Sulu hornbill, silvery pigeon, Magenta petrel, Amsterdam albatross, and the recently reintroduced Spix’s macaw are some of the world’s rarest birds – reduced to critically small numbers, often just tens of individuals. Despite their status, these species can still be found in the wild, if you’re lucky enough to spot them.
The Inaccessible Island rail (Laterallus rogersi) is the world’s smallest flightless bird, measuring as little as 13 centimeters (5.1 inches) in length and weighing just 34 grams (1.2 ounces), found exclusively on Inaccessible Island in the Tristan da Cunha archipelago. Endemic to just 12.65 square kilometers (4.88 square miles) of remote volcanic terrain in the […]
Blakiston’s fish owl is the world’s largest and heaviest owl, with a wingspan of up to 2.0 meters (6.6 feet) and weighing as much as 4.6 kilograms (10.1 pounds). The Eurasian eagle-owl comes close, slightly smaller on average but occasionally rivaling it in both size and mass. The great grey owl holds the record for […]
The common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), also known as the European starling, is one of the world’s most adaptable and widespread passerines. Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, it has been introduced to North America, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere, where it has firmly established itself. Known for its dark iridescent plumage, speckled appearance […]
The California condor is North America’s largest bird, with a wingspan exceeding 3 meters (9.8 feet). The whooping crane is the tallest, reaching a standing height of up to 1.6 meters (5.2 feet), while the trumpeter swan is the heaviest, with some males weighing as much as 17.2 kilograms (37.9 pounds) and wingspans occasionally rivaling […]
The kakapo is the world’s longest-living bird, with individuals believed to reach 90 to 100 years under the right conditions. The current record for the longest-surviving wild bird belongs to Wisdom, a Laysan albatross first banded in 1956 and still returning to breed in 2025 at an estimated age of over 74 years. Among birds […]
The common ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the world’s largest living bird and a flagship species of Africa’s savannas, semi-arid plains, and desert margins. Though flightless, it is superbly adapted for terrestrial life, capable of reaching remarkable running speeds and surviving harsh, dry conditions with limited water. As one of only two surviving species in the […]
The tiny hawk is the world’s smallest hawk, with adult males measuring just 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) in length and spanning as little as 38 centimeters (15 inches) across the wings. The little sparrowhawk is the lightest, with some individuals weighing as little as 68 grams (2.4 ounces) – less than many of the birds […]
The common raven (Corvus corax) is the largest passerine bird in the world and one of the most widely distributed members of the genus Corvus. Ranging across the entire Northern Hemisphere, it inhabits a broad spectrum of environments, from Arctic tundra and mountain forests to arid deserts and urban peripheries. Recognized by its powerful build, […]
The bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) is a small passerine bird renowned for its striking plumage and complex vocalizations. Belonging to the Muscicapidae family, it is closely related to other Old World chats and nightingales. Despite its relatively modest size, the bluethroat has captured the interest of ornithologists and birdwatchers alike due to its vibrant throat patch, […]