Top 10 Fastest Flying Birds in the World

Belonging to the Swift family, the White-throated Swift is a migratory bird known for its rapid wing beats and a flight speed of up to 170 km/h. These birds typically breed on rocky hillsides in Central Asia and Southern Siberia. Their legs are short, not suited for capturing prey, but instead, they are used to cling to vertical surfaces. Cracks in rocks, cliffs, and hollow trees serve as their nesting spots. The life of the White-throated Swift is largely spent soaring through the skies.

The White-throated Swift is a species from the Apodidae family. It breeds on rocky hills in Central Asia and Southern Siberia and migrates to southern India, Southeast Asia, and Australia for the winter. While rare in Western Europe, sightings have been recorded as far west as Norway, Sweden, and the UK. The White-throated Swift is known for being the fastest flapping bird in flight.

The Chinese Falcon, also a member of the Falcon genus, is commonly found in Europe, Asia, and even parts of Africa. With a length ranging from 29 to 36 cm, a wingspan of 74 to 84 cm, and weighing between 175 and 285 grams, this bird ranks among the fastest flyers in the world, reaching speeds of around 161 km/h.

The Chinese Falcon belongs to the smaller falcon group within the Hypotriorchis subgenus. It is currently recognized in two subspecies: the subbuteo, which is found in Africa, Europe, and Central and Eastern Asia, migrating to Central and Southern Africa and South Asia for the winter, and the smaller streichi subspecies, which is found further east than subbuteo's range.

The Seabird Cormorant is known for its long wings, tail, and beak. The male also possesses a unique red throat pouch, which inflates during the breeding season to attract mates. With a maximum flight speed of around 153 km/h, the Seabird Cormorant is recognized as one of the fastest flying birds in the world.

The Cormorant is the only seabird genus in the Fregatidae family, consisting of five species. They all have long wings, tails, and beaks, and the males feature a red throat pouch that is expanded during mating season to allure females.

You might be surprised to learn that geese are also among the fastest flying birds. This is true for the Spur-Winged Goose, whose maximum flight speed can reach up to 142 km/h. With a wingspan ranging from 1.5 m to 2 m, males weigh around 6 kg, while females are typically around 4.7 kg. These geese are commonly found in grasslands near lakes, rivers, and swamps across Africa.

The Spur-Winged Goose is a medium-sized bird measuring 55 to 70 cm in length, with a white face and a gray-black head, neck, and upper chest. Its belly is white, and its wings and back are silver-gray with black and white streaks, giving them a shimmering effect when light reflects off their feathers. During flight, a distinctive white V-shaped patch and silver undersides of the wings are visible.

The Common Swift, scientifically known as Apus apus, belongs to the Apodidae family. This bird spends a large portion of its life in the air, even sleeping and mating while flying.

The Common Swift measures 16 to 17 cm in length, with a wingspan of 38 to 40 cm. Its plumage is mostly dark brown to black, except for a small pale brown or white patch on its chin, which is not easily visible from a distance. Its flying speed is truly impressive, reaching up to 209 km/h.

The Grey-headed Albatross, also known as the "Laysan Albatross," is a large seabird that can reach a flying speed of 127 km/h. It is found throughout the northern Pacific Ocean. This bird closely resembles seagulls, with its grey and white plumage. The name "Laysan" was given to this species after it was first described in 1893 by Lionel Walter Rothschild, based on a specimen found on Laysan Island.

The Grey-headed Albatross belongs to the Diomedeidae family. It measures up to 81 cm in length, has a wingspan of 2.2 meters, and weighs between 2.8 and 4.4 kg, with an average weight of 3.65 kg. Its head, neck, and upper body are dark grey.

The Canvasback Duck, scientifically known as Aythya valisineria, is a bird species within the duck family. It is notable for its maximum flying speed of approximately 117 km/h, ranking among the fastest flying birds in the world.

The Canvasback Duck is the largest diving duck found in North America. It ranges from 48 to 56 cm in length, weighs between 862 to 600 g, and has a wingspan of 79 to 89 cm. This duck is the largest in the Aythya genus, similar in size to a mallard but with a heavier, more compact build.

The Peregrine Falcon holds the title for the fastest bird in the world, capable of reaching a remarkable speed of 389 km/h. With its wide wingspan and high-speed dives that exceed 322 km/h, this bird can be found all over the planet. Known not only as the fastest flying bird but also as the most widespread raptor, the Peregrine Falcon's diet is diverse, ranging from insects to small reptiles and mammals. It typically nests in cliff crevices and is increasingly becoming an endangered species in many regions.

The Peregrine Falcon measures between 34 and 58 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 74 to 120 cm. While male and female falcons appear similar in markings and feathers, females are about 30% larger than males. The male weighs between 424 and 750 grams, while the female is heavier, weighing between 910 and 1,500 grams.

The Golden Eagle takes the silver medal with a flight speed of around 321 km/h. Combining speed with the agility of its sharp talons, this bird of prey is a formidable hunter, targeting animals like rabbits and squirrels. It may also scavenge carcasses and hunt reptiles when fresh prey is scarce. The Golden Eagle is easily recognized by its dark brown feathers, with a golden-brown hue on its head and neck. Its hunting prowess has made it a revered symbol for some ancient tribes.

The Golden Eagle belongs to the Accipitridae family of raptors and was once widely distributed across the Holarctic region. Although it has disappeared from some densely populated areas due to diseases, the species remains widespread in parts of Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. The highest concentration of Golden Eagles is found in southern Alameda County, California. These eagles have dark brown plumage with golden-brown on the head and neck, and their wingspan ranges from 1.8 to 2.3 meters. Males weigh between 7 and 11 kg, while females are smaller, weighing only to 6 kg.

The Arctic Falcon flies at an impressive speed of about 209 km/h and is the largest species in the Falcon genus. Mostly non-migratory, it breeds along the Arctic coast and islands in North America, Europe, and Asia. A fascinating feature of this bird is the unique color-changing feathers that range from white to dark brown depending on its location. Interestingly, the Arctic Falcon is also the national bird of Iceland.

This Arctic Falcon breeds on the Arctic coast and islands in North America, Europe, and Asia. While it is primarily non-migratory, some individuals move to different areas after the breeding season or during the winter. The Arctic Falcon can be found across much of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in North America, Greenland, and Northern Europe. Its plumage color changes depending on the region, varying from all-white to dark brown.