Nature has given us an incredible number of representatives of the animal world, which amaze with their abilities. So, for example, when studying bird species, you can’t stop wondering at their bizarre color, flight speed and other incredible indicators thanks to which many are even listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
It is curious to know that the fastest bird in the world that never lands on the ground is an ordinary swift. Just imagine that this bird is able to stay in the air without stops for 2-4 years, while it can mate, eat and drink, and fly up to 500,000 km during this time. The horizontal speed of this small bird reaches 140-180 km / h. From the side during the flight of the needle-tailed swift, only a peculiar buzz is heard, which is created when the wings of this representative of the feathered family cut the air.
No less surprising is the fast bird itself, which runs on the ground. It’s easy to guess that this is an African ostrich. On average, the speed with which he moves is about 50-60 km / h, but in case of danger, this bird is able to reach speeds of up to 90 km / h. This representative of the feathered family is the owner of muscular legs, on which only two fingers are located. In addition, it is the legs of the ostrich that are also a powerful defensive weapon of a bird, because thanks to them it not only runs away from predators, but also renders resistance during an attack.
However, the fastest bird deserves special attention, which, according to experts, is the peregrine falcon, capable of flying at an average speed of about 300 km / h. It belongs to a group of birds called “real falcons”. All representatives of this group are owners of a strong physique and a wide chest, hard plumage and incredibly strong muscles. Peregrine Falcons have sharp and long wings, the span of which reaches 120 cm, but their tail is relatively short. The length of such a bird is not more than 50 cm, and males are one third less than females. Despite the fact that the peregrine falcon is a rather dangerous predator, its weight reaches only 1200 g.
The fastest bird in the air is hunting. Describing circles high in the sky, the peregrine falcon looks out for prey, and then swoops down on its prey with a stone, developing a phenomenal speed that ranges from 220 to 320 km / h.
When a peregrine falcon falls, it inflicts a powerful blow with its claws and, if necessary, kills a victim on the ground. Although most often the victim immediately dies from such a powerful blow, and her body is often simply torn. Peregrine Falcons keep their prey with one paw, which cannot be said about representatives of the hawk detachment.
The fastest bird lives on all continents, except Antarctica, peregrine subspecies are found around the world. Small and medium birds become the main prey of this predator, although they may well attack small mammals.
Peregrine Falcon nests are most often found on cliffs and tall trees, although there have been recorded cases when the nests of these birds were found twisted on the ground.
In 2005, scientists recorded a record of maximum bird speed - 389 km / h, it was with that speed that the peregrine falcon dived onto its prey.
The vision of this predator is also worthy of special attention, because the structure of the peregrine Falcon's eyes resembles binoculars in some ways and is able to bring objects closer. The lens is surrounded by an unusual ring, which consists of a bone plate, which makes it possible to quickly focus on objects that are far away. In the eyes of birds of prey are two "yellow spots" responsible for visual acuity. For example, a person has only one such spot. But thanks to the second spot, which increases the subject, the bird looks at the world with the effect of binoculars. This is not surprising, because falling to its prey at such a speed, the peregrine falcon is simply obliged to see all the little things and quickly respond to any change in the movement of potential prey.
We were convinced that it is absolutely wrong to assume that the fastest birds are necessarily only predators. This amazing fauna still contains a lot of interesting facts that make you even more admire the perfection of living beings created by nature itself.