There are actually roughly 10,000 species of birds across the globe, such as tiny beehummingbirds to enormous ostriches. what is the largest bird in the world? The biggest birds in the world include ostriches, cassowaries, emus, and penguins. Some birds can be more than an American black bear, some of which can fly. The largest birds, which include the tallest, heaviest, and those with the farthest wings, may stand higher than NBA players and stretch their bodies wider than king-size mattresses. The largest birds can fly, whereas the heaviest ones cannot. Here are 25 of the biggest birds in the world.
The common ostrich
The common ostrich is truly endemic to Africa. It’s also the world’s largest bird, growing up to 9 feet tall and weighing up to 346 pounds. They are the quickest two-legged mammals, having the widest eyes of any terrestrial animal, reaching 2 inches in diameter. Ostrich eggs are the largest of any bird species, just similar to 24 chicken eggs.
They are found in fields, savannahs, and shrublands and have long, muscular legs, a longer neck, and a tiny head. Their brains are tiny for their bodies. Ostriches are the largest members of the group of giant, flightless birds called ratites, which lack a spine structure that joins flight muscles in other birds. They’re also one of the fastest land animals in the world.
They consume largely plant stuff, insects, and small animals, and their eggs are massive, weighing 3 pounds each, comparable to two dozen chicken eggs. Ostriches are the largest of all the birds on Earth and are the largest kind of bird on Earth. Learn more about ostriches.
The Somali ostrich
The Somali ostrich has become renowned as one of the largest birds in the world. It looks at males reaching heights of 9.2 feet and weighing roughly 346 pounds. Native to the Horn of Africa, they cross the African desert and harsh areas. They lay the biggest eggs of any bird, weighing 3.1 pounds.
The IUCN Red List of Endangered Animals knows the Somali ostrich among a vulnerable species. The ostrich species are flightless, just excellent runners, having to sprint up to 70 kilometers per hour. They are omnivores that eat plants, roots, seeds, locusts, lizards, snakes, and mice. The Somali ostrich is one of the biggest birds in the world, second largest in Australia, and this species is also one of the fastest land birds in the world.
The southern cassowary
The southern cassowary is the largest bird in Asia and Australia, measuring between 17 and 70 kg and rising up to 5.5 feet tall. It is the third-largest bird in Australia. The cassowary is recognizable for its beautiful blue necks and distinctive casque on their heads, constructed of keratin, which acts as protection or communication.
Although cautious in nature, cassowaries have been known to attack humans when threatened and are renowned as the world’s most dangerous bird. They are one of the most prehistoric-looking birds that prowl about New Guinea and mainland Australia. Cassowaries employ their sharp 3-toed feet, which have a middle 4 inch long toe, to deliver a fatal swipe to their target. They are one of the largest birds on Earth and one of the tallest species of bird on Earth.
Emu
The EMU is one of the largest birds in the world. It is the second tallest and one of the heaviest birds. It has a height of 75 inches and weighs between 40 and 132 pounds. Emus are recognized for their big legs, large body, long neck, small head, and broad beak. They’re extremely quick runners. It has reached speeds of up to 31 miles per hour.
Emus belong to the ratites group, which also includes cassowaries, ostriches, and rheas. They are nomadic birds that migrate over Australia, going through large distances depending on food and water availability. Emus are noted for their outstanding sprinting capacity and diversified food, so they are vital to Aboriginal Australian culture. Discover more about emus.
Emperor penguins
Emperor penguins are actually among the largest of the 18 penguin species, measuring up to 4 feet tall and weighing up to 100 pounds. Their heavy coating of fat and dense feathers help them remain warm in the harsh Antarctic climate. Male penguins incubate eggs during winter because females eat at sea.
Emperor penguins are flightless and endemic to Antarctica, famed for their endurance and ability to thrive in harsh situations. They live in vast numbers on Antarctic ice sheets, huddling together for warmth. Males go on a starvation diet throughout winter, while females hunt, leading them to lose half their body weight. Emperor penguins are the largest bird species and the biggest birds to inhabit our planet.
Greater Rhea
The greater rhea ranks as one of the biggest birds on Earth and is the largest flightless bird in the Americas. It reaches an overall height of 5.5 feet and a weight of 55 pounds. It resides in lowland savannas in central South America. They’re also omnivorous, normally eating grasses and agricultural products.
They can run at speeds from 35 to 40 miles per hour and have massive wings for flightless birds. However, they are classified as Near Threatened because of hunting and habitat deterioration. The greater rhea is the biggest natural bird anywhere in the Americas.
Dwarf Cassowary
The dwarf cassowary is an incredibly small bird considered one of the Cassowary family. It is considered one of them among the world’s most dangerous birds because of its powerful legs and claw-tipped toes. It is the smallest of the three identified cassowary species. it may get up to 1.5 meters long and weigh up to 26 kg.
Dwarf cassowaries can be found in the New Guinea area, especially around the highlands, Yapen Island, and New Britain. Although its reduced size, the dwarf cassowary nevertheless has an outstanding look with its thick, black plumage and vivid blue neck. It is known to be one of the biggest birds on Earth and one of the quickest land birds. Read about cassowaries.
The lesser Rhea
The lesser rhea is a large, flightless bird found in South America. It stands 3-5 feet tall and weighs 33-64 pounds. It is the smaller of the two rhea species and is known for its brown plumage with white flecks. The lesser rhino is a strong runner, reaching speeds of 60 km/h to escape predators. related article: 10 Unique Vacation Destinations in Washington State
It uses its wings to balance while running and has sharp claws on its toes. However, habitat loss, hunting, and agriculture expansion have led to habitat loss and the decline of the Puna Rhea subspecies. The lesser rhea is also known as the Puna Rhea. its smaller stature compared to its larger cousin, the Greater Rhea, provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. More on greater rheas.
The great bustard
The great bustard is one of the world’s heaviest flying birds. It is found throughout Europe and Asia and is considered the biggest flying bird species around the world. Males can reach weights over 15 kilos and are located in open places; however, these habitats have become rare due to widespread farming.
The great bustard’s size protects it from predators and enables it to fly low, frequently crashing with power wires. It is designated as vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species. The kori bustard, another large bird, can fly up to 44 pounds and is endemic to Africa’s semi-deserts and wide grasslands. Both species are the biggest birds on Earth, with the great bustard being the largest of all the birds.
Kori Bustard
The Kori Bustard, the world’s second-heaviest flying bird. It is a large, adaptable bird native to the grasslands and savannas of eastern and southern Africa. With a wingspan of over 6.5 feet and a weight of up to 40 pounds, males can weigh up to 44 pounds. Their buff and gray upper plumage blends in with their environment, and their larger body sizes are favored in colder climates to maintain body heat. Despite their size, Kori Bustards spend most of their time on the ground, gracefully walking with measured steps. related article: Top 10 Most Dangerous Animals in Arizona That Can
The king penguin
The king penguin is actually the second-largest species of penguin in the whole world. It is not the largest bird in the world but is enormous for the species it is. Spanning 30 to 34 inches tall and weighing 20 to 30 pounds, these creatures are skilled in the water and can dive to vast depths to look for food.
King penguin chicks have fluffy, dark brown plumage and require over a year to become independent. Moving to the sub-Antarctic islands and coastlines of Antarctica, they are excellent swimmers and build enormous colonies on land for life in the harsh Antarctic climate. The Emperor penguin is the largest bird overall.
Trumpeter Swan
The Trumpeter Swan constitutes the largest waterfowl bird indigenous to North America and one of the heaviest flying birds. They were reduced to extensive near-extinction in the early 20th century due to hunting for meat, eggs, feathers, and skin. Habitat loss due to European colonization contributed to the species’ demise.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and conservation initiatives, including habitat preservation, range extension, and shooting protection, have helped the species comeback. They may grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 25 pounds. They reside in lakes, ponds, rivers, and bays and move to various places during different seasons.
The mute swan
The mute swan population comprises both known and cobs. It is among the world’s largest and heaviest flying birds. They may weigh up to 33 pounds (15 kilos) and reach lengths of 5 feet (1.5 meters). They can fly at speeds of up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h) and can adapt to water.
Mute swans are native to Europe and Asia but have been brought to North America. They are recognized for their stunning white plumage, strong connection bonds, and aggressive temperament. Despite their name, they make less noise than other swan species. They primarily consume aquatic vegetation and tiny animals.
Domestic Turkey
Domestic turkeys are native to North America. They are among the world’s largest birds due to their selective breeding for weight and fatterness. They can weigh up to 39 kg and stand up to 1.3 meters tall. Domestic turkeys are bred to have larger breasts and stockier legs, making them unable to fly. This results in white breast meat and shorter legs, making them less agile. Domestic turkeys weigh about 30 pounds on average.
Learn more about unique wildlife experiences in our article on Top 23 Tourist Attractions in Colombia South America.
Andean Condor
The Andean condor ranks as one of the biggest flying birds in the world. This bird is a New World vulture found in the Andes ranges and Pacific beaches of western South America. It has a weight of 33 pounds and a wingspan of 10.5 feet. It can fly lightly over strong air currents and dominate other bird scavengers. The Andean condor is an official emblem of several Andean nations and performs a critical part in the ecology by cleaning up after death.
Dalmatian Pelican
Dalmatian pelicans constitute some of the world’s largest flying birds. It is the largest member of the pelican family. They are recognized for their amazing size, height, wingspan, and weight. They may grow up to 6 feet tall, weigh approximately 30 pounds, and are adept swimmers and fliers. They can fly at heights of above 10,000 feet and eat roughly 4 pounds of fish in a single day. However, threats to Dalmatian pelicans include hunting, nest predation, wetlands damage, and human encroachment. Although they are small, they are the least sociable of the pelican species.
Cinereous Vulture
The Cinereous Vulture is which is also known as the Black Vulture or Eurasian Black Vulture. It is one of the world’s largest flying birds, notable for its enormous wings, massive beak, and black plumage. At a wingspan of up to 10 feet and a weight of 31 pounds, this bird is one of the largest birds of prey. It is a scavenger endemic to Europe and Asia. Threatened by habitat loss, criminal death, electrocution, and power line accidents, conservation initiatives have helped increase the Spanish population of cinereous vultures.
Lappet-faced Vulture
The lappet-faced vulture is additionally known as the African king vulture, African black vulture, or Nubian vulture. It is considered one of the largest vultures in the globe and an incredible and powerful bird of prey. It has a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet and a weight of up to 20 pounds. It is notable for its strong wings and huge beak. The bird’s name originates from the folds of skin on each side of its neck, called lappets. Its featherless head and neck help it retain cleanliness and is noted for its remarkable look.
The wandering albatross
The wandering albatross is well known as the snowy or wandering albatross. It constitutes the biggest living bird in the world because of its long, narrow wingspan of up to 12 feet. These birds of prey can move smoothly over the water, maintain energy, and catch airborne particles. They may move up to 120,000 kilometers in a year, live to be over 60 years old, and mate for life. However, they are threatened because to human causes such as ocean pollution, overfishing, and capture for tobacco pipe stems. The Maori people of New Zealand also eat on the wandering albatross.
California condor
The California condor is one of the world’s largest flying birds. It has a wingspan of nearly 10 feet and a body of four to five feet long, and weighs over 20 pounds. It can soar on air currents for hours without flapping its wings and glide at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. However, its population has declined due to shooting and lead poisoning.
Whooper Swan
The Whooper Swan is a large and heaviest flying waterfowl species, native to northern Europe and Asia. With a wingspan of up to 100 inches and a long neck, they can reach underwater vegetation in deeper waters. They are known for their distinctive yellow-and-black bill, white plumage, and loud trumpeting call. Adult Whooper Swans can reach lengths of up to 5 feet and weigh around 26 pounds. They migrate long distances and sometimes fly nonstop.
Marabou Stork
The marabou stork species a large wading bird endemic to Africa. It ranks among some of the largest birds in the world because it is recognized for its amazing size and a preference for decaying corpses. With a wingspan of up to 12 feet and a height of up to 5 feet, the marabou stork may weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms). Its wide, hooked beak, webbed toes, and enormous neck pouch are all elements of its unusual look.
These birds have become known as among the world’s ugliest animals. The marabou stork is a scavenger, eating on carrion and garbage, and is frequently observed roaming near human habitations. Although its ugliness, the marabou stork may actually help people and their surrounding ecosystems, so it’s a less-than-ideal animal.
Harpy Eagle
The Harpy Eagle is a strong and huge eagle endemic to Central and South America. It is recognized for its strength and capacity to raise prey equivalent to its body weight. With a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet, it can feed on monkeys, sloths, and huge birds.
The harpy eagle’s preferred habitat is tropical, lowland rainforests with at least 70% forest cover. However, challenges to the harpy eagle include logging, climate change, and human activities, which endanger its habitat and the survival of this majestic species.
Shoebill
The shoebill is one of the largest birds; it stands up to 5 feet tall and has a wingspan of up to 8.5 feet. Its distinctive shoe-shaped bill, bluish gray plumage, and small feathered crest make it a formidable predator.
Shoebills are patient hunters, standing still for long periods before striking their prey using a technique called “collapsing.” Native to East African swamps and marshes, they are docile and silent, sometimes engaging in bill-clattering.
The ostrich, a flightless bird native to Africa, is the largest living bird globally. It can grow up to 9.2 feet tall and weigh over 346 lb. Ostriches are among the fastest land animals, running up to 45 mph. Ostrich eggs are the largest of any bird, weighing 3.1 lb. They live in grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands.
The wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) is the largest living flying bird with the largest wingspan, measuring up to 11 feet (3.4 meters). The largest ever recorded wingspan for a wandering albatross was 12 feet.
The wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) has the largest wingspan of any living bird, measuring up to 11.5 feet (3.5 meters) from wingtip to wingtip. The largest ever recorded wingspan for this species was 12 feet.
The longest bill is that of the Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus), at 34–47 cm (13–18½ in) long. The largest beak in proportion to total body length is that of the sword-billed hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera) of the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia.
