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It is well known that most birds can fly. Some birds fly to catch prey, while others fly to escape predators. However, the ability to fly is one of the defining traits of most birds. However, there is a subset of birds that lack this ability. There are a handful of birds that do not know how to fly at all and have lived on this earth all their lives. While some of these birds have been hunted to the brink of extinction, others continue to thrive and reproduce. In this article, we will discuss a few of these unique birds that cannot fly. So, the next time you see one of these birds, you will understand why they stick to the ground. Without further ado, here are 10 birds that can’t fly.
# 10: Kakapo
The kakapo, also known as the owl parrot due to its similarities, is a large species of flightless parrot. Endemic to New Zealand, the kakapo is considered the largest parrot in the world. They range from 23 to 25 inches in length and weigh from 2 to 9 pounds. Although they are birds that cannot fly, the kakapos do well in tree climbing. They sometimes also use their wings to glide short distances after jumping from great heights. Their plumage looks greenish-yellow, and they have a large beak and legs. Kakapos are nocturnal and feed on herbs, seeds, fruits, and tree sap. Due to hunting, deforestation and predation by aggressive mammals, kakapos are among the rarest animals on Earth. Currently, there are only about 200 individuals left in the wild, and they all live in isolated island reserves, free of predators.
# 9: ostrich
The ostrich is the largest member of the Palaeognathae infraclass and the largest living bird in the world. Due to their sheer size, their small wings mean they are among the birds that cannot fly. However, they still use their wings for balance while running, as well as showing courting. There are two live ostrich species that live in the wild in Africa along with commercial farms. Ostriches usually weigh between 139 and 320 pounds and can grow to 9 feet 2 inches in height. Their plumage is mostly black, although their tail feathers are white. They can run at speeds up to 43.5 miles per hour, making them the fastest bird on land. In addition, they lay the largest eggs of any animal on land. Their diet mainly consists of herbs and plants, although they also eat invertebrates and some reptiles.
# 8: Emperor Penguin
The emperor penguin is one of the most recognizable birds in the world that cannot fly. Emperor penguins live only in Antarctica and divide their time between coast and land. They make one of the most unique migrations in the world, traveling nearly 100 miles inland to breed in winter. Males and females take turns incubating the same egg and feeding the young until they can take care of themselves. Emperor penguins are considered the largest penguin species, standing up to 39 inches tall and weighing 49 to 99 pounds. Their plumage appears black on the face and back, white on the belly and yellow around the neck. Capable of holding their breath for up to 20 minutes, they can dive to depths of 1,755 feet. While underwater, they hunt for food including crustaceans, krill, fish, and squid.
# 7: steamed duck
Steamer ducks get their name from the habit of flapping their wings and legs in the water. This behavior can make them look like a steamer to the casual observer. However, although they flap their wings, they are still among the birds that cannot fly. All four species of steamer ducks are found in Chile and Argentina at the southern tip of South America. Of the three species, only the flying steamer duck is capable of flight. Known for their large size, steamer ducks can usually reach 33 inches in length and weigh over 15 pounds. They live near rocky shores and feed on shellfish, crustaceans, seeds, small fish and insects. Steamer ducks can be very aggressive and often engage in fierce battles with other steamer ducks. In addition, they will fend off other large waterfowl and predators and may come to the aid of other species.
# 6: Install
Another flightless bird from New Zealand, the Weka is part of the railroad family. Also known as woodchen or Maori chicken, there are four distinct subspecies, although this is hotly debated. Although they have small, ineffective wings, they have adapted strong legs. Their plumage looks brown with shades of black and gray. On average, they are 20 to 24 inches long and 1.1 to 3.5 pounds in weight. The tail of the eyelid is small and almost always mobile, which is typical for other types of rails. They live in forests, sand dunes, rocky coastal areas, and grasslands throughout New Zealand. Their diet mainly consists of herbs, leaves, seeds, and berries. Wekas nest on land and males and females take turns incubating eggs. They are currently classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to predation by invasive predators and habitat loss.
# 5: cassowary
Cassowary is another representative of the long-legged flightless ratites. Three surviving species are found in New Guinea, Northern Australia and the Aru Islands. Among birds that cannot fly, cassowaries have an intimidating reputation and are also called “the most dangerous bird in the world.” This title is earned because of his large size, sharp claws and aggressive nature when cornered or threatened. They are 5 to 6.6 feet tall and can weigh up to 130 pounds. Their small wings end in hard, horny spines that look like porcupine quills, but without barbs. Cassowaries have a large gold or blue headband that grows with age and a blue wattle line around their neck. Capable of running up to 30 miles per hour, cassowaries can also jump long distances and swim well. Most of their diet consists of fruits, as well as small invertebrates, birds, rats and fish.
# 4: flightless cormorant
The flightless cormorant, also known as the Galapagos cormorant, is unique among birds that cannot fly. It is the only cormorant species that cannot fly and is also one of the largest cormorants in the world. Flightless cormorants inhabit the Galapagos Islands and some isolated regions of Ecuador. They are 35 to 39.5 inches long and average 5.5 to 11 pounds. Their plumage is brownish-black, and their long beak ends with a sharp hook. To fly, their wings must grow three times their current size. To move, they rely on their webbed feet and strong legs to propel them through the water. The flightless cormorant’s diet consists mainly of fish and octopuses. Since they do not have waterproof feathers, they must dry regularly between swims.
# 3: emu
The emu is the second largest ratite and extant bird species in the world. They are 59 to 75 inches tall and weigh 40 to 132 pounds. Native to Australia, they inhabit the country’s savannas and forests, although they tend to avoid arid regions. With long, powerful legs, they can run up to 30 miles per hour. Their plumage varies according to their habitat, but usually appears brownish-beige with shades of black and rust. Emus are fed throughout the day and feed on seeds, herbs, fruits, and insects. Unlike most birds, males are solely responsible for building the nest and incubating the eggs. In addition, female emu usually act more aggressively than males and may fight over potential mates. Although listed as a species of least concern, they face threats from habitat loss, road collisions and invasive predators.
# 2: kiwi
The international symbol of New Zealand, the kiwi is the smallest representative of the ratites. Scientists identify five different species, most of which face threats from habitat loss and aggressive predators. Among birds that cannot fly, kiwis have adapted some of the unique characteristics that set them apart. Their wings are so small that they appear barely visible due to its hair-like brown-gray feathers. They have a long beak with a sensitive nose that helps them locate prey, but no tail. Although they are mostly nocturnal, they also go out during the day, especially if they live in reserves. Kiwis mainly live in forests, but are also adapted to life in shrubs, mountain regions and meadows. They eat a varied diet of small invertebrates and amphibians, worms, insects, fruits, and seeds. Their eggs weigh up to 1 pound, which is considered one of the largest eggs in body size of any bird.
# 1: Deviation
Takahe, also known as the southern island of Takahe or Notornis, is a native of New Zealand. The largest surviving member of the rail family, it is one of the rarest birds in the world that cannot fly. Once thought to be extinct in the wild, it has a 2019 population of around 418. Takahes can reach 25 inches in length and weigh nearly 9.3 pounds. Stocky, powerful birds, takahes have huge beaks capable of giving a strong bite. Their plumage looks dark blue on the head and belly and light blue and green on the wings and back. In summer they live in mountain pastures, and in winter they descend to lower heights. Being highly territorial and secluded, takahe breed lifelong and can live up to 18 years in the wild. They mainly feed on grasses, shoots and insects, especially snow grasses.
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