14 Largest Flying Birds In The World (Rank By Wingspan)

In this article, we will explore the 14 largest flying birds in the world by wingspan. Some of these birds are known for their grace and beauty, while others are not as well-known but just as impressive in size. Let’s take a look at the list, below.

Largest Flying Birds In The World

Wandering Albatross – 12.1 Feet (3.7 m) Wingspan

The wandering albatross is the largest seabird in the world, with a wingspan of up to 12.1 feet (3.7 meters). These magnificent birds can fly for thousands of miles without stopping, and they often travel more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) a day. Wandering albatrosses feed on squid, fish, and other marine creatures, and dive to a depth of approximately one meter. 

These birds are also known for their impressive courtship rituals. Male and female albatrosses perform an elaborate dance together, locking their necks together as they spin around. After mating, the male albatross will take care of the eggs and chicks until they are able to fly on their own.

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Great White Pelican – 11.8 Feet  (3.6 m) Wingspan

The great white pelican is one of the world’s largest birds, with a wingspan of up to 3.6 m (11.8 ft) and a weight of up to 10 kg (22 lb). It is a large, white bird with a pointed bill, black legs and webbed feet. The male has a long, curved neck and bill, while the female has a shorter neck and bill. The great white pelican is found in Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia.

It breeds in colonies near lakes or rivers, making a platform nest of sticks. The female lays 3-8 eggs, which are incubated for about 30 days. The young chicks are fed by both parents until they are able to fish for themselves. Great white pelicans are mainly herbivorous, feeding on fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects.

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Southern Royal Albatross – 11.5 Feet (3.5 m) Wingspan

The Southern Royal Albatross is a large seabird that is found in the Southern Hemisphere. This bird has a wingspan of 3.51 meters or 11.5 feet, and it is the second-largest albatross in the world. The Southern Royal Albatross feeds on fish, squid, and crustaceans.

These birds are monogamous and they form lifelong pairs. The eggs of the Southern Royal Albatross are incubated for about two months, and the chicks take about six months to fledge. These birds are considered to be at risk of extinction due to their declining population size.

Dalmatian Pelican – 11.5 Feet (3.5 m) Wingspan

Dalmatian Pelicans are known as the largest members of the pelican family. They weigh up to 14 kg (33 lbs) and have a wingspan of up to 3.51 m (11.5 ft). They are found in coastal areas around the world, but prefer open water where they can dive for fish. Dalmatian Pelicans are usually monogamous and build nests together using sticks and grasses.

The female lays 1-6 eggs, which both parents incubate for about 30-34 days. The chicks fledge at about 85 days old, but stay with their parents for another few months before becoming fully independent.

Tristan Albatross – 11.4 Feet (3.5 m) Wingspan

The Tristan albatross is a large seabird that breeds on the Gough and Inaccessible Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the largest members of the albatross family, with a wingspan of up to 3.5 m (11.4 ft) and a weight of up to 7.5 kg (16.5 lb). The plumage is mainly white apart from the black tips of the wings, tail and head. The sexes are similar in appearance, but juveniles are browner with paler underparts.

The Tristan albatross feeds on squid, fish and crustaceans, which it catches by plunge-diving from heights of up to 30 m (100 ft). It nests in colonies on cliffs, laying one egg per breeding season. The chick is fed by both parents and takes about nine months to fledge.

Amsterdam Albatross – 11.2 Feet (3.4 m) Wingspan

The Amsterdam Albatross is a critically endangered seabird that can be found near the coast of Amsterdam. This bird has a wingspan of 3.4 m (11.2 ft) and can weigh up to 8.2 kg (18 lbs). The Amsterdam Albatross feeds on fish, squid, and crustaceans, and typically nests on offshore islands.

Unfortunately, the Amsterdam Albatross is threatened by loss of habitat, accidental capture by fishing nets, and climate change. This bird nests on offshore islands and lays just one egg. The Amsterdam Albatross is considered to be a vulnerable species due to its declining population.

Antipodean Albatross – 10.8 Feet (3.3 m) Wingspan

The Antipodean Albatross is the fifth-largest albatross in the world, with a wingspan of up to 3.3 m or 10.8-feet, and it weighs up to 8.5 kilograms or 18.7 pounds. It can be found throughout parts of the Southern Hemisphere, from Australia and New Zealand to South America. These birds are known for their efficient flying style and can stay airborne for hours at a time.

They eat mostly fish and squid, but will also consume other marine animals like crustaceans and jellyfish. Antipodean Albatrosses nest in colonies on offshore islands, where they lay one or two eggs at a time.

Andean Condor – 10.8 Feet (3.3 m) Wingspan

The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is a South American bird of prey. It is the largest flying bird in the world by wingspan. Adult males have a wingspan of 3.3 m (10.8 ft) and weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb). Females are slightly smaller, with a wingspan of 3 m (9.8 ft) and a weight of up to 12 kg (26 lb).

The plumage is black, with a white neck collar and contrasting white patches on the wings. The beak and feet are also black. The Andean Condor is found in mountainous regions from Venezuela to Argentina. It feeds mainly on carrion, but will also take live prey such as rabbits, guanacos, or sheep. It has been known to attack livestock and even humans on occasion.

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Northern Royal Albatross – 10.5 Feet (3.2 m) Wingspan

The Northern Royal Albatross is among the largest seabirds worldwide. It has a wingspan of up to 3.2 m or 10.5 feet and can weigh up to 8.2 kg or 18 pounds. These birds are found in the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, typically near coastlines and in open water.

They eat fish, squid, and crustaceans. Northern Royal Albatrosses breed on small islands, laying one egg at a time. The chicks stay with their parents for about six months, learning how to fly and hunt for food.

Marabou Stork – 10.5 Feet (3.2 m) Wingspan

The marabou stork is a large, mostly bald bird found in Africa. It has a wingspan of up to 3.2 m or 10.5 feet and can weigh up to 9 kg or 20 lbs. The marabou stork is a scavenger, feeding mainly on carrion, but it will also eat small animals and insects.

It is considered a pest by some farmers because it often digs through garbage looking for food. The marabou stork is not typically considered to be a threatened species, but it is declining in numbers due to habitat loss.

Cinereous Vulture – 10.2 Feet (3.1 m) Wingspan

The Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) is a large Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae. Also referred to as the monk vulture, Eurasian black vulture, or black vulture. It is a resident breeder in southeastern Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Pakistan.

This species is on average the largest Old World vulture, with a wingspan of 3.1 m (10.2 ft) and weight of up to 14 kg (31 lb). Populations are declining due to poisoning, hunting and disturbance.

Himalayan Griffon Vulture – 10.2 Feet (3.1 m) Wingspan

The Himalayan griffon vulture is a critically endangered bird that is found in the high altitude areas of the Himalayas. It has a wingspan of 3.1 meters or 10.2 feet and is one of the oldest largest vulture in the world. The Himalayan vulture feeds on carrion and is known for its keen sense of smell.

It mates for life and builds large nests out of sticks. There are only an estimated 2,500-3,000 Himalayan vultures remaining in the wild, and they are threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and electrocution from power lines.

Trumpeter Swan – 10.2 Feet (3.1 m) Wingspan

The largest waterfowl in North America is the trumpeter swan. These birds have a wingspan of 3.1 meters (10.2 feet) and can weigh up to 17.2 kilograms (38 pounds). The trumpeter swan is easily identified by its white plumage, long neck, and large black bill. Trumpeter swans nest in the northern United States and Canada, where they feed on aquatic plants.

During winter, these birds migrate to southern states and Mexico, where they forage for food in shallow water. The trumpeter swan has long been considered a conservation success. In the early 1900s, there were only about 70 trumpeter swans in the wild. Today, there are now more than 30,000 individuals worldwide.

California Condor – 10 Feet (3.05 m) Wingspan

The California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is a North American vulture, the largest member of the New World vultures. These birds have a wingspan of up to 3.1 m (10 ft) and weigh up to 14.1 kg (31 lb). They are among the world’s longest-living birds, with a lifespan of up to 60 years. The California condor is a scavenger, feeding mainly on carrion. It prefers big carcasses such as cattle or deer.

It lives in rugged mountainous terrain where cliffs provide nesting sites and isolation from humans and other predators. Condors breed once every two years, laying one or two eggs in a stick nest. The young are precocial and can fly within six months. However, they remain with their parents for up to a year after fledging.

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