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Nocturnal animals facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Big-eared-townsend-fledermaus
Most bats are nocturnal.
Northern Spotted Owl.USFWS
Most owls are nocturnal.
European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Hedgehogs are mostly nocturnal.

Nocturnal (Latin: nox - night, darkness) animals are animals that are mainly active during the night. They hunt or feed during the night, and sleep during the day. Diurnal animals do it the other way around.

Scientists sometimes use the word crepuscular to describe nocturnal animals that are not active when it is very dark at night; they are mostly active near dawn, dusk, and sometimes when the moon makes a lot of light.

Many nocturnal animals have good night vision. Their large eyes may also be highly reflective when a bright light flashes them.

Images for kids

  • Owl at Night

    Owls are well known for being nocturnal, but some owls are active during the day.

  • Kiwi bird in Christchurch, New Zealand, 2002-01-01

    The kiwi is a family of nocturnal birds endemic to New Zealand.

  • Honey Badger (Mellivora capensis) (17425848662)

    The honey badger, a nocturnal animal.

  • Bat flying at night

    Echolocating bats adjust their vocalization to catch insects against a changing environmental background.

  • Light Pollution (5346483205)

    Light pollution on a ski slope in Finland gives the area a hazy, brightened sky.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nocturnidad para niños

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Nocturnal animals Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.