A list of the largest birds in their respective order.
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.
Parrots (Psittaciformes)
The endangered Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), is the longest and largest overall parrot. A typical length for the Hyacinth Macaw is 1.2 m (4 ft) long and a weight of 2 kg (4.4 lb). However, the heaviest parrot is the nearly-extinct Kakapo (Strigops habroptila), which can weigh over 4 kg (8.8 lb) and about 60 cm (2 ft) long.
Sandgrouse (Pterocliformes)
The largest species of sand grouse is the Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis), that can grow to about 15 in (39 cm) and can weigh up to 14.1–19.4 oz (400–550 g).
Penguins (Sphenisciformes)
The Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri), native to Antarctica is the largest and tallest of all extant penguin species. They stand almost 1.35 m (4.3 ft) tall and weigh 746 kg (102 lb). 0 to 90 lbs. (30 to 40 kg.). Emperor penguins can mate when they are 4 years old and can live to be 20 years of age.
Owls (Strigiformes)
The Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) is a large and powerful bird, and alongside the Blakiston’s Fish Owl (Bubo blakistoni) are considered the largest species of owls. It can measure up to 80 cm (32 in) long, can weigh about 4.5 kg (10 lb) and a wingspan of up to 138-200 cm (55-79 in). The largest owl known to have existed was Ornimegalonyx oteroi of Cuba, having measured over 1 m (3.3 ft) tall.
Trogons (Trogoniformes)
The Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), is a spectacular bird of the trogon family. This species is 36 cm (14 in) long, with around 64 cm (25 in) of remarkable tail for male and weighs about 7 to 8 oz (200 to 225 g).
Waterfowl (Anseriformes)
The Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator),is the largest species in this order. This bird can grow up to 1.82 m (6 ft), with a 3 m (10 ft) wingspan and a weight of 17.3 kg (38 lb). However, the heaviest waterfowl ever recorded was an overweight Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) from Poland, who weighed nearly 23 kg (50 lb).
Swifts & allies (Apodiformes)
The White-naped Swift (Streptoprocne semicollaris) is the largest species of the swift family in the New World. This bird found in western and central Mexico, can reach 20.5-25 cm (8.2-10 inches) long and can weigh up to 225 g (8 oz). The hummingbirds are also traditionally included in this order, the largest species of which is easily the Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas).
Nightjars & allies (Caprimulgiformes)
The largest species of this order is the Great Potoo (Nycitbius grandis),which occurs in tropical America is the largest species of this order. It can attain a maximum size of 48-60 cm (19-24 inches) long and 360-650 grams (12.7 oz-1.4 lb).
Ratites (Struthioniformes)
The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is largest species of the Struthioniformes, as well as the largest living bird today. It can reach a height of over 2.7 m (9 ft) and weighing over 156 kg (345 lb). It hold the record’s for the fastest land bird where it has the ability to run at speeds maximum of about 104 km/h (76 mph). Eggs laid by the Ostrich can weigh 1.4 kg (3 lb) and are the largest eggs in the world today.
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I love bird watching, somehow, their eyes seem to be very expressive, and I find the owl's eyes kind of intimidating too 🙂
It's my first time to see a blue parrot, they look amazing. The Great Potoo looks funny because it looks like an aged bird with its beard-like feathers below its beak.
I so love that shade of blue( in the first photo)-and that photo of the owl looks scary! Those fierce eyes!
we've been recently visited Bird park here in malaysia which we dont usually do because All we can jsut see there is birds ofcourse. haven't been to singapore bird park for the same reason. Though its nice to atleast experience going there and see some of the birds listed above!
I love to take photos of birds and I have some huge collection of it but sad to say I don't know their names.
These are beautiful birds! The ratites is so big.
My daughter asked me to buy a parrot for me, but I declined. It is too much responsibility.
My favorite has got to be the blue parrots!! they look so lovely!!! 🙂
Among all, I love the blue parrot. It's like a painted parrot.
wow imagine knowing all those 10,000 different birds on earth, just such a crazy thing but magnificent.
I'm glad that parrot is on the top of the list. hehehe. I really love parrots! 🙂
great list, ha…I enjoyed taking pictures of different kinds of birds when I visited Jurong Bird Park in SG, I wish I could bring my kids there! thanks for sharing this list, always informative and interesting. 🙂
The hyacinth macaws are very eye-catching! Love their color. We went there at Jurong Bird Park sis Cheerful, kids love it so much, hubby and I enjoyed it so well too!
Nice photos of birds! Love it!
Great article. Thanks for your great information, the content is quiet interesting. I will be waiting for your next post.