The Fastest Birds

The Peregrine Falcon

• The peregrine falcon is found throughout the world and is the fastest bird on the planet, clocking in at a maximum horizontal flying speed of approximately 70 miles per hour and a diving speed of over 200 miles per hour. The diving speed is what makes the falcon the fastest. While the bird usually flies at around 40 to 50 miles per hour, when pursuing prey its speed can increase significantly. This is the point at which falcons dive after prey flying or sitting below them.

White-throated Needletail

• The white-throated needletail is native to Asia and is commonly found in Australia. The bird was once known as the spine-tailed swift. Still, from time to time, the bird is known as the stormbird. The white-throated needletail is the fastest horizontal flying bird, with cruising speeds reaching up to 80 miles per hour. The bird is often mistaken for a predatory bird --- like a falcon --- however, it is not.

Red-breasted Merganser

• The Red-breasted merganser is a large duck marked by a long, thin bill. This duck is a waterbird and is commonly found throughout North America. The duck is a diving bird and it is during its diving that it reaches speeds up to 100 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest birds. The red-breasted merganser can weigh up to 47 ounces.

White-rumped Swift

• The white-rumped swift is a small and very widespread bird, commonly found throughout Western Europe and Africa. This swift is one of the fastest birds in the world, reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour when diving. It is a foraging species of bird, and searches for food in flocks over forests, savannas, and grasslands. The bird preys on the nests of other birds, often stealing eggs from other nesting species.