Biggest Bird in the World, List of Top-10

Birds come in a fascinating array of shapes and sizes, but when it comes to sheer size, none can rival the majestic ostrich. Renowned as the largest bird in the world, the ostrich is a remarkable creature that captivates with its impressive stature, unique features, and fascinating behaviors. In this article, we will delve into the world of the ostrich, exploring its physical characteristics, and the top-10 biggest birds in the world.

World’s Largest Bird – Ostrich

The common ostrich, scientifically known as Struthio camelus, holds the prestigious title of being the largest bird globally, a remarkable feat given the vast diversity of approximately 10,000 bird species on Earth. From the petite bee hummingbird to the colossal ostrich, birds exhibit an astonishing range of sizes and shapes.

Special Features About Ostrich, the Largest Bird of the World

Here are some of the special features or facts about Ostrich, the biggest bird of the world:

• The common ostrich holds the title of the largest and heaviest living bird globally.
• Males stand 2.1 to 2.75 m tall, weighing 100 to 130 kg, while females are75 to 1.9 m tall, with a weight of 90 to 120 kg.
• Exceptional male ostriches can weigh up to 8 kg, but regional variations exist, with some South African specimens weighing between 59.5 to 81.3 kg.
• New chicks are fawn-colored with dark brown spots, transitioning to juvenile plumage after three months and reaching adult height by 18 months.
• Adult males boast mostly black feathers with white primaries and tail, while females and young males are grayish-brown and white.
• Both male and female ostriches have nearly bare heads and necks, adorned with a thin layer of down.
• The skin color of the female’s neck and thighs is pinkish-gray, while the male’s neck and thighs vary between gray and pink depending on the subspecies.

Top-10 Biggest Birds in the World

Common Ostrich, with the average height and weight of up to 2.7 meters and 130 kg respectively, holds the title of the biggest birds in the world, followed by Somali Ostrich, Emu, and Southern Cassowary.

Here is the list of top-10 biggest birds in the world:

Biggest Bird in the World – Common Ostrich

Scientific Name: Struthio camelus

Height: Up to 2.7 meters

Weight: Up to 130 kg

Speed: 45 mph (72 km/h)

Habitat/ Region: Varied, including Africa

The common ostrich, scientifically known as Struthio camelus, holds the title of being the largest and heaviest bird currently existing on Earth. These impressive birds can reach towering heights of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters), boasting long necks and legs.

What sets them apart is their remarkable running prowess, achieving impressive speeds of 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour). In addition to their size and speed, common ostriches are noteworthy for their omnivorous diet and are recognized for their inquisitive and social behaviors.

World’s Second Largest World – Somali Ostrich

Scientific Name: Struthio molybdophanes

Height: Up to 2.7 meters

Weight: Up to 130 kg

Habitat/ Region: Eastern Africa

Formerly classified as a subspecies of the common ostrich, the Somali ostrich, scientifically named Struthio molybdophanes, underwent a significant reclassification in 2014, now acknowledged as a distinct species. Often referred to as the blue-necked ostrich, this bird stands out as the second largest in the world.

Ecologically distinct from its common ostrich counterpart, the Somali ostrich captivates with its remarkable running capabilities. A testament to its agility, it can cover an impressive distance of 5 meters in a single stride, showcasing its unique and notable features as the second-largest bird on the planet.

Third Biggest Bird in the World – Emu

Scientific Name: Dromaius novaehollandiae

Height: Up to 2 meters

Weight: Up to 70 kg

Speed: 48 km/h

Habitat/ Region: Australia

The Emu, scientifically known as Dromaius novaehollandiae, takes its place as the third-largest bird globally, resembling a majestic, sizable counterpart to the ostrich. Much like ostriches, emus are flightless birds not built for aerial travel.

Distinguished by their impressive size, with females surpassing males in stature at around 2 meters, emus exhibit notable speed, reaching up to 48 kilometers per hour. Their swift movement is facilitated by three-toed feet, and surprisingly small wings play a crucial role in maintaining stability while running. As the third-largest bird on Earth, the emu captivates with both its grandeur and remarkable running abilities.