The world is home to a diverse array of birds that vary in size, shape and color. Some of these birds are so large that they can rival the height of a human or the wingspan of a small plane. Here are the top four tallest birds in the world, based on their average height.
1. Ostrich (Struthio camelus) : The ostrich is the tallest and heaviest living bird, with an average height of over 2 meters (sometimes as tall as 2.8 meters) and a weight of up to 160 kg . These flightless birds are native to Africa and Arabia, where they inhabit open plains, savannas and deserts. They have long legs and necks, powerful feet with two toes, and small heads with large eyes and beaks. They can run at speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph) and use their legs as weapons to kick predators. They are omnivorous and feed on plants, seeds, insects, lizards and small rodents. They live in groups of up to 50 individuals and communicate with each other through vocalizations, postures and displays.
2. Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) : The emu is the second tallest living bird, with an average height of 1.6 to 1.9 meters (5.2 to 6.2 feet) and a weight of 30 to 45 kg (66 to 99 lb). These flightless birds are endemic to Australia, where they occupy a variety of habitats, such as forests, grasslands, wetlands and arid regions. They have long legs and necks, brownish-black feathers, small wings and a large head with a pointed beak. They can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) and swim well. They are herbivorous and feed on leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds and insects. They live in pairs or small groups and communicate with each other through grunts, drumming sounds and hisses.
3. Cassowary (Casuarius spp.) : The cassowary is the third tallest living bird, with an average height of 1.5 to 1.8 meters (4.9 to 5.9 feet) and a weight of 35 to 70 kg (77 to 154 lb). These flightless birds are native to New Guinea, northeastern Australia and nearby islands, where they inhabit tropical rainforests and swamps. They have long legs and necks, black plumage, large wings with quills, and a distinctive casque (a helmet-like structure) on their head. They also have a bright blue or red skin on their neck and face, and a long dagger-like claw on their inner toe. They can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) and jump up to 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) high. They are omnivorous and feed on fruits, fungi, insects, frogs, snakes and small mammals. They live solitarily or in pairs and communicate with each other through low-frequency booms.
4. Greater rhea (Rhea americana) : The greater rhea is the fourth tallest living bird, with an average height of 1.3 to 1.5 meters (4.3 to 4.9 feet) and a weight of 20 to 40 kg (44 to 88 lb). These flightless birds are native to South America, where they inhabit grasslands, savannas and wetlands. They have long legs and necks, gray-brown feathers, small wings with white tips, and a large head with a hooked beak. They can run at speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) and swim well. They are omnivorous and feed on plants, seeds, insects, lizards, birds and small mammals. They live in flocks of up to 30 individuals and communicate with each other through whistles.
Please watch the video below to learn more about 10 Most Beautiful Birds on Planet Earth.