In recent years, human exploration and research on the natural world has become more and more in-depth, especially the study of birds has made important progress. In these studies, we found some amazing facts: some birds are incredibly large enough to kill lions. Below, I will introduce you to the 10 largest "birds" in existence, let's explore these amazing creatures together.
African plover (Struthio camelus)
The African plover is one of the largest living birds and one of the most famous. They are amazing in height and weight, reaching a height of 2.7 meters and weighing up to 156 kilograms. The African plover has a long neck and legs and can run more than 65 km / h. Although African ostriches cannot fly, they use strong leg muscles and can run very fast on land.
Ostrich (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
The ostrich is another very large bird and the second largest after the African ostrich. The ostrich can reach a height of 2 meters and weigh up to 145 kilograms. They also cannot fly, but can run more than 60 km / h. The ostrich is one of Australia's iconic animals.
Dinornithiformes
Moa birds are extinct, but in ancient times they were one of the largest birds on Earth. Moas can reach a height of 3.7 meters and a weight of up to 300 kilograms. Moas have long necks and legs and are not capable of flying like other living birds. Moa birds lived in New Zealand for millions of years, but soon became extinct after humans entered.
Madagascar moa (Aepyornis maximus)
Madagascar moas are also extinct, but in ancient times they were considered to be one of the largest birds on Earth. They can reach a height of 3 meters and weigh up to 400 kilograms. The Madagascar moa is one of the unique creatures on the island of Madagascar, but became extinct in the late 17th century due to human interference.
Apteryx haastii
Emineun is a bird that lives in New Zealand and is also surprisingly large. Emineun can grow up to 1.4 meters tall and weigh up to 45 kilograms. Emineun has lived in New Zealand's natural environment for millions of years and is one of New Zealand's national symbols.
Antarctic giant bird (Dromornithidae)
Antarctic giant birds are extinct, but in ancient times they were considered to be one of the largest land birds on Earth. The Antarctic giant bird can reach a height of 2.5 meters and weigh up to 500 kilograms. Antarctic giant birds lived in present-day Australia, but fossils from New South Wales confirm that they were once active in Antarctica.
7. Alashan Ostrich (Eremopezus)
The Alxa ostrich is endemic to China and Mongolia. The Alxa ostrich is not only the largest surviving bird in China, but also one of the world's largest ostrich birds, which can reach a height of 2.7 meters and weigh up to 200 kilograms. The Alxa ostrich plays an important role in the ecological environment, and its number is small and strictly protected.
Pithecophaga jefferyi
The horned eagle is an endemic bird in the Philippines and is mainly carnivorous. The horned eagle has a length of 1.2 meters, a wingspan of 3 meters, and a weight of 14 kilograms. Horned eagles are good at preying on large mammals such as wild boar and baboons.
Aquila chrysaetos
The golden eagle is one of the largest diurnal birds in North America and one of the largest eagles in the world. The total length of the golden eagle is about 1.0 meters, the wingspan reaches 2.3 meters, and the weight can reach 6.5 kilograms. The golden eagle is a bird of prey that feeds on mammals, birds, fish, and is one of the national birds of the United States.
Toco toucan
The toucan is one of the largest beaked birds in South America. Toucans are about 60cm long, but their beak is 20cm long, occupying one-third of their entire body. Toucans feed mainly on fruits and insects and are one of the iconic animals of the South American rainforest.
Taken together, the 10 largest species of "birds" in existence have reached unimaginable levels in terms of height, weight and wingspan. These amazing creatures are not only amazing, but also increase our curiosity and desire to explore the natural world. Although some of them are extinct and can only be found in fossils, we hope to better protect and study these lives through scientific means, so that they can continue to be passed on to the earth.