61 Unique Animals Whose Names Start with F
Did you know there are over 60 fascinating animals that start with F?
From small forest mice to mighty Florida panthers, these animals show us how amazing nature can be.
You’ll find them living in all sorts of places – deep in oceans, high in trees, and even in your backyard!
Some, like ferrets, make great pets, while others, like flying squirrels, prefer to stay in the wild.
Let’s meet these wonderful creatures and learn what makes each one special. Get ready to explore the world of F-named animals, from friendly to fierce, furry to feathered!
Mammals that start with F
1. Fallow Deer
Fallow deer are medium-sized herbivores known for their broad, palmate antlers. They are social animals that often travel in herds and are found in woodlands and parks.
Scientific Name: Dama dama
Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and parks across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Fun Fact: Male fallow deer make a loud “roar” during mating season that can be heard from afar.
2. Fennec Fox
Fennec foxes are small, nocturnal creatures that live in the desert. They are famous for their large ears, which help regulate their body temperature and provide excellent hearing.
Scientific Name: Vulpes zerda
Habitat: Deserts of North Africa, particularly the Sahara Desert.
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Fun Fact: Their large ears help cool them down and provide excellent hearing to detect prey.
3. Ferret
Ferrets are curious, playful animals with a strong hunting instinct. They are commonly kept as pets due to their energetic and entertaining behavior.
Scientific Name: Mustela putorius furo
Habitat: Domesticated, but wild ferrets live in grasslands and forests.
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
Fun Fact: Ferrets can sleep up to 18 hours a day, but when awake, they’re full of energy and curiosity.
4. Field Mouse
Field mice are small, nocturnal rodents commonly found in fields and grassy areas. They are quick and agile, often building nests in the wild for safety.
Scientific Name: Apodemus sylvaticus
Habitat: Grasslands, fields, and woodland edges in Europe and Asia.
Lifespan: 1 to 2 years
Fun Fact: Field mice build cozy nests from grass and leaves to keep warm and safe.
5. Florida Panther
Florida panthers are a subspecies of cougar that live in the forests and wetlands of southern Florida. They are an endangered species known for their distinctive appearance and behaviors.
Scientific Name: Puma concolor coryi
Habitat: Forests and wetlands in southern Florida.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Fun Fact: Florida panthers are known for their unique “screams” during mating season.
6. Flying Fox
Flying foxes are large fruit bats that play a significant role in pollination. They are found in tropical regions and have an impressive wingspan.
Scientific Name: Pteropus species
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical areas in Asia, Australia, and Africa.
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
Fun Fact: Flying foxes can locate fruit trees from miles away using their strong sense of smell.
7. Flying Lemur
Flying lemurs are arboreal animals known for their ability to glide from tree to tree despite not being able to fly truly. They are slow-moving and spend most of their time in trees.
Scientific Name: Cynocephalus volans
Habitat: Rainforests of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Borneo.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: They glide from tree to tree but cannot truly fly.
8. Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals that can glide from tree to tree. They have a special membrane between their limbs, allowing them to glide for great distances.
Scientific Name: Glaucomys species
Habitat: Forests in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Fun Fact: Flying squirrels can glide for over 150 feet and are nocturnal creatures.
9. Fox
Foxes are highly adaptable and intelligent animals found in a variety of habitats. Known for their bushy tails and keen senses, they are often associated with cleverness and agility.
Scientific Name: Vulpes vulpes
Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Lifespan: 3 to 4 years in the wild
Fun Fact: Foxes have excellent hearing and can hear a mouse’s movement from up to 100 feet away.
10. Fossa
Fossas are medium-sized carnivores from Madagascar. They are skilled climbers known for their ability to hunt lemurs in the trees.
Scientific Name: Cryptoprocta ferox
Habitat: Forests of Madagascar
Lifespan: 12 to 20 years
Fun Fact: Fossas are skilled climbers and often hunt lemurs in the trees.
11. Fruit Bat
Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are large bats that feed on fruits, nectar, and flowers. They play a key role in pollinating plants.
Scientific Name: Pteropus species
Habitat: Tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Fun Fact: Fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are important pollinators for many plants.
12. French Bulldog
French Bulldogs are small, sturdy dogs that are affectionate and make great companions. They are known for their “bat-like” ears and playful behavior.
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
Habitat: Domesticated, living in homes and apartments around the world.
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Fun Fact: French Bulldogs are known for their “bat-like” ears and affectionate nature.
13. Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds are a working dog breed known for their herding skills. They are friendly and energetic, originally bred by the Sámi people to herd reindeer.
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
Habitat: Originally from the Lapland region in northern Europe, now commonly kept as pets.
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Fun Fact: Finnish Lapphunds were originally bred by the Sámi people to herd reindeer.
14. False Vampire Bat
False vampire bats are large, insect-eating bats named for their resemblance to vampire bats. Unlike true vampires, they do not feed on blood but on large insects or small vertebrates.
Scientific Name: Megaderma species
Habitat: Caves, abandoned buildings, and forests in South and Southeast Asia.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: Despite their name, false vampire bats use echolocation to locate their prey, just like other bat species.
15. Fat-Tailed Dunnart
The fat-tailed dunnart is a small, nocturnal mammal with a distinctive fat tail that stores fat for energy. It is native to Australia.
Scientific Name: Sminthopsis crassicaudata
Habitat: Arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, particularly in grasslands and scrublands.
Lifespan: Around 2 to 3 years
Fun Fact: The fat-tailed dunnart’s tail stores fat, helping it survive harsh conditions and periods of food scarcity.
Birds that start with F
16. Falcon
Falcons are fast, powerful birds of prey known for their sharp vision and speed. They are skilled hunters, often catching prey mid-flight.
Scientific Name: Falco species
Habitat: Falcons can be found in various habitats, including open fields, mountains, and cities worldwide.
Lifespan: 13 to 20 years
Fun Fact: The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird, reaching over 240 miles per hour when diving.
17. Fairy Pitta
The fairy pitta is a brightly colored bird in East Asia. They are known for their vibrant feathers and are typically found in forests during the breeding season.
Scientific Name: Pitta nympha
Habitat: Forests and woodlands in East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China.
Lifespan: Around 10 years
Fun Fact: Fairy pittas are often considered one of the most beautiful bird species due to their colorful plumage.
18. Fulmar
Fulmars are seabirds that resemble gulls but are more closely related to albatrosses. They are known for their ability to glide over the ocean for long distances.
Scientific Name: Fulmarus glacialis
Habitat: Coastal cliffs and offshore waters in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
Fun Fact: Fulmars can drink seawater, thanks to specialized glands that filter out salt.
19. Fan-tailed Raven
The fan-tailed raven is a large, black bird known for its distinct fan-shaped tail and intelligent behavior. They are highly adaptable and can live in various environments.
Scientific Name: Corvus rhipidurus
Habitat: Dry, open habitats in Central Asia and the Middle East.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: Fan-tailed ravens are known for their ability to use tools and solve complex problems, showcasing their intelligence.
20. Fairy Tern
The fairy tern is a small seabird known for its delicate appearance and graceful flight. These birds are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Scientific Name: Gygis alba
Habitat: Tropical islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: Fairy terns are known for their white plumage, which makes them appear almost ghostly as they fly over the water.
Reptiles & Amphibians that start with F
21. Frilled Lizard
The frilled lizard is a reptile known for its impressive frill of skin around its neck, which it displays when threatened. It is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea.
Scientific Name: Chlamydosaurus kingii
Habitat: Woodlands and forests of northern Australia and New Guinea.
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Fun Fact: The lizard’s frill can open up to 300 degrees to make it appear larger and more intimidating to predators.
22. Frog
Frogs are amphibians that live both in water and on land. They are known for their jumping ability, croaking sounds, and moist skin.
Scientific Name: Anura (order)
Habitat: Freshwater habitats, such as ponds, lakes, and streams, as well as moist environments on land.
Lifespan: 4 to 15 years, depending on species
Fun Fact: Frogs can breathe through their skin and lungs, which helps them stay in water for long periods.
23. Fire Salamander
Fire salamanders are bright-colored amphibians typically found in moist, wooded areas. They are known for their yellow or orange markings.
Scientific Name: Salamandra salamandra
Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and moist, cool habitats in Europe.
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Fun Fact: The bright coloration of the fire salamander is a warning to predators, signaling they are toxic.
24. Forest Cobra
The forest cobra is a venomous snake found in the forests of sub-Saharan Africa. It is known for its large hood and aggressive nature when threatened.
Scientific Name: Naja melanoleuca
Habitat: Dense forests and woodlands in sub-Saharan Africa.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: The forest cobra can spit its venom accurately to a distance of up to 2 meters, aiming for the eyes of its target.
25. False Coral Snake
The false coral snake is a non-venomous snake that closely resembles the venomous coral snake. It uses its bright colors as a form of mimicry to avoid predators.
Scientific Name: Erythrolamprus species
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests in Central and South America.
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
Fun Fact: Despite its appearance, the false coral snake is harmless and does not possess the venom of a true coral snake.
26. False Water Cobra
The false water cobra is a non-venomous snake known for its ability to flatten its head and neck, resembling a cobra. It is often found near water sources.
Scientific Name: Hydrodynastes gigas
Habitat: Wetlands, rivers, and streams in South America.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: The False Water cobra can swim well and dive underwater to escape predators.
27. False Gharial
The false gharial is a large crocodilian that resembles the gharial but has a broader snout. It is typically found in freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia.
Scientific Name: Tomistoma schlegelii
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and swamps in Southeast Asia.
Lifespan: 40 to 60 years
Fun Fact: Despite its large size, the false gharial feeds mostly on fish, using its long, narrow snout to catch prey in the water.
28. Fanged Frog
The fanged frog, also known as the “horned frog,” is a species of amphibian known for its powerful jaws and fang-like teeth. They are often found in tropical and subtropical areas.
Scientific Name: Ceratophrys species
Habitat: Rainforests and wetlands, primarily in South America.
Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
Fun Fact: Fanged frogs can catch prey larger than their head thanks to their large, powerful jaws.
29. Frosted Flatwoods Salamander
The frosted flatwood salamander is a rare amphibian that lives in pine flatwoods and wetlands. They are known for their distinct pale-colored skin.
Scientific Name: Ambystoma cingulatum
Habitat: Wetlands and flatwoods in the southeastern United States.
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
Fun Fact: The frosted flatwood salamander is considered endangered due to habitat loss and environmental changes.
Aquatic Animals that start with F
30. False Killer Whale
False killer whales are large, predatory marine mammals known for their sleek bodies and strong social bonds. They are often found in deep, warm ocean waters.
Scientific Name: Pseudorca crassidens
Habitat: Deep ocean waters, typically in tropical and temperate seas worldwide.
Lifespan: 35 to 45 years
Fun Fact: Despite their name, false killer whales are not closely related to killer whales, though they share similar behaviors.
31. Fangtooth Fish
Fangtooth fish are deep-sea creatures known for their large, sharp teeth. They have a menacing appearance but are relatively harmless to humans.
Scientific Name: Anoplogaster cornuta
Habitat: Deep ocean waters, typically 200 to 2,000 meters deep.
Lifespan: Around 10 years
Fun Fact: The fangtooth fish has the largest teeth relative to the body size of any fish in the ocean.
32. Flatfish
Flatfish are unique for their flattened bodies, which allow them to lie flat on the ocean floor. They include species like flounders and halibuts.
Scientific Name: Pleuronectidae family
Habitat: Seafloors of oceans, mostly in shallow waters.
Lifespan: Varies by species, typically 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: Flatfish begin life with a symmetrical body and later flatten, with one eye shifting to the other side.
33. Flowerhorn Fish
Flowerhorn fish are popular aquarium fish known for their vibrant colors and large, distinctively shaped heads. They are a hybrid species bred for ornamental purposes.
Scientific Name: Paraneetroplus synspilus
Habitat: Freshwater, typically in aquariums.
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Fun Fact: Flowerhorns are prized for their bright colors and unique head shapes, often called “kamis.”
34. Flying Fish
Flying fish can glide above the water’s surface using their large, wing-like pectoral fins. They are often seen leaping out of the water to escape predators.
Scientific Name: Exocoetidae family
Habitat: Coastal waters and open oceans worldwide.
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Fun Fact: Flying fish can glide up to 100 yards in a single leap to avoid predators.
35. Four-Eyed Fish
Four-eyed fish have a unique adaptation where their eyes are split into two parts, allowing them to simultaneously see above and below the water.
Scientific Name: Anableps anableps
Habitat: Shallow, murky waters in South America, particularly in rivers and mangroves.
Lifespan: 4 to 5 years
Fun Fact: Their divided eyes allow them to keep watch for predators both above and below the water.
36. Fusilier Fish
Fusilier fish are known for their striking blue coloration and swift swimming. They are typically found in large schools in tropical coral reefs.
Scientific Name: Caesio species
Habitat: Coral reefs and coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: Fusilier fish swim in large, coordinated schools for protection against predators.
37. Freshwater Eel
Freshwater eels are long, snake-like fish in rivers, lakes, and other freshwater habitats. They are known for their slippery bodies and can travel over land during wet conditions.
Scientific Name: Anguillidae family
Habitat: Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Lifespan: 10 to 20 years
Fun Fact: Some species of freshwater eels can travel overland to find new water bodies when necessary.
38. Freshwater Stingray
Freshwater stingrays are found in rivers and lakes, often hiding in the mud. They are known for their venomous stingers and wide, flat bodies.
Scientific Name: Potamotrygonidae family
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes, particularly in South America.
Lifespan: 15 to 25 years
Fun Fact: Freshwater stingrays can grow quite large and use their venomous tails for defense.
39. Flounder
Flounders are flatfish with both eyes on one side of their body. They are often found resting on the ocean floor and are masters of camouflage.
Scientific Name: Pleuronectidae family
Habitat: Shallow coastal waters and seafloors worldwide.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: Flounders can change the color of their skin to blend in with the seafloor, making them almost invisible.
40. Forktail Catfish
The forktail catfish is known for its long, forked tail. It’s commonly found in freshwater habitats in South America.
Scientific Name: Asterophysus Batrachus
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and streams in South America.
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
Fun Fact: The forktail catfish is an agile swimmer, using its forked tail to propel itself quickly.
41. Flying Gurnard
Flying gurnards are fish that can spread their pectoral fins like wings, enabling them to glide short distances above the water.
Scientific Name: Dactylopterus volitans
Habitat: Coastal waters in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean.
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Fun Fact: Flying gurnards are known for their large, wing-like fins resembling bird wings.
42. False Anemonefish
False anemonefish are closely related to clownfish but differ slightly in appearance and behavior. They live symbiotically with sea anemones.
Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris
Habitat: Coral reefs and sea anemones in the Indo-Pacific.
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
Fun Fact: False anemonefish have a strong immune system that protects them from sea anemone stings.
43. False Clownfish
False clownfish are similar to clownfish but have different color patterns and slight physical differences. They also live in mutual relationships with sea anemones.
Scientific Name: Amphiprion frenatus
Habitat: Coral reefs and sea anemones in the Indo-Pacific.
Lifespan: 6 to 10 years
Fun Fact: False clownfish are often confused with true clownfish but can be distinguished by their color patterns.
44. False Moray
False morays are eel-like fish that resemble moray eels but are from a different family. They are found in tropical waters.
Scientific Name: Uropterygiidae family
Habitat: Coral reefs and rocky areas in tropical oceans.
Lifespan: 5 to 8 years
Fun Fact: False morays have a smooth, slimy appearance but are not true eels and do not have the same venomous capabilities.
45. False Catshark
False catsharks are small, bottom-dwelling sharks that resemble true catsharks but belong to a different family. They are mostly found in deep, cold waters.
Scientific Name: Pseudotriakis species
Habitat: Deep ocean waters, particularly off the coasts of South Africa.
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Fun Fact: False catsharks have an unusual appearance, with a blunt head and long tail, giving them a catfish-like look.
46. Flame Angelfish
Flame angelfish are small, brightly colored fish with fiery orange and blue hues. They are commonly found in tropical reefs.
Scientific Name: Centropyge loculus
Habitat: Coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific.
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Fun Fact: The flame angelfish is popular in home aquariums due to its striking color and small size.
47. Flagfish
Flagfish are small, colorful fish known for their distinctive vertical stripes. They are often found in freshwater habitats.
Scientific Name: Jordanella floridae
Habitat: Freshwater lakes and streams in North America.
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Fun Fact: Flagfish are known for their colorful patterns, which resemble a flag, and are often seen in aquariums.
48. Firemouth Cichlid
Firemouth cichlids are brightly colored freshwater fish known for their striking red coloration around their mouths. They are popular in aquariums.
Scientific Name: Thorichthys Meeki
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes in Central America.
Lifespan: 5 to 7 years
Fun Fact: The bright red around their mouths becomes more intense during mating season.
49. Fiddler Ray
Fiddler rays are flat, cartilaginous fish with large pectoral fins that resemble a violin’s shape. They are found in coastal areas.
Scientific Name: Bathyraja species
Habitat: Coastal waters in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Fun Fact: Fiddler rays are named after their unusual fin shape, which looks like a violin or fiddle.
50. Florida Gar
The Florida gar is a long, predatory fish known for its sharp teeth and armored scales. It lives in freshwater habitats in the southeastern United States.
Scientific Name: Lepisosteus Platyrhincus
Habitat: Freshwater lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Florida.
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
Fun Fact: The Florida gar has an impressive ability to breathe air, making it adaptable to low-oxygen environments.
Insects that start with F
51. Fire Ant
Fire ants are small, aggressive insects known for their painful stings. They build large mounds in the ground and are often found in warm climates.
Scientific Name: Solenopsis invicta
Habitat: They typically live in warm areas such as lawns, fields, and forests, especially in the southern United States.
Lifespan: Worker ants live for a few months, while queens can live for several years.
Fun Fact: Fire ants can “raft” on water by clinging together to float across floods.
52. Firefly
Fireflies, known as lightning bugs, emit light from their bodies through a chemical reaction. They use their glow to communicate and attract mates.
Scientific Name: Lampyridae family
Habitat: Fireflies are typically found in warm, humid areas such as forests, fields, and wetlands.
Lifespan: Fireflies live for about 2 months as adults, though their larval stage can last longer.
Fun Fact: The light produced by fireflies is completely cold, meaning it doesn’t release heat.
53. Flea
Fleas are tiny, parasitic insects that live off the blood of mammals and birds. They are known for their ability to jump long distances relative to their size.
Scientific Name: Siphonaptera
Habitat: Fleas live on their hosts, such as dogs, cats, and wild animals, but they also thrive in warm, humid environments.
Lifespan: Fleas live for a few weeks to several months, depending on conditions and food supply.
Fun Fact: Fleas can jump up to 200 times their body length, making them one of the best jumpers in the insect world.
54. False Widow Spider
The false widow spider is often mistaken for the dangerous black widow. While it can bite, it is not as deadly as its relative and is typically found in warmer climates.
Scientific Name: Steatoda species
Habitat: False widow spiders are commonly found in homes, gardens, and other sheltered outdoor spaces in Europe and North America.
Lifespan: Around 1 to 2 years
Fun Fact: False widow spiders can be identified by their rounded bodies and irregular patterns, which differ from the black widow’s smooth appearance.
55. Flannel Moth
The flannel moth is an insect known for its strikingly soft, woolly appearance. Its caterpillar is also highly poisonous, making it a dangerous creature.
Scientific Name: Megalopyge opercularis
Habitat: Found in forests and wooded areas, primarily in North and South America.
Lifespan: Several weeks to months in its adult form.
Fun Fact: The flannel moth caterpillar’s sting can cause severe pain and allergic reactions, often called the “puss caterpillar.”
Marine Invertebrates that start with F
56. Fiddler Crab
Fiddler crabs are small, coastal crabs known for their large claw, which are much bigger than the other. They are often seen scuttling along sandy shores.
Scientific Name: Uca Rapax
Habitat: Coastal mudflats, beaches, and estuaries worldwide.
Lifespan: 3 to 4 years
Fun Fact: Fiddler crabs use their large claw for communication and attracting mates by waving them in the air.
57. Furry Lobster
The furry lobster is a unique species known for its hairy appearance, created by the fine bristles covering its body. It lives in deep, rocky habitats.
Scientific Name: Enoplometopus debelius
Habitat: Deep coral reefs and rocky crevices in the Indo-Pacific region.
Lifespan: 4 to 6 years
Fun Fact: Despite its appearance, the furry lobster is not “furry” but has hair-like bristles to protect and sense its environment.
58. Flapjack Octopus
The flapjack octopus is a small, deep-sea species known for its unique appearance and soft, pancake-like body. It can change its color and shape.
Scientific Name: Opisthoteuthis adorabilis
Habitat: Deep ocean floors, usually 200 to 800 meters deep.
Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
Fun Fact: The flapjack octopus can inflate its body like a balloon to appear larger and scare off predators.
59. Feather Star
Feather stars are marine creatures related to sea stars, but they have long, feathery arms to filter food from the water.
Scientific Name: Crinoidea class
Habitat: Coral reefs and deep ocean floors worldwide.
Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
Fun Fact: Feather stars can “walk” along the ocean floor using their arms, which are also used to catch food particles floating in the water.
60. Fairy Shrimp
Fairy shrimp are small, transparent crustaceans found in temporary pools of water. They are known for their delicate, fairy-like appearance and swimming style.
Scientific Name: Branchiopoda order
Habitat: Freshwater pools, especially in temporary and seasonal bodies of water.
Lifespan: Depending on water conditions, a few weeks to a few months.
Fun Fact: Fairy shrimp can survive in pools that dry up by producing dormant eggs until the next rainy season.
61. Fan Worm
Fan worms are marine animals known for their fan-shaped structures that they use to catch food from the water. They create tube-like homes on the ocean floor.
Scientific Name: Sabellidae family
Habitat: Coral reefs, rocky shorelines, and seafloors worldwide.
Lifespan: Varies by species, typically around 1 to 5 years
Fun Fact: Fan worms use their fans to filter plankton and other small particles from the water, making them important to their ecosystems.
Conclusion
We’ve met many incredible animals that start with F, each with its special features and ways of living.
From the small fireflies brightening our summer evenings to the mighty false killer whale cruising the deep seas, these creatures showcase the incredible diversity of nature.
They inhabit various environments, have diverse diets, and display unique behaviors, yet all contribute to the balance of our world.
Next time you spot one of these F-named animals, you’ll know just how special they are!
