The Largest Flying Bird Varies by Wingspan, Height and Weight

Albatross species tend to have the largest wingspan of any flying bird, but this sarus crane is the tallest of the bunch. copyright (C) Varadonn Buarapha / Getty Images

Flightless species of birds (such as ostriches, which are the largest living birds) tend to outsize any of the largest birds in the sky. Bigger sizes, while a liability in the air, can keep flightless birds safer on land.

But the largest flying birds can still get really big! Here, we look at different measures of "big": wingspan, weight and height.

7 Flying Birds With the Largest Wingspan

1. Wandering Albatross (12 feet)

The wandering albatross is the bird species with the largest wingspan, stretching up to 12 feet (3.66 meters). This majestic albatross species is known for its ability to glide effortlessly over vast oceans.

2. Andean Condor (10.5 feet)

The Andean condor, a member of the vulture family, has a wingspan of up to 10.5 feet (3.20 meters). Found in the mountains of Central and South America, it uses thermal currents to soar for hours while searching for dead animals to feed on.

3. Royal Albatross (10 feet)

Royal albatrosses.
Richard McManus / Getty Images

The royal albatross has a wingspan of up to 10 feet (3.05 meters). These birds are also renowned for their long-distance flights over open seas.

4. Dalmatian Pelican (9.5 feet)

The Dalmatian pelican's wingspan can reach up to 9.5 feet (2.90 meters), making it one of the largest flying birds in Europe and Asia. These birds use their massive wings to glide over wetlands and lakes.

5. Great White Pelican (9 feet)

The great white pelican boasts a wingspan of up to 9 feet (2.74 meters). This bird species uses its broad wings to soar gracefully over water in search of fish.

6. Marabou Stork (8.9 feet)

The marabou stork, native to Africa, has a wingspan of up to 8.9 feet (2.71 meters). Known for its scavenging habits, it often competes with vultures for carrion.

7. Siberian Crane (8.5 feet)

The Siberian crane's wingspan can reach 8.5 feet (2.59 meters). This elegant bird is one of the most endangered crane species in the world.

7 Heaviest Flying Birds

1. Kori Bustard (44 pounds)

The kori bustard, native to Africa, is the heaviest flying bird, weighing up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms).

2. Great Bustard (40 pounds)

The great bustard, found in Europe and Asia, weighs up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms). These birds are also among the largest extant species of flying birds.

3. Trumpeter Swan (33 pounds)

The trumpeter swan is the heaviest flying bird in North America, with some weighing up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms). These majestic birds are known for their loud, resonant calls.

4. Mute Swan (31 pounds)

Mute swans can weigh up to 31 pounds (14 kilograms). These birds are known for their grace and beauty, with their all-white plumage and long, graceful necks.

5. Andean Condor (30 pounds)

The Andean condor, in addition to its massive wingspan, can weigh up to 30 pounds (13.6 kilograms). In Andean culture, these condors symbolize strength, freedom and connection to the mountains.

6. Dalmatian Pelican (29 pounds)

The Dalmatian pelican also ranks among the heaviest flying birds, with a weight of up to 29 pounds (13.1 kilograms).

7. Wandering Albatross (26 pounds)

The wandering albatross, while best known for its wingspan, can weigh up to 26 pounds (11.8 kilograms), making it one of the biggest flying birds overall.

7 Tallest Flying Birds

1. Sarus Crane (5.9 feet)

Sarus cranes.
Vu Tuong Chieu / Getty Images

The sarus crane holds the title of the tallest flying bird, standing up to 5.9 feet (1.80 meters) tall. These elegant birds are native to wetlands in South Asia and Australia.

2. Whooping Crane (5 feet)

The whooping crane, native to North America, reaches a height of 5 feet (1.52 meters). It's known for striking white plumage and a tall stature.

3. Siberian Crane (4.9 feet)

The Siberian crane, standing around 4.9 feet (1.50 meters) tall, is another tall and graceful crane species, primarily found in Central Asia, northern China and parts of Siberia.

4. Andean Condor (4.3 feet)

The Andean condor has a height of up to 4.3 feet (1.31 meters).

5. Dalmatian Pelican (4.2 feet)

The Dalmatian pelican stands about 4.2 feet (1.28 meters) tall.

6. Marabou Stork (4 feet)

The marabou stork can reach a height of 4 feet (1.22 meters). Known for its scavenging behavior, it is a familiar sight across the savannas of Africa.

7. Great Blue Heron (3.9 feet)

The great blue heron stands about 3.9 feet (1.19 meters) tall. This bird is found across North America and is known for its striking silhouette, as it wades through shallow waters.

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