Discover the Top 10 Largest Birds in the World You Might Not Know

One of the largest birds to mention is the Albatross, typically residing in the Southern Ocean and North Pacific. They're known for having the largest wingspan among all bird species. With 24 different species, notably the Wandering Albatross - this bird can reach up to 1.35m in body length, weighing from 5.9 to 12.7kg. The largest wingspan of this bird was confirmed to be around 3.7m. Named the 'Wandering Albatross' due to its physiological characteristics, these birds wander throughout their flights, dedicating much of their lives to flying. They silently soar a thousand kilometers above the water surface. Their habitat is primarily the waters adjacent to the icy Antarctic and the southern coastline of Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Some may be found in the Northern Hemisphere, but they are extremely rare.

During mating, these birds only lay a single egg. Young Albatrosses only need a month to learn how to fly far distances. While they excel in flying and swimming, they do not dive. Their entire life cycle occurs on the water and in the air, only during the breeding season do they stay within nesting areas. During flight, their wings form a straight line with the body, and their legs are connected and stretched straight back. The Albatross is known as a large and powerful bird. Interestingly, from the ground, even when running, an Albatross cannot take off. To do this, it must find a hill, a certain type of rock, and from there, launch into flight. But from the water, it can take off without any issues. Remote islands are the ideal breeding grounds for them during the breeding season.

Pelican is a large-bodied bird belonging to the Order: Pelecaniformes. There are eight surviving species of pelicans, all belonging to the Genus: Pelecanus. However, this genus is quite diverse, as fossil evidence suggests there were more than 10 species of Pelecanus. Pelicans have a distinctive pouch attached to their lower beak. The smallest pelican (Brown pelican) has a wingspan of 1.8 meters, while the largest species (Dalmatian pelican) has a wingspan of up to 3 meters. The Dalmatian pelican is a giant member of the Pelican family. It breeds from southeastern Europe to India and China in marshes and shallow lakes. The nest is made on a rough pile of vegetation. The Dalmatian is the largest bird in the pelican species and some of the largest living birds. It measures 160 to 183 cm in length, weighs 9–15 kg, and has a wingspan of 290–351 cm.

With an average weight of about 11.5 kg, it is the heaviest flying bird in the world on average, although ostriches and swans may exceed pelicans in maximum weight. This bird usually feeds on fish, sometimes even on crustaceans or some small birds. They always wear the familiar grayish-white plumage with a long beak and a very characteristic red and yellow throat pouch. The breeding season of Dalmatian pelicans begins from late March or April. Due to the increasing threats such as ponds, lakes, drying marshes, indiscriminate hunting, water pollution, and climate-related factors... the gregarious lifestyle of this bird species is increasingly shrinking in population size and has been early listed as a vulnerable species (VU) in the IUCN Red List.

Swan is the largest and most beautiful waterfowl. The mute swan is one of the seven swan species worldwide. They are called mute swans because of their silence, only hissing when threatened. An adult female swan weighs about 9kg while a male weighs about 11kg to 15kg. White swan begins breeding at the age of three. From mid-March to May, white swans build a large nest for females to lay about three to seven eggs. Eggs are laid two days apart, with an incubation period lasting 35 days. During the breeding season, male swans fiercely protect their territory and are aggressive towards intruders, even engaging in deadly fights. They often threaten those who dare to approach the nest while issuing warning hisses. Although they can use their wings to deliver a painful blow to the opponent, they do not bite. When hatched, cygnets are gray and fluffy. However, they are quickly replaced by brown feathers.

This bird is mainly found in Europe. Each swan can measure 1.5 meters in length and has a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters. This bird looks charming with its S-shaped neck. With intelligence and instinct as a fairly combative species, Mute Swan is beloved by many. Small fish, insects, and other creatures within the vegetation are the main food sources for this bird. In England, white swans were considered a domesticated species until the 20th century after being first raised by kings in the 12th century. These kings made them the center of lavish feasts. According to bird surveys, the number of swans in England has increased by 250% since the 1960s. Biologist Allan Frake of the UK Environmental Agency said that each mute swan

Kori Bustard (scientific name: Ardeotis kori) is a bird species in the Bustard family. The Kori Bustard is found throughout southern Africa, except in densely forested areas. They are common in Botswana, Namibia, southern Angola, certain areas of Zimbabwe, sparse regions of southwestern Zambia, southern Mozambique, and eastern South Africa. There is a disjunct population in the desert and grasslands of northwest Africa. Here, the species range from southern Sudan, northern Somalia, Ethiopia through Kenya (excluding the coastal region), Tanzania, and Uganda. The male bird measures 120 to 150 cm in length, stands 71–120 cm tall, and has a wingspan of about 230 to 275 cm. On average, males weigh about 10.9–16 kg, with an average of 13.5 kg, but some individuals can weigh up to 20 kg.

The average weight of females is 4.8 to 6.1 kg, with a length ranging from 80 to 120 cm and a height usually below 60 cm, with a wingspan of less than 220 cm. Body size generally tends to be larger in the southern African population, and body weight may vary depending on rainfall conditions. The Kori Bustard is one of the heaviest birds in the world. Despite its 'heavyweight' physique, this bird can still soar gracefully through the air. The Kori Bustard is an omnivorous species, consuming various foods including grass, berries, seeds, roots, and flowers, as well as insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. This bird ranks fifth on the list of the largest birds in the world.

Andean Condor or King Vulture is a bird species belonging to the New World Vulture family. This species is distributed in South America in the Andes mountain range, including the Santa Marta mountains. In the north, its range starts in Venezuela and Colombia, where it is extremely rare, then continues south along the Andes range in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, through Bolivia and western Argentina to Tierra del Fuego. They are classified as one of the largest birds in the world, weighing up to 15 kg and standing up to 1.2 meters tall with a massive wingspan of 3 meters along the wings, enabling them to fly very well. Its habitat mainly consists of open grasslands and high mountain areas up to 5,000 m (16,000 feet) above sea level. It prefers relatively open areas, without forests, allowing it to spot carrion from the air, such as Páramo or rock, generally mountainous areas.

They often seek the carrion of wild animals and in water like other vulture species for food. Andean Condors have a lifespan of about 75 years and slow reproductive rates, therefore, this bird species is facing the risk of extinction. For the first time in history, a group of scientists has attached a recording device they call a 'daily diary' to 8 Andean Condors living in the Patagonia region (mountainous region between Chile and Argentina) to monitor their wing activity for a total of 250 hours of flight. It is noteworthy that the birds spend only about 1% of this time flapping their wings, mostly during takeoff. One bird even flew for over 5 hours, covering a distance of 160 km without flapping its wings.

Emperor penguin (scientific name Aptenodytes forsteri) is the largest and heaviest species among all living penguins and endemic to Antarctica. Both males and females have similar plumage and size, reaching heights of up to 122 cm and weighing from 22 to 45 kg. Their heads and backs are black, while their bellies and legs are white, with a light yellow breast and bright yellow ear patches. They have a sleek, elongated body. Emperor penguins are flightless birds, with small, flat wings and flipper-like legs adapted to aquatic environments. Their daily diet consists mainly of fish, but they also occasionally eat crustaceans, cephalopods, mollusks, and squid. While hunting, they can dive underwater for up to 18 minutes and dive to depths of up to 535 m. They have several adaptations to cope with these conditions, including an unusual hemoglobin structure that allows them to function in low-oxygen environments, rigid bones to reduce pressure-related injuries, and the ability to lower their metabolic rate and shut down non-essential organ functions.

Emperor penguins are known for their epic annual journeys to mate and raise their chicks. Penguin species only breed during the Antarctic winter, traveling distances of about 50–120 km (31–75 miles) across the ice to reach breeding colonies, where thousands of individuals gather. Females lay a single egg, which the males then incubate, while the females go to sea to forage. Subsequently, males and females take turns foraging at sea and caring for their chicks at the breeding site. The lifespan of emperor penguins is around 20 years, although some individuals can live up to 50 years. Like all other penguin species, emperor penguins have a body well-suited for swimming: flat flippers, paddle-like feet. Their tongues are equipped with backward-facing barbs to prevent prey from slipping out when caught. Adults have black plumage on their backs, heads, chins, necks, flipper backs, and tails. The undersides of their wings and bellies are white, with a light yellow breast, and bright yellow ear patches...

South American Rhea or American Rhea (scientific name: Rhea) is the only genus of South American rhea in the family of the same name, consisting of 2 species of birds living in South America. The American Rhea is smaller than the African ostrich but larger than the Emu. Their primary diet consists of various plant species and insects. They inhabit grasslands in Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia. This species is considered one of the largest birds in the region. Each South American Rhea can weigh from 35 to 40 kg, with wings that help balance their bodies. South American Rheas are large flightless birds with gray-brown plumage, long legs, and elongated necks, resembling African ostriches. They can reach heights of up to 1.7 m and weigh up to 40 kg. Their wings are large for flightless birds and spread wide when running, serving as sails. Unlike most other bird species, South American Rheas have only 3 toes. Their leg bones have horizontal plates at the front.

In March 1837, ornithologist John Gould declared that Darwin's South American Rhea (rhea) was a distinct species from previously described South American rheas, and the imitative birds on the Galápagos Islands actually represented three separate species, each characteristic of a particular island, and furthermore, several different bird species here were all classified as finches. By gradually reintroducing this native rhea species into the wild, conservationists hope to maintain the survival of this creature. South American Rheas are an essential part of the Patagonian ecosystem. They often feed on grasses, which has helped spread seeds and propagate plants throughout the region. These 'running' birds have large, sturdy legs to withstand attacks from predators. Not only that, female rheas typically lay 50 eggs per clutch, and their eggs are quite large too!

Southern Cassowary or Double-wattled Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is a species of cassowary in the family of Cassowaries. The Southern Cassowary is found in southern New Guinea, northeastern Australia, and the Aru Islands, mainly in lowland areas. When mature, the Southern Cassowary stands about 1.5-1.8m tall, with females reaching up to 2m in height and weighing 58.5kg. They have wings but cannot fly, only run. When running, they raise and flap their wings to maintain balance. They run short distances but jump well and swim excellently. Their necks are bare, revealing red and blue wattles. They have a large casque on their head, which is a distinctive feature of these cassowaries and also a method to attract mates during mating season. In 2007, the Southern Cassowary was listed in the Guinness World Records as the ''most dangerous bird in the world.'' They prefer to live independently but congregate during the breeding season. After mating, females lay eggs and leave, while males incubate the eggs for 50 to 52 days. The Southern Cassowary has a long, sharp claw on its inner toe. When faced with danger, they often become aggressive and use their claws to attack enemies. Even within flocks, disputes are common. Southern Cassowaries are known to damage farms, and their brightly colored fruit can injure humans, even causing death with a single strike. Their long beaks alone look intimidating. Their feet have extremely sharp clawed toes. The middle toe claw can be up to 125mm long. These claws are terrifying when they use their feet to kick people and objects. They can sprint at speeds of up to 30 mph. They mainly eat grass, fungi, insects, and often have 8 - 10 large, dark-colored eggs. Riding on their back for a stroll would be quite an adventure, wouldn't it? Compared to many other bird species, the Southern Cassowary boasts an impressive appearance but is a dangerous species that requires caution.

Another flightless bird originating from Australia makes its way onto this list. They're called Emus, a species of bird belonging to the Australian Emu family of the Casuariiformes order. They're the second tallest surviving bird species in terms of height, after their African relatives, the Emu. These are endemic to Australia, where they are the largest surviving native bird species and the sole surviving member of the Dromaius genus. Their distribution range covers most of the Australian continent, but subspecies on Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, and King Island were extinct after European settlement in Australia in 1788. This species is common enough to be assessed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Emu is a flightless bird with soft brown plumage on its head and neck, long legs, three-toed feet, and can reach up to 1.9 meters in height. Emus can cover vast distances and can sprint at speeds up to 50 km/h when necessary; they consume various plant matter and insects but have been known to fast for weeks. They drink infrequently but can take in copious amounts of water when the opportunity arises. The average body weight ranges from 40 kg to 50 kg.

Reproduction occurs in May and June, with mate competition among females often occurring. Females can mate multiple times and lay multiple clutches of eggs in a season. The male undertakes egg incubation; during this process, it consumes little to no food or water and undergoes significant body weight loss. Eggs hatch after about eight weeks, and the chicks are nurtured by their father. They reach maximum size after about six months but can remain as a family until the next breeding season. The Emu is an important cultural icon of Australia, appearing on the coat of arms and various coins. This bird species is prominent in Australian indigenous mythology. This Australian Emu, with its sturdy legs, can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h - comparable to the speed of an electric bicycle. Like other emu species, they feed on fruits, lizards, and insects. Winter is usually the egg-laying season for the Australian Emu. Their eggs often weigh up to 0.45 kg and have a deep green color...

Ostrich is considered the largest living bird and is farmed all over the world. Its scientific name derives from Greek meaning 'camel sparrow.' In its scientific name, the second part - camelus - alludes to the harsh natural habitat of these birds. African Ostrich (scientific name: Struthio camelus) is a running bird native to Africa. It is the only surviving species of the Struthionidae family and the Struthio genus. They are highly distinct in appearance with long necks, legs, and capable of running at speeds up to 65 km/h (40 mph). The African Ostrich weighs from 90 to 130 kg (200 to 290 pounds). Some male ostriches have been recorded to weigh up to 155 kg (340 pounds). Adult male ostriches have predominantly black feathers with some white spots on the wings and tail. Female and juvenile ostriches are light gray-brown with a few white spots. Male ostriches use their small, vestigial wings to dance to attract mates and protect their offspring.

With dense, black plumage and the largest eyes among living terrestrial animals, ostriches stand out. At maturity (2-4 years), male ostriches stand 1.8-2.7 m tall, while females stand 1.7-2 m. In the first year, ostrich chicks grow 25 cm per month. At one year old, ostriches weigh 45 kg. African Ostriches live in groups of 5–50 individuals, migrating alongside other herbivores such as zebras or antelopes. They primarily eat seeds or grass, sometimes consuming small animals like locusts. Lacking teeth, they swallow stones to aid in food grinding in their gizzards. They can go for extended periods without water, relying on the moisture from the vegetation they ingest. However, they enjoy water and frequently bathe. With keen hearing and eyesight, they can detect hunting predators like lions from a distance.