The 7 Largest Birds in the World

Some of the world's largest birds survive freezing temperatures in Antarctica, while others glide for thousands of kilometres over the open ocean without flapping their wings. Others, such as the African ostrich, can run across the savannah at impressive speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

Birds come in different shapes and sizes, but some species stand out because of their incredible height, weight, wingspan, or physical features. From the world's largest flightless bird to the heaviest flying bird and the bird with the longest wingspan, these fascinating species demonstrate the remarkable diversity of the natural world.

In this article, Nano Africa Safaris explores seven of the world's most remarkable large birds, their unique characteristics, habitats, feeding habits, and interesting facts. You will also discover which of these extraordinary birds can be seen during a wildlife safari in Tanzania.

1. What Is the Biggest Bird in the World?

The ostrich holds the title of the world's largest living bird. It is a flightless bird native to Africa and is famous for its enormous body, long legs, impressive running speed, and distinctive appearance.

Adult male ostriches can grow nearly 3 metres (9.8 feet) tall and weigh up to 150 kilograms (330 pounds). Despite their enormous size, they are remarkably fast runners, reaching speeds of approximately 70 km/h (43 mph).

Their long legs allow them to cover impressive distances with each stride, sometimes reaching 4–5 metres (13–16 feet). This speed helps them escape predators and survive in open grassland environments.

Ostriches usually live in groups and have an interesting breeding system. Several females may lay their eggs in a shared nest, which is a shallow hole dug into the ground. The dominant male and female take leading roles in protecting and incubating the eggs.

The incubation period lasts approximately five to six weeks. Once the chicks hatch, they develop quickly and can follow adult birds within a relatively short time.

Ostriches are native to Africa and inhabit savannahs, grasslands, and semi-desert environments. They feed mainly on plants, seeds, and other vegetation, although they also consume insects and small animals.

In Tanzania, ostriches can be seen during safaris in several protected areas, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park.

Long before modern ostriches, the world was home to even larger flightless birds. One example was Aepyornis maximus, commonly known as the elephant bird, which lived in Madagascar. Fossil evidence suggests that these enormous birds could reach weights of approximately 600 kilograms (1,323 pounds). They became extinct several centuries ago.

Interestingly, genetic research has revealed that the closest living relatives of elephant birds are kiwis, which are much smaller flightless birds native to New Zealand.

2. The Heaviest Flying Bird: The Kori Bustard

The kori bustard is recognised as the heaviest living bird capable of flight. It is native to Eastern and Southern Africa and is commonly found in open savannahs, grasslands, and semi-desert environments.

Adult male kori bustards can weigh up to approximately 18 kilograms (40 pounds), making them exceptionally heavy for birds that are still capable of flying.

Unlike many other large birds, kori bustards spend much of their time walking on the ground in search of food. Their diet includes seeds, insects, lizards, small rodents, and other available food.

Their plumage is mainly brown, grey, and white, providing excellent camouflage in dry grasslands. When threatened, they often remain still and rely on their natural colouring to blend into the surrounding vegetation.

During the breeding season, males perform impressive displays to attract females. They inflate their necks, raise their feathers, spread their wings, and produce deep booming calls that can travel across the open landscape.

Kori bustards are an interesting species to observe during an African safari, particularly in Tanzania, where they inhabit open grasslands and savannah environments.

Some of the places where you may encounter them include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Ruaha National Park.

3. The Largest Bird of Prey: The Andean Condor

The Andean condor is one of the most impressive flying birds in the world. It is widely recognised as the largest bird of prey by body weight and is famous for its enormous wingspan and ability to glide over mountainous landscapes.

Adult Andean condors can weigh approximately 15 kilograms (33 pounds), while their wingspan can reach around 3.3 metres (10.8 feet).

These magnificent birds live along the Andes Mountains of South America, where they are often seen soaring above high cliffs, valleys, and mountain ranges.

One of their most remarkable abilities is flying for long periods without frequently flapping their wings. Instead, they take advantage of rising warm air currents and mountain winds to remain airborne while searching for food.

Andean condors are scavengers, meaning they mainly feed on the remains of dead animals. Their featherless heads help keep them relatively clean while feeding on carcasses.

They also have a very slow reproductive cycle. Females generally lay one egg every one or two years, and both parents participate in raising and protecting their young.

Andean condors are known for their long lifespans. In the wild, they can live for several decades, making them among the longest-living birds in the world.

Their impressive size, flying ability, and important ecological role make them one of the most fascinating birds found in South America.

4. The Tallest Flying Bird: The Sarus Crane

The sarus crane is recognised as the tallest flying bird in the world. It is famous for its long legs, elegant appearance, and impressive courtship displays.

Adult sarus cranes can reach approximately 1.8 metres (5.9 feet) in height. They are easily identified by their grey plumage, long pinkish legs, and distinctive red skin covering the head and upper neck.

These birds inhabit wetlands, marshes, flooded grasslands, and agricultural areas. They are mainly found in India, Nepal, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Their diet is varied and includes plants, seeds, insects, fish, frogs, and small reptiles.

One of the most interesting features of sarus cranes is their strong pair bonding. Many form long-term monogamous partnerships and perform impressive courtship dances together.

During these displays, the birds raise their heads, spread their wings, jump, and produce loud calls that can travel across wetlands.

Sarus cranes usually build their nests in shallow wetlands surrounded by vegetation. Females commonly lay one or two eggs, and both parents participate in caring for their chicks.

Their remarkable height and elegant movements make them one of the most recognisable crane species in the world.

5. The Bird with the Largest Wingspan: The Wandering Albatross

The wandering albatross holds the record for the largest wingspan among living birds. It is famous for its ability to travel enormous distances over the ocean with very little effort.

The wandering albatross can have a wingspan reaching approximately 3.5 metres (11.5 feet). Its long, narrow wings are specially adapted for gliding above the ocean.

These magnificent seabirds inhabit the Southern Ocean and surrounding islands, spending most of their lives travelling over open water.

They use a flying technique known as dynamic soaring, which allows them to take advantage of differences in wind speed above the ocean surface. This technique helps them travel long distances without constantly flapping their wings.

Their diet mainly consists of squid, fish, and other marine animals found near the ocean surface.

Wandering albatrosses have a slow reproductive cycle. They form long-term breeding pairs, and females generally lay one egg at a time. Both parents share incubation responsibilities and care for the chick after hatching.

Young albatrosses take several years to reach sexual maturity, making successful breeding particularly important for maintaining their populations.

Their enormous wingspan and extraordinary flying ability make the wandering albatross one of the most remarkable birds on Earth.

6. The Bird with the Longest Beak: The Australian Pelican

The Australian pelican is famous for having one of the longest beaks of any living bird. It is easily recognised by its enormous bill and expandable throat pouch, which it uses when catching fish.

The Australian pelican's bill can measure approximately 34–47 centimetres (13–18.5 inches) in length.

Beneath the bill is a large, flexible throat pouch that helps the bird catch and hold fish. The pouch can also temporarily hold water while the pelican feeds.

Australian pelicans inhabit coastal bays, lakes, rivers, wetlands, estuaries, and lagoons across much of Australia.

They mainly feed on fish and other aquatic animals. When hunting, they sometimes work together in groups, driving fish into shallow water before scooping them up with their enormous bills.

These birds are also strong swimmers and capable gliders. Their wingspan can reach approximately 1.9 metres (6.2 feet), allowing them to travel across large areas while searching for food.

Australian pelicans usually breed in colonies, where several pairs build nests in the same general area. Both parents participate in incubating the eggs and raising their chicks.

Their unusual appearance, enormous bill, and impressive fishing abilities make them one of Australia's most recognisable bird species.

7. The Largest Bird in Antarctica: The Emperor Penguin

The emperor penguin is the largest living penguin species and the most impressive bird associated with Antarctica.

Unlike most large birds, emperor penguins cannot fly. However, they are extraordinary swimmers and are specially adapted to survive some of the coldest conditions on Earth.

Adult emperor penguins can reach approximately 120 centimetres (3.9 feet) in height and weigh up to 45 kilograms (99 pounds).

They have dense feathers and a thick layer of body fat that helps protect them from freezing Antarctic temperatures, which can fall below -60°C (-76°F).

Emperor penguins are also excellent divers. They can dive to depths of more than 500 metres (1,640 feet) and remain underwater for extended periods while searching for food.

Their diet mainly includes fish, squid, and krill.

One of the most extraordinary characteristics of emperor penguins is their breeding behaviour. They are the only penguin species that breeds during the Antarctic winter.

During the breeding season, the female lays a single egg and transfers it to the male, who balances it on his feet and protects it beneath a warm fold of skin.

The female then travels to the ocean to feed, while the male remains behind to incubate the egg. During this period, male penguins gather closely together in large groups to protect themselves against the extreme cold and powerful Antarctic winds.

Once the chick hatches and the female returns, the parents take turns caring for and feeding their young.

Their remarkable ability to survive extreme cold and their unique breeding behaviour make emperor penguins among the most fascinating birds in the world.

Largest Birds in the World: Comparison Table

The following table compares the seven birds discussed in this article, highlighting their approximate average weight, height, wingspan, habitat, diet, and locations where they can be observed.

Bird Species	Average Weight	Approximate Height	Habitat	Main Diet
Common Ostrich	104 kg	250 cm	African savannahs and semi-deserts	Plants, seeds and insects
Kori Bustard	11.4 kg	120 cm	African savannahs and semi-deserts	Insects, seeds and small animals
Andean Condor	11.3 kg	115 cm	Andes Mountains	Animal carcasses
Sarus Crane	8.5 kg	170 cm	Wetlands and grasslands	Plants, fish and insects
Wandering Albatross	11.9 kg	120 cm	Southern Ocean	Squid and fish
Australian Pelican	5.5 kg	160 cm	Lakes, rivers and coastal wetlands	Fish and aquatic animals
Emperor Penguin	31.5 kg	115 cm	Antarctica	Fish, squid and krill

These birds are not ranked strictly by body weight. Each is included because of a remarkable characteristic, such as overall size, flying ability, height, wingspan, or beak length.

Where Can You See Large Birds in Tanzania?

Although several of the world's largest bird species live in different parts of the world, Tanzania is an excellent destination for birdwatching.

The country's diverse habitats, including savannahs, woodlands, wetlands, lakes, and forests, support hundreds of bird species.

Among the most interesting large birds you may encounter during a Tanzania safari are ostriches, kori bustards, secretary birds, marabou storks, saddle-billed storks, and various species of eagles and vultures.

Some of the best places for observing large birds include:

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is famous for its large wildlife populations and beautiful open grasslands. It is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, with opportunities to see ostriches, kori bustards, secretary birds, vultures, and other impressive species.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro offers a variety of habitats that support different bird species. Visitors may encounter ostriches, kori bustards, storks, eagles, and other large birds around the crater and surrounding highlands.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is well known for its elephants, baobab trees, and remarkable bird diversity. Its woodland areas, swamps, and open grasslands attract several large bird species, including ostriches, kori bustards, and large storks.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara is particularly interesting for birdwatching because of its lake, wetlands, forest, and open woodland habitats. Visitors can encounter large waterbirds, including storks, pelicans, and other fascinating species.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha offers excellent opportunities for observing large birds of prey, including eagles and vultures. Its diverse landscapes also support ostriches, kori bustards, and many other bird species.

Discover Tanzania's Birdlife with Nano Africa Safaris

Birds are an important part of Africa's natural heritage, and Tanzania offers remarkable opportunities to discover their diversity.

From the enormous African ostrich and impressive kori bustard to colourful waterbirds and powerful birds of prey, every safari destination offers something different for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

Whether you are a passionate birdwatcher, a wildlife photographer, or simply curious about nature, exploring Tanzania's national parks can introduce you to some of the world's most fascinating bird species.

At Nano Africa Safaris, we can help you plan a wildlife adventure through Tanzania's famous national parks and conservation areas, where you can discover not only the Big Five but also the incredible diversity of African birdlife.

Start planning your Tanzania safari with Nano Africa Safaris and discover the beauty of Africa's wildlife.