10 Of The Largest Birds In The World And Where To Find

Somali Ostrich – Horn of AfricaFound in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, the Somali ostrich grows up to 2.5 metres. It differs from the common ostrich by its blue neck and more arid habitat preference.Emu – AustraliaAustralia’s largest bird, the emu, stands up to 1.9 metres tall and weighs 55 kg. Flightless but fast, it can sprint at 50 km/h across open scrublands.Southern Cassowary – Australia and New GuineaWeighing up to 76 kg and standing 1.8 metres tall, the cassowary is known for its helmet-like casque and powerful legs. It inhabits dense rainforests and is highly territorial.Ostrich – AfricaThe ostrich is the world’s largest bird, reaching up to 2.7 metres tall and 160 kg in weight. Native to Africa, it cannot fly but runs at 70 km/h.Northern Cassowary – New GuineaThe northern cassowary, reaching 1.7 metres and weighing around 70 kg, resides in lowland forests of northern New Guinea. Less colourful than its southern relative, it’s equally elusive and solitary.Dwarf Cassowary – New Guinea HighlandsThe smallest cassowary species, it grows up to 1.4 metres tall. Found in New Guinea’s mountainous regions, it has a distinct, compact build adapted to rugged, forested terrain.Greater Rhea – South AmericaSouth America’s largest bird, the greater rhea stands 1.5 metres tall and weighs 40 kg. It inhabits grasslands and pampas in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay and is flightless.Lesser Rhea – Patagonia and AndesAlso known as Darwin’s rhea, this bird is slightly smaller than the greater rhea, growing up to 1.2 metres. It thrives in Patagonia and Andean plateaus, surviving cold, arid environments.King Penguin – Sub-Antarctic IslandsStanding nearly 1 metre tall and weighing up to 18 kg, the king penguin is the second-largest penguin species. Found in South Georgia and the Falklands, it forms huge colonies.Emperor Penguin – AntarcticaThe world’s tallest and heaviest penguin, the emperor reaches 1.2 metres and weighs up to 40 kg. Adapted to extreme cold, it breeds on Antarctic ice in temperatures below -40°C.8 Types Of Birds To Spot In The Western GhatsRead More