Ranking of the ten fastest flying birds in the world

The flight speed of a bird varies depending on the species. Some small birds, such as swallows and canaries, fly at speeds of around 30 miles per hour (48 km/h), while some larger birds, such as buzzards and goshawks, can fly at very fast speeds. Even faster, with a top speed of over 150 miles per hour (240 km/h). The flight speeds of different birds depend on several factors, including their body shape, feather size, and wingspan. This article brings you the ten fastest flying birds in the world, namely frigate bird, peregrine falcon, sharp-tailed swift, golden eagle, gyrfalcon, white-throated needle-tailed swift, swallow falcon, red-breasted autumn bird Mergansers, grey-headed albatrosses, Australian spotted ducks. Let’s take a look below!

1. Frigatebird

Frigatebirds are tropical marine birds with excellent flight capabilities and are considered one of the best flying birds. According to research, frigatebirds can fly at speeds of more than 150 kilometers per hour and can even maintain such speeds during prolonged gliding. Additionally, frigatebirds can fly thousands of miles without needing to rest or eat, making them an extremely endurance species.

2. Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon is one of the fastest flying birds in the world, capable of swooping down to hunt at speeds of 240 miles per hour (386 kilometers per hour). This impressive speed makes the peregrine falcon one of the most remarkable predators on earth. However, peregrine falcons typically cruise at speeds between 40 and 60 miles per hour (64 and 97 kilometers per hour), allowing them to remain airborne for longer periods of time, searching for prey and observing.

3. Sharp-tailed Swift

Sharp-tailed swifts fly very quickly. According to data, their speed when flying can reach about 200 kilometers per hour. This speed allows them to nimbly catch insects and other small prey in the air. In addition, the sharp-tailed swift is also admired for its graceful flight.

4. Golden Eagle

Golden eagles are large birds of prey that fly very fast. According to data, the maximum flight speed of the golden eagle can reach about 320 kilometers per hour. However, this is not the speed at which golden eagles usually fly. They usually hover or glide in the air at a slower speed, looking for their next meal. Of course, when chasing prey, golden eagles can also quickly increase their speed in order to catch the prey. Generally speaking, golden eagles are excellent flying animals. Their rapid speed and excellent flying skills make people awe them.

5. Gyrfalcon

The Gyrfalcon is a medium-sized raptor that can fly very quickly. According to data, gyrfalcons can fly at a maximum speed of approximately 389 kilometers per hour, making them one of the fastest birds in the world. However, gyrfalcons usually do not fly at the highest speed, but use their agile bodies and flexible flight skills to track and capture prey in the air. Overall, gyrfalcons are excellent flying animals, admired for their powerful speed and remarkable flight capabilities.

6. White-throated Needle-tailed Swift

The White-throated Needletail is a large and widespread swift that lives in Asia, Australia and Europe. This bird is known for its extremely fast flight, reportedly reaching speeds of over 170 kilometers per hour (105 mph), making the white-throated needle-tailed swift one of the fastest birds in the world . They fly at incredibly fast speeds and can easily chase flying insects or other small birds through the air.

7. Yan Falcon

The falcon (Falco peregrinus) is one of the fastest flying birds in the world. Their dive speed can even reach over 400 kilometers per hour! When flying horizontally, the speed of Yan Falcon is about 80-100 kilometers per hour. Of course, the flight speed of the Yan Falcon will also be affected by factors such as environment and climate.

8. Red-breasted Merganser

The red-breasted merganser (scientific name: Mergus serrator) is a medium-sized water bird with a slender body and long and pointed wings. They are birds that are good at diving for food and mainly inhabit freshwater lakes, rivers and swamps. According to data, the flying speed of red-breasted merganser is about 60-70 kilometers per hour. Of course, this speed will also be affected by many factors, such as wind speed, air pressure, etc. But in general, the flying speed of red-breasted merganser is relatively fast.

9. Grey-headed Albatross

The Grey-headed Albatross (scientific name: Thalassarche chrysostoma) is a large seabird that lives in the oceans of the Southern Hemisphere. They have excellent flight capabilities and can glide over the sea for long periods of time and patrol vast ocean areas. According to scientific research, the average flying speed of grey-headed albatross is about 50-60 kilometers per hour, but they can rely on air currents and sea breezes to accelerate their gliding, and the speed will reach higher, and the maximum speed can even reach more than 100 kilometers per hour. Moreover, gray-headed albatrosses can fly non-stop for up to several years. They use wind and air currents to find food and water sources, and in the process complete extremely long distances.

10. Australian spotted duck

The Australian spotted duck (scientific name: Anas superciliosa) is a common waterfowl that lives near lakes, rivers and coastlines in Australia and New Zealand. They are excellent swimmers and divers and will also search for food on the fly. According to records, the average flight speed of Australian spotted ducks is about 50-65 kilometers per hour, and the maximum speed can reach more than 80 kilometers per hour. However, this speed is also affected by many factors, such as temperature, air pressure, wind direction, weight, etc. Generally speaking, the flight speed of Australian spotted ducks is relatively fast, but compared to other migratory birds, the speed is not too fast.

Research basis: The ranking of the top ten fastest flying birds in the world is mainly compiled based on relevant websites, and the fastest flight speed of related birds is queried through search websites, and ranking and recommendations are made based on this. The ranking is only for For reference, if you have any questions, please leave comments/criticisms at the end.

animal tags：