Are you a fan of animals? Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of animals whose names end in the letters “er”? From tigers to otters to beavers, there are many fascinating creatures that belong to this group. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most interesting animals that end in “er” and learn more about their unique characteristics and behaviors. Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking to expand your knowledge of the animal kingdom, this article is sure to have something for you.
22 Animals That End In ER
1. Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are a unique type of bird that use their chisel-shaped bill to extract insects and carve out holes for nests. Most species concentrate on trees that are dead or have softer wood to excavate their nesting hole, but some species will even nest in cactus! Insects beneath the bark are no match for a woodpecker who can easily drill a hole and insert their long, sticky tongue in to pull the bugs out.
2. Reindeer
The reindeer is a tall member of the deer family that lives in colder climates. They have hollow and tapered coat hairs that insulate them against extreme cold, as they’re found in arctic tundra and subarctic forest regions. Additionally, their hooves enable them to walk efficiently in the snow and also support them in swimming. Reindeer and caribou are actually the same species. However, the name reindeer tends to be used more in Eurasia and also refers to more domesticated animals than the wild caribou.
3. Otter
Otters are playful mammals with skills for life in aquatic environments. There are two general types of otters, sea otter that live primarily in the ocean and river otters that live along river banks. Their long, slim bodies, webbed feet and long tails help them maneuver in the water, while their thick fur keeps them warm. Their diet typically consists of fish, mollusks and crustaceans.
4. Hamster
Hamsters are members of the rodent family and are one of the most popular small animals that people keep as pets. These adorable creatures have soft fur, large dark eyes and a short stubby tail. They are relatively small, able to fit in the palm of your hand, and can learn to be quite relaxed around humans. Hamsters are native to the Middle East and parts of southern Europe in countries such as Syria, Greece, Romania and Turkey. The Syrian hamster, also called the golden hamster, is the most common species sold as pets today.
5. Deer
There are almost 50 species of deer found in the wild today across the world. The white-tailed deer is one example, which is widespread across southern Canada and the mainland U.S. Male deer grow antlers they can use to attract mates and fight with other males to establish dominance. Antlers can be shed and regrown. Deer are known for their graceful running and jumping abilities, and they play an important part in the ecosystem as prey animals for larger predators.
6. Kingfisher
Another animal that ends with “er” is the kingfisher which is well-known for its vibrant blue plumage and fishing abilities. Kingfishers possess a long and sharp beak, which plays a crucial role in their ability to catch prey. They sit above still water and watch closely for signs of fish or amphibians. When they see one they dive headfirst into the water to snatch the prey with their beak. There are around 90 species worldwide, and most live in tropical or subtropical regions. They need fish-filled, clear waters to survive, so their presence tends to indicate a healthy ecosystem.
7. Oyster
Oysters are a type of bivalve mollusk that is found in saltwater and brackish water environments around the world. You can find oysters in shallow, protected coastal areas like estuaries, intertidal zones, and subtidal zones, where they stick to hard surfaces. Oysters are filter feeders, drawing in water through their gills and extracting small particles of food, such as plankton and other microscopic organisms. They are an important part of many marine ecosystems, helping to filter water and provide habitat for other organisms. If a grain of sand becomes trapped inside its shell, it may become coated with layers of nacre, becoming a pearl.
8. Tarsier
Tarsiers are tiny primates that are found in various parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They have large ears, round faces, and enormous eyes for acute night vision, and their brownish-gray coloring varies depending on the region. Although they’re small creatures, roughly the size of a young child’s hand, their powerful legs enable them to execute impressive leaps of up to twenty feet.
Tarsiers primarily feed on a variety of insects and other small prey. They are also arboreal, spending most of their time in trees and rarely coming down to the ground. Tarsiers are considered to be one of the smallest primates in the world, with some species weighing as little as 2 ounces and measuring only a few inches in length. Due to habitat loss and other threats, many species of tarsiers are now considered to be endangered.
9. Tiger
Tigers are among the most famous members of the “big cats”, and inhabit diverse environments such as forests, jungles, and swamps. They’re easily recognized by their reddish-orange coat with black stripes, and these species can adapt to climates ranging from warm areas to snow-covered landscapes. They are found primarily in Asia, including countries such as India, China, and Indonesia.
Tigers are apex predators and are at the top of the food chain in their habitats. Tigers are known for their strength, agility, and speed, and are able to take down prey that is much larger than themselves. They are solitary animals and typically hunt alone at night. Tigers are also territorial and will defend their territory against other tigers. Due to habitat loss and poaching, many species of tigers are now endangered, with some species, such as the South China tiger, being critically endangered.
10. Salamander
A salamander is a type of amphibian found throughout the world, with the highest diversity of species in North America. Salamanders are known for their long, slender bodies and their ability to regenerate lost body parts, such as limbs and tails. They have moist, smooth skin and are typically found in damp habitats, such as forests, streams, and ponds.
Most species of salamanders are carnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and other invertebrates. Some larger species of salamanders, such as the hellbender, are also known to eat small fish. Salamanders play an important role in many ecosystems, serving as both predator and prey.
11. Lobster
Lobsters are a type of crustacean that belongs to the family Nephropidae. They are found in oceans around the world, with the majority of species found in the Atlantic Ocean. Lobsters are known for their hard, spiny shells and their large, asymmetrical claws. They have long, segmented bodies and a tail that is used for swimming.
Lobsters are primarily bottom-dwellers, living in rocky crevices or burrows on the ocean floor. They are opportunistic feeders, eating a variety of prey, including fish, crabs, clams, and other crustaceans. Lobsters are also an important commercial seafood and are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, steaming, grilling, and baking.
12. Grasshopper
Grasshoppers are insects found throughout the world, with the highest diversity of species found in tropical regions. Grasshoppers are known for their long, powerful hind legs, which are adapted for jumping, and their large, compound eyes, which provide excellent vision. They have a hard, exoskeleton and are typically green or brown in color, allowing them to blend in with their surroundings.
Grasshoppers are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, including grasses, leaves, and crops. They are also an important food source for many animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. Grasshoppers are known for their distinctive chirping sound, which is produced by rubbing their wings or legs together.
13. Flounder
Scientific Name: Paralichthys dentatus
Flounder is a flatfish that can be found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Flounders are known for their flattened bodies and their ability to camouflage themselves by changing color to match their surroundings. They have both eyes on one side of their head, which allows them to lie flat on the ocean floor and still see their prey. They will often lay on the bottom and flip sand on top of themselves to become partially buried for even more camouflage. Flounders are carnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They are an important commercial seafood, and are often used in dishes such as fish and chips and ceviche.
14. Beaver
Beavers are large, semi-aquatic rodents native to North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their distinctive flat paddle-shaped tails and large, chisel-like teeth. Beavers are herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, including bark, leaves, and twigs. They are also known for their ability to construct dams and lodges, which provide them with protection from predators and a stable environment in which to live.
Beavers are important ecosystem engineers, creating wetlands and changing the course of rivers and streams through their dam-building activities. They are also an important source of fur and were once heavily hunted for their pelts. Today, beavers are protected in many areas, and their populations have rebounded in some regions where they were hunted to near extinction.
15. Viper
A viper is a type of venomous snake found throughout the world, with most species found in Africa and Asia. Vipers are known for their long, triangular heads and their large, retractable fangs, which are used to inject venom into their prey. They have a distinctive, zigzag pattern on their backs and are typically colored in shades of brown, gray, or green. Vipers are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and other snakes. Vipers are feared for their venomous bites, which can be deadly to humans and other animals.
16. Pocket gopher
Scientific name: Geomyidae
The Pocket gophers are fascinating subterranean rodents found primarily in North and Central America. These industrious creatures are known for their remarkable digging abilities, creating intricate tunnel systems beneath the earth. Sporting stout bodies, short legs, and strong claws, they are perfectly adapted for a life spent underground.
Pocket gophers are herbivores, favoring roots, tubers, and plant matter in their diet. Interestingly, they have fur-lined cheek pouches (or “pockets”) on the sides of their mouths, which they use to transport food to their burrows.
This behavior earned them their name. One of the most intriguing aspects of pocket gophers is their role as ecosystem engineers, influencing soil composition and vegetation in their habitats. Despite their small size, these rodents have a big impact on the landscapes they call home.
17. Honey Badger
Scientific name: Mellivora capensis
The Honey badgers are found in the wilds of Africa and parts of Asia. These tenacious creatures have a reputation for being fearless and relentless predators. With their stocky bodies, strong claws, and a distinctive black stripe across their white backs, they have a striking appearance.
Honey badgers are opportunistic eaters, consuming a wide variety of prey, from small mammals to insects, and even honey from beehives, which is how they got their name. Their tough, loose skin allows them to twist and turn freely, making it difficult for enemies to grip during a fight. Most impressively, honey badgers are known for their incredible resilience, often taking on adversaries much larger than themselves, including venomous snakes, and emerging victorious.
18. Black Panther
Scientific name: Panthera pardus
The Black panthers, which are a melanistic variant of leopards and jaguars, can be found in various parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. These enigmatic big cats boast sleek, ebony fur, a striking contrast to the typical spots or rosettes seen on their counterparts. Their dark coat is a result of melanism, a genetic condition that leads to an excess of black pigment.
Black panthers are skilled predators, preying on a wide array of animals including deer, boar, and smaller mammals. They are known for their elusive nature, often lurking in the shadows and displaying exceptional stealth during hunts. An intriguing fact about black panthers is that they are not a separate species but a color variation, making them a captivating phenomenon in the world of wildlife.
19. Salamander
Scientific name: Salamandra salamandra
The Fire Salamander is native to various parts of Europe, including woodlands and damp habitats. These distinctive amphibians exhibit a striking black body adorned with bright yellow or orange markings, serving as a warning sign to predators about their toxic skin secretions. Their diet primarily consists of insects, earthworms, and small invertebrates.
Fire Salamanders are known for their remarkable ability to regenerate lost body parts, a trait shared by many salamander species. These amphibians play a significant role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations and serving as indicators of environmental health due to their sensitivity to habitat changes and pollution levels.
20. Roadrunner
Scientific name: Geococcyx californianus
The Roadrunner, a bird commonly found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, is a distinctive species known for its exceptional speed and agility. Sporting a sleek, black and white plumage with a distinctive crest atop their heads, these birds are striking in appearance. Their diet primarily consists of insects, small reptiles, and even small mammals.
Roadrunners are recognized for their remarkable running abilities, capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, which they often use to catch prey or escape from predators. Additionally, they are renowned for their distinct vocalizations, which include a series of coos and clucks.
21. Anteater
Scientific name: Myrmecophaga tridactyla
The Anteater, commonly found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, is a unique mammal known for its specialized diet and distinctive appearance. These creatures possess elongated snouts and tongues, which they use to extract their favorite meal—ants and termites—from nests and tunnels.
Their bodies are covered in coarse, bristly fur that serves as protection against the bites of their insect prey. Anteaters have long, powerful claws adapted for tearing into termite mounds and ant hills. One remarkable fact about anteaters is their incredible consumption rate, capable of ingesting thousands of insects in a single day.
22. Flycatcher
Scientific name: Tyrannus forficatus
The Flycatcher, a diverse group of birds, can be found across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Known for their insectivorous diet, these birds are skilled aerial hunters, capturing flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects in mid-air.
Flycatchers are generally small to medium-sized with slender bodies and often exhibit subtle plumage patterns. One characteristic that unites them is their adeptness at catching insects in flight, using quick, precise maneuvers. Some species are renowned for their melodious songs, adding a charming aspect to their presence in various ecosystems.
Louise writes about a wide variety of topics including wildlife, animals, and nature. She’s developed a growing interest in animal biology and categorization due to her fascination with how they interact with one another and with their surroundings.