The biggest birds in the world not only have impressive wingspans but also some of the most impressive stories and habitats. From the Andean Condor, which is the world’s largest raptor, to the aptly named Great Bustard, which is the heaviest living flying bird, these birds have unique characteristics and stories that make them stand out from the crowd. Here are 10 of the largest birds in the world.
1. Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
The Andean Condor is the world’s largest raptor and one of the largest flying birds. It has a wingspan of up to 10.5 feet and can weigh up to 30 pounds. It is native to the Andes mountains of South America and can be found in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina. These birds feed on carrion, such as dead animals, and are known to live up to 50 years in the wild.
2. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
The California Condor is the second-largest raptor in the world and the largest in North America. It has a wingspan of up to 9 feet and can weigh up to 25 pounds. This bird is native to the western United States and can be found in states such as California, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. It is an endangered species, with only about 500 individuals in the wild. It feeds on carrion, such as dead animals, and can live up to 60 years in the wild.
3. Great Bustard (Otis tarda)
The Great Bustard is the heaviest living flying bird in the world and is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has a wingspan of up to 8.5 feet and can weigh up to 33 pounds. These birds feed on plant material such as grains and insects and can live up to 20 years in the wild.
4. Lappet-Faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus)
The Lappet-Faced Vulture is the largest Old World vulture and is native to parts of Africa and the Middle East. It has a wingspan of up to 8.5 feet and can weigh up to 20 pounds. These birds feed on carrion, such as dead animals, and can live up to 40 years in the wild.
5. Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans)
The Wandering Albatross is one of the largest seabirds in the world and is native to the Southern Ocean. It has a wingspan of up to 11.5 feet and can weigh up to 33 pounds. These birds feed on fish, squid, and krill and can live up to 50 years in the wild.
6. Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
The Dalmatian Pelican is the world’s largest pelican and is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has a wingspan of up to 11.5 feet and can weigh up to 35 pounds. These birds feed on fish and can live up to 20 years in the wild.
7. Greater Rhea (Rhea americana)
The Greater Rhea is the largest bird in South America and is native to parts of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It has a wingspan of up to 7 feet and can weigh up to 40 pounds. These birds feed on plant material such as seeds and fruits and can live up to 20 years in the wild.
8. White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
The White Stork is the largest stork in the world and is native to parts of Europe and Asia. It has a wingspan of up to 8 feet and can weigh up to 20 pounds. These birds feed on fish, frogs, and insects and can live up to 30 years in the wild.
9. Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa)
The Great Grey Owl is the largest owl in the world and is native to parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. It has a wingspan of up to 5.5 feet and can weigh up to 3 pounds. These birds feed on small mammals such as mice and voles and can live up to 20 years in the wild.
10. Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
The Trumpeter Swan is the largest waterfowl in the world and native to North America. It has a wingspan of up to 8 feet and can weigh up to 30 pounds. These birds feed on plant material such as grains and aquatic vegetation and can live up to 30 years in the wild.
These 10 largest birds in the world have unique characteristics and stories that make them stand out from the crowd. They are also all important members of their respective ecosystems, and it is important to understand and appreciate the role they play in nature. Whether it is scavenging for food, preying on small mammals, or providing food and shelter for other animals, these 10 largest birds in the world are an integral part of the world’s biodiversity.
