world of birds is amazing, even trained professionals.And what an ordinary person, in fact, he knows about it?We can say that the birds fly (when it turns out that not all).Still - they are covered with feathers.In the best case - can name all the known species.And, for example, what is the biggest bird in the world, you know?And in general, how to respond to such a question?Surprised?Then read.
Criteria "selection»
If you are someone asks, what is the big bird, take the time to call an ostrich.Yes, we all know that it is so is.But only in the case when the criterion "magnitude" - the mass.But birds do not have a single parameter, and a whole set of characteristics that are relevant to these representatives of the living world.
For example, the wing span.From it depends on the ability to fly, endurance, and so on.And the size is, you can count quite differently.Some propose to weigh the other - inch wingspan measured, and others - to compare their beaks.So when you hear the question about what is the biggest bird specify what is meant.Then only demonstrates extensive knowledge of ornithology.So you do not get trapped.And for reference, read with some outstanding views to be able to "show off".Repellent become the criterion.
By weight
Here is the answer to the ostrich will be just right.It really is the biggest bird in the world.Some specimens grow up to 2.7 meters, while weighing a hundred and thirty kilograms.But these birds do not fly.But they are well run.In the wild are found in the savannas of Africa, even in the Middle East.They live in small harems.The male gathers several females, which jealously guards.He hatches the eggs.Now some of their species are bred in many areas of the planet.They feed the ostriches mostly plants, but do not give up small animals.To grind the food, they, like many others of the feathered world, we have to swallow pebbles.They act as a millstone in the stomach.Consequently, the question about what is the biggest bird weight, you need to answer: ostrich.
By wingspan
This criterion is measured between the last feathers spread wings.Championship here belongs to the wandering albatross (3.6 meters).The bird with the largest wings almost always hovers over the waters, only multiply in the earth.Practically does not lag behind the albatross pink pelican, which you can admire the coast of Vietnam or Africa.Slightly inferior (3.4 m), the leaders of marabou stork.It can be found in the Sahara.This predator soars high in a hot sky, searching for carrion that feed.The same parameters has the Andean condor.It can be seen on the tops of rocks.He examines the surrounding mountain scenery, searching for food.
biggest seabird
We now turn to a limited category, that is, those which do not cover all the representatives of birds.Among the seabirds giant wandering albatross is considered.He is a leader in wingspan.According to the body mass it bypasses the emperor penguin, a resident of Antarctica.Some individuals reach forty-five kilograms.Once they are known, they can dive deeply and permanently.Try swim under water for fifteen minutes!A penguin can.Although this type of flying is not trying, and its wings are not suited for this.
Among predators
There is a bird - a harpy.It is unique in size and huge wingspan.It is believed that this is the biggest bird of prey.Although it is possible to say that the selection is relative.For example, white-tailed eagle opens its wings wider, but its mass is less.
Condor larger in all respects, but does not fit into this category, because it feeds on carrion.Still trying to compete with the harpy largemouth kite.But this kind can not be so powerful to seize prey.Therefore, the leader in this category is the harpy.To prove that you can provide a list of "extraction" of the feathered.He is amazing.Harpy prefer to attack mammals, climb trees.For example, they are quite suitable porcupines, monkeys, sloths, opossums or.Agree with the extraction handle only a strong and powerful predator.
The bird with the biggest beak
in this category leader toucan.It's incredibly bright birds.Surprisingly, these birds are distant relatives of woodpeckers!Toucans live in tropical America.Beak their enormous.Imagine that in some individuals, it is the volume of the rest of the body (55%).Explicit functional load this body does not carry.It would seem that the toucan beak could do normal.Scientists believe that this body is involved in the regulation of body temperature, although this evidence is not provided.
The largest extinct
described leaders greatly inferior to that lived on the planet millions of years ago.Thus, scientists have indisputable evidence that previously lived on Earth feathered creature, relating to the birds with a wingspan that reaches seven and a half meters.It is twice more than that of the albatross.Fossils of the giant were found in South Carolina.Previous record belonged among extinct Argentavis magnificens.Wings plowed his entire six meters.Scientists admired the fragility of the structure of bone giants.With these wings, they are easily floated over the surface of the oceans, skillfully using air currents.Incredibly, the ocean is not destroyed remains of the found instance, allowing them to petrify and "reach" to our times.Interestingly, even the scientists find?Perhaps these records will seem ridiculous when future discoveries.
just a big bird
It will be interesting to know what the giants on the planet is not so little.For example, beloplechny eagle that lives in Asia, there is more than one meter in length, its weight can be up to nine kilograms.They are predators, not scavengers abhor.Despite the weight, they prefer to dwell high in the trees.Up to twenty kilograms may weigh bustard.This bird is still flying!To rise above the ground, it has to be dispersed as heavy aircraft.She inhabits the steppes of Eurasia.On our open spaces meets crane.It has a fairly large increase (almost two meters).Although the weight was not impressive - up to nine kilograms.But the Dalmatian pelican much harder (14 kg).He has a long neck and beak.This is due to the way of life.Pelicans feed on fish, but can not for her to dive.They have adapted differently: lowered her head under the water and try to discover there than profit.
is magnificent black vulture.His weight and wingspan can be compared with the parameters of the leaders (12 kg and 3 m).These birds soar very high and long enough.They look out for carrion (which eat).Among the most beautiful, of course, we can not ignore the swan.And the size of it for us.The weight of the birds can reach the fifteen kilos in span two and a half meters.He's great on the water.But walking immediately deprived of his grace.Stubby legs make awkward gait.This is not necessary to put an end, as there are still instances of amazing set.
Now, reading the information on the record-holder small feathered world, you will be able to answer questions with confidence.I must say that this is a very brief overview.In fact, the bird world is so diverse and surprising that it is possible to study all my life.