Around the world, countless bird species are fighting for survival, facing challenges ranging from habitat loss and climate change to illegal hunting and competition with invasive species. The following list highlights 42 of the rarest birds that, despite their critically low populations, can still be found in the wild – if you’re lucky enough to […]
Around 90% of all bird species form monogamous pairs, but true lifelong bonds are far rarer. Among the species that do mate for life are the mute swan, snowy albatross, whooping crane, bald eagle, and many parrots, along with some vultures, penguins, owls, corvids, and even sparrows – birds that return to the same partner […]
The common ostrich is the world’s fastest-running bird, capable of sprinting at recorded speeds up to 97 km/h (60 mph) and sustaining steady runs at over 70 km/h (43 mph). Behind the ostrich, the greater rhea and lesser rhea follow as the next fastest land birds, each capable of reaching speeds above 60 km/h (37 […]
The Great Nicobar serpent eagle (Spilornis klossi) is a little-known, island-endemic raptor confined to the dense forests of Great Nicobar and a few surrounding islands in the Indian Ocean. It is one of the world’s smallest eagles and among the rarest, with a limited population estimated at fewer than 200 mature individuals and a highly […]
The elf owl is the world’s smallest bird of prey, measuring just 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) in length with a wingspan of only 25 centimeters (9.8 inches). The black-thighed falconet is the lightest, weighing as little as 28 grams (1 ounce).
The elf owl is the world’s smallest owl, weighing as little as 35 grams (1.2 ounces) and measuring just 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) in length. Close behind are the long-whiskered owlet and Tamaulipas pygmy owl, two elusive forest species with males as small as 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) and just over 50 grams (1.8 ounces) […]
The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) is one of the world’s largest flightless birds and a key ecological force in the tropical rainforests of northern Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. Recognizable by its tall casque and vivid skin tones, this elusive bird plays a vital role as a seed disperser for hundreds of plant species. […]
Some of the most distinctive blue birds with orange chests include the eastern and western bluebirds, lazuli bunting, blue-throated macaw, as well as many species of kingfishers and blue flycatchers. But this striking color combination appears across a wide range of bird families around the world.
The pink-headed duck and crested shelduck are currently the world’s rarest ducks, if they survive at all – having gone decades without confirmed sightings. Among extant species, the Madagascar pochard and Brazilian merganser are exceptionally rare and endangered, but can still be found in the wild, with fewer than 50 and 250 mature individuals remaining, […]
The common ostrich is the world’s largest flightless bird, standing up to 2.8 meters (9.2 feet) tall and weighing close to 160 kilograms (353 pounds). Its powerful legs, long neck, and impressive size make it an unmistakable figure across the African savannas. Close relatives such as the Somali ostrich, emu, and the southern and northern […]
The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a large waterbird native to much of Europe and parts of western Asia, and has also been introduced to North America, southern Africa, and New Zealand. Despite its name, the mute swan is not truly silent but is less vocal than other swan species. It is among the heaviest […]