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Which Birds are Flightless?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A number of bird species lost the ability to fly as they evolved, and about 40 flightless bird species exist currently. Most of these birds survived because they were in isolated areas with minimal predators, and many of them are being preserved through conservation programs, because they became close to being extinct. New Zealand and Australia both have a large number of flightless bird species, and some birds have also been found on remote islands and in parts of Africa and South America.

The size of a flightless bird can vary. The ostrich, for example, is the largest bird in the world, weighing in around 200 pounds (90 kilograms). The smallest flightless bird is the Inaccessible Island Rail, found in the Tristan Archipelago in the South Atlantic and weighing a little more than an ounce (30 grams). In a bid with the ability to fly, the breastbone has a large projecting keel, a bone to which flight muscles can be attached. Flightless birds have much less developed breastbones, and tend also to have vestigial wings.

Penguins are flightless birds.
Penguins are flightless birds.

The most famous living flightless bird group includes the ratites, all of which lack a keel altogether. Ostriches, emus, rheas, kiwis, and cassowaries are ratites. Emus, kiwis, and cassowaries can be found in Australia, New Zealand, and New Guinea, respectively, while rheas are native to South America and ostriches live in Africa. The ratites are among the largest of the flightless bird species, and they have well developed muscular legs with heavy claws to kick, claw, and defend themselves with.

The emu is cultivated for its meat, eggs, and feathers.
The emu is cultivated for its meat, eggs, and feathers.

The penguin, another flightless bird, can be found in many nations, and certain species of duck, teal, grebe, rail, and cormorant are also flightless. Many of these species are found in limited ranges on small islands which are often difficult to access. New Zealand boasts a large number of these species, along with the unique kakapo, the only flightless parrot, which also happens to be nocturnal. In addition, New Zealand hosts a small colony of takahe, another unique flightless bird which was thought to be extinct until 1948, when a small colony was found by a man who was out hiking.

Kiwi birds are the national bird of New Zealand.
Kiwi birds are the national bird of New Zealand.

Some flightless birds, such as the emu, are cultivated for their meat, eggs, or feathers. Because of their less developed breasts, the majority of the meat on flightless birds is found in their thighs. Emus also also raised for their oil, which is used as a moisturizer and leather conditioner. Emu oil is also believed to have other health benefits, and is widely available in many natural food stores.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some examples of flightless birds?

Ostriches are the largest known living birds.
Ostriches are the largest known living birds.

Flightless birds include species like the ostrich, emu, cassowary, rhea, kiwi, and various types of penguins. The ostrich, native to Africa, is the largest and heaviest bird, while the kiwi, found in New Zealand, is notable for its small size and nocturnal habits. Penguins, adapted to aquatic life, are primarily found in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why can't these birds fly?

Flightlessness in birds typically results from evolutionary adaptations to their environments. For instance, the ostrich's large body and strong legs are suited for running rather than flying, which is advantageous in open habitats like savannas. Similarly, penguins have evolved flippers for swimming instead of wings for flying, making them excellent divers and swimmers in their marine ecosystems.

Are all flightless birds similar in size and habitat?

No, flightless birds vary greatly in size and habitat. The ostrich, which can weigh over 300 pounds, inhabits African savannas, while the much smaller kiwi lives in the forests of New Zealand. Penguins range from the warm-weather Galapagos penguin to the ice-adapted Emperor penguin of Antarctica, demonstrating the diverse environments these birds occupy.

How do flightless birds defend themselves from predators?

Flightless birds have developed various defense mechanisms. The ostrich, for example, can run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour and deliver powerful kicks. Cassowaries are known for their sharp claws and aggressive nature when threatened. Penguins rely on their aquatic prowess to evade predators, and kiwis use their nocturnal habits and burrowing behavior to stay safe.

Are there any flightless birds that have gone extinct?

Yes, several flightless birds have gone extinct, the most famous being the dodo, which was endemic to Mauritius and disappeared in the 17th century due to human activities. The great auk, once found across the North Atlantic, is another example of a flightless bird driven to extinction by human exploitation in the mid-19th century.

What conservation efforts are in place for flightless birds?

Conservation efforts for flightless birds include habitat protection, predator control, and breeding programs. For example, the kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, is the focus of intensive conservation efforts, including a dedicated recovery program that has helped increase its population. Sanctuaries and legal protections also play crucial roles in safeguarding these unique species.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

John57

I have a friend who uses emu oil for headaches and says it works wonders for her. Every year at our state fair in the agriculture building there is a booth set up showing the benefits of emu oil. I have picked up an informational brochure, but have never tried it myself.

I know that you can find it at most health stores also. I am thinking it is kind of expensive, but a little bit goes a long ways. If it works for such things as headaches and arthritis, I think it would be worth a try.

anon66905

Emu oil is made from the fat of an emu. It is used for treatments and pain relievers. It does sound gross though. I could never imagine using Emu oil myself!

sinefey

This is probably a stupid question but I have to ask it.

How do they get the oil from an Emu??

I mean they just squeeze them I'm sure. I've been told they only use babies to get oil and that sounds a lot like how they get veal or foi gra, all of which I think is just horrible!

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    • Penguins are flightless birds.
      By: Trubble
      Penguins are flightless birds.
    • The emu is cultivated for its meat, eggs, and feathers.
      By: shocky
      The emu is cultivated for its meat, eggs, and feathers.
    • Kiwi birds are the national bird of New Zealand.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Kiwi birds are the national bird of New Zealand.
    • Ostriches are the largest known living birds.
      By: RCH
      Ostriches are the largest known living birds.