Birds come in all shapes and sizes, with some species towering over others. From the enormous ostrich to the majestic Andean condor, the world is home to a diverse range of large bird species that awe and inspire us with their sheer size and power. In this article, we will explore the 15 largest birds in the world.
#15. Grey Crowned Crane
Average weight: 8 lbs (3.5 kg)
Taking the fifteenth spot on our list is the Grey Crowned Crane, a bird native to Africa. They are known for their striking appearance, with bright colors and distinctive feathers that adorn their heads like a crown. Standing up to three feet (0.9 meters) tall and weighing up to ten pounds (4.5 kilograms), these stunning birds are impressive sight on the grasslands and savannas of Africa.
#14.California Condor
Average weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)
Next up is the California Condor, a bird that once teetered on the brink of extinction. This bird, native to the western United States, has a wingspan of up to ten feet (3 meters) and can weigh up to 26 pounds (12 kilograms). These impressive birds are known for their scavenging habits, feeding on carrion and playing a vital role in their ecosystem.
#13.White-tailed Eagle
Average weight: 12 lbs (5.5 kg)
Taking the thirteenth spot on our list is the White-tailed Eagle, also known as the sea eagle. These birds, native to Europe and Asia, are one of the largest eagle species in the world, with a wingspan of up to eight feet (2.4 meters) and a weight of up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms). They are impressive hunters, preying on fish, birds, and small mammals in the waterways and coastal areas of their range.
#12.Harpy Eagle
Average weight: 13 lbs (6 kg)
Another impressive eagle species, the Harpy Eagle, takes the twelfth spot on our list. Native to Central and South America, this bird has a wingspan of up to seven feet (2.1 meters) and can weigh up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms). They are known for their powerful talons and fierce hunting skills, preying on monkeys and other large prey in the dense rainforest canopies.
#11.Siberian Crane
Average weight: 16 lbs (7 kg)
Rounding out our list at number eleven is the Siberian Crane, a critically endangered species found in Russia and parts of Asia. With a height of around five feet (1.5 meters) and a wingspan of up to eight feet (2.4 meters), these birds are known for their stunning white plumage and elegant appearance. Every year, they undertake one of the longest migrations of any crane species, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
#10.Philippine Eagle
Average weight: 17 lbs (8 kg)
Starting our next set of birds at number ten is the Philippine Eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle. Endemic to the Philippines, this bird is one of the largest eagles in the world, with a wingspan of up to seven feet (2.1 meters) and a weight of up to 20 pounds (9 kilograms). Their powerful talons and sharp beaks make them skilled hunters of monkeys, squirrels, and other prey in the rainforest canopies.
#09. Mute Swan
Average weight: 24 lbs (11 kg)
Next up is the Mute Swan, a species known for its grace and beauty. Common in Europe and North America, this stunning bird stands at around four feet (1.2 meters) tall and weighs up to 30 pounds (14 kilograms). They are characterized by their long necks and striking white plumage, making them a popular subject for artists and photographers alike.
#08. Trumpeter Swan
Average weight: 26 lbs (12 kg)
Another member of the swan family, the Trumpeter Swan, takes the eighth spot on our list. Native to North America, this bird is one of the largest waterfowl in the world, with a wingspan of up to eight feet (2.4 meters) and a weight of up to 26 pounds (12 kilograms). Their distinctive trumpet-like calls and impressive size make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
#07. Andean Condor
Average weight: 26 lbs (12 kg)
Taking the seventh spot is the Andean Condor, a bird found in the mountain ranges of South America. With a wingspan of up to ten feet (3 meters) and a weight of up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms), this bird is one of the largest flying birds in the world. Their striking black and white plumage and impressive size have made them a symbol of power and strength in many cultures.
#06. Dalmatian Pelican
Average weight: 33 lbs (15 kg)
Rounding out our list at number six is the Dalmatian Pelican, a bird found in Eurasia. With a wingspan of up to 11 feet (3.5 meters) and a weight of up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms), this bird is one of the largest pelicans in the world. Their distinctive white and black plumage, along with their enormous bills, make them a stunning sight to behold.
#05. Kori Bustard
Average weight: 44 lbs (20 kg)
Starting our list at number five is the Kori Bustard, a bird native to Africa. With males weighing up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms) and standing about four feet (1.2 meters) tall, the Kori Bustard is the heaviest flying bird on the continent. Despite its weight, it possesses a remarkable wingspan of up to nine feet (2.8 meters) and can take to the air with surprising agility.
#04. Greater Rhea
Average weight: 88 lbs (40 kg)
Next up is the Greater Rhea, an impressive bird found in South America. As one of the largest flightless birds, the Greater Rhea stands at nearly five feet (1.5 meters) tall and weighs up to 88 pounds (40 kilograms). This bird’s large and sturdy body allows it to navigate across its grassland habitats with remarkable speed, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour (64 kilometers per hour).
#03. Emu
Average weight: 100 lbs (45 kg)
Moving on, we come across the Emu, an iconic bird native to Australia. Known for its distinctive appearance, the Emu is the second tallest bird in the world, standing at around six feet (1.8 meters) tall. Although flightless, these birds have powerful legs that enable them to run at incredible speeds, making them one of the fastest-running birds on land.
#02. Southern Cassowary
Average weight: 121 lbs (55 kg)
Taking the second spot is the Southern Cassowary, a remarkable bird found in the tropical rainforests of Australia and New Guinea. With a height of around six feet (1.8 meters) and weighing up to 130 pounds (60 kilograms), the Cassowary possesses a striking appearance. Its large size is complemented by a vividly colored neck and head, along with a bony casque on top of its head. Despite its flightless nature, the Cassowary is an agile and powerful bird, capable of leaping high and running swiftly through dense vegetation.
#01. Ostrich
Average weight: 250 lbs (113 kg)
Claiming the top spot as the largest bird in the world is the Ostrich, a native of Africa. The Ostrich is not only the tallest bird, standing at an impressive eight feet (2.4 meters) tall, but it is also the heaviest, with males weighing up to 350 pounds (160 kilograms). These flightless birds have long, strong legs that allow them to reach remarkable speeds of up to 56 miles per hour (90 kilometers per hour). Furthermore, their large eyes and keen senses make them well-adapted to their surroundings, ensuring their survival in harsh environments.