Animals that start with H

1. Halibut
Halibut

The halibut is a large, flatfish found in the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans. They have a distinctive diamond-shaped body and can grow up to several hundred pounds in weight. Halibut are carnivorous and feed on a variety of fish and invertebrates, including herring, salmon, and crab. They are commercially important for their white, flaky meat, which is prized for its mild flavor and versatility in cooking. Halibut are also popular game fish, known for their size and strength.

2. Hamster

The hamster is a small, furry rodent that is often kept as a pet. They are native to parts of Europe and Asia, and come in a variety of colors and coat patterns.

Hamsters are known for their energetic and curious personalities, and are often kept in cages or enclosed areas with toys and other items to play with. They are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning that they are most active at night.

As pets, hamsters are relatively easy to care for and can be fed a variety of foods including pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and even small amounts of meat. They are also known for their ability to store food in their cheeks, which they use to bring food back to their burrows.

In the wild, hamsters live in underground burrows and are known for their ability to dig and tunnel through soil. They are also an important food source for many predators, including owls, snakes, and foxes.

3. Hedgehog
Hedgehog

Photo: lutramania

The hedgehog, also known as the "hedgepig," is a small, spiny mammal found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They are known for their distinctive spines, which provide protection from predators, and their ability to roll into a tight ball for further protection. Hedgehogs are primarily nocturnal and feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates. They are also known for their excellent sense of smell and hearing. Hedgehogs are solitary animals that prefer to live alone, but they may form small groups during the breeding season. They hibernate during the winter months, and can survive for months without food or water. Hedgehogs are popular pets in some countries, but in others, they are protected and considered a symbol of good luck.

4. hippo
hippo

Photo: ignartonosbg

The hippopotamus, also known as the "hippo," is a large semi-aquatic mammal found in parts of Africa. They are known for their massive size, with males weighing up to 3,000 pounds and females up to 2,500 pounds.

Hippos spend most of their days in water to keep their massive bodies cool, and come out at night to graze on grasses and other vegetation. They are herbivores and have large mouths with sharp teeth, which they use to defend themselves and their territories.

Despite their large size, hippos are capable of running at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour and are considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. They are known to attack boats and humans who venture too close to their territory.

Hippos are also important to their ecosystems, as they help to maintain the balance of rivers and wetlands by keeping vegetation under control and stirring up sediments.

5. Horse
Horse

The horse is a majestic and powerful mammal that has been domesticated by humans for thousands of years. They have a distinctive appearance, with a muscular body, long legs, and a flowing mane and tail. Horses have been used for a wide range of purposes throughout history, including transportation, agriculture, and as working animals in many industries. They are also popular as riding animals and are used for sports, such as racing and jumping. Horses are social animals, and they form strong bonds with their herd mates. They communicate with each other through a range of vocalizations, body language, and pheromones. Horses are known for their intelligence and ability to learn, and they have been trained to perform a wide variety of tasks. They are an important part of human history and culture.

6. Hummingbird
Hummingbird

Photo: dMz

The hummingbird, also known as a "hummer," is a small bird found primarily in the Americas. They are known for their bright, iridescent feathers and their ability to hover in mid-air, flap their wings rapidly, and fly in all directions. Hummingbirds have unique features such as long, thin bills adapted for feeding on nectar and an incredibly high metabolism that allows them to consume up to twice their body weight in nectar every day.

Hummingbirds play an important role in pollinating flowers and plants, as they feed on nectar and transfer pollen from flower to flower. They are also predators, feeding on small insects and spiders.

Hummingbirds are able to fly at incredible speeds, with some species able to reach up to 60 miles per hour. Despite their small size, they are capable of traveling long distances during their migrations, sometimes traveling over 500 miles.

Hummingbirds have a rich cultural significance in many indigenous cultures throughout the Americas, often symbolizing energy, joy, and beauty.

7. Hyena
Hyena

Photo: IanZA

The hyena is a carnivorous mammal found in parts of Africa and Asia. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include a characteristic laugh-like sound.

Hyenas have strong jaws and teeth adapted for crushing bones, and are able to digest and extract nutrients from even the toughest parts of their prey. They are skilled hunters and scavengers, and will often work together in groups to take down larger animals.

Despite their reputation as scavengers and pests, hyenas play an important role in their ecosystems. They help to control populations of other animals and prevent the spread of disease by scavenging on carcasses.

Hyenas are also known for their complex social structures, with females typically dominating over males. They communicate with each other using a variety of sounds, including vocalizations and body language.