The Largest Bird of Prey: Tallest, Heaviest and Widest Wingspan

The Andean condor is the largest bird of prey by wingspan, height and weight. BearFotos / Shutterstock

The largest bird of prey is a raptor that dominates the air with its massive wingspan, incredible strength and razor-sharp talons. The biggest birds aren't just impressive because of their size; they're also some of the most powerful predators in the avian world, from the highest peaks of South America to the vast forests of Asia.

Birds of prey are crucial to ecosystems, helping control populations of other birds, mammals and even dead animals. Let's take a look at some of the biggest of the big.

5 Largest Birds of Prey by Wingspan

Learn more about the world's biggest bird by wingspan.

1. Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)

With a wingspan of up to 10.5 feet (3.2 meters), the Andean condor holds the title for the largest flying bird by wingspan. This New World vulture soars over the Andes mountains and across South America.

2. California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

California condors.
Doug Steakley / Getty Images

The California condor, North America's largest bird, has an impressive wingspan of 9.5 feet (2.9 meters). Once nearly extinct, this endangered species has made a comeback thanks to conservation efforts, though it still faces threats from habitat destruction and lead poisoning.

3. Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)

This massive eagle — found in Russia and Japan — boasts a wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.44 meters). Steller's sea eagle primarily preys on fish along coastal waters.

4. White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

Europe's largest eagle, the white-tailed eagle, has a wingspan of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters). This Old World vulture relative soars over lakes and coastal regions in search of fish and seabirds.

5. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The national bird of the United States, the bald eagle has a wingspan that ranges between 5.5 and 8 feet (1.7 and 2.4 meters). These majestic raptors have keen eyesight and powerful hunting abilities, snatching fish straight out of the water.

5 Heaviest Birds of Prey

Some of the largest birds of prey are also the heaviest. These are the largest living bird of prey by weight.

1. Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)

Not just the largest by wingspan but also one of the heaviest, the Andean condor can weigh up to 33 pounds (14.97 kilograms). These scavengers rely on their size to intimidate other birds away from carcasses.

2. Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)

Weighing between 13 and 20 pounds (5.9 and 9.1 kilograms), this eagle is a true behemoth among living bird species. With its powerful beak and talons, it dominates its coastal hunting grounds.

3. Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja)

The harpy eagle, found in Central and South America, can weigh 13 to 19 pounds (5.9 to 9.1 kilograms). With its massive talons, it hunts large prey like monkeys and sloths in the rainforest canopy.

4. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)

The Philippine eagle is one of the heaviest eagles at around 10 to 18 pounds (4.5 to 8.2 kilograms). This critically endangered species is the national bird of the Philippines.

5. White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)

Another heavy hitter, the white-tailed eagle can weigh 6.8 and 15.2 pounds (3.1 and 6.9 kilograms). This sea eagle is a powerful hunter, snatching fish and waterbirds from the surface with ease.

5 Tallest Birds of Prey

These birds tower over the rest.

1. Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)

Standing at up to 4 feet (1.22 meters) tall, the Andean condor tops the list of the tallest flying birds. Its impressive height and broad wings make it a formidable presence in the skies.

2. Steller's Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)

Another towering giant, the Steller's sea eagle stands around 3 feet (0.9 meters) to 3 feet, 4 inches (1 meter) tall. Its enormous size and bright yellow beak make it one of the most visually striking raptors.

3. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)

At about 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall, the Philippine eagle is one of the tallest eagle species in the world.

4. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

One of the most widely distributed raptors, the golden eagle ranges between 2.3 and 2.76 feet (0.7 to 0.8 meters) tall. This powerful hunter has keen eyesight and can spot prey from great distances.

5. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

At just about 2.5 feet (0.8 meters) tall, the bald eagle may not be the largest, but it's certainly one of the most famous. It uses its sharp talons and powerful beak to capture fish, making it an efficient apex predator.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.