Discovering the largest flying birds in the United States by wingspan can be a fascinating experience. From the majestic California Condor to the elegant Green Heron, the United States is home to a diverse range of birds with impressive wingspans.
In this article, we will explore the top 13 largest flying birds in the United States by wingspan, according to AZ Animals. We will also compare these birds to the largest flying bird in the world, the wandering albatross, which has a wingspan of up to 12 feet.
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Top 13 Largest Flying Birds In The United States By Wingspan
California Condor – 9’10″
The California Condor is a remarkable bird, known for its impressive size and unique features. Here are some key facts about this magnificent species:
– Wingspan: The California Condor has the largest wingspan of any North American bird, measuring 9.5 to 10 feet. In some cases, their wingspan can reach up to 11 feet, although these claims remain unverified. The wings are exceptionally long and broad, with long primary feathers giving a fingered look to the wingtips.
– Size: Adult California Condors have a length of 46.1 to 52.8 inches and a weight of 246.9 to 349.2 ounces. The average weight for males is 8.8 kg (19.4 lb), slightly heavier than the average weight for females, which is 8.1 kg (17.9 lb).
– Appearance: The adult California Condor is a uniform black with large triangular patches or bands of white on the underside of the wings. It has gray legs and feet, an ivory-colored bill, a frill of black feathers surrounding the base of the neck, and brownish-red eyes. The juvenile is mostly a mottled dark brown with blackish coloration on the head and mottled gray instead of white on the underside of its flight feathers.
– Flight: Due to their large size, California Condors can be mistaken for small, distant airplanes. Their flight muscles are not anchored by a correspondingly large sternum, which restricts their ability to flap their wings and makes them better suited for soaring.
– Status: California Condors are one of the world’s rarest birds. They were on the brink of extinction in the 1980s, with only 27 individuals remaining in the wild. Through intensive conservation efforts, their population has increased to over 400 individuals today. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other organizations continue to work towards the recovery of this iconic species.
American White Pelican – 9′
The American White Pelican is one of the largest birds in North America, with a wingspan that rivals the California Condor. Here are some key facts about this majestic bird:
– Size: The American White Pelican is a huge waterbird with a wingspan of about 95-120 inches (240-300 cm) . It has a thick body, short legs, and short, square tail. During the breeding season, adults grow an unusual projection or horn on the upper mandible near the tip of the bill. It is considerably larger than a Bald Eagle and smaller than a California Condor.
– Appearance: The American White Pelican is entirely white except for its black-edged wings that are visible in flight. It has a massive bill that gives the head a unique, long shape. Male and female American White Pelicans show off their bright orange bills during courtship.
– Habitat: The American White Pelican breeds in interior North America, moving south and to the coasts, as far as Costa Rica, in winter. It breeds in isolated areas from Manitoba, Canada, and Minnesota west to northern California. During the winter, it spends time along coastal areas in bays, estuaries, and shallow lakes.
– Diet: Unlike the Brown Pelican, the American White Pelican doesn’t dive into the water for its food. It floats on the water and scoops up fish and water in its pouch. It holds its head up and drains out the water and then swallows the fish.
– Behavior: The American White Pelican is a highly gregarious migratory bird that nests in colonies. It is clumsy on land but is a good swimmer and very graceful in flight. American White Pelicans fly in flocks in a long line, with their wings flapping in unison.
The American White Pelican is a fascinating bird to observe, and its size and unique features make it a standout species in North America’s avian population.
Trumpeter Swan – 8’2”
The Trumpeter Swan is a magnificent bird that is native to North America. Here are some key facts about this impressive species:
– Size: The Trumpeter Swan is the largest waterfowl species in North America, with a wingspan of 185 to 304.8 cm (6 ft 2 in to 10 ft). It is also one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, with adult birds weighing between 7 and 13.6 kg (15-30 lb).
– Appearance: The adult Trumpeter Swan has entirely white plumage, with a long neck and a large, stout, black bill. The cygnets have light grey plumage and pinkish legs, gaining their white plumage after about a year.
– Habitat: Trumpeter Swans breed in freshwater wetlands, lakes, and ponds in Alaska, Canada, and the northwestern United States. During the winter, they migrate to the Pacific and southern United States.
– Diet: Trumpeter Swans feed mostly on aquatic plants, but they also eat small fish, insects, and crustaceans. They forage by dipping their heads underwater and using their long necks to reach vegetation on the bottom of lakes and ponds.
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– Status: The Trumpeter Swan was almost driven to extinction in the early 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss. However, conservation efforts have helped the population recover, and the species is now considered a conservation success story.
The Trumpeter Swan is a beautiful and impressive bird that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage.
Magnificent Frigatebird – 8′
The Magnificent Frigatebird is a large seabird that is native to tropical and subtropical waters off the coast of America. Here are some key facts about this impressive bird:
– Size: The Magnificent Frigatebird is the largest species of frigatebird, with a wingspan of 85.4-88.2 inches (217-224 cm) and a length of 35.0-44.9 inches (89-114 cm). It is larger than a Brown Pelican but smaller than an American White Pelican.
– Appearance: The Magnificent Frigatebird has brownish-black plumage, long narrow wings, and a deeply forked tail. The male has a striking red gular sac on its throat, which he inflates like a balloon to attract a mate. The female is slightly larger than the male and has a white breast and belly.
– Habitat: The Magnificent Frigatebird spends most of its life flying effortlessly over the ocean, rarely landing on the water even though it has webbed feet. It occurs over warm waters, usually along the coast but also far offshore at times.
– Diet: Magnificent Frigatebirds feed on fish taken in flight from the ocean’s surface, often flying fish. They also indulge in kleptoparasitism, harassing other birds to force them to regurgitate their food.
– Behavior: Magnificent Frigatebirds are master aerialists that soar effortlessly on tropical breezes with hardly a flap, using their deeply forked tail to steer. They are also pirates of the sky, stealing food from other birds in midair. They tend to take flight later in the afternoon when winds and thermals are greatest, helping keep them aloft.
The Magnificent Frigatebird is a fascinating bird to observe, with its impressive size and unique features making it a standout species in the avian world.
Golden Eagle – 7’7”
The Golden Eagle is a bird of prey that is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Here are some key facts about this impressive species:
– Size: The Golden Eagle is one of the largest birds of prey in North America, with a wingspan of 72.8-86.6 inches (185-220 cm) and a length of 27.6-33.1 inches (70-84 cm). It is about the same size as the Bald Eagle.
– Appearance: Golden Eagles are dark brown, with lighter golden-brown plumage on their napes. Immature eagles of this species typically have white on the tail and often have white markings on the wings. They have a relatively small head and a long tail that projects farther behind than the head sticks out in front.
– Habitat: Golden Eagles are found in open and semi-open habitats, including mountains, tundra, and forests. They are found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
– Diet: Golden Eagles are carnivores that prey mainly on small mammals, such as hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and marmots. They are also known to kill larger mammals like seals, mountain goats, coyotes, badgers, and bobcats. These eagles are also scavengers, feeding on carrion.
– Behavior: Golden Eagles are powerful fliers and skilled hunters, capable of diving upon their prey at speeds of more than 150 miles per hour. They are typically found alone or in pairs and are believed to be monogamous, mating for life. They defend their territory against other Golden Eagles and are known to hunt prey cooperatively during the breeding season.
The Golden Eagle is a magnificent bird of prey that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage.
Sandhill Crane – 7’6”
The Sandhill Crane is a large bird that is native to North America and northeastern Siberia. Here are some key facts about this impressive species:
– Size: Sandhill Cranes are large birds, with a height of 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) and a wingspan of over 5 feet (1.5 meters). They are about the same size as a Great Blue Heron.
– Appearance: Sandhill Cranes are grayish birds with long, thin legs and necks. They have a bright red patch on their forehead and white cheeks. The shade of gray on their feathers can vary widely, and they may appear reddish-brown due to mud on their feathers.
– Habitat: Sandhill Cranes live in open habitats, such as bogs, marshes, and prairies across northern North America and the southeastern United States. During the winter, they form immense flocks in places like Bosque del Apache, New Mexico, and Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Texas. They are non-migratory in Florida.
– Diet: Sandhill Cranes are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They also eat plant material, such as seeds, berries, and roots.
– Behavior: Sandhill Cranes are known for their distinctive bugling calls, which can be heard from miles away. They are monogamous and mate for life, engaging in elaborate courtship dances that involve jumping, running, and wing flapping. Sandhill Cranes build their nests in freshwater ponds and marshes, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
The Sandhill Crane is a fascinating bird that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage.
Whooping Crane – 7’5”
The Whooping Crane is a majestic bird that is native to North America and northeastern Siberia. Here are some key facts about this impressive species:
– Size: The Whooping Crane is the tallest bird in North America, standing up to 5 feet tall and having a wingspan of over 7 feet. It is one of the largest birds in North America and is about the same size as a Great Blue Heron.
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– Appearance: The Whooping Crane has snowy white plumage, a crimson cap, and a long, straight, stout bill. It has a slender body that widens to a plump “bustle” at the tail. The overall appearance of the bird is very elegant and awe-inspiring.
– Habitat: Whooping Cranes live in open habitats, such as bogs, marshes, and prairies across northern North America and the southeastern United States. They migrate between breeding and wintering grounds, with the majority of the population wintering in Texas.
– Diet: Whooping Cranes are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods, including insects, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. They also eat plant material, such as seeds, berries, and roots.
– Behavior: Whooping Cranes are known for their distinctive bugling calls, which can be heard from miles away. They are monogamous and mate for life, engaging in elaborate courtship dances that involve jumping, kicking, head-pumping, and wing-sweeping. They build their nests in freshwater ponds and marshes, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
The Whooping Crane is an endangered species that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage. Despite conservation efforts, habitat loss and other threats continue to impact the species, making it important to continue to protect and conserve this magnificent bird.
Bald Eagle – 7’4”
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America and is the national bird and symbol of the United States. Here are some key facts about this impressive species:
Appearance:
– Adult Bald Eagles have white heads and tails with dark brown bodies and wings.
– Their legs and bills are bright yellow.
– Immature birds have mostly dark heads and tails with mottled brown and white bodies.
Size:
– The Bald Eagle is one of the largest birds in North America, with a wingspan of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a length of 28-38 inches (71-96 cm).
– Female Bald Eagles are slightly larger than males.
Habitat:
– Bald Eagles are found near large bodies of open water, such as lakes, rivers, and coasts.
– They are found throughout much of North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States.
Diet:
– Bald Eagles are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, but they also eat small mammals, birds, and carrion.
– They are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of whatever prey is available.
Behavior:
– Bald Eagles are known for their distinctive white heads and tails, which make them easy to identify.
– They are monogamous and mate for life, building large nests in tall trees near water.
– Bald Eagles are powerful fliers and skilled hunters, capable of diving upon their prey at speeds of more than 150 miles per hour.
The Bald Eagle is an iconic bird that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage. Despite being on the brink of extinction in the 20th century, conservation efforts have helped the population recover, and the species is no longer considered endangered.
Great Blue Heron – 6’6”
The Great Blue Heron is a large wading bird that is common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as far northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. Here are some key facts about this impressive species:
Appearance:
– The Great Blue Heron is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet and a height of up to 5 feet.
– It has a blue-gray coloration, with a black-striped head and a long, pointed bill.
– The head, chest, and wing plumes give the bird a shaggy appearance.
Habitat:
– Great Blue Herons are found near large bodies of open water, such as lakes, rivers, and coasts.
– They are found throughout much of North America, including Alaska, Canada, and the contiguous United States.
Diet:
– Great Blue Herons are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, but they also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
– They are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of whatever prey is available.
Behavior:
– Great Blue Herons are known for their distinctive blue-gray coloration and long, pointed bills.
– They are solitary birds that are often seen standing motionless in shallow water, waiting for prey to come within striking distance.
– Great Blue Herons are skilled hunters and can strike quickly to grab fish or other prey.
The Great Blue Heron is a fascinating bird that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage.
Snowy Egret – 5’6”
The Snowy Egret is a medium-sized, white heron that is native to North, Central, and South America. Here are some key facts about this elegant bird:
Appearance:
– The Snowy Egret has a white body, black legs, and bright yellow feet.
– During the breeding season, it grows filmy, curving plumes that once fetched astronomical prices in the fashion industry, endangering the species.
– It is smaller than the Great Egret but larger than the Cattle Egret.
Size:
– The Snowy Egret is a medium-sized heron with a length of 22.1-26.0 inches (56-66 cm) and a wingspan of 39.4 inches (100 cm).
Habitat:
– Snowy Egrets are found in wetlands of many types, including marshes, riverbanks, lakesides, pools, and salt flats.
– They are present year-round in South America, ranging as far south as Chile and Argentina, and also occur throughout the year in the West Indies, Florida, and coastal regions of North and Central America.
Diet:
– Snowy Egrets are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, but they also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
– They are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of whatever prey is available.
Behavior:
– Snowy Egrets are known for their elegant white plumage, black legs, and brilliant yellow feet.
– They are active hunters and forage in shallow waters, using their feet to stir up or herd small aquatic animals.
– Snowy Egrets are social birds and are often seen in flocks with other wading birds.
The Snowy Egret is a beautiful and graceful bird that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage.
Great Egret – 5’5”
The Great Egret is a large wading bird that is native to North America and is a dazzling sight in many North American wetlands. Here are some key facts about this elegant bird:
Appearance:
– The Great Egret is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 5.5 feet and a height of up to 3.3 feet.
– It has a white body, black legs, and a long, slender, yellow bill.
– During the breeding season, it grows filmy, curving plumes that once fetched astronomical prices in the fashion industry, endangering the species.
Habitat:
– Great Egrets are found in wetlands of many types, including marshes, riverbanks, lakesides, pools, and salt flats.
– They are present year-round in South America, ranging as far south as Chile and Argentina, and also occur throughout the year in the West Indies, Florida, and coastal regions of North and Central America.
Diet:
– Great Egrets are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, but they also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
– They are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of whatever prey is available.
Behavior:
– Great Egrets are known for their elegant white plumage, black legs, and long, slender yellow bill.
– They are active hunters and forage in shallow waters, using their feet to stir up or herd small aquatic animals.
– Great Egrets are social birds and are often seen in flocks with other wading birds.
The Great Egret is a beautiful and graceful bird that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage.
Black-crowned Night Heron – 4’8”
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a medium-sized heron found throughout a large part of the world, including parts of Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Here are some key facts about this bird:
Appearance:
– The Black-crowned Night Heron has a black crown and back with the remainder of the body white or gray.
– It has red eyes, short yellow legs, and pale gray wings.
– Two or three long white plumes, erected in greeting and courtship displays, extend from the back of the head.
– The sexes are similar in appearance, although the males are slightly larger.
Size:
– The Black-crowned Night Heron is a medium-sized heron with a length of 22.8-26.0 inches (58-66 cm) and a wingspan of 45.3-46.5 inches (115-118 cm).
– It weighs between 1.5 and 2.2 pounds (727 and 1014 grams).
Habitat:
– Black-crowned Night Herons are found in wetlands of many types, including marshes, riverbanks, lakesides, pools, and salt flats.
– They are present year-round in South America, ranging as far south as Chile and Argentina, and also occur throughout the year in the West Indies, Florida, and coastal regions of North and Central America.
Diet:
– Black-crowned Night Herons are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, but they also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
– They are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of whatever prey is available.
Behavior:
– Black-crowned Night Herons are most active at night or at dusk, when they may be seen flying out to foraging grounds.
– They spend much of the day hunched among leaves and branches at the water’s edge.
– Black-crowned Night Herons are social birds and are often seen in flocks with other wading birds.
The Black-crowned Night Heron is a common species found in wetlands across North America, although they may be harder to spot than other herons due to their nocturnal habits.
Green Heron – 3’4”
The Green Heron is a small heron found in North and Central America, as well as parts of South America. Here are some key facts about this bird:
Appearance:
– The Green Heron has a greenish-black cap, a greenish back, and wings that are grey-black grading into green or blue.
– It has a chestnut neck with a white line down the front, grey underparts, and short yellow legs.
– The bill is dark with a long, sharp point.
– Female adults tend to be smaller than males, and have duller and lighter plumage, particularly in the breeding season.
Size:
– The Green Heron is a small heron with a length of about 17 inches (44 cm) and a wingspan of about 26 inches (66 cm).
– It weighs between 8.5 and 9.3 ounces (240 and 264 grams).
Habitat:
– Green Herons are found in wetlands of many types, including marshes, riverbanks, lakesides, pools, and salt flats.
– They are present year-round in South America, ranging as far south as Chile and Argentina, and also occur throughout the year in the West Indies, Florida, and coastal regions of North and Central America.
Diet:
– Green Herons are carnivores and feed mainly on fish, but they also eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
– They are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of whatever prey is available.
Behavior:
– Green Herons are known for their greenish-black cap and greenish back, as well as their short yellow legs and long, sharp bill.
– They are active hunters and forage in shallow waters, using their feet to stir up or herd small aquatic animals.
– Green Herons are often concealed in vegetation or at the edges of wetlands, making them harder to spot than other herons.
The Green Heron is a small but striking bird that is an important part of North America’s natural heritage.
FAQS
1. What is the largest flying bird in the United States by wingspan?
The California Condor is the largest flying bird in the United States by wingspan, with a wingspan of 9’10”.
2. What is the second-largest flying bird in the United States by wingspan?
The American White Pelican is the second-largest flying bird in the United States by wingspan, with a wingspan of 9 feet.
3. What is the third-largest flying bird in the United States by wingspan?
The Trumpeter Swan is the third-largest flying bird in the United States by wingspan, with a wingspan of 8’2″.
4. Are any of these birds endangered?
Yes, the California Condor is an endangered species.
5. Where can I see these birds in the wild?
These birds can be found in various habitats across the United States, including wetlands, coasts, and open water. Specific locations where they can be seen include Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas, and the Salton Sea in California.
6. What is the largest flying bird in the world?
The largest flying bird in the world by wingspan is the wandering albatross, with a wingspan of up to 12.1 feet.
7. Are there any other large flying birds in the world?
Yes, there are many other large flying birds in the world, including the great white pelican, southern royal albatross, and marabou stork.
8. How do these birds fly for such long periods of time?
Many large flying birds, such as the wandering albatross and Andean condor, are able to soar and glide for long periods of time by taking advantage of wind currents in the atmosphere.
Source: https://petstutorial.com
Category: Birds
