What is the biggest bird in the world?

The world of birds carries the imagination of even trained specialists. And what does an ordinary person really know about him? We can say that birds fly (it turns out that not all). Another thing is that they are covered with feathers. In the best case, we can name all known species. And, for example, which is the biggest bird in the world, you know? And in general, how to answer this question? Are they surprised? Then read.

Selection criteria"

If someone asks you what the biggest bird is, do not rush to call an ostrich. Yes, everyone knows that he is such. But only in the case when the criterion of "magnitude" is mass. But the birds have not one parameter, but a whole set of characteristics that are significant for these representatives of the living world.
For example, the wingspan. It affects the ability to fly, endurance and so on. Yes, and the size, it turns out, can be counted quite differently. Some suggest weighing, others - with a centimeter wingspan measure, others - compare beaks. So when you hear the question of which is the biggest bird, specify what is meant. Then just demonstrate the vast knowledge in ornithology. So you will not fall into a mess. And for reference, read some of the outstanding species so that you can "flash". We start from the criterion.

By weight

Here the answer with the ostrich will be just right. It's really the biggest bird on Earth. Some specimens grow to 2.7 meters, while weighing one hundred and thirty kilograms. But these birds do not fly. But they run perfectly. In the wild are found in the savannah of Africa, even in the Middle East. They live in small harems. The male collects around himself several female individuals, who are jealously guarded. He's hatching eggs. Now some of their species are bred in many areas of the planet. They feed on ostriches for the most part plants, although they do not abandon small animals. To grind food, they, like many other representatives of the feathered world, have to swallow stones. They serve as a millstone in the stomach. Therefore, the question of which is the largest bird by mass, it is necessary to answer: ostrich.

By the span of the wings

This criterion is measured between the last feathers of open wings. The championship here belongs to the wandering albatross (3.6 meters). The bird with the largest wings almost all the time soars over the waters, only reproduces on the ground. Almost does not fall behind the albatross pink pelican, which you can admire on the coasts of Vietnam or Africa. Slightly inferior (3.4 m) to the leaders of the African marabou. It can be found in the Sahara. This predator hovers high in the hot sky, looking for carrion, which feeds on. The Andean condor has the same parameters. It can be seen on the tops of the rocks. He examines the surrounding mountain scenery, looking for food.

The largest seabird

Let's move on to the limited categories, that is, to those that do not cover all the representatives of the birds. Among seabirds, the giant is considered a wandering albatross. He is also the leader in the wingspan. According to his body weight, he is circumvented by the imperial penguin, resident of Antarctica. Some individuals reach forty-five kilograms. They are also known for diving deep and long. Try it, swim under the water for fifteen minutes! A penguin can. Although this species does not try to fly, and its wings are not adapted for this.

Among predators

There is such a bird - harpy. It is unique in its huge size and wingspan. It is believed that this is the largest bird of prey. Although we can say that the choice is relative. So, the white-tailed eagle flips its wings wider, but its mass is less.
Condor is more in all respects, but does not fit this category, because it feeds on carrion. Even with the harpy trying to compete with a large-sized kite. But this species can not cling so forcefully to the prey. Therefore, the leader in this category is the harpy. For the proof, you can list the "catch" of this bird. It strikes the imagination. Harpies prefer to attack mammals climbing trees. For example, they are well suited porcupines, monkeys, opossums or sloths. Agree, with such a prey, only a strong and powerful predator can cope.

Bird with the biggest beak

In this category the tukan is leading. This is an incredibly bright feathered bird. Surprisingly, these birds are distant relatives of woodpeckers! Toucan live in the tropics of America. Their beak is huge. Imagine that in some individuals it is equal in volume to the rest of the body (up to 55%). The body does not express any functional load. It would seem that the toucan could do with a normal beak. Scientists suggest that this body is involved in the regulation of body temperature, although evidence is not provided.

The largest of the extinct

The described leaders are much inferior to that they lived on the planet millions of years ago. So, scientists have indisputable evidence that earlier on Earth lived a feathered creature, related to birds, the wingspan of which reached seven and a half meters. This is twice that of an albatross. The fossilized remains of this giant were discovered in South Carolina. Previously, the record among the extinct belonged to Argentavis magnificens. His wings were plowed only six meters. Scientists admired the fragility of the structure of the gigantic bone system. With such wings, they easily hovered over the surface of the oceans, skillfully using air currents. It is incredible that the ocean did not destroy the remains of the found specimen, enabling them to petrify and "get" to our times. I wonder what else scientists will find? Perhaps, these records seem ridiculous after future discoveries.

Just big birds

It will be interesting to know that the giants on the planet are not so few. For example, a white-eagled eagle that lives in Asia can be more than one meter in length, its weight can reach nine kilograms. They are carnivores that do not shun carrion. Despite their weight, they prefer to dwell high on trees. Up to twenty kilograms can weigh a bustard. This bird also flies! To rise above the ground, it has to accelerate, like a heavy aircraft. She dwells in the steppes of Eurasia. On our expanses there is a crane. He has a fairly large growth (almost two meters). Although its weight is not impressive - up to nine kilograms. But the curly pelican is much heavier (14 kg). He has a long neck and beak. This is related to the way of life. Pelicans eat fish, but can not dive after it. They adapted differently: they lower their heads under the water and seek out there, than to profit.

The black neck is amazing. Its weight and wingspan can be compared with the parameters of the leaders (12 kg and 3 m). These birds soar very high and long enough. They look out for carrion (which they eat). Among the most beautiful, of course, you can not ignore the swan. Yes, and the size it suits us. The weight of a bird can reach fifteen kilograms at a wingspan of two and a half meters. It is magnificent on the water. But walking immediately deprives him of grace. Short legs make the walk awkward. On this one should not put a point, since there are still a lot of amazing specimens.

Now, having become acquainted with a little information about the record holders of the feathered world, you will be able to answer questions with confidence. I must say that this is a very short review. In fact, the bird world is so diverse and amazing that it can be studied all my life.