Standout Species
Discover the extraordinary achievements and unique characteristics of these remarkable birds.
Speed Demons
Marvel at nature's fastest birds, breaking speed records in air, on land, and in water.
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Fastest Flying Bird
Recorded as the fastest bird in level flight
Record: 389 km/h (242 mph) diving speed
Common Ostrich
Struthio camelus
Fastest Running Bird
Fastest running speed of any bird
Record: 70 km/h (43.5 mph)
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Fastest Swimming Bird
Highest recorded swimming speed among birds
Record: 36 km/h (22 mph)
Size Extremes
Explore the astounding diversity of bird sizes, from tiny hummingbirds to massive flightless giants.
Bee Hummingbird
Mellisuga helenae
Smallest Bird
Smallest living bird by length
Record: 5-6 cm (2-2.4 inches) in length
Common Ostrich
Struthio camelus
Largest Bird
Largest and heaviest living bird
Record: Up to 2.75 m (9 ft) tall and weighing up to 156 kg (344 lb)
Wandering Albatross
Diomedea exulans
Longest Wingspan
Largest wingspan of any living bird
Record: Up to 3.65 m (12 ft) wingspan
Habitat Specialists
Discover birds that thrive in Earth's most extreme environments, from high altitudes to deep waters.
Behavioural Marvels
Witness extraordinary avian behaviours, from epic migrations to complex vocalisations.
Longevity and Reproduction
Meet the record-breakers in bird lifespan and reproductive strategies.
