There are 3 possible ways of measuring largest in birds; heaviest, tallest and or longest wingspan, however, whatever way you choose, the records are all held by extinct species. The heaviest bird ever was probably the extinct Dromornis stirtoni from Australia. This flightless giant lived between 1 and 15 million years ago and probably stood nearly 3m/10ft tall and weighed in at a massive 500kg/1100lb. The tallest bird ever was, as far as we know, Dinornus maximus, a Giant Moa from New Zealand. This giant though only half as heavy as the Australian Dromornis stood an incredible 3.7m/12.1ft tall. Another extinct bird, this time from S. America, has the record for largest flying bird and longest wingspan. The Giant Teratorn (Argentavis magnificens) had a wingspan of at least 6M/19.5ft and could possibly have been as large as 7.5m/25ft.
As with insects, spiders, lizards and amphibians, living species are all smaller than their extinct ancestors. However they are still pretty impressive.
The largest living bird is without doubt the Ostrich (Struthio camelus). This ever popular bird stands a magnificent 2.74m (9ft) high and can weigh as much as 160kg (353lb).
The heaviest flying bird is the Kori Bustard of Africa (Ardeotis kori), a number of specimens have been scientifically recorded weighing 19kg (42lb) and heavier specimens have been reported but not confirmed. Close runner-ups are the Eurasian Bustard (Otis tarda) and the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) both of which have been recorded at 18kg or (40lb).
The title of 'Bird with the Longest Wings' also has several close contenders with the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) with a well recorded wingspan of 3m (10ft) and the Maribou Stork (Leptoptilus crumeniferous) with a know wing span 2.87 m (9ft6ins) and an unconfirmed report of a specimen with a 4.06 m (13ft 4ins) are undoubtedly the longest winged birds on land. However real record holders are birds that live at sea. The Royal Albatross Diomedea epomophora has been regularly recorded with a wingspan of 3.5 m (11ft 6ins). However the Wandering Albatross, (Diomedia exulans) which has a similar average wingspan holds the scientific record for wing length. A male caught and measured by the Antarctic research ship USNS Eltanin in the Tasman sea in 1965 had a wingspan of 3.63m (11 ft 11 ins) and so holds the crown for having the longest officially recorded wings in a living bird. However, as with all these records, there are other unconfirmed reports of even larger specimens.
As with insects, spiders, lizards and amphibians, living species are all smaller than their extinct ancestors. However they are still pretty impressive.
The largest living bird is without doubt the Ostrich (Struthio camelus). This ever popular bird stands a magnificent 2.74m (9ft) high and can weigh as much as 160kg (353lb).
The heaviest flying bird is the Kori Bustard of Africa (Ardeotis kori), a number of specimens have been scientifically recorded weighing 19kg (42lb) and heavier specimens have been reported but not confirmed. Close runner-ups are the Eurasian Bustard (Otis tarda) and the Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) both of which have been recorded at 18kg or (40lb).
The title of 'Bird with the Longest Wings' also has several close contenders with the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) with a well recorded wingspan of 3m (10ft) and the Maribou Stork (Leptoptilus crumeniferous) with a know wing span 2.87 m (9ft6ins) and an unconfirmed report of a specimen with a 4.06 m (13ft 4ins) are undoubtedly the longest winged birds on land. However real record holders are birds that live at sea. The Royal Albatross Diomedea epomophora has been regularly recorded with a wingspan of 3.5 m (11ft 6ins). However the Wandering Albatross, (Diomedia exulans) which has a similar average wingspan holds the scientific record for wing length. A male caught and measured by the Antarctic research ship USNS Eltanin in the Tasman sea in 1965 had a wingspan of 3.63m (11 ft 11 ins) and so holds the crown for having the longest officially recorded wings in a living bird. However, as with all these records, there are other unconfirmed reports of even larger specimens.
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