There are more than 10,000 species of birds found all over the globe. They range in sizes, colors, and habitat. But do you know what is the largest in each bird ‘s order? This concise article answers your question.
Flamingos (Phoenicopteriformes)
The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber),is the largest and the most widespread species in the flamingo family. This pink-colored flamingo averages 110-150 cm (43-60 in) tall, with a 60 in (152 cm) wingspan and weighing 2-4 kg (4.4-8.8 lbs). The largest male flamingos have been recorded at up to 187 cm (74 in) tall and 4.5 kg (10 lbs).
Mousebirds (Coliiformes)
The Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus), that is endemic to Africa is the largest species of mousebird. This bird grows to about 35 cm (14 inches) long and weighs about 57 grams (2 oz).
Shorebirds (Charadriiformes)
The Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus), is the largest species in this diverse order. Often described as the King of Gulls, this very large gull can attain a size of as much as 85 cm (34 in) long with a 1.52–1.7 m (5-5.7 ft) wingspan and weighs as much as 2.5 kg (5.5 lb). However, the extinct Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis), at 5 kg (11 lb) was the record holder.
Herons & allies (Ciconiiformes)
The Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis), a large wading bird is considered the longest-bodied species in this group. This is a huge bird that grows up to 150 cm (5 feet) long, reaching a wingspan of 270 cm (9 feet) and a weight of 15 kg (33 lb). It is probably the tallest, if not the heaviest, of the storks. However, if measured in regard to body weight and wingspan, then the largest species is the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus), reaching a wingspan of 3.2 m (10.7 ft).
Pigeons (Columbiformes)
The largest species of the pigeon is the Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria). Some individuals can grow to about 85 cm (34 in) and weighs as much as 3.7 kg (8.2 lb). The largest bird of this order of all time, is the extinct flightless Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) weighing about 23 kg (50 lb).
Kingfishers & allies (Coraciiformes)
The Southern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is the largest species in this order. is the Southern Ground Hornbill. A large bird, reaching sizes of as much as 90 to 129 cm (36 to 51 in) long and weighs as much as a 6 kg (13.5 lb). They are found in eastern South Africa.
Cuckoos & allies (Cuculiformes)
The Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) is the largest species of this order. A cousin of the cuckoos, the Great Blue Turaco can weigh over 1.2 kg (822-1231 grams) and can reach to about 70-75 cm.
Birds of prey (Falconiformes)
The Eurasian Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus), is perhaps the largest birds of prey in the world and one of the world’s heaviest flying birds. This is a large bird that is capable of reaching a maximum size of 119 cm (47 in) long, weighing 14 kg (31 lb) and a 250–300 cm (99-119 in) wingspan. However the largest eagle known was the now extinct Haast’s Eagle (Harpagornis moorei), reaching a maximum size of 1.4 m (4.7 ft) long, wingspan 3 m (10 ft) and weighing at least 15 kg (33 lb).
Did you enjoy this avian show. If so, then check out for Big Birds Part 2!
Check Out:
The Big Birds Part 2
Big Birds Part 3
Cute cute birds.. besides sa last one... Parang ung bird ng mga witch... Bu your post is educational... pwedeng reference sa mga kids assignments.
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ReplyDeletewow, very informative and interesting as well. keep sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love flamingos esp. the pink ones! katakot yung vulture oh.. parang aattack na
ReplyDeletevery educational post po... Mousebirds look like Mayas, they are cute :)
ReplyDeletei love watching birds, each have their own unique and funny gestures :) oh, poor fish about to be devoured by the king gull :(
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have learned about the mousebirds, really interesting.
ReplyDeleteFlamingos are constant visitors in our backyard. They like drinking the water from the lake.
ReplyDeleteFlamingos are always fun to look at especially when they are sleeping.
ReplyDeletei love flamingos...everytime we go to zoo, i always enjoy looking at them. :) thanks for sharing these big birds...have a great week. :)
ReplyDeleteCuckoos and allies are my favorites here!
ReplyDeletePapaleng! Namiss ko tuloy makakita ng birds from parks! We have this crocodile park in the city and maraming birds dun, di lang crocodiles. LOL
ReplyDelete