More than 9 thousand species of birds live on our planet, most of which are flying. The bones of flying individuals are hollow and thin, which significantly reduces the mass of the skeleton. Lightweight feathers create a wide and durable surface, which during flight forms the necessary lifting force. Some feathers act as a rudder, others are responsible for protecting the body from hypothermia and damage.
There are small birds, but very remote ones - smart and so on, there are large predatory and more good-natured breeds. Interesting, what is the largest bird living on planet earth? We offer the top 10 largest birds in the world.
10. Steller's sea eagle
The largest bird of prey belonging to the hawk family. Its habitat is northeast Asia. Eagle is the largest eagle, its body weight reaches 9 kg. The predator eats fish, carrion. At the moment, it is listed in the Red Book, but is found in a free habitat on the Amur, Kamchatka, in China, Japan, America.
9. Golden eagle
A large predator of the hawk family. It lives mainly in mountainous areas, feeds on hares, birds, and avoids people. Can attack deer, sheep. The mass of the golden eagle is 7 kg, at the moment the breed is listed in the Red Book. Her distinguishing ability is the ability to see very well in the dark. The wingspan allows you to develop a flight speed of up to 320 km per hour, so the victim is almost doomed.
8. Albatross
The largest flying bird, growing up to 11-11 kg. She can be wandering and royal. The wingspan is almost 4 m; animals choose rocks as a nesting place - here they flock in whole colonies at the beginning of the active breeding season. Albatrosses are monogamous, only young individuals suit marriage games.
7. Black Vulture
Large predator from the hawk family. He settles in the mountains, feeds on carrion and meat of dead animals. Adults grow up to 10-12 kg, usually live in colonies or in pairs. They make huge nests - about 2 m in diameter. The nesting period is 3.5 months; lay a maximum of a couple of eggs at a time. The offspring are poorly preserved, but adult strong birds live up to 50 years.
6. Cassowary
Unusual bird with a beautiful name. On her head, there is a characteristic bone outgrowth, which in males is greater than in females. Adult cassowaries grow up to 80 kg, but they are twice as small as ostriches. This species does not know how to fly, but it runs fast. Defending themselves, the cassowaries kick and strike with clawed paws.
5. Crowned Eagle
It lives in forest regions of Africa and belongs to powerful predators. The main interest for him is the antelopes with monkeys, birds are usually hunted in pairs for large victims - one eagle scares the unfortunate animal, and the second catches it. The reaction in the predator is lightning fast. Most often it is found in Zaire and Kenya.
4. The swan
It turns out to be not only very beautiful, but also a large bird. The mass of an adult can reach 15 kg, the wingspan is about 2 meters. Swans fly at a speed of 50-80 km / h, overcoming several thousand kilometers a day. Swans are monogamous creatures, and they also protect their cubs up to two years of age.
3. Crane
An elegant and really huge bird. Its height is up to 190 cm, and its wingspan is 2 m. It is impressive, is it not?
2. Emperor Penguins
More like animals, but in fact they are birds. Their growth reaches 120 cm, and their weight is about 50 kg. Giants live mainly in the ice of Antarctica, but can reach the mainland.
1. African ostrich - the largest bird in the world
The weight of an African ostrich is about 150-170 kg, and its height is 2.7 m. An ostrich cannot fly, but it runs very, very fast, developing a speed of 70 km / h. And the size of the eyes of this bird is identical to the size of its brain.
