From majestic eagles to powerful pelicans, the skies are home to some truly massive birds. This list highlights the 26 largest flying birds in the world, ranked by wingspan—from the wide-reaching Wandering Albatross to the elegant Grey Heron. Each bird is capable of flight despite its impressive size, and many soar effortlessly across oceans, mountains, and open landscapes.
1. Wandering Albatross
The Wandering Albatross holds the record for the largest wingspan of any living bird, reaching up to 11.2 feet (3.4 meters). This massive seabird is known for its effortless gliding over the Southern Ocean, sometimes flying for hours without flapping its wings.
Key Identification Features
- Long, narrow wings with black and white coloration
- Pinkish bill with hooked tip
- White body with some dark feathers on wings (varies by age)
- Graceful, gliding flight pattern
Size and Build
- Wingspan: Up to 11.2 ft (3.4 m)
- Body length: Around 4.3 ft (1.3 m)
- Weight: 14–26 lbs (6.3–12 kg)
- Males are typically larger than females
Natural Habitat
Wandering Albatrosses are native to the Southern Ocean, especially around subantarctic islands like South Georgia, Kerguelen, and Crozet Islands. They spend most of their lives over open ocean, rarely coming to land except for breeding.
Flight and Movement
These birds are expert long-distance fliers, capable of covering thousands of miles in a single foraging trip. They ride the wind currents and use a technique called dynamic soaring, allowing them to fly with minimal energy for long durations. They rarely flap their wings, making their flight appear smooth and effortless.
2. Southern Royal Albatross
With a wingspan reaching up to 10.8 feet (3.3 meters), the Southern Royal Albatross is one of the largest flying seabirds. Often confused with the Wandering Albatross, it’s slightly smaller but still incredibly powerful and graceful in flight.
Physical Characteristics
- Broad white wings with black outer edges
- Large pinkish bill with curved tip
- Mostly white body, especially in mature adults
- Strong, soaring flight with minimal wing flapping
Size Details
- Wingspan: Up to 10.8 ft (3.3 m)
- Body length: Around 3.7 ft (1.15 m)
- Weight: 15–22 lbs (7–10 kg)
Preferred Habitat
Southern Royal Albatrosses breed on New Zealand’s subantarctic islands, such as Campbell and Auckland Islands. Outside the breeding season, they travel vast distances across the Southern Ocean.
Flight Abilities
These birds are master gliders, using strong winds over the ocean to stay airborne for hours. Their large wings help them soar effortlessly over waves, covering immense distances during feeding trips.
3. Great White Pelican
The Great White Pelican is among the heaviest flying birds, boasting a wingspan of up to 11 feet (3.35 meters). Recognized by its massive bill and large throat pouch, it glides smoothly over wetlands and open waters.
Distinct Features
- Pale pinkish-white plumage with black wingtips
- Long yellow-orange bill with expandable pouch
- Short tail and broad wings
- Social, often seen in flocks during flight
Size Overview
- Wingspan: Up to 11 ft (3.35 m)
- Body length: 5.1–5.9 ft (1.55–1.8 m)
- Weight: 20–33 lbs (9–15 kg)
Habitat Range
They inhabit lakes, rivers, and coastal lagoons across Africa, southeastern Europe, and parts of Asia. They prefer warm climates and rely on large bodies of water for feeding and roosting.
Flight and Behavior
Despite their size, Great White Pelicans are powerful fliers, using thermal updrafts to soar high. They often fly in V-shaped formations, and their broad wings allow steady gliding over long distances, especially during migration.
4. Dalmatian Pelican
The Dalmatian Pelican ranks among the largest freshwater birds, with a wingspan reaching up to 10.5 feet (3.2 meters). It is slightly bulkier than the Great White Pelican and is known for its silvery-white feathers and large orange bill during the breeding season.
Identification Details
- Curly nape feathers and pale plumage
- Massive orange bill with large pouch (brighter in breeding season)
- Legs and feet are grayish-black
- Flies with neck slightly bent and wings broad and steady
Size Specs
- Wingspan: Up to 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
- Body length: 5.6–6 ft (1.7–1.83 m)
- Weight: 22–33 lbs (10–15 kg)
Habitat & Range
Dalmatian Pelicans prefer shallow freshwater lakes, marshes, and deltas. Found across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of China, they breed in reed-covered wetlands and winter in coastal regions.
Flight Characteristics
This bird is a strong, elegant flier. It uses thermal air currents to soar high, flapping only occasionally. During migration, it travels in groups and can cover long distances between breeding and wintering areas.
5. Andean Condor
The Andean Condor is a majestic New World vulture with a wingspan up to 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), making it the largest flying bird in South America. Revered in Andean mythology, it is a symbol of power and freedom.
How to Identify
- Black body with striking white collar and wing patches
- Males have a comb and wattles on the head
- Featherless, reddish head
- Soaring silhouette with long, fingered wings
Size Breakdown
- Wingspan: Up to 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
- Body length: 3.3–4.2 ft (1–1.3 m)
- Weight: 20–33 lbs (9–15 kg)
Native Habitat
They dwell in mountainous regions of the Andes, from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego. Often seen soaring above cliffs and high-altitude valleys, they nest on inaccessible ledges.
Flight Behavior
Andean Condors are masters of thermal soaring. With minimal flapping, they ride rising warm air currents to glide for hours in search of carrion. Despite their weight, their wing design allows for highly energy-efficient flight over large territories.
6. Marabou Stork
The Marabou Stork, often called the “undertaker bird”, has a wingspan up to 10.5 feet (3.2 meters). It’s one of the largest land birds capable of flight and is easily recognized by its bald head and giant bill.
Appearance and Traits
- Dark gray wings, white underparts
- Bare, reddish head and neck with a large throat pouch
- Massive, straight bill
- Hunched posture and slow, deliberate movement on land
Size Dimensions
- Wingspan: Up to 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
- Body length: 4.9 ft (1.5 m)
- Weight: 14–20 lbs (6.5–9 kg)
Habitat Distribution
Marabou Storks are widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, frequenting wetlands, garbage dumps, and savannas. They are highly adaptable and often seen near human settlements.
Flight Style
Despite their awkward ground movement, these storks are strong, capable fliers. They soar high using thermal currents, often circling like vultures. They use their broad wings to glide effortlessly over long distances with minimal flapping.
7. Himalayan Vulture
The Himalayan Vulture, also known as the Himalayan Griffon, is a massive bird of prey with a wingspan reaching 10.2 feet (3.1 meters). It is the largest vulture found in the Himalayas and a key scavenger in high-altitude ecosystems.
Key Features
- Pale buff body with dark flight feathers
- Thick neck ruff and featherless head
- Strong hooked beak for tearing carrion
- Soars with wings held in a shallow V
Physical Size
- Wingspan: Up to 10.2 ft (3.1 m)
- Body length: 3.6–4.1 ft (1.1–1.25 m)
- Weight: 17–26 lbs (7.8–12 kg)
Native Environment
They live in mountain ranges and high plateaus across the Himalayas, Tibet, and Central Asia, nesting on cliff faces and roosting in alpine regions. They rely heavily on thermals due to their size.
Soaring Abilities
Himalayan Vultures are expert gliders, flying for hours without flapping. They rely on mountain winds and thermal uplift to scout vast areas for carcasses. Their flight is slow, stable, and highly energy-efficient—perfect for the thin mountain air.
8. California Condor
The California Condor is the largest flying bird in North America, with a wingspan of up to 9.8 feet (3.0 meters). Once on the brink of extinction, it has made a significant comeback through conservation programs.
Identifying Traits
- Black body with white patches under wings
- Featherless, orange-pink head
- Large, heavy bill
- Soars with wings flat and steady, rarely flaps
Size and Weight
- Wingspan: Up to 9.8 ft (3.0 m)
- Body length: 3.8–4.6 ft (1.1–1.4 m)
- Weight: 17–25 lbs (7.7–11.3 kg)
Habitat Range
California Condors inhabit rocky cliffs, canyons, and open scrublands of the western United States, especially in California, Arizona, and Utah. They prefer isolated, high areas for nesting and roosting.
Flight Capabilities
These condors are majestic gliders, capable of soaring for hours on thermal updrafts. Their large wings allow them to cover hundreds of miles while searching for carrion. Despite their size, they move through the air with impressive grace and stability.
9. Cinereous Vulture
Also known as the Eurasian Black Vulture, the Cinereous Vulture is one of the heaviest and largest birds of prey, with a wingspan reaching 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). It is a powerful scavenger and a solitary hunter.
Recognizable Features
- Dark brown to black plumage
- Broad wings with long, fingered tips
- Featherless bluish-gray head
- Strong beak and legs suited for tearing tough carcasses
Size Info
- Wingspan: Up to 9.5 ft (2.9 m)
- Body length: 3.3–3.9 ft (1–1.2 m)
- Weight: 17–31 lbs (7.5–14 kg)
Geographic Habitat
Found across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, especially in mountainous and forested regions, where they nest in trees or cliffs and roam open lands for food.
Flight Behavior
Cinereous Vultures are strong, solitary fliers. They rely on thermal currents to glide over great distances, using minimal effort. Their flight is steady and silent, enabling them to scout wide areas efficiently.
10. Lappet-faced Vulture
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a powerful and dominant scavenger with a wingspan reaching up to 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). Known for its boldness and strength, it often takes the lead at carcasses in the African savanna.
Appearance Overview
- Dark brown to black plumage
- Large, bare reddish-pink head with loose folds (lappets)
- Strong, hooked beak
- Broad wings with fingered tips, often seen soaring high
Size Breakdown
- Wingspan: Up to 9.5 ft (2.9 m)
- Body length: 3.3–3.6 ft (1–1.1 m)
- Weight: 14–20 lbs (6.3–9 kg)
Native Habitat
Found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East, the Lappet-faced Vulture lives in arid savannas, deserts, and open woodlands. It prefers wide, open spaces with access to thermals for soaring.
Flight and Behavior
This vulture is a powerful flier, often cruising at high altitudes while scanning for food. It uses thermal updrafts to stay aloft and can travel long distances daily. Despite its size, it is agile in the air and often the first to arrive at carcasses.
11. Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier)
The Bearded Vulture is one of the most distinctive vultures in the world, known for its striking appearance and unusual habit of feeding mostly on bones. Its wingspan can reach 9.3 feet (2.8 meters).
Distinctive Characteristics
- Rusty-orange body with black “beard” under the beak
- Long, narrow wings and wedge-shaped tail
- Feathered head (unlike most vultures)
- Known for dropping bones from height to crack them
Size Details
- Wingspan: Up to 9.3 ft (2.8 m)
- Body length: 3.3–4.1 ft (1–1.25 m)
- Weight: 10–17 lbs (4.5–7.5 kg)
Geographic Range
Found in mountainous regions across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including the Himalayas, Alps, and Ethiopian Highlands. Prefers high cliffs for nesting and rocky terrain for feeding.
Flying Abilities
The Bearded Vulture is a skilled high-altitude glider. It uses ridge lifts and mountain winds to soar across rugged landscapes with precision. Its flight is elegant and silent, often hugging the terrain closely while searching for bones and carrion.
12. White-tailed Eagle
The White-tailed Eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in Europe, with a broad wingspan of up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters). Sometimes called the “flying door” due to its massive wing spread, it is closely related to the Bald Eagle.
Notable Features
- Brown body with a pale head and neck
- Distinct white tail in adults
- Large yellow hooked beak
- Soars with wings held flat and steady
Size Information
- Wingspan: Up to 8.2 ft (2.5 m)
- Body length: 2.2–3.0 ft (0.7–0.9 m)
- Weight: 9–15 lbs (4–6.8 kg)
Habitat and Range
Found across northern Europe, parts of Asia, and coastal regions, especially near lakes, rivers, and fjords. They build massive nests in tall trees or cliffs and are highly territorial.
Flight and Hunting
White-tailed Eagles are powerful gliders. They use soaring flight to scan for fish, birds, and carrion. Their flight is broad and slow, often gliding low over water or open terrain with little wing movement.
13. Steller’s Sea Eagle
The Steller’s Sea Eagle is one of the heaviest and most formidable eagles, native to coastal areas of northeast Asia. It has a wingspan of up to 8.1 feet (2.47 meters) and is known for its massive yellow bill and bold white markings.
Identification Traits
- Dark brown body with bright white shoulders and tail
- Huge yellow beak
- Powerful yellow legs and talons
- Broad wings and commanding presence in the air
Physical Size
- Wingspan: Up to 8.1 ft (2.47 m)
- Body length: 2.8–3.5 ft (0.85–1.1 m)
- Weight: 11–20 lbs (5–9 kg)
Natural Habitat
Found in Russia’s Far East, particularly around the Sea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka Peninsula, and occasionally in Japan during winter. Prefers coastal cliffs, riverbanks, and forests near large bodies of water.
Flight Strength
Steller’s Sea Eagles are strong, deliberate fliers. They patrol coastal waters and rivers for fish and waterfowl. Though not as soaring as vultures, they fly with authority and purpose, often perching high and diving with precision.
14. Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is one of the most widely distributed and powerful raptors, with a wingspan of up to 7.7 feet (2.34 meters). Renowned for its strength and hunting skills, it is a symbol of majesty in many cultures.
Identifying Features
- Dark brown body with golden feathers on the back of the head and neck
- Long, broad wings with fingered tips
- Strong yellow talons and beak
- Intense, piercing eyes
Size and Weight
- Wingspan: Up to 7.7 ft (2.34 m)
- Body length: 2.3–3.3 ft (0.7–1 m)
- Weight: 6–15 lbs (2.7–6.8 kg)
Habitat Range
Golden Eagles are found across the Northern Hemisphere, especially in mountainous areas, open grasslands, and deserts. They build large nests on cliffs and high trees, often returning to the same site for years.
Flight and Hunting
Golden Eagles are fast, agile, and powerful in flight. They use soaring and diving techniques to catch prey like rabbits, ground birds, and even small deer. Their flight style combines speed with graceful gliding over wide territories.
15. Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle, the national bird of the United States, is famous for its striking appearance and strong presence. It has a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) and is most often seen near large bodies of water.
Key Characteristics
- White head and tail (adults) with dark brown body
- Yellow beak and feet
- Immature birds are mottled brown and white
- Soars with wings held flat; powerful and direct in flight
Size Specs
- Wingspan: Up to 7.5 ft (2.3 m)
- Body length: 2.5–3.5 ft (0.8–1.1 m)
- Weight: 6.6–14 lbs (3–6.3 kg)
Natural Habitat
Bald Eagles live near lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and coastal areas throughout North America. They require tall trees or cliffs for nesting and prefer areas rich in fish and waterfowl.
Flight Behavior
These eagles are strong gliders, often riding thermals and soaring at great heights. They’re also capable of powerful, fast dives when hunting. Their presence in the sky is commanding, and they often perch high to survey their territory.
16. Blakiston’s Fish Owl
Blakiston’s Fish Owl is the largest owl species in the world by size and wingspan, reaching up to 6.6 feet (2.0 meters). Native to northeast Asia, this rare and elusive owl is a powerful fish hunter.
Key Identification Features
- Dense, brown plumage with heavy streaks
- Large, flat facial disk with yellow eyes
- Distinctive ear tufts that point sideways
- Feathered legs and toes for warmth and grip
Size Details
- Wingspan: Up to 6.6 ft (2.0 m)
- Body length: 2.1–2.6 ft (64–78 cm)
- Weight: 6.5–10 lbs (3–4.6 kg)
Habitat and Range
Blakiston’s Fish Owls inhabit riparian forests near rivers and streams in Russia (Primorye and Siberia), northeastern China, and northern Japan (Hokkaido). They require mature forests and undisturbed water sources.
Flight and Hunting Style
These owls are strong but silent fliers, relying on stealth rather than speed. They hunt mostly at night, gliding low over water to grab fish with their talons. Their broad wings help support quiet, stable flight through dense trees and riverbanks.
17. Secretary Bird
The Secretary Bird is a unique bird of prey that spends most of its time walking, but it can still fly with a wingspan of up to 6.9 feet (2.1 meters). It combines eagle-like features with crane-like legs and is famous for its snake-hunting abilities.
Notable Features
- Long legs with black “trousers”
- Gray body with black flight feathers and quill-like head feathers
- Hooked beak and fierce expression
- Walks upright with an almost reptilian gait
Size Overview
- Wingspan: Up to 6.9 ft (2.1 m)
- Body height: About 4.3 ft (1.3 m) standing
- Weight: 7–9 lbs (3.2–4.2 kg)
Habitat and Distribution
Secretary Birds are native to sub-Saharan Africa, thriving in savannas, grasslands, and open plains. They need wide spaces for hunting and rarely perch in trees except for nesting.
Flying and Movement
Though they’re primarily ground hunters, Secretary Birds are capable of strong, soaring flight when necessary, especially to escape threats or reach nests. They fly in short bursts, often at dusk or dawn, and use thermal currents when traveling longer distances.
18. Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most common and widespread hawks in North America, known for its broad wings and brick-red tail. It has a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) and is often seen soaring above open landscapes.
Distinctive Features
- Broad, rounded wings with pale undersides and dark patagial marks
- Short, reddish-brown tail (adults)
- Sharp beak and strong talons
- Loud, raspy “kee-eeeee-arr” call
Size Breakdown
- Wingspan: Up to 4.5 ft (1.4 m)
- Body length: 1.5–2.3 ft (0.45–0.7 m)
- Weight: 2–4.5 lbs (0.9–2.1 kg)
Natural Habitat
Red-tailed Hawks live in open fields, deserts, woodlands, and urban areas throughout North and Central America. They perch on poles, trees, or cliffs and nest high for good visibility.
Flight Behavior
These hawks are strong and graceful fliers, often seen soaring in wide circles using thermals. They also dive rapidly when hunting, using their powerful legs to grab rodents, birds, and reptiles.
19. African Fish Eagle
The African Fish Eagle is a striking and iconic raptor with a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters). Known for its loud, echoing call, it’s often referred to as the “voice of Africa.”
Key Identification Points
- White head, chest, and tail with dark brown body and wings
- Strong yellow beak with black tip
- Yellow facial skin and powerful talons
- Perches near water and calls in a yodel-like tone
Size Overview
- Wingspan: Up to 7.5 ft (2.3 m)
- Body length: 2.2–2.8 ft (0.66–0.85 m)
- Weight: 4.5–8.5 lbs (2–3.8 kg)
Habitat and Range
This eagle is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, especially near lakes, rivers, and coastal lagoons. It requires tall perches and plenty of fish for feeding.
Flight and Hunting
The African Fish Eagle is a strong and agile flyer. It patrols water bodies, swooping down to snatch fish with its talons. It glides and soars effortlessly and is often seen circling or perching high in trees near water.
20. Shoebill Stork
The Shoebill Stork is a prehistoric-looking bird with a powerful build and an impressive wingspan of up to 8.5 feet (2.6 meters). Though it often remains still, it is capable of strong flight when needed.
Key Features
- Enormous, shoe-shaped bill
- Gray-blue plumage with broad wings
- Tall, upright stance with long legs
- Yellow eyes and slow, deliberate movements
Size Overview
- Wingspan: Up to 8.5 ft (2.6 m)
- Body height: 3.5–5 ft (1.1–1.5 m)
- Weight: 11–15 lbs (5–7 kg)
Habitat Range
Shoebills live in central tropical Africa, especially in large swamps and marshes in countries like Uganda, South Sudan, and Zambia. They prefer shallow wetlands with dense vegetation.
Flight and Behavior
While not known for frequent flight, Shoebills are capable of strong, direct flying. They use their large wings to glide short distances when moving between feeding or roosting spots, typically flying only when disturbed or during breeding seasons.
21. Sarus Crane
The Sarus Crane is the tallest flying bird in the world, with a wingspan of up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters). Graceful and elegant, it is known for its loud trumpeting call and elaborate courtship dances.
Recognizable Traits
- Light gray body with red head and upper neck
- Long, thin legs and neck
- Pale pinkish legs and dark wingtips
- Monogamous pairs with strong lifelong bonds
Physical Size
- Wingspan: Up to 8.2 ft (2.5 m)
- Height: Up to 6 ft (1.8 m)
- Weight: 11–26 lbs (5–12 kg)
Habitat and Distribution
Found across northern India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia, Sarus Cranes live in wetlands, marshes, and paddy fields. They need shallow water and open spaces for nesting and foraging.
Flight Capabilities
Sarus Cranes are strong fliers despite their size. They fly with their neck and legs fully extended, using steady wingbeats. During migration or local movements, they fly in pairs or small groups, often at great heights.
22. Whooping Crane
The Whooping Crane is one of the rarest and tallest birds in North America, with a wingspan of up to 7.5 feet (2.3 meters). Known for its loud, trumpet-like call and graceful movements, it is a conservation success story.
Key Features
- White body with black wingtips (visible in flight)
- Long neck and legs
- Bare red crown and black facial markings
- Elegant, upright posture
Size Overview
- Wingspan: Up to 7.5 ft (2.3 m)
- Height: Up to 5 ft (1.5 m)
- Weight: 11–19 lbs (5–8.6 kg)
Habitat and Range
Whooping Cranes breed in northern Canada’s wetlands and migrate to coastal Texas for winter. They prefer shallow marshes, wet prairies, and tidal flats with abundant vegetation.
Flight Style
These cranes are strong, steady fliers. They fly with outstretched necks and legs, often at high altitudes during migration. Their long, broad wings allow for efficient gliding and coordinated flock travel.
23. Trumpeter Swan
The Trumpeter Swan is the largest native waterfowl in North America and one of the heaviest flying birds. Its wingspan reaches up to 8 feet (2.4 meters), and it’s famous for its deep, resonant honking call.
Distinct Characteristics
- All-white plumage with long neck
- Straight black bill and facial skin
- Graceful movements in water and air
- Loud, trumpet-like call (hence the name)
Size Information
- Wingspan: Up to 8 ft (2.4 m)
- Body length: 4.6–5.5 ft (1.4–1.7 m)
- Weight: 21–30 lbs (9.5–13.6 kg)
Habitat and Distribution
They are found in Alaska, Canada, and the northern United States, preferring lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes. They require large water bodies for nesting and wintering.
Flying Abilities
Despite their bulk, Trumpeter Swans are strong fliers. They require a running takeoff across water but once airborne, they fly gracefully in V-formations during migration, often covering hundreds of miles.
24. Great Bustard
The Great Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, with a wingspan of up to 8.2 feet (2.5 meters). Males are significantly larger than females and are known for their impressive mating displays.
Key Features
- Stout, robust body with brown and white plumage
- Long, thick neck and powerful legs
- Males have distinctive “beard-like” feathers during courtship
- Short tail and wide wings
Size Details
- Wingspan: Up to 8.2 ft (2.5 m)
- Body length: 3.3–4.1 ft (1–1.25 m)
- Weight: Males 22–44 lbs (10–20 kg), Females 8.8–15 lbs (4–7 kg)
Habitat and Range
Great Bustards are found in open grasslands and steppes across Europe and Asia, particularly in Spain, Hungary, Russia, and parts of Central Asia. They prefer flat terrain for visibility and takeoff.
Flight Style
Though heavy, Great Bustards are capable of strong, sustained flight. They need a long running start to take off, but once airborne, they can glide and flap steadily over moderate distances.
25. Mute Swan
The Mute Swan is a large and elegant waterbird, known for its graceful appearance and aggressive territorial behavior. It has a wingspan of up to 7.9 feet (2.4 meters).
Distinctive Traits
- White plumage with a long, curved neck
- Orange bill with black knob at the base
- Wings make a distinctive whooshing sound during flight
- Quiet compared to other swans (hence “mute”)
Size Overview
- Wingspan: Up to 7.9 ft (2.4 m)
- Body length: 4.6–5.2 ft (1.4–1.6 m)
- Weight: 20–26 lbs (9–12 kg)
Habitat and Distribution
Mute Swans are native to Europe and parts of Asia, but introduced to North America. They live in lakes, ponds, rivers, and wetlands, often near human habitation.
Flight Behavior
Mute Swans are strong fliers but require a long water runway to take off. Once airborne, they fly with steady, slow wingbeats, often covering long distances during seasonal movement.
26. Grey Heron
The Grey Heron is a large wading bird with a slender body and an impressive wingspan of up to 6.5 feet (2.0 meters). Known for its patient hunting and graceful flight, it is commonly found near freshwater and coastal wetlands.
Identifying Features
- Grey upperparts with white neck and black stripe above the eye
- Long, pointed yellow bill
- Slender legs and S-shaped neck when flying
- Elegant, slow flight with deep wingbeats
Size Overview
- Wingspan: Up to 6.5 ft (2.0 m)
- Body length: 3.0–3.6 ft (0.9–1.1 m)
- Weight: 3.3–5.5 lbs (1.5–2.5 kg)
Habitat and Range
Grey Herons are widespread across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, inhabiting rivers, lakes, ponds, marshes, and estuaries. They nest in tall trees near water and often feed alone.
Flight Behavior
These herons are steady and deliberate fliers, typically flying with slow wingbeats and retracted necks. They glide smoothly over wetlands, often commuting between feeding and roosting areas at dusk or dawn.
