Daytime Animals and Nighttime Animals

Animals that are awake during the DAY are called diurnal animals. That is a big word! Die-UR-nul. Most of the animals you know are diurnal. Dogs, cats, horses, cows, chickens, butterflies, squirrels, and many birds are all awake during the day. They use sunlight to find food, see predators, and play. When the sun goes down, diurnal animals go to sleep — just like you!