10/06/2018
Birds are unique in the animal kingdom. They are covered in feathers, lay eggs, have beaks, and, of course, have the amazing ability to fly. In order to carry out this aerial locomotion, they must perfectly combine thrust, drag, weight, and lift. Wings are the key factor in flight and those with a short, pointed shape allow for maximum speed. Several theories try to explain why birds developed this ability and they include ideas, such as hopping while running, led to flight, preying on animals from high places led to flight, and balancing arms while running led to wing development. Regardless of how it began, one thing is for certain. Some birds have evolved into the fastest of their kind, and some of these are listed below.
The World's Fastest Birds
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon can reach speeds of up to 240 miles per hour (mph) while diving! Long pointed wings help to direct them as they take these powerful dives to kill their prey, smaller birds. The peregrine has evolved a type of nasal covering that diverts the high pressure air from entering and damaging their lungs.
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is in second place, reaching 150 to 200 miles per hour in flight. This bird can be found all over the northern hemisphere and they have long, wide wings with separated, finger-like feathers on the ends. They hold these wings close to their bodies when diving which is done for hunting and sometimes territorial reasons.
White-Throated Needletail
The White-Throated Needletail flies up to 105 miles per hour during horizontal flight! Because of this distinction, horizontal vs. diving speed, this bird is considered the fastest in flapping flight. They inhabit part of Southeast Asia, India, and Australia.
Eurasian Hobby
The Eurasian Hobby is another species of falcon, smaller and thinner than the peregrine. Once used in falconry, the Eurasian Hobby prefers open lands and scattered forest habitats. It can reach deadly speeds of up to 99 miles per hour which it uses to
