Wildlife in South Carolina - Types of South Carolinian Animals

Amphibian Pictures & Facts

Amphibians are small vertebrates that need water, or a moist environment, to survive.

The species in this group include frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts. All can breathe and absorb water through their very thin skin.

Amphibians also have special skin glands that produce useful proteins. Some transport water, oxygen, and carbon dioxide either into or out of the animal. Others fight bacteria or fungal infections. And at least one—in each species—is used for defense.

To warn potential predators, the most toxic amphibians are also the most brightly colored. Curare [kyoo-RAW-ree], for example, is found on the skin of colorful poison dart frogs. Another special feature of most amphibians is their egg-larva-adult life cycle. The larvae are aquatic and free-swimming—frogs and toads at this stage are called tadpoles. At a certain size, the young develop limbs and lungs. Some also lose their tails. Eventually, they hop or climb out of the water as adults, and spend the rest of their lives on land. This process is known as metamorphosis.

Like reptiles, amphibians are cold-blooded. Because of their special skin, they require very specific living conditions. Too much sun can damage their cells. Too much wind can dry their skin and dehydrate the animal. As a result, amphibians are the first to die off when their habitats are disturbed or contaminated with chemicals like weed killers. This is the main reason over half of all frog species are in danger of extinction.

101 Animals That Start With 'N'—How Many Can You Name?

Attention animal lovers, don't forget there's a whole world filled with wildlife that start with the letter "N." If you had to name a few cute creatures that fit into that category, how many could you come up with? Sure, you may be able to list six or seven (or one or two, honestly), but after that you may be surprised at how challenging it actually is to go beyond that. That's okay though. That's why we've compiled a list of over 100 animals that start with "N" so you can learn more about them.

The best part is these remarkable creatures aren't confined to a single species or habitat. Instead, they range from enchanting sea dwellers like narwhals, with their magical, spiraled tusks, to predators such as Nile crocodiles, to furry giants like North American Bison and adorable pets, like Newfoundland Dogs. Plus, they can be found in all corners of the globe, from Africa to North America, which truly showcases the richness of our planet's wildlife population.

When you think about it, the "N" animal kingdom is just a small portion of the millions and millions of animals that call Earth home. To learn more about this group, check out our roundup, below. We even included some fun facts about each one.

Related: The Ultimate List: 101 Animals That Start With 'A'

1. Narwhals

Narwhals are known as the "unicorns of the sea" due to their long, spiral-like tusks, which are actually elongated teeth. These mysterious marine mammals inhabit Arctic waters and use their tusks in social interactions and to forage for food.

2. Nile Crocodile

This is one of the largest reptiles in Africa, capable of reaching lengths of up to 20 feet and weighing over 2,000 pounds. They are not only huge, but they can hold their breath underwater for up to an hour while waiting to search for prey.

3. North American Bison

Also known as buffalo, these animals can be found roaming in prairies of national parks like Yellowstone and Theodore Roosevelt. These majestic creatures are among the largest land mammals in North America, with males weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing about 6 feet tall.

4. Nicobar Pigeon

Found in the Nicobar Islands, this bird boasts vibrant feathers with shimmering hues of green and blue that make it one of the most visually stunning pigeons in the world. Its plumage is unique because it has microscopic structures that scatter light, creating a dazzling iridescent effect reminiscent of a rainbow.

5. Nubian Goat

This type of goat is renowned for its large, floppy ears. They also produce a high amount of rich, creamy milk, which is prized for its delicious flavor and butterfat content.

Related: 101 Animals That Start With 'S' for Your Next Trivia Night

6. Northern Cardinal

You can spot these red birds in common across the eastern and central regions of North America. Their bright feathers come from pigments in their diet, which primarily consists of fruits and seeds.

7. Numbat

This cute animal is a small endangered marsupial native to Australia. It has a brown body with white stripes and a long sticky tongue, which is why some call it a banded anteater.

8. Nautilus

This cephalopod can be found in the tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. You can recognize it thanks to its beautifully spiraled, chambered shell. A fun fact about nautiluses is that they use their shell to regulate buoyancy, allowing them to float effortlessly at varying depths.

9. Naked Mole Rat

This is a unique, hairless rodent that thrives in complex underground tunnel systems in East Africa. One of its most fascinating traits is its eusocial behavior, similar to that of ants and bees, where only a single queen reproduces while the other members of the colony perform specialized tasks.

10. Nutria

Also known as a coypu, this large, semi-aquatic rodent is native to South America and stands out for its orange teeth and webbed hind feet. Throughout the year, they can have up to three litters with each one consisting of four to six offspring.

11. Numbfish

Did you know this is a type of electric ray? It has a rounded head and large pectoral fins and gets its name because it's able to stun its prey with electric shocks.

12. Nile Monitor

Native to Africa, this large lizard has impressive swimming skills and a powerful build. They are known for their long, sharp claws, which they use to climb trees and catch fish with while swimming.

13. Nighthawk

A nighthawk is a sleek, nocturnal bird known for its impressive aerial acrobatics and distinctive call that sounds soft and haunting. These feathered flyers are expert insect hunters and use their wide mouths to scoop up bugs mid-flight.

14. Nahan's Francolin

This is a striking bird native to the highlands of Ethiopia. It has a distinctive pattern of bold stripes and spots on its plumage and makes a sound that is similar to that of musical notes when it sings.

15. Nightcrawler

A nightcrawler is a large, burrowing earthworm that comes alive after dark, wriggling through the soil. This slimy critter can grow up to 12 inches long and is not only crucial for soil health, but also a favorite bait used by fisherman to reel in a big catch.

16. Northern Fur Seal

This species of seal is found primarily along the coasts of the North Pacific Ocean. They are famous for their thick, water-resistant fur and impressive diving abilities. In fact, they can dive to depths of over 200 meters while hunting for fish and squid.

17. New Guinea Singing Dog

The New Guinea Singing Dog is native to the rugged highlands of New Guinea. It's renowned for its unique vocalizations that sound almost like a musical howl.

18. Noodlefish

This is a slender fish with an almost serpent-looking appearance that can be found in freshwater streams in Southeast Asia. Despite its delicate, noodle-like body, this fish can swim surprisingly fast and uses its impressive speed to evade predators and catch small prey.

19. Naked-faced Spiderhunter

Don't let its name fool you, this is actually a cute bird native to the forests of Southeast Asia. It has a bare facial area and vibrant plumage that ranges from green to yellow and a long, curved bill to extract nectar from flowers.

20. Nabokov's Butterfly

This type of butterfly mostly lives in the forests of the Pacific Northwest in the United States. It got its name from the famous author Vladimir Nabokov, who was an avid lepidopterist and made significant contributions to the study of butterflies.

21. Nabarlek

These are tiny wallabies native to the rocky outcrops of northern Australia. They are known for their incredibly small size and primarily eat tough, fibrous leaves of shrubs and grasses.

22. New Zealand Falcon

Found in New Zealand, these birds are known for their agility and powerful hunting skills. They have a unique hunting technique where they dive from high perches to catch prey, such as insects, small birds, and even lizards, showcasing their impressive speed and precision.

23. Naked-backed Fruit Bat

You can find this kind of bat in the rainforests of Southeast Asia. They get their name because of the distinctive lack of fur on their back, which actually helps them stay cool in the tropical heat while hanging upside down from the trees.

24. Northern House Wren

These small birds live across North America, particularly in wooded and suburban areas. When building their nests, they tend to use twigs, leaves, and even random objects like plastic or paper to create a cluttered, but cozy home.

25. Napu

Did you know that this animal is also known as the Sunda water deer? It's a small and shy herbivore native to the dense forests and wetlands of South America that is surprisingly a good swimmer.

Related: Discover 99 Unexpected Animals That Start With 'Q'

26. New Guinea Tree Kangaroo

This creature calls the rainforests of New Guinea home. This marsupial spends most of its life in the trees where it uses its strong, clawed limbs and prehensile tail to help it navigate the forest canopy and leap between branches.

27. Northern Alligator Lizard

These lizards can be found in western regions of North America. They have a rugged, armored appearance and love to bask in the sun on rocks and logs.

28. Nodular Sea Star

This is native to the Indo-Pacific region and is easily recognizable by the bumpy, nodular texture on its arms. Its textured skin helps it cling to rocky surfaces and protect itself from predators, making it a resilient resident of its coral reef habitat.

29. Nasua

Commonly known as the coati, this is a clever and social mammal found in the forests and woodlands of Central and South America. Its long, prehensile tail is like an extra hand as it's used for climbing and balancing on branches.

30. Napo Sabrewing

This is a stunning hummingbird found in the lush rainforests of eastern Ecuador and northeastern Peru. Its name comes from its distinctive shaped tail feathers that create a stunning visual effect as it hovers and feeds on nectar from flowers.

31. Northern Pike

These freshwater predators can be found in the lakes, rivers and wetlands of North America, Europe and Asia. They have a long, slender body and sharp teeth, making them an efficient hunter that can ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes.

32. Newfoundland Dog

This sweet dog breed, originally from the island of Newfoundland in Canada, is renowned for its massive size. Even though they are large, they are great swimmers thanks to their webbed feet and water-resistant coat.

33. Northern Harrier

Northern Harriers are hawks that live in North America, Europe, and Asia. They are often seen gliding low over fields and marshes in search of prey.

34. Native Australian Frog

This native Australian frog calls a variety of habitats home including rainforests and arid regions. They have the ability to change color and produce distinct calls to communicate with mates or deter predators.

35. Naked-neck Chicken

If you want to see one of these, they can be found in Africa, South America, and parts of Asia. They get their name from the fact that they have a featherless neck, which actually helps them stay cool in hot climates.

36. Nightingale

Famous for its enchanting songs, these birds can be found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. You'll usually hear their sweet tunes during breeding season when males sing to attract a mate and establish territory.

37. New Zealand Seals

These cute animals can be found along the rugged coastlines and offshore islands of New Zealand. They are beloved for their playful behavior and acrobatic displays, often seen leaping out of the water and sliding around on the rocks as they interact with each other.

38. Nicobar Flying Fox

Believe it or not, these are actually large fruit bats native to the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. They are large in size, have an impressive wingspan and distinctive, reddish-brown fur.

39. New Guinea Harpy Eagle

These majestic birds live in the dense rainforests of New Guinea. They have one of the largest wingspans among eagles, reaching approximately six to seven feet allowing them to soar effortlessly through the dense canopy while hunting for medium-sized mammals and birds

40. Northern Shrike

This is a striking bird found in the northern forests and open countrysides of North America and Eurasia. One feature that sets it apart from others is its distinctive mask-like face.

41. Nile Catfish

You'll find these swimming in freshwater rivers and lakes of Africa, including the Nile River. They are known for their impressive size and robust build as they can grow up to six feet long and weigh over 200 pounds, making them one of the largest catfish species in the world.

42. Native Australian Platypus

If you want to see this animal, they live in eastern parts of Australia and Tasmania. What makes them unique is that even though they are mammals, they have a duck-like bill and lay eggs.

43. Needlefish

Located in warm coastal waters around the world, these fish have elongated bodies and sharp, needle-like teeth that give them a distinctly streamlined appearance. Most people don't realize that they are capable of leaping out of the water and gliding for short distances, which helps them escape predators and move between feeding grounds quickly.

44. Nudibranch

Also called sea slugs, these are vibrant marine creatures found in oceans worldwide. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and some can even absorb and use toxins from their prey for their own defense, making them both beautiful and potentially dangerous.

45. Northern Blue Jay

Birdwatchers can spot these birds primarily in the eastern and central regions of North America. They are not only a bold blue color, but they are also able to mimic the sounds of other birds and even human-made noises.

46. Neddicky

You may also know this bird as the little wren. It is a small feathery animal native to the savannas and woodlands of Africa, particularly in countries like South Africa and Botswana.

47. Nilgai Antelope

Did you know that this is the largest antelope in Asia? It can be seen roaming in the grasslands and open woodlands of India and Nepal. Sometimes it's even referred to as a "blue cow" in Hindi, which refers to its unique bluish-gray coat.

48. New Zealand Kaka

These birds call the North and South Islands of New Zealand home. They stand out for their beautiful reddish-brown plumage and playful antics.

49. Néné

You may also know this creature as the Hawaiian goose. It is sadly an endangered bird found only on the Hawaiian Islands, particularly on the islands of Maui and Kauai. It has strong legs and feet that help it navigate the rugged terrain.

50. Nubian Camel

This is also called a dromedary. It is a one-humped camel native to the arid regions of North Africa and the Middle East. It can drink up to 40 gallons of water in one go and can survive without water for several weeks by relying on its specialized fat reserves.

Related: 25 of the Longest-Living Animals on the Planet—We're Talking 11,000 Years or More!

51. Natterjack

If you've never heard of this animal, it's a toad found in the coastal dunes of Europe. It has two features that make it stand out, a yellow stripe running down its back and its loud, ribbiting call that can be heard during breeding season.

52. North American Beaver

It's no secret that this animal is an excellent builder and engineer. It is commonly found in forests and wetlands across North America, from Canada to the northern United States.

53. North American Elk

This majestic herbivore roams the forests and meadows of the United States and Canada, particularly in mountainous and forested regions like the Rockies and the Pacific Northwest. It has impressive antlers, which can span up to four feet and sheds annually, serving as a key feature in mating displays and social interactions.

54. Northern Green Frog

You've probably come across one of these as they are a common amphibian found across eastern North America. They have a distinctive croak that sounds like a loose banjo string being plucked.

55. New Guinea Pipistrelle

You'd never guess by its name, but this is a small bat species native to the forests of New Guinea. It is known for its agile flying ability and small size, which both help it catch tiny insects in mid-air.

56. Northern Water Snake

You'll find these snakes slithering through ponds and rivers of the eastern United States. They are a master of disguise, blending in so well with their surroundings that they can be hard to spot even when one is right in front of you! These snakes are not just great at camouflage; they also have a unique way of diving and swimming that makes them look like they're gliding through water with magical ease.

57. North American Coonhound

This dog has an impressive nose that's so good at tracking scents it could probably sniff out a hidden treat from miles away! Known for their boundless energy and friendly demeanor, these hounds are as playful as they are skilled, making them excellent companions for both hunting adventures and cozy family time.

58. Netherland Dwarf

This is a pint-sized bunny originally hailing from the Netherlands. It is like the pocket-sized version of a fluffy furball with a personality that packs a big punch.

59. Nicator Bird

This cute bird can be found flying through the dense forests of Africa. It has a distinctive call and an endearing habit of hopping from branch to branch, making it a lively and delightful sight for birdwatchers.

60. Northern Starfish

While most stars are found in the sky, this one can be spotted on the rocky shores of the North Atlantic. One thing that makes it special is that it can regenerate its lost limbs.

61. Newfoundland Wolf

Found in the wilderness of Newfoundland, these wolves are striking predators with a thick coat that helps them thrive in the island's chilly climate. These wolves are known for their impressive hunting skills and their howls that can echo through the misty forests like a hauntingly beautiful symphony.

62. Nutcracker

No, this isn't referring to the popular Christmas decoration, it's actually the name of a bird. You can spot them in the forests of Eurasia and North America and they are basically nut-cracking specialists, expertly using their strong beaks to crack open tough seeds.

63. Nurse Shark

These sharks love to lounge in the warm, shallow waters of the Caribbean and the southeastern U.S. They are laid-back bottom-dwellers, often seen resting on the seafloor during the day. Despite being sharks, they are known for their calm demeanor and have a unique way of "sucking" up their prey using their special lips, making them the quirky vacuum cleaners of the reefs they hangout at.

64. Nile Monitor Lizard

You'll see these lizards in Africa. They are like nature's ultimate adventurer, with a long tail and sharp claws perfect for climbing trees and digging burrows.

65. Nagapath

If you didn't know, this is a rare and elusive snake found in forests of India and Sri Lanka. It is a master of camouflage, blending effortlessly with its leafy surroundings.

66. Nuthatch

This is a charming little bird found in woodlands across North America. It has a quirky habit of climbing down trees headfirst in search of insects and seeds.

67. Norfolk Terrier

This spirited dog breed hails from the countryside of England. It's a small size pup that has a playful personality and makes a great pet.

68. Narina Trogon

This striking bird not only boasts an eye-catching array of colors, but also has a unique way of nesting, often laying its eggs in abandoned nests of other birds. It can be found fluttering through the lush forests of East Africa, from Kenya to South Africa.

69. Norrbottenspet

This is an adorable dog that is tan and white. It's a rare and resilient breed from Sweden that loves going on adventures thanks to its thick coat that's designed to help it brave the coldest climates.

70. Northern Bobwhite

This is a charming quail that is native to the grasslands and open woodlands of the eastern United States. It has a very distinctive call that echoes through the countryside, patterned plumage and is known for its elaborate mating dance.

71. New Zealand Tuatara

You can only find this lizard on a few islands off the coast of New Zealand. It is like a living fossil, with a lineage dating back over 200 million years.

72. Native Australian Wallaby

These adorable animals can be seen hopping across Australia from bushland to grassy plains. They are like a smaller, more agile cousin of the kangaroo. These delightful marsupials are known for their impressive leaping ability and their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats, making them a common and charismatic sight across the Australian outback.

73. Neapolitan Mastiff

Originally from Italy, this lovable dog can weigh between 130 to 200 pounds, making it one of the heaviest dog breeds in the world. Known for its deep, wrinkled skin and imposing stature, this gentle giant is as much a protector as it is a loving companion.

74. Northern River Otter

Freshwater rivers and lakes of North America are where these adorable creatures live. Besides being great swimmers, they are also experts at sliding down mud and snowbanks, using their streamlined bodies to glide effortlessly. This playful behavior isn't just for fun—it's a great way for them to travel and find new spots to hunt.

75. Norwegian Elkhound

This dog has historically been used for hunting elk and bears. It hails from Norway, and is an agile breed known for its exceptional tracking skills and enduring stamina.

Related: Be Warned! These 50 Weirdest Animals Are Totally Bizarre-Looking Creatures

76. Neotropical Otter

You'll see these otters in the rivers and wetlands of Central and South America. They are great swimmers and are very social, often living in family groups.

77. Native Australian Kangaroo Rat

This creature is a unique rodent found in Australia. It is notable for its kangaroo-like hopping, which helps it navigate the harsh, sandy landscape it lives in.

78. Nymphalis Butterfly

This beautiful butterfly can be seen fluttering through Europe and Asia. It can be recognized for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors, which can include everything from deep oranges to browns and blues. Its wing patterns not only makes it visually stunning, but also helps it to blend in with its surroundings.

79. New Zealand Pukeko

This large blackish blue bird likes to roam around the wetlands and grassy areas of New Zealand. Its long deep orange legs help it wade through the water so it can catch food.

80. Nubian Ibex

This is actually a type of goat native to the mountains and rocky slopes of northeastern Africa. It is an incredible climber and has curved horns that can grow up to 30 inches long.

81. North American Red Fox

This bushy tailed, red-furred animal can be found in forests and grasslands across the United States. It has a high-pitched scream that sounds almost like a human shriek that they use to communicate with other foxes over long distances.

82. Nyala Antelope

These animals are native to the woodlands and bushlands of southern Africa. They look as though they'd be found in a storybook thanks to their dark, shaggy coats and impressive spiral horns.

83. New Zealand Kiwi

No, this isn't a type of fruit, this is a bird. It lives in New Zealand and has a long, slender beak and fuzzy brown feathers that give it a distinctive, almost prehistoric look. This nocturnal bird uses its keen sense of smell to forage for insects and worms in the ground.

84. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

This is a cute, medium-sized dog breed that has a reddish-brown coat. It is the smallest of the retrievers and is sometimes referred to as a "toller."

85. Northern Inuit Dog

If you ever see one of these dogs, you may mistake it for a wolf at first glance. They are primarily found in the United Kingdom, have a thick double coat and are very smart.

86. Naked-back Knifefish

Thanks to their sleek, elongated body and scaleless back, these fish have an almost "naked" look. You can find them gliding through the Amazon River doing somersaults and flips as they navigate the water.

87. Norwegian Forest Cat

This domestic cat is a popular and playful pet. It not only has a good personality, but it's super-cute boasting a luxurious double coat and tufted ears.

88. New Guinea Crocodile Lizard

You'll have to visit the rainforests of New Guinea to run into one of these lizards. They have a crocodile-like appearance and a long tail.

89. Nile Hippopotamus

These giants typically weigh between 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. Despite their enormous size, they can run up to 19 miles per hour on land. Their surprising speed, combined with their territorial nature and powerful jaws, makes them one of Africa's most dangerous animals.

90. Northern Kestrel

If you didn't already know, this is a small reddish-brown falcon. It can normally be seen soaring over open fields and grasslands across Europe and Asia.

91. Nebelung

If someone tells you they have one of these creatures, it means they have a cat. It's a rare and elegant breed known for its shimmering blue-gray fur and striking green eyes that is originally from Russia.

92. North American Opossum

Typically found in Mexico, these animals are known for their prehensile tail. These creatures also have a unique defense mechanism—when threatened, they can "play dead" by collapsing and emitting a foul odor, which often scares away predators.

93. Napaea Butterfly

If you love butterflies, these specific ones live in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. They have bright colored and eye-catching wing patterns, which can range from bold oranges and yellows to rich browns and blacks.

94. Nicobar Tree Shrew

The Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean is home to this critter. It has great climbing skills and lives off of insects, fruits, and seeds high in the canopies.

95. Northern Goshawk

This is a large hawk that can be found in North America, Europe, and Asia. It can be 18 to 24 inches in length and have a wingspan ranging from 38 to 46 inches.

96. Neva Masquerade

This is a gorgeous long-haired domestic cat. It's a variant of the Siberian cat with blue eyes that usually has a creamy or white colored fur with darker points on its ears, face, paws, and tail.

97. Native Australian Brush Turkey

You can find these wild turkeys in eastern Australia. They can weigh between 3.5 to 7.5 pounds and have limited flying abilities, so they primarily rely on their strong legs to get from place to place.

98. Nanday Parakeet

With their mix of green, black and bright yellow feathers, these adorable birds reside mainly in South America. They weigh between 3.5 to 4.5 ounces and are popular pets.

99. Nandu

Also known as the South American ostrich, a Nandu is a moderately sized, gray-brown, flightless bird. One fun fact about them is that the males are responsible for incubating the eggs and looking after the chicks.

100. New Guinea Pademelon

This small marsupial has a compact body and distinctive reddish-brown fur that helps it blend into its tropical surroundings. It has a shy personality, and feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers.

101. Newt

Newts are small amphibians with smooth, moist skin and a long tail, often found in ponds and wetlands. An interesting fact about them is that they can regenerate lost limbs, their tail and even parts of their hearts and eyes.

Up Next:

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Stunningly Preserved Pterosaur Fossils Reveal How They Soared

Smaller pterosaurs may have flapped their wings while larger ones soared

Terryl Whitlatch

Despite living hundreds of millions of years apart, pterosaurs may be more similar to modern-day birds than previously thought. Structures in the bones of these giant reptiles suggest the largest ones used their wings to soar while the smaller ones flapped through the skies.

Australian pterosaur had a huge tongue to help gulp down prey

The finding comes from stunningly preserved pterosaur fossils unearthed in Jordan. "The mechanics of flight leaves an imprint on the skeleton," says Jeffrey Wilson Mantilla at the University of Michigan.

Pterosaurs took to the sky some 80 million years before birds and bats. During their 150-million-year reign from the Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous periods, they conquered all continents and evolved a range of sizes and shapes. Some pterosaurs were as small as a house sparrow, while others had wingspans as long as a city bus. An analysis of their bones suggests different pterosaurs used distinct flight tactics to stay aloft.

Wilson Mantilla and his team compared the remains of two different pterosaur species, and were delighted to find the bones' 3D structure was still intact. This was a surprise, as pterosaurs' hollow and fragile bones tend to break down quickly. Computed tomography scans revealed that the two reptiles' bones were markedly different.

The larger pterosaur, Arambourgiania philadelphiae, had internal ridges that spiralled up and down inside its bones, similar to modern birds like eagles that fly with their wings in a fixed position. Bones of the smaller pterosaur, Inabtanin alarabia – a species new to science – had criss-crossed struts, mimicking those of flapping birds.

The helical spirals help resist the twisting forces of soaring, while crossed scaffolding withstands the bending force of a flap, says Wilson Mantilla.

Because the team found the fossils in a formerly coastal area, he thinks the soaring pterosaurs might have caught sea thermals – updrafts of warm air – to gain altitude. Mantilla suspects these pterosaurs could also flap, especially to get airborne, making soaring the rarer trait.

Why one of these pterosaurs seemed to flap while the other may have soared raises new questions about how the more than 100 other known pterosaur species navigated the skies. Next, Mantilla wants to examine fossils from different parts of the world to see if the pattern holds – perhaps, like modern birds, soaring was reserved for only the largest of their kind.

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