Birds are amazing and beautiful creatures, capable of what a person dreams of - to move freely through the air. Most of the birds are of modest size, but there are real record giants among them.
African ostrich
The largest bird on the planet does not have the largest wingspan. She has completely lost the ability to fly. The growth of the African ostrich can reach two and a half meters, and it weighs up to 150 kilograms. The flightless ostrich has a very peculiar appearance. He has a long neck and a flattened head.
Since these birds do not rise into the air, their body structure is different from the usual birds. The keel, pectoral muscles and wings are not developed in ostriches. Instead, in the course of evolution, this species has received strong long legs. African ostriches have only two toes, one of which ends in a hoof-like horny seal that allows the bird to move even faster.
The ostrich is an excellent marathon runner, capable of running at a speed of 60/70 kilometers per hour. This bird has set another record - ostriches have the largest organs of vision among all terrestrial creatures, and the weight of two eyes even exceeds the weight of their brain. Despite their impressive size and the ability to escape from the enemy, for some time these birds were under threat of extinction due to their meat, which is highly valued. But thanks to the spread of ostrich farms, the species was preserved.
Wandering albatross
But the champion with the largest wingspan is the wandering albatross, nesting on the subantarctic islands. The spread wings of these birds reach a length of three and a half meters. They are long and narrow, making them ideal for soaring flight. The wandering albatross is unable to take off from the ground. Instead, it jumps off a cliff, spreads its giant wings and catches the winds, thanks to which it deftly maneuvers in search of prey and can fly for many kilometers, often following fishing boats for days.
Black vulture
The largest flying bird is the black vulture, found in Asia, southern Europe and North Africa. The length of this bird can reach a meter, weight - twelve kilograms, wingspan - eighty-five centimeters. The neck has a large territory, which it flies around tirelessly. This bird is also adapted for soaring flight. The vulture skillfully uses currents of warm air to rise to the desired height, from where it looks out for prey. The black vulture feeds on carrion, and in search of food can fly daily at distances of 300-400 kilometers.
