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The fastest birds in the world – Top 10

The fastest birds in the world – Top 10

Birds have always been known for their incredible ability to soar through the skies, and their agility and speed are a testament to the power of evolution. From the small, nimble hummingbirds to the massive, powerful eagles, birds come in many sizes, and each one is unique in its own way. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 fastest birds in the world. From the peregrine falcon to the white-throated needletail, we will explore the incredible speed, aerodynamics, and hunting abilities of these feathered fliers. So hold on tight as we dive into the world of the fastest birds and discover what makes them so special.

The question of which bird is the fastest in the world has always fascinated mankind. Just like the question of which is the fastest mammal on land, who dominates in the water, etc.

What is the fastest bird in the world?

Most of our readers probably know the answer to this question and know that it is: peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The answer to the question about the second and third places is also known to people who have already learnt the summary the fastest animals in the world. Today’s statement gives an idea of which birds occupy the next positions. Interestingly, in the statement also appears the largest bird in the world, which, although cannot flight, but reaches an impressive speed.

Before we get to the table of bird speed records, here is a brief overview of the fastest representatives of the avian family.

The fastest birds in the world – characteristic

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos).

1. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) – the fastest bird in the world

The fastest bird is represented by the peregrine falcon. During the dive flight, the peregrine falcon can reach a speed of up to 350 km/h (217 mph)! The record speed of the falcon, which was able to measure was 389 km/h (242 mph).

Some sources claim that during the dive falcon can reach speed over 400 km/h (248 mph) …

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a widespread bird of prey found on every continent except Antarctica. It is known for its impressive speed, which is the fastest of any animal on Earth, and for its ability to make sharp, agile turns while in flight.

Peregrine Falcons are medium-sized birds, with males typically weighing around 700 grams (1.5 pounds) and females weighing around 1,200 grams (2.6 pounds). They have long, pointed wings and a distinctive black “moustache” on their face. The upperparts of their body are blue-gray, while the underparts are white with fine, dark barring.

Peregrine Falcons are adapted to hunting in flight, and they prey on a variety of birds, such as ducks, geese, and pigeons. They are known to be particularly skilled at catching birds in mid-flight, and they are often seen flying high above their prey before diving down to catch them. They also hunt small mammals, such as rabbits and rodents, and occasionally insects.

Peregrine Falcons are found in a variety of habitats, including mountains, grasslands, and coastal cliffs. They are adaptable birds and are found in many urban areas, where they can be seen hunting birds around buildings.

In the past, Peregrine Falcons were heavily impacted by the use of pesticides, which led to population declines and the species being listed as endangered in some areas. However, thanks to conservation efforts, the population has recovered in many parts of the world, and the species is no longer considered endangered.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) – the first place.

2. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

The second position was taken by Golden Eagle. Although this bird is a lot bigger than a falcon, and can not boast of its maneuverability, during a dive reaches a speed of up to 320 km/h (199 mph).

Famous are his performances during courtship, when the eagle grabs the stone from the ground, lifts it up and throws with a bow, then diving at breakneck speed, catches it on the fly, before the stone has time to touch the ground …

The Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a large bird of prey native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is known for its impressive size, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) and a weight of up to 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds).

Golden Eagles are predominantly brown in color, with a golden sheen on the back of their head and neck, which gives them their name. They have long, broad wings, a large head, and a hooked beak. The wings and tail are marked with distinctive white feathers.

Golden Eagles are found in a variety of habitats, including mountains, grasslands, and forests. They are adapted to hunting in open areas, and they prey on a variety of small mammals, such as rabbits, hares, and rodents. They are also known to hunt birds, reptiles, and insects.

Golden Eagles are known for their impressive hunting abilities and their powerful, agile flight. They are able to reach speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour (120 mph) when diving, and they are skilled at making sharp turns while in flight.

Golden Eagles are found throughout much of the northern hemisphere, and they are considered a symbol of strength and courage in many cultures. In some parts of the world, they are considered a threatened or endangered species due to habitat loss and other factors. However, in other areas, their population is stable or increasing.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) – the second place.

6. Common Swift (Apus apus)

Swift is an amazing bird – he spends most of his life in the air. He hunts and eats in the air, in the air even sleeping … Nature so eminently adapted swift for flight, that his legs were shortened and the bird has a problem with the start of the ground. Mainly therefore swifts choose tall buildings, chimneys or vertical surfaces, from which it can easily start gliding.

 Although it might seem that it is similar to a swallow, in reality it is not. It is from her many times faster. Common Swift reaches a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph), although some sources claim that can fly at a speed of 180 km/h (112 mph) in horizontal flight.

The Common Swift (Apus apus) is a small, agile bird found throughout much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is known for its fast and erratic flight, which makes it difficult to spot and follow.

Common Swifts are small birds, with a body length of around 12 centimeters (5 inches) and a wingspan of around 25 centimeters (10 inches). They have long, narrow wings and a short, square-shaped tail. They are dark brown or black in color, with a pale throat and a distinctive white rump.

Common Swifts are adapted to life on the wing, and they spend most of their lives in the air, only coming to land to breed and raise their young. They feed on insects, which they catch while in flight, and they are known to fly at high altitudes in search of their prey.

Common Swifts are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. They are migratory birds, and they travel long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.

Common Swifts are a common and widespread species, and they are not considered threatened or endangered. However, like many other bird species, they are impacted by habitat loss and other human activities, and their populations may be declining in some areas.

Common Swift (Apus apus) – the fourth place.

The fastest birds in the world – TOP 10

  1. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) – 389 km/h (242 mph) / diving
  2. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) – 320 km/h (199 mph) / diving
  3. Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis) – 300 km/h (186 mph) / diving
  4. Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) – 209 km/h (130 mph) / diving
  5. Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) – 190 km/h (118 mph) / diving
  6. Common Swift (Apus apus) – 171 km/h (106 mph)
  7. White-throated needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) – 170 km/h (105 mph)
  8. Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo) – 160 km/ (100 mph)
  9. Frigatebird153 km/h (95 mph)
  10. Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) – 142 km/h (88 mph)
  11. Homing pigeon (Columba livia domestica) – 140 km/h (87 mph)
  12. Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) – 130km/h (81 mph)
  13. White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer) – 124 km/h (77 mph)
  14. Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) – 116 km/h (73 mph)
  15. Eider duck (Somateria mollissima) – 113 km/h (70 mph)
  16. Common Teal (Anas crecca) – 109 km/h (69 mph)
  17. Wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) – 108 km/h (67 mph)
  18. Wild Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) – 105 km/h (65 mph)
  19. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) – 105 km/h (65 mph)
  20. Mallard/wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) – 105 km/h (65 mph)
  21. Gannet – 100 km/h (63 mph)
  22. Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) – 98 km/h (61 mph)
  23. California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) – 90 km/h (56 mph)
  24. Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) – 72 km/h (45 mph)

Notes to the statement

At position 24 is the Common Ostrich, which reaches a top speed while running 72 km/h (45 mph). We met with the source of giving that at a very short distance the bird can run at a speed of 98 km/h (61 mph). Since, however, we can not confirm this speed, we present 72 km/h (45 mph).

It should also pay attention to how many items on the list take the birds of the ducks family – Anatidae.

The fastest birds in the world – Top 10
chart speed [km/h]

Fastest birds TOP 10 - chart speed in km/h
Fastest birds TOP 10 – chart speed in km/h

The fastest birds in the world – Top 10
chart speed [mph]

Fastest birds TOP 10 - chart speed in mph
Fastest birds TOP 10 – chart speed in mph.

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8 Comments

  1. What about the Raven? They are said to be pretty spectacular when they’re flying; they’re seen indulging in aerobatic activities.

  2. I love the topic, but there is a conceptual problem including diving speed in direct comparison to level flight speed for birds, even if it’s labelled. At maximum dive speeds, the falcon can hardly be said to be flying at all. With the direction of travel being very near vertical , and virtually all motive force coming from gravity, it’s wings mostly retracted, and every effort and feature strained towards lowest possible drag, this motion, while admittedly stunningly fast, is basically a directed low-drag fall, utterly different from, say, the Common Swift, which can actually >>propel itself<< in level flight at 106mph! I stand in awe of both forms of motion, but would never include them in the same chart of speeds. For many birds, diving is simply not a major part of the flight repertoire.

    It's a little like saying the second fastest land animal is a cheetah, and the fastest land animal is a cheetah that fell off of a thousand foot cliff! :-).

    1. Diving is still a form of controlled flight it still uses its wings and tail feathers for precision and not to mention the amount of power it would use to slow down to accurately collect its prey coming out of a 200 mph dive then come to an Almost immediate Stop is an awesome feat to say the least

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