsupials, primarily nocturnal |
| Place of Origin | Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania |
| Size | Small to medium-sized, around 10-30 inches in length |
| Commonly Found In | Varied habitats, including forests and grasslands |
| Lifespan | 2-5 years depending on species |
| Diet | Carnivorous, preys on small mammals, birds, and insects |
| Reproduction | Marsupial pouch, gives birth to undeveloped young |
| Conservation Status | Some species are threatened due to habitat loss and introduced predators |
Quolls have a unique mating ritual, involving complex scents and vocalizations to attract mates.
To Wrap Up
There are not many animals that start with Q, but we hope you’ve enjoyed this shortl ride. Keep the spirit of wonder alive, and let’s continue to safeguard the homes of these unique creatures.
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