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Do you know some birds cannot fly? Having wings does not mean that a bird can fly. There are several flightless birds in the world. Through evolution, they have lost their capacity to fly. However, as a consequence, they have become easy prey, and were wiped out. Those that exist today are either huge or live in remote regions, like the penguins. In this article, you can learn about the flightless bird names, and their unique characteristics. We have listed facts about ten birds that cannot fly.
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Top 10 Birds That Cannot Fly and Their Unique Traits
Here is a list of the top ten birds that cannot fly. These birds have chosen to stick to the group and have adapted to their surroundings. Read this list and let us know which fact in the list surprised you the most.
1. Ostriches, the Giants of the Bird Community
Ostriches are not just the largest but also the heaviest birds. They are one of the birds that cannot fly. They stand up to 9 feet tall and weigh around 200 pounds. Ostriches are native to Africa. Although they cannot fly, they can run fast. That is, their speed can reach around 60 mph. This also makes them one of the fastest two-legged animals on the planet.
2. Penguins, the Ocean Masters
Who doesn’t know penguins are birds that cannot fly? Penguins inhabit the Southern Hemisphere, particularly Antarctica. Although these birds cannot fly, they have exceptional swimming abilities. Over time, their wings have turned into their flippers. This enables them to kind of fly through water with speed. For example, the emperor penguin can dive for 1,800 feet in the water. Moreover, they can stay submerged for more than 20 minutes to look for food.
3. Kiwis, the New Zealand Birds
Another one of the birds that cannot fly is the Kiwi. Kiwis are small, nocturnal birds with soft, hairlike feathers, and have nostrils at the end of their beak.. These birds can be found in New Zealand. There are five species of Kiwis. Despite their small size, they lay one of the heaviest eggs in comparison to their size. The females can lay eggs for up to 1 pound.
4. Cassowaries, Guardians of the Rainforest
Cassowaries are other birds that cannot fly. Do you know they are one of the most dangerous birds in the world? They have sharp claws and powerful legs that make them predatory. You can find these birds in the tropical rainforests of northern Australia and New Guinea. They play an important role in dispersing seeds across huge areas, resulting in the regeneration of forests. Efforts are being made to conserve these species.
5. Emus, the Towering Sprinters of Australia
Emus are the second-largest living birds in the world. You can find them only in Australia. They are swift runners and can speed up to 30 mph. Their long legs help them travel distances in search of food and water. Recently, studies were able to find that they have problem-solving abilities. They can reach up to 1.9 meters and weigh around 55 kilograms
6. Flightless Cormorants, the Unique Swimmers of the Galápagos Islands
As the name suggests, the Flightless Cormorants cannot fly. They are exclusively located in the Galápagos Islands. These birds have adapted themselves over time. In fact, they have become excellent at diving and swimming. This allows them to move effortlessly in search of food. Their primary source of food is eels and fish. Their specified location makes them vulnerable to environmental changes.
7. Titicaca Grebes, the Aquatic Specialists
Titicaca Grebes are one of the birds that cannot fly. You can find them in Bolivia and Peru. The Titicaca Grebes have adapted themselves to their environment. They are also excellent swimmers and can easily catch fish. Their lobbed feet make it easier for them to move through the water. Their inability to fly confines them to a high-altitude lake environment. Their main population can be found on Lake Titicaca.
8. Kākāpō, the Nocturnal Parrot of New Zealand
Kākāpō is a night parrot. It is also one of the birds that cannot fly. Sadly, they are critically endangered species. Nevertheless, you can spot them in New Zealand. These birds weigh up to 9 pounds and are also the world’s heaviest parrots. Their mossy green plumage allows them to hide themselves or camouflage among forest trees. Their strong legs make it easier for them to navigate the forest floor. The conservation programs have become important to prevent their extinction.
9. Rheas, the Plain Dewellers of South America
The list of flightless bird names will be incomplete without the Rehas. Rheas are large birds that resemble emus and ostriches. These birds can weigh 88 pounds and can grow up to 5.6 feet tall. Rheas are omnivorous birds. They feed on fruits, plants, sees and even small animals. They are popular for their communal nesting habits. The male birds will incubate eggs from several females. They have an excellent ability to camouflage and can run up to a speed of up to 60 km/h (37 mph),
10. Great Auk, the Extinct Northern Seafarer
The Great Auk have already gone extinct. They used to inhabit the North Atlantic coast. They were one of the birds that cannot fly. These birds used to resemble penguins. During the mid-19th century, they were hunted for their feathers, oil and meat. Unfortunately, this made them go extinct. The Great Auk is a reminder of how human activities can impact nature.
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Flightless Bird Names: FAQs
Some of the flightless birds names are the ostrich, the rhea, the emu, and the kiwi. These birds have lost their ability to fly throughout their evolutionary history. However, they have successfully adapted themselves to their environment.
Kiwis cannot fly because they have adapted themselves to their environment in New Zealand. In New Zealand, they face no risk of predators. Therefore, flying has become unnecessary for them. Moreover, their adaptations have made it suitable for them to lead a ground-based lifestyle.
Kakapo is a flightless bird. Kakapo looks like a mix of parrots and owls. However. Unlike these birds, Kakapo can’t fly. They are also an endangered species of birds.
Most ducks are capable of flight. Therefore, you cannot classify them under the flightless bird names. Generally, during migration their pointed and powerful wings allow them to fly. However, the domestic breeds of ducks, particularly the steamer duck species, cannot fly.
This was all about the deepest lake in the world. If you find it fascinating and wish to read more such interesting facts, then stay tuned to the General Knowledge page of Leverage Edu.
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