The answer to the question of which bird is the largest is not so unambiguous. The fact is that the largest bird that ever existed died out several million years ago, and among the living ones, it does not know how to fly at all.
The largest bird ever to exist on Earth
Historically, the largest bird ever to inhabit planet Earth is the majestic Argentavis. These huge flying creatures belonged to the order of the falconids and inhabited the planet about five to eight million years ago. They lived in the territory of modern Argentina. The wingspan of adults reached eight meters. The weight of these birds was at least 70 kilograms, and their height was 1.5-1.8 meters. Despite the fact that the birds belonged to the order of falconifers, their physique was more like the ancient storks. These ancient creatures were not scavengers and ate rodents, devouring them whole, like modern owls.
The largest bird in the world
The largest living bird is the African ostrich. These creatures cannot even fly and cannot boast of a giant wingspan. They have a muscular physique, a flattened head and an elongated neck. Their beak is wide and straight. These unusual birds belong to their own family and order - ostriches and ostriches. They reach a height of 2, 7 meters and weigh up to 180 kilograms. Since these creatures do not fly, their ribcage and wings are undeveloped. However, these birds are real champions in running - they can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. This is due to the well-developed legs, which have horny hooves at the ends - the ostriches lean on them during movement.
The habitat of African ostriches is dry leafless shrouds of Africa and the Middle East, mainly south or north of the African equatorial forests.
The bird with the largest wingspan
The albatross is the bird with the largest wingspan of any living bird. Some species of albatross, such as the wandering and royal, have a wingspan of 3.7 meters. These birds can travel great distances thanks to such huge wings.
When flying over oceans, albatrosses use soaring. Their tough and narrow wings are arched. They use their large and powerful curved beak to catch fish. Albatross paws have membranes that help them swim underwater for food. The habitat of albatrosses is incredibly wide - from Antarctica and Australia in the south to Africa and America in the north.
