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When you think of birds, the first thing that probably comes to mind is their ability to fly. However, not all birds have this ability, and there are some notable examples of what bird can’t fly. Some birds have evolved in ways that make flying unnecessary or even impossible. These flightless birds are fascinating in their own right, each with unique adaptations that help them survive in their specific environments. Let’s explore the top 10 flightless birds you should know about.
Key Takeaways
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Not all birds can fly; some have evolved to live without this ability.
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Flightless birds have unique adaptations that help them survive in their environments.
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The ostrich is the largest and heaviest flightless bird.
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Many flightless birds are found on isolated islands with few predators.
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Flightless birds include species like the ostrich, emu, cassowary, kiwi, and more.
1. Ostrich
The ostrich is probably the most well-known flightless bird worldwide. Did you know that the ostrich is the heaviest bird on land? With an average weight of 90 – 130 kg, it’s no surprise that these birds can’t fly!
However, the ostrich compensates for its lack of flight skills with its impressive running capabilities. Ostriches have mighty legs, which help them sprint up to 43 miles per hour in short bursts or maintain a constant speed of around 31 miles per hour.
But if they don’t fly, why do ostriches have wings? Well, ostriches use their wings to display power and attract a mate. Ostriches will lift their wings and tail feathers to show dominance and scare off competition or droop them to show submission when around a mate. Furthermore, an ostrich will also use its wings to maintain balance when they run.
Ostriches are well adapted to living in open grasslands and savannas. They utilize their running skills to escape the few predators that can catch them, like lions and hyenas.
Interestingly, ostriches have tiny brains relative to their large bodies – just 0.02% of their weight! However, their specialized ecology minimizes the need for complex intelligence.
In the breeding season, male ostriches develop brilliant black and white plumage and can defend their mating territory aggressively. Females lay over a dozen eggs in a communal nest on the ground, sometimes sharing parenting duties with other females.
The ostrich is an iconic African flightless bird and the largest living species today. Key features include: Size: Up to 9 feet tall and over 300 pounds. Males have black and white plumage, while females are gray-brown. Speed: Top running speed of just over 43 mph, covering 16 feet in a single stride! Eyes: Their eyes, with a 2-inch diameter, are the largest of any land animal. Excellent vision aids their running. Wings: Small, strong wings act as rudders to change direction rapidly while running. Legs: Powerful long legs have adapted for high-speed, sustained running. Feet: Two-toed feet give them exceptional balance and turning capability at speed.
2. Emu
The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is the second-largest living bird by height, right after the ostrich. Native to Australia, these birds have evolved to be flightless due to changes in their wing structure over time. Their wings have become small and are not suitable for flying.
Emus are known for their impressive running abilities, reaching speeds of up to 31 mph. This makes them excellent runners capable of escaping predators on the ground. Their long legs and strong muscles help them cover large distances quickly.
Evolutionary Adaptations
The Emu’s flightlessness results from evolutionary changes. During embryonic development, certain genes responsible for wing growth are expressed differently compared to flying birds. This altered gene expression leads to the development of small, non-functional wings.
Habitat and Behavior
Emus are found in various habitats across Australia, including forests, savannas, and grasslands. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plants and insects. Emus are also known for their curious nature, often approaching humans out of curiosity.
Emus have adapted to their environment by becoming excellent runners, allowing them to thrive despite their inability to fly.
Interesting Facts
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Emus are part of the ratite group, which includes other flightless birds like ostriches, rheas, and kiwis.
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They have a unique way of cooling down by panting, similar to dogs.
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Emus are essential to the ecosystem as they help disperse seeds through their droppings.
3. Cassowary
The cassowary is a large, flightless bird native to New Guinea and northern Australia. There are three types: the southern cassowary, the north cassowary, and the dwarf cassowary. Cassowaries are the only member of the family Casuariidae. These birds are usually all black as adults, but females are larger and more colorful than males.
Cassowaries are the second heaviest birds in the world, only behind the ostrich. Their powerful legs allow them to run as fast as 31 miles per hour. Their middle toes have dagger-like claws that can grow up to four inches long and can inflict serious injuries. Despite being flightless, their strong legs make them formidable fighters against predators.
The cassowary has a unique casque on its head made of keratin, which may be used to clear through rainforest underbrush, reveal age or dominance, or help make resonant sounds. This casque, along with their colorful helmets, gives them a distinctive appearance.
Often labeled the world’s most dangerous bird, the cassowary has been known to inflict fatal wounds.
Cassowaries are generally shy and prefer to stay hidden in the forest. However, those who are habituated to humans can be more aggressive. Their flightlessness is a result of evolutionary changes that traded flight feathers for more muscular legs, making them excellent forest roamers.
4. Kiwi

The Kiwi, scientifically known as Apteryx, is a unique flightless bird native to New Zealand. This nocturnal bird has adapted to its environment in fascinating ways. One of the most notable features of the Kiwi is its nostrils located at the end of its beak, which gives it an exceptional sense of smell.
Kiwis are small, grayish-brown birds about the size of a chicken. Their tiny wings are almost invisible among their loose feathers, making them incapable of flight. Instead, they traverse the forest floor, using their strong legs to move around.
Interestingly, the name “Kiwi” is a Maori word that refers to the shrill call of the male. These birds are related to the extinct moas and have evolved without the need for flight due to the lack of land predators in New Zealand before humans arrived.
The Kiwi’s unique adaptations, such as its strong sense of smell and nocturnal habits, make it a remarkable example of evolution in isolation.
Kiwis are omnivores, feeding on small invertebrates like worms, lice, and snails and plant matter such as leaves and fruit. They can live up to 50 years, although their population is threatened by introduced predators like cats and stoats.
5. Rhea
The Rhea is a large, flightless bird native to South America. It belongs to the family Rheidae and is closely related to the ostrich. There are two main species: the Greater Rhea and the Lesser Rhea.
Physical Characteristics
Rheas have long legs and necks, similar to ostriches, but they are generally smaller. The Greater Rhea can reach up to 5 feet in height, while the Lesser Rhea stands about 3 feet tall. Their wings are small and not suited for flight, but they use them for balance while running.
Habitat and Behavior
Rheas are found in open grasslands and pampas of South America. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plants, seeds, and insects. These birds are known for their speed and can run up to 37 mph to escape predators.
Reproduction
During the breeding season, male rheas build nests on the ground and attract multiple females. Each female lays her eggs in the nest, and the male incubates the eggs and raises the chicks.
The Rhea’s wings stand frozen in time, but its legs race across South America’s plains.
Conservation Status
The Rhea faces threats from habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these unique birds and their habitats.
6. Kakapo

The Kakapo, also known as the owl parrot, is a unique bird native to New Zealand. It is the world’s only flightless parrot and is critically endangered. This nocturnal bird has strong legs that allow it to climb trees and ‘parachute’ down by spreading its wings.
Unique Characteristics
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The Kakapo is the heaviest parrot in the world, weighing up to 6 kg (13 pounds).
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It has moss-colored green-and-brown feathers, which help it blend into its forest habitat.
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Despite being flightless, it can climb trees and leap down using its wings to glide.
Conservation Status
In the 1970s, the kakapo was thought to be extinct. However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the population has slowly increased. As of now, there are about 252 Kakapos left.
The Kakapo’s survival depends heavily on human intervention and conservation programs.
Interesting Facts
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The Kakapo has a long lifespan, living up to 60 years or more.
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It is nocturnal and has a keen sense of smell, which is unusual for birds.
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The Kakapo’s strong legs are adapted for climbing rather than flying.
The Kakapo’s story is a testament to the importance of conservation efforts in preserving unique species.
7. Inaccessible Island Rail

The Inaccessible Island Rail (Atlantisia rogersi) is the smallest flightless bird in the world. It is found only on Inaccessible Island, part of the Tristan da Cunha archipelago in the South Atlantic. This tiny bird measures just six inches in length and has adapted to a life without flight.
The rail’s ancestors likely flew from South America to Inaccessible Island around 1.5 million years ago. Over time, they lost the ability to fly due to the lack of predators and the abundance of food on the island. Today, the Inaccessible Island Rail thrives in the island’s grasslands and fern-brush areas, feeding on insects, worms, and seeds.
Despite its name, the Inaccessible Island Rail is not entirely safe. The introduction of predators, such as rats, could pose a significant threat to its population. Currently, the island is a nature reserve, and conservation efforts are in place to protect this unique species.
The Inaccessible Island Rail is a living example of how isolation can lead to remarkable evolutionary changes.
Estimates suggest that about 8,400 individuals live on the island, which is likely the maximum the habitat can support. The rail’s limited range makes it vulnerable, but ongoing conservation efforts aim to ensure its survival.
8. Galapagos Flightless Cormorant

The Galapagos Flightless Cormorant, also known as Phalacrocorax harrisi, is a unique bird found only on the Galapagos Islands. It is the world’s only flightless cormorant, making it a fascinating subject when asking, “What bird can’t fly?” This bird is endemic to the coasts of Fernandina and Isabela Islands, where it has adapted to a life without flight.
Physical Characteristics
The flightless cormorant has small wings that are about one-third the size needed for flight. These stubby wings clearly indicate how long ago the bird gave up flying. Instead, it uses its powerful legs to swim and dive for food, often venturing up to 300 feet from the shore.
Habitat and Behavior
This bird nests on shingle or lava outcrops and breeds near the coldest waters of the Galapagos. With an estimated population of just 1,500 individuals, it is one of the rarest birds in the world. The population can fluctuate due to environmental changes like El Niño or volcanic eruptions.
Conservation Status
The flightless cormorant is listed as vulnerable, partly because it is found only on two islands. It faces threats from storms and introduced predators like cats and dogs. Conservation efforts are crucial for its survival, including measures to prevent fishing with nets around its foraging range.
The flightless cormorant is a living testament to evolution’s creative license, adapting to a life without flight in an environment with few natural predators.
Interesting Facts
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The flightless cormorant is the heaviest of the cormorant species.
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Females can breed up to three times a year, allowing for quick recovery from environmental disasters.
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It uses its tiny wings to help balance while swimming and to dry off after a dive.
When considering what to do with a bird that can’t fly, it’s essential to focus on conservation and protection efforts to ensure these unique birds continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
9. Takahe
The South Island Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) is a large, flightless bird native to New Zealand. This bird was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1948. Today, it remains a symbol of conservation efforts, although it faces challenges due to its limited genetic diversity.
Takahe are notable for their vibrant blue, red, and green colors. They are the largest living rail in the world, standing about 25 inches tall. These birds are territorial and prefer alpine grasslands, where they feed on tussocks and sedges. During winter, they move to forests to eat underground rhizomes.
Despite their size, Takahe has short wings that they use for displays rather than flight. Conservationists are working hard to protect this species, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining. Efforts include managing captive populations and relocating birds to predator-free islands.
The Takahe’s story is a reminder of the importance of conservation and the challenges faced by species with limited genetic diversity.
10. Falkland Islands Steamer Duck
The Falkland Islands Steamer Duck, known scientifically as Tachyeres brachypterous, is one of only two birds native to the Falkland Islands. It is also one of three out of four steamer duck species that cannot fly. This bird gets its name from its unique way of moving on water, which was first noted by Charles Darwin in 1833. Darwin observed that these ducks use their wings to paddle and splash on the water’s surface, resembling a steamboat.
The Falkland Islands Steamer Duck is difficult to tell apart from its flying relatives, as they share the same habitat. However, even flying steamer ducks rarely go into the air. These ducks are known for their aggressive behavior, especially when defending their territory. Fights between males can be brutal and last up to 20 minutes, often involving the female as well.
The Falkland Islands Steamer Duck is a fascinating example of how species adapt to their environments, trading flight for other survival skills.
Conclusion
Flightless birds are a fascinating group of creatures that show us how diverse and adaptable nature can be. From the towering ostrich to the tiny Inaccessible Island rail, these birds have found unique ways to survive without taking to the skies. While they may not soar above us, their stories of adaptation and survival are just as inspiring. Whether it’s through solid legs for running or specialized skills for swimming, each flightless bird has carved out its niche in the world. As we continue to learn more about these incredible birds, we gain a deeper appreciation for the variety and resilience of life on Earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a bird flightless?
Birds can become flightless due to evolution. Over time, they may lose the ability to fly because they live in places with no predators or where flying isn’t necessary for survival.
Which is the largest flightless bird?
The ostrich is the largest flightless bird. It can weigh between 200 to 300 pounds and stand up to 9 feet tall.
Can flightless birds run fast?
Yes, some flightless birds are speedy runners. Ostriches, for example, can run up to 45 miles per hour.
Why did some birds lose the ability to fly?
Some birds lost the ability to fly because they didn’t need to escape from predators, while others found it easier to find food on the ground or in the water.
Are penguins considered flightless birds?
Yes, penguins are flightless birds. They use their wings to swim underwater instead of flying.
Where can you find the Kiwi bird?
Kiwi birds are native to New Zealand. They are nocturnal and have a strong sense of smell.
What is unique about the Kakapo?
The Kakapo is a flightless parrot from New Zealand. It’s nocturnal and one of the world’s heaviest parrots.
Are all flightless birds endangered?
Not all flightless birds are endangered, but many are at risk due to habitat loss and introduced predators.