Who is the fastest bird?

Nature has given us an incredible amountrepresentatives of the animal world, which amaze with their abilities. So, for example, when studying the species of birds, you do not cease to be surprised by their bizarre color, flight speed and other incredible indicators thanks to which many are even included in the Guinness Book of Records.

It is curious to know that the fastest bird in the world,which never sets itself on the ground is an ordinary swift. Just imagine that this bird is able to be in the air without stops for 2-4 years, while it can mate, eat and drink, and fly during this time to 500,000 km. 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 kind of buzz is heard, which is created when the air is cut by the wings of this representative of the feathered family.

No less amazing is the fastesta bird that runs on the ground. It's easy to guess that this is an African ostrich. On average, the speed with which it moves is about 50-60 km / h, but in case of danger, this bird can 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 the bird, because thanks to them, it not only escapes from predators, but also provides resistance in the attack.

However, the fastesta bird, which, according to experts, is a 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 members of this group have strong constitution and broad chest, hard plumage and incredibly strong muscles. Peregrine falcons have sharp and long wings, the range 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 smaller than females. Despite the fact that Peregrine Falcon is a dangerous predator, its weight reaches only 1200 g.

The fastest bird in the air is hunting. Describing high circles in the sky, Peregrine Falcon looks out for prey, and then dives at its victim with a stone, while developing a phenomenal speed that ranges from 220 to 320 km / h.

When a peregrine falcon hits, it strikes a powerful blow with clawsand already, if necessary, finishes the victim on the ground. Although most often from such a powerful blow the victim immediately dies, and her body is often just torn. The Peregrine Peregrine Falcon is held by one paw, which can not be said about the representatives of the hawkish squad.

The fastest bird inhabits all continents,except for Antarctica, subspecies of peregrine falcon are found all over the world. The main prey of this predator are small and medium birds, although they may well attack small mammals.

Peregrine falconies suit most often on rocks and tall trees, although there are cases when nests of these birds have been found stranded on the ground.

In 2005, scientists recorded a record of the maximum speed of the bird - 389 km / h, it was at this rate that the peregrine falcon was perched on its victim.

The sight of this predator is also worthy of specialattention, because the structure of the eyes of peregrine resembles something with binoculars and is capable of approaching objects. The lens is surrounded by an unusual ring, which consists of a bone plate, which makes it possible to quickly focus the vision on objects that are far away. In the eyes of birds of prey there 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 object, the bird looks at the world with the effect of binoculars. This is not surprising, because falling to his victim at such a speed, the peregrine 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 consider thatthe fastest birds are only predators. This amazing animal world keeps a lot of interesting facts that make us even more admire the perfection of living beings created by nature itself.