15 OF THE BIGGEST BIRDS ON EARTH
Explore the fascinating lives of our planet's feathered giants
WORDS SCOTT DUTFIELD
There are almost 10,000 species of birds on Earth, and they come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes – from the tiny bee hummingbird to the massive ostrich. Here we take a look at some of the biggest birds that inhabit our planet, including the tallest, heaviest and those with the widest wingspan.
A harpy eagle in the tropical lowland forests of southeastern Mexico
HARPY EAGLE
Harpia harpyja
Named after a human-bird hybrid in ancient Greek mythology, harpy eagles are some of the biggest birds on Earth. They are among the largest species of eagles, particularly when comparing their weights. An adult female can weigh up to nine kilograms, and males grow up to 15.4 kilograms. To compare, a bald eagle can weigh up to 16 kilograms. These birds soar across South America, kept aloft by their impressive two-metre wingspan, hunting for prey that includes porcupines, deer and opossums. When they have their target in sight, harpy eagles descend at speeds of 50 miles per hour and use their 13-centimetre talons to deliver a fatal blow.
DID YOU KNOW?
A Laysan albatross was recorded living to 68 years old
Albatrosses flying over snowy mountains in Antarctica
WANDERING ALBATROSS
Diomedea exulans