Tallest Flying Bird Species - The Sarus Crane

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Dec 14, 2022, 10:28

The Sarus Crane is the Tallest Flying Bird Speciesin the world. This magnificent bird is found in Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and northern Australia. Every bird enthusiast has wondered at some point about the tallest flying bird in the world. The Sarus Crane is not only the world’s tallest flying bird species but is also one of the most beautiful birds in the world.

Sarus Crane may be the world's tallest flying bird but they're not the highest-flying ones. Many other birds soar to a greater height, enough to inspire awe in us terrestrial beings. Here, we have shared information about the tallest flying bird species below.

Tallest Flying Bird Species

Sarus Crane is the tallest flying bird species in the world whose height can range between 152-156 cm. It weighs between 6.8-7.8 kg. The population of this majestic bird is rapidly declining in India, with only 15,000-20,000 Sarus birds remaining in the country. These birds are mainly found in Uttar Pradesh in India.

Sarus Crane is a social species that is found in three major areas in the world -

  • Northern Australia
  • Indian Subcontinent
  • Southeast Asia

Top 10 Tallest Flying Bird Species in the World

Crane is the tallest flying bird species in the world. There are many types of cranes in the world, and the most common one found in India is the Sarus Crane. We have shared the list of the top 10 tallest flying birds in the world below -

Position

Name of the Species

Altitude (Feet)

1

Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture

37,000

2

Common Crane

33,000

3

Bar-Headed Goose

27,825

4

Whooper Swan

27,000

5

Alpine Chough

26,500

6

Bearded Vulture

24,000

7

Andean Condor

21,300

8

Mallard

21,000

9

Bar-Tailed Godwit

20,000

10

White Stork

16,000

List of Tallest Flying Bird Species

Here are the details about the world’s tallest flying bird species -

Ruppell's Griffon Vulture

Ruppell's Griffon Vulture is the highest flying bird recorded globally, reaching an altitude of a whopping 37,000 feet. They're primarily found in the Sahel region of Central Africa.

The vulture's body is made for effective oxygen intake, enabling it to soar to great heights. Their keen eyesight helps them spot their prey from extreme heights. These vultures can fly as fast as 22 mph and can stay in the air for long intervals.

Sarus Crane

Sarus Cranes are the natives of the Southeast part of Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and northern Australia. They are known to have flown across the Himalayas at 33,000 feet. The bird is medium-sized with a wingspan of 1.8 to 2.4 meters.

Bar Headed Goose

The Bar Headed Geese are known to fly across the highest mountain in the world, ascending to the height of 27,825 feet. They inhabit the mountain lakes in Central Asia. The two dark bars around their head have given them their name.

Whooper Swan

Whooper Swans are among the tallest flying bird species with long slender necks and yellow and black bills. They are common in the grasslands and wetlands of Southern Europe and Eastern Asia. Famous for the whooping sound they make, these birds are known to have ascended to the height of 27,000 feet.

Alpine Chough

Alpine Chough is another contender of the top 10 highest-flying birds in the world from Southern Europe and Central Asia. This member of the crow family has a notable bright yellow bill. Adding another feather to its cap, Alpine Chough is also the highest nesting bird in the world, with its nests at an altitude of higher than 21,000 feet.

Bearded Vulture

Bearded Vultures are large vultures inhabiting southern Europe's mountainous region. These bone eaters feed exclusively on the bones of carcasses. They prefer high altitudes and have been recorded flying up to 24,000 feet altitude.

Andean Condor

Andean Condors are birds of prey with sharp eyesight and a strong beak. They are also among the tallest flying bird species. They can fly up to 21,300 feet in height. They are regarded as the symbol of power, liberty, and health in many parts of South America.

Mallard

Mallard is a migratory duck native to North America and Europe. Their green head and bright yellow beak distinguish them from others. They usually travel at an altitude of 1000 to 1400 feet but have been observed flying up to 21,000 feet.

Bar-Tailed Godwit

Bar-Tailed Godwits are known for their capability to migrate long distances without rest. They have set the record for performing the longest journey without pausing from Alaska to the South. They can reach 20,000 feet in height while migrating.

White Stork

White Storks are found across the warmer regions of Europe and West Central Asia. This wading bird is known for its distinctive long neck measuring about 45 inches. They are strong migrants flying up to an altitude of 16,000 feet.

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FAQs on Tallest Flying Bird Species

Q1. Which is the world's tallest flying bird species?

The Sarus Crane is the tallest flying bird in the world. It weighs between 6.8-7.8 kg and has a height of around 152-156 cm. The sarus crane is generally found in northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and also in the Indian subcontinent.

Q2. What is the height of the tallest flying bird species in the world?

The tallest flying bird species in the world, the sarus crane, has a height of around 152-15 cm. These are magnificent birds with a naked red head and upper neck and pale red legs. Sarus crane are generally found in the regions o Australia, India, and Southeast Asia.

Q3. What are the top three world's tallest bird species?

The top three world’s tallest bird species are the Sarus Crane, Ruppell's Griffon Vulture, and Bar-Headed Goose. The height of the Sarus Crane can range between 152-156 cm and its weight ranges between 6.8-7.8 kg.

Q4. What is the size of the tallest flying bird in India?

The tallest flying bird in India is the Sarus Crane, which weighs between 6.8 to 7.8 kg. The height of this bird can range from 152cm to 156 cm. This bird is generally found in the Indian subcontinent, northern Australia, and parts of Southeast Asia.