Tip 1: Which bird flies the fastest

Tip 1: Which bird flies the fastest



The absolute record for the speed of flight amongall birds are a falcon from the species of peregrine falcon, which is common on all continents of the planet, except for Antarctica. Depending on the intensity and peculiarities of color, ornithologists share 17 subspecies of these falcons, but they all fly equally fast, even ahead of black swifts.





Which bird flies the fastest


















Instructions





1


According to the research carried out by the Peregrine Falcons inwild conditions and during their hunting, in rapid and dive flight, peregrine falcon can develop a speed of over 322 kilometers per hour or about 90 meters per second. Usually, hunting, the falcon soars in the sky, and after discovering the prey it rises directly above it and literally falls down almost at right angles. This type of hunting ornithologists also called the phrase "betting". Directly near the victim, the peregrine falcon strikes it on the tangent with its paws clasped tightly and pressed to the trunk. And the main "bet" the bird makes on the powerful claws of the hind paws of the paws, which can cause a very strong impact, from which even the large rodents can instantly die.





2


Sexual maturity in Peregrine Falcons comes to the secondyear of life, and the formed pairs remain faithful throughout the life of the birds. Nest falcons on the rocks, near the cliffs, less often - on the roofs or ledges of residential buildings. In modern cities, of course, it is almost impossible to find such birds, but in the Middle Ages it was quite common to meet Peregrine Falcons in European cities.





3


This bird looks very proud and impressive. The body length of the falcon is about 35-55 centimeters with the wingspan of almost a meter and a half. Unlike other avian families, females of Peregrine Falcon are usually much larger than males. This feature is typical for almost all falcons. Weight of a female is 900-1400 grams, and a male is 500-750 grams. They look the same, without any features of appearance depending on the sex of the birds.





4


The last few centuries, the falcon-falcona rather rare bird, which, although it has a high adaptability to new landscapes and weather conditions, still does not have time to adapt to rapid climate changes and the city's invasion of habitual habitats of birds. For the first time ornithologists began to sound the alarm in the second half of the 19th century, when the situation significantly complicated the beginning of mass use of harmful pesticides in agriculture. In addition to the extinction of individual individuals, in others the hatchability of the chicks has significantly decreased, endangering the whole species. Currently, many varieties of cultivation products are already banned, and scientists continue to fight for the preservation of Peregrine Falcons in forests, including in Russia.




























Tip 2: What is the fastest bird on earth



Birds refer to vertebral warm-bloodedanimals, their distinctive feature is the presence of feathers and wings. Most of the birds spend their entire lives in flight. At the height they hunt, multiply and even sleep. The speed of flight plays a big role for representatives of this class of animals.





What is the fastest bird on earth







The fastest bird on the planet

For the right to be called the fastest bird on earthfights two species - the peregrine falcon and the black swift. However, these two representatives of the bird world are considered the best in two different types of speed. Peregrine Falcon develops the highest speed in the peak, and the black swift does not leave the chances of a falcon in a horizontal flight.

Peregrine Falcon

It is a small falcon of the family. In size, it resembles a crow, only its plumage is light gray. The beak and claws of the falcon are designed for hunting and cutting meat animals. According to measurements of biologists, this bird in a dive flight is able to develop a speed of 322 km / h, which is equivalent to 90 m / s. This is the fastest creature on the planet. Such a fast speed is necessary for the falcon to hunt. Noticing the victim, he does not pursue it, but rises above it, folds its wings and dives down. At right angles to the ground, the falcon falls on its victim with a stone and pierces its long claws.
The diving attack of the peregrine falcon is so strong that even in large birds the head flies occasionally.

Black Swift

Although the black swift does not developstunning speed as a falcon, but in a horizontal flight it has no equal. This small bird is able to develop a horizontal speed of over 160 km / h. The sword's feather is painted in a dark-brown color with a slightly metallic tint. There is a black swift in North and Central Asia, as well as in some parts of Central Europe. Most often this bird can be seen in large cities.
A black swift can be in flight for up to 4 years. In the air he drinks, sleeps, eats and mates.

Fast giant or gray-headed albatross

It is worth noting this giant in the world of flyingbirds - gray-headed albatross. According to observations of scientists, this large bird can not only develop a speed of 150 km / h, but also dive for prey at a depth of up to 8 meters. The albatross feeds on squid, fish and shellfish. Gray-headed albatrosses have one more unique property: fat is stored in their stomachs, which is stored in the upper compartment of the digestive organ. With its help, the bird protects itself from enemies, feeds the chicks, and also supports vital activity during long-distance flights.









Tip 3: Which is the biggest bird on the planet



Birds are amazing and beautiful creatures,capable of something that a person dreams about - to move freely through the air. Most birds have modest sizes, but there are real giants-record holders among them.





What is the biggest bird on the planet?







African ostrich

The largest bird on the planet does not possessthe greatest wingspan. She generally lost her ability to fly. The growth of the African ostrich can reach two and a half meters, and it weighs up to 150 kilograms. The flightless ostrich has a very peculiar appearance. He has a long neck and a flattened head. Since these birds do not rise into the air, the structure of their bodies is different from the usual birds. In ostriches, the keel, pectoral musculature and wings are not developed. Instead, in the course of evolution, this species received strong long legs. African ostriches have only two fingers, and one of them ends in a horny seal like a hoof, which allows the bird to move even faster. Ostrich is a wonderful marathon runner, capable of running at a speed of 60/70 kilometers per hour. This bird has set one more record - ostriches have the largest organs of vision among all terrestrial creatures, and the weight of two eyes even exceeds the weight of their brain. Despite their impressive size and ability to escape from the enemy, for a while these birds were endangered due to their meat, which is highly valued. But thanks to the distribution of ostrich farms, the species managed to be preserved.

The wandering albatross

But the champion with the greatest wingspanare the wandering albatross, nestling on the subantarctic islands. Straight wings of these birds reach a length of three and a half meters. They are long and narrow, which is the best device for a soaring flight. The wandering albatross is not able to fly off the ground. Instead, he jumps off the cliff, spreads his gigantic wings and catches winds, thanks to which he maneuvers skillfully in search of prey and can fly many kilometers, often in days following fishing boats.

Black griffon

The largest flying bird is the black neck,living in Asia, Southern Europe and North Africa. The length of this bird can reach a meter, weight - twelve kilograms, wingspan - eighty-five centimeters. At the neck there is a large territory, which he flies around tirelessly. This bird is also adapted for a soaring flight. Gryph skillfully uses the streams of warm air to climb to the desired height, where he looks out for prey. The black vulture feeds on carrion, and in search of food daily can fly for distances of 300-400 kilometers.








Tip 4: Which bird is the smallest



The smallest bird on earth is the hummingbird. Moreover, it is the smallest warm-blooded animal on earth. The hummingbird reaches a length of 5 to 20 centimeters from the beak to the tail, and its minimum weight can reach only 2 grams.





Which bird is the smallest








Instructions





1


Despite its size, the hummingbird is very strongand a quick bird. The number of wing swings that this small creature makes can reach 80 times per second. The speed of their flight reaches 80 km / h, and in the mating season they can develop and 100 km / h.





2


Hummingbirds are the only bird on earth thatcan fly back, and also horizontally up and down. They are able to hang in the air - at this moment, its wings are moving along the trajectory of the figure-eight. This is due to their unique shape. On the trajectory the flight of a bird resembles the movement of insects. The airborne muscle of the animal is 20-30% of the body weight.





3


In nature there are about 350 differentvarieties of hummingbirds, which may differ in size and color. All these birds live mainly in America in different climatic zones, from Alaska to tropical forests. Their life expectancy is about 8 years. They can survive at fairly low temperatures, because have a large number of feathers. Moreover, during migration to colder regions they store about 72% of the total body weight as fat.





4


Hummingbirds feed on floral nectar and pollen. The bird also collects pollen on its feathers, and therefore plays an important role in the propagation of plants. Hummingbirds build nests resembling a bowl, the diameter of which does not exceed 3-5 cm. In them, birds lay eggs comparable in size to peas. The nests themselves are made from cobwebs and small pieces of bark. They are suspended on a branch of a bush or a selected tree.





5


Despite its size, the hummingbirds are very brave andenergetic. They are not afraid to attack even snakes and large birds if they try to attack their nest. Due to their speed, they are able to protect their homes with a long beak - a bird flies at the enemy, aiming at the nose or the eyes of the enemy.