What’s the first thing that crosses your mind when I say birds? Flying, of course! These magnificent creatures come in all shapes and sizes with wings that can carry them across the world when it’s time to migrate.
Did you know there are birds with wings that can’t fly at all? Join me as I introduce you to some stunning flightless birds!
1. Penguins
Penguins are made for the unforgiving cold environment. Their bodies are built with thick feathers, hefty muscles, and large fat reserves. Their short wings are unable to carry all that!
2. Takahe
This magnificent bird lost its ability to fly a long time ago. The ancestor of Takahe bird realized that their predators were actually in the sky, so the Takahe bird decided to hide on the ground.
With their striking green and blue feathers, these birds perfectly blend in with the vegetation, hiding from scary predators lurking in the skies above.
3. Emu
Emus are the second tallest and one of the heaviest birds on our planet. Their unbelievably short wings are just not capable of flying and carrying all that weight!
4. Kiwi
This adorable little bird is also just way too heavy for its short, small wings.Their flat breastbones are missing the ridge needed to support the powerful chest muscles for flight.
5. Kakapo
The Kakapo is actually a parrot! Can you believe that? Just like Kiwis, Kakapos lack the keel that connects to the flight muscles. In addition, they have also very small wings making them the only flightless parrot.
6. Cassowary
This magnificent and striking bird, usually found in the deepest parts of rainforests, is a shy yet strong creature. Also missing the keel, its short wings would be unable to carry all that weight. However, what they lack in wings, they make up for with their strong feet.
7. Weka
Weka’s lost their ability to fly decades ago. This big flightless bird is known for its curiosity and is often attracted to human activity. They can have different colored feathers, depending on their habitat.
8. Steamer Duck
Most of the Steamer Duck species lost their ability to fly. These ducks are perfectly capable of defending themselves and their young on the ground, so over time their ancestors lost the ability to fly.