When we think of birds, perhaps we think of light little sparrows or falcons flying in the sky. But did you know that there are some birds on the planet where we live that are giants in the bird world with their breathtaking huge size? Today, let us get to know the ten largest birds in existence and learn about the magical world of these "heavyweight" feathered friends!
Origin of Birds: Flying Dinosaurs
The history of birds can be traced back to the late Jurassic period 150 million years ago. At that time, their ancestors were theropod dinosaurs, such as the famous Archaeopteryx, which has the characteristics of both birds and dinosaurs, allowing us to glimpse how birds evolved from dinosaurs. In fact, scientists even quipped that "dinosaurs didn't really go extinct, they just found a way to survive and land on your windowsill."
List of the largest living birds
Rank | Animal | Average weight [kg] | Maximum weight [kg] | Average total length [cm] |
1 | African ostrich | 104 | 156.8 | 210 |
2 | Southern cassowary | 45 | 85 | 155 |
3 | northern cassowary | 44 | 75 | 149 |
4 | emu | 33 | 70 | 153 |
5 | emperor penguin | 31.5 | 46 | 114 |
6 | American ostrich | twenty three | 40 | 134 |
7 | Dwarf Cassowary | 19.7 | 34 | 105 |
8 | American Little Ostrich | 19.6 | 28.6 | 96 |
9 | king penguin | 13.6 | 20 | 92 |
10 | Dalmatian Pelican | 11.5 | 15 | 170 |
No.1 African Ostrich - Land Running Champion
Size comparison of elephant bird, human and ostrich
The African ostrich is not only the largest bird, but also the fastest land bird. The average weight reaches 104 kg, and the largest individual can even reach 156.8 kg. The body height is 2.1 meters, and the running speed is up to 70 kilometers per hour! Although they cannot fly, their strong legs make them almost invincible on the African grasslands.
No.2 Southern Cassowary - Hermit of the Australian Forest
The Southern Cassowary lives in Australia and New Guinea, with a maximum weight of 85 kg and a height of about 1.55 meters. Their legs are very strong and they are good at jumping and running, but they are cautious and low-key, preferring to live in the dense rainforest.
No.3 Northern Cassowary - Elegant Jungle Walker
The Northern Cassowary is very similar to its southern cousin, weighing up to 75 kg and about 1.49 meters tall, and is found throughout the forests of the island of New Guinea. They are covered in black feathers and have brightly colored heads and necks. They are known as one of the "most dangerous birds in the world" because of their powerful claws on their legs.
No.4 Emu - Australia's national treasure runner
Emu is the symbol of Australia, with a maximum weight of 70 kg and a height of 1.53 meters. They are curious and often approach humans for observation, but can quickly run away from danger, making them a beautiful landscape in the Australian wilderness.
No.5 Emperor Penguin - Gentleman of the Ice and Snow World
Emperor Penguins live in Antarctica, with a maximum weight of 46 kg and a height of 1.14 meters. They are known for their unique group living and parenting habits, and they reproduce in the harsh Antarctic environment every year.
No.6 American Ostrich - Star of the South American Prairie
The American Ostrich, or "Rhea Bird", weighs up to 40 kilograms and is 1.34 meters tall. It runs very fast and can easily shuttle through the vast grasslands and bushes of South America.
No.7 Dwarf Cassowary - Mysterious Tropical Resident
The Dwarf Cassowary is a smaller cassowary found in Australia and New Guinea, with a maximum weight of 34 kg and a height of about 1.05 meters. They are secretive, living in dense forests and swamps, and are rarely seen.
No.8 American Ostrich - South America's Mini Runner
The American Ostrich, also known as Darwin's Ostrich, has a maximum weight of 28.6 kg and a height of 96 cm. They are smaller than their relative, the American ostrich, but are just as fast and are equally good at running and avoiding predators.
No.9 King Penguin - Elegant Dancer of the Southern Ocean
King penguins are the second largest penguins after emperor penguins, with a maximum weight of 20 kg and a height of 92 cm. Their elegant appearance and unique orange neck feathers make them one of the most popular stars in polar expeditions.
No.10 Dalmatian Pelican - Giant Flyer in the Sky
Dalmatian Pelican can weigh up to 15 kg, but its wingspan can exceed 3 meters, which is one of the largest wingspans among existing flying birds. They glide gracefully in the air and prey on fish in the water, which is a spectacular sight in the wetlands of Europe and Asia.
Conclusion
These bird superstars, with their spectacular size and diverse lifestyles, make us marvel at the diversity and beauty of nature. It also reminds us that every form of life, no matter how big or small, is worth our appreciation and protection.
animal tags： birds
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