10 Of The Largest Birds In The World And Where To Find

Waquar Habib

Somali Ostrich – Horn of Africa

Found in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, the Somali ostrich grows up to 2.5 metres. It differs from the common ostrich by its blue neck and more arid habitat preference.

Somali ostrich chicks take shelter under their parents on a hot afternoon | peternduungu/instagram

Emu – Australia

Australia’s largest bird, the emu, stands up to 1.9 metres tall and weighs 55 kg. Flightless but fast, it can sprint at 50 km/h across open scrublands.

Forest guards with emus in Australia | australiazoo/instagram

Southern Cassowary – Australia and New Guinea

Weighing up to 76 kg and standing 1.8 metres tall, the cassowary is known for its helmet-like casque and powerful legs. It inhabits dense rainforests and is highly territorial.

A Southern Cassowary in its habitat | anthonyburden/instagram

Ostrich – Africa

The ostrich is the world’s largest bird, reaching up to 2.7 metres tall and 160 kg in weight. Native to Africa, it cannot fly but runs at 70 km/h.

A shot of a Common Ostrich | mattbango/instagram

Northern Cassowary – New Guinea

The northern cassowary, reaching 1.7 metres and weighing around 70 kg, resides in lowland forests of northern New Guinea. Less colourful than its southern relative, it’s equally elusive and solitary.

A shot of Northern Cassowary | boasemmanuel/instagram

Dwarf Cassowary – New Guinea Highlands

The smallest cassowary species, it grows up to 1.4 metres tall. Found in New Guinea’s mountainous regions, it has a distinct, compact build adapted to rugged, forested terrain.

A Dwarf Cassowary in its habitat | jakewiltonphoto/instagram

Greater Rhea – South America

South America’s largest bird, the greater rhea stands 1.5 metres tall and weighs 40 kg. It inhabits grasslands and pampas in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay and is flightless.

A shot of a Greater Rhea | bergencountyzoo/instagram

Lesser Rhea – Patagonia and Andes

Also known as Darwin’s rhea, this bird is slightly smaller than the greater rhea, growing up to 1.2 metres. It thrives in Patagonia and Andean plateaus, surviving cold, arid environments.

Lesser Rhea with its offsprings | incredible182299/instagram

King Penguin – Sub-Antarctic Islands

Standing nearly 1 metre tall and weighing up to 18 kg, the king penguin is the second-largest penguin species. Found in South Georgia and the Falklands, it forms huge colonies.

A close-up of a King Penguin | bencallahannn_/instagram

Emperor Penguin – Antarctica

The world’s tallest and heaviest penguin, the emperor reaches 1.2 metres and weighs up to 40 kg. Adapted to extreme cold, it breeds on Antarctic ice in temperatures below -40°C.

Emperor Penguin in its habitat | myeonghoseo/instagram

8 Types Of Birds To Spot In The Western Ghats

A Tickell's blue flycatcher in Dandeli, Karnataka | Sujoy_Dutta_dev/Shutterstock
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