Food
Carnivore
Platypuses eat insect larvae, shrimp and worms.
Meat eater
HomeAnimals A–ZLetter PPlatypus
Platypus Facts for Kids: P Is for Platypus
The platypus has a bill like a duck and lays eggs, even though it is a mammal. It lives in rivers and streams in eastern Australia. Here are easy platypus facts for kids: what platypuses eat, how big they grow, what a baby platypus is called and where platypuses live. Read them out loud, try the quiz, then color the letter P.
Mammaltype
Carnivorediet
Pugglebaby name
Fun facts
Fun Facts About Platypuses
Two more true facts about the platypus that kids love. Tap the button to hear the name, then read each fact together.
Pp
Say “Platypus”
Platypus starts with the letter P. Clap once for each part of the word as you say it.
1
Did you know?
The platypus is a mammal that lays eggs.
2
One more fact
It finds food by sensing tiny electric signals.
Act it outMove like a platypus for ten seconds.
Spot the letterFind the letter P in “Platypus”.
Ask a questionWhat would a platypus eat for breakfast?
Quick facts
Platypus Facts at a Glance
Everything a curious kid wants to know about the platypus, in eight short cards.
Size
How big?
A platypus is about 40 to 60 cm long.
Body sizeLife
How long?
Platypuses live for about 17 years.
LifespanBaby
Puggle
A baby platypus is called a puggle.
Baby nameGroup
Paddle
A group of platypuses is called a paddle.
Group nameHabitat
Rivers & swamps
Platypuses are found in eastern Australia.
Where they liveAnimal type
Mammal
The platypus has a bill like a duck and lays eggs, even though it is a mammal. It lives in rivers and streams in eastern Australia.
Platypus is a mammalLetter
P is for platypus
Platypus has 8 letters and starts with P.
Say: Platypus
Quick quiz
Platypus Quiz for Kids
A tiny game to check what stuck. Read the question out loud and let your little one tap the answer.
Question 1
Score: 0
Free download
Free printable
Platypus Coloring Page: Letter P Worksheet
Done reading about the platypus? Print the free letter P sheet, say “P is for platypus” together and color the big letters. Great for circle time, morning work or a quiet afternoon at home.
1
Download the PDFOne click, no sign-up or email
2
Print at home or schoolFits US Letter and A4 paper
3
Color and traceBig letters and dotted tracing lines
Uppercase PLowercase pTracing practiceFind the P animals
Download Free PDF
3 pages, black & white
Questions
All FAQs
Platypus Questions Kids Ask
Platypuses eat insect larvae, shrimp and worms. That makes the platypus a carnivore, which means it is a meat eater.
A platypus is about 40 to 60 cm long.
Platypuses live for about 17 years.
A baby platypus is called a puggle.
A group of platypuses is called a paddle.
Platypuses live in eastern Australia. Their favorite habitat is: rivers & swamps.
Yes. The platypus is a mammal. The platypus has a bill like a duck and lays eggs, even though it is a mammal. It lives in rivers and streams in eastern Australia.
Platypus starts with the letter P. Say it slowly and listen for the P sound at the start.
Keep exploring
All P animals
More Animals Like the Platypus
Other P animals and more mammals to read about next.
Bird
Penguins cannot fly, but they are amazing swimmers. They use their flippers like wings to zoom through the water.
Lives in: Antarctica Read penguin factsMammal
Giant pandas spend most of their day eating bamboo. They live in misty mountain forests in China.
Lives in: Forests Read panda factsMammal
Hippos spend most of the day in rivers and lakes to stay cool. They can hold their breath underwater for about five minutes.
Lives in: Rivers & swamps Read hippopotamus factsMammal
Seals are great swimmers but wiggle on their bellies when they are on land. A thick layer of fat called blubber keeps them warm in icy water.
Lives in: Ocean Read seal facts