Flightless bird

Penguins Edinburgh Zoo 2004 SMC

TWC Wildlife Centre• Stewart Nimmo • MRD 8502

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Ostrich in safari

Extinct flightless bird (21128386393)

Avestruz (Struthio camelus), Tierpark Hellabrunn, Múnich, Alemania, 2012-06-17, DD 01

Flightless birds are birds that through evolution have lost the ability to fly. There are over 60 extant species including the well-known ratites such as the ostrich, emus, cassowaries, and kiwis, as well as the penguins. Flightlessness has evolved in many different birds independently across the world. This phenomenon is a clear example of convergent evolution, where unrelated species develop similar traits independently, often due to similar environmental pressures or ecological niches.

Characteristics

Flightless birds share several common characteristics, although they can vary widely in size, habitat, and diet. The primary characteristic is their lack of flight. This is due to various adaptations such as small wing bones, absent or reduced pectoral muscles, and in some cases, heavy bodies. Despite their inability to fly, many flightless birds are excellent runners or swimmers. For example, ostriches are the fastest runners, reaching speeds up to 70 km/h, while penguins are adept swimmers.

Evolution

The evolution of flightlessness in birds is a fascinating subject. It is believed that flightlessness evolves in birds that are isolated on islands or in areas where there are few predators, abundant food, and where flight is not necessary for survival. This evolutionary process can lead to the reduction or loss of flight capabilities as those traits are no longer selected for. The dodo, which lived on Mauritius, is a famous example of a bird that became flightless due to such conditions but became extinct after humans arrived on the island.

Conservation

Many flightless birds are endangered or have already become extinct. The absence of flight makes them vulnerable to predators, especially in regions where humans have introduced species such as cats, dogs, and rats. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these unique species. The kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, is one such bird that has been the focus of intensive conservation efforts.

Examples of Flightless Birds

• Ostrich - The world's largest bird, native to Africa.
• Emu - The second-largest bird, native to Australia.
• Cassowary - Native to New Guinea and northeastern Australia.
• Kiwi - A small bird native to New Zealand.
• Penguin - A group of aquatic, flightless birds primarily living in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Rhea - Native to South America.
• Kakapo - A nocturnal parrot from New Zealand.

See Also

• Birds
• Evolution of birds
• Extinct birds
• Conservation biology