Who Holds the Title of the Fastest Bird?
The peregrine falcon is recognized as the fastest bird in the world, and it is also considered the fastest animal on Earth. This conclusion is based on extensive studies conducted by experts who analyzed the flying speeds of various birds regardless of their altitude. The peregrine falcon has been recorded reaching astonishing speeds of up to 389 km/h.
With its streamlined wings and sharp design, the peregrine falcon is adept at slicing through the air and changing direction quickly, which contributes to its status as the fastest bird. This exceptional speed proves advantageous when it swoops down to catch its prey with remarkable efficiency.
Which Bird is the Fastest at Steady Altitude?
The common swift is noted for being the fastest bird at a steady altitude. Steady flight is characterized by a bird’s ability to maintain a prolonged glide at consistent heights, a trait that the common swift exemplifies as it spends most of its life in the air. Remarkably, it can fly continuously for up to 10 months.
This bird can achieve speeds exceeding 110 km/h, thanks to its incredible body design which features long, slender wings that provide additional propulsion. Moreover, its forked tail enhances its maneuverability, allowing it to navigate with ease.
Which is the Fastest Flightless Bird?
The ostrich holds the title for being the fastest flightless bird. Despite its inability to fly and its ground-dwelling lifestyle, the ostrich is known for its impressive running speed. It has been recorded at a top speed of 95 km/h, with an average speed of around 72 km/h. Notably, ostriches possess the ability to store double the elastic energy in their tendons, which contributes to their agility and speed while running.
Ranked List of the Fastest Birds in the World
Here is a ranked list of the ten fastest birds in the world:
| Bird Name | Speed |
| Peregrine Falcon | Fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds up to 389 km/h. |
| Golden Eagle | A dark brown bird, one of the most famous raptors in the Northern Hemisphere, speeds range from 240 to 320 km/h. |
| White-throated Needletail | A migratory bird breeding in Central Asia, speeds can reach 169 km/h. |
| Eurasian Hobby | A gray bird that migrates long distances, wintering in Asia and Africa, with speeds up to 160 km/h. |
| Frigatebird | Found in tropical oceans, can achieve speeds of 153 km/h. |
| Rock Dove | Can reach speeds of 149 km/h. |
| Spur-winged Goose | A large bird commonly found in Africa’s wetlands, reaching speeds of 142 km/h. |
| Red-breasted Merganser | Found in lakes and rivers in North America and Asia, can attain speeds of 129 km/h. |
| Grey-headed Albatross | A gray bird capable of reaching speeds of 127 km/h. |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | A small bird residing along the coasts of North America, with speeds of up to 98 km/h. |