10 Fascinating Flightless Birds from Around the World

Flightless birds are scattered across the globe, from the vast plains of Africa to the remote islands of the Pacific. Some are giants built for speed and strength, while others are tiny, rare survivors clinging to existence on predator-free islands.

New Zealand, in particular, is famous for its diversity of flightless birds. Unfortunately, the introduction of predators such as rats, cats, and stoats placed many of these species in danger, driving some—like the massive moa—to extinction. Today, the largest flightless birds, such as ostriches and emus, rely on sharp claws and lightning speed to defend themselves rather than wings.

Let’s explore 10 of the world’s most fascinating flightless birds.

South American Grebes

Most grebes can fly, though reluctantly. But two species—the Junín Grebe and the Titicaca Grebe—have abandoned flight altogether. Found in South America, these endangered birds rely on diving rather than flying to escape predators.

Their legs sit far back on their bodies, making walking awkward, but the Titicaca Grebe can actually run across the water’s surface using its small wings for balance. In an odd twist, grebes also eat their own feathers, though scientists aren’t quite sure why. Their waterproof plumage allows them to control buoyancy in water, and while they’re skilled swimmers, they’re often caught in fishing nets.

The Flightless Cormorant

On the Galápagos Islands lives the world’s only flightless cormorant. Its tiny wings are useless for flying, yet it has become the largest of all cormorant species. Instead, it excels as a diver, using its webbed feet to chase fish beneath the waves.

This unique bird likely lost its ability to fly because there were no predators on the islands. But as on many predator-free islands, the arrival of humans and their animals now threatens its survival.

Greater Rhea

South America’s answer to the ostrich, the Greater Rhea is the continent’s largest bird. The name “rhea” comes from a Greek word meaning “winged,” and indeed these birds will spread their huge wings if startled, zigzagging across the grasslands to confuse predators.

Rheas thrive in open habitats such as farmland and savannas. They are also known for unusual breeding behavior: a single male courts multiple females, builds a communal nest, and then takes sole responsibility for incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.

Emu

Second only to the ostrich in size, the emu is Australia’s largest bird. Nomadic by nature, emus can travel long distances and even go weeks without food. Like many birds, they swallow stones to help grind food in their stomachs.

Emus prefer open landscapes and are constantly on alert. At night, they rest lightly, often waking to scan for danger. When threatened by dingoes, they can deliver a bone-crushing kick. Young emus, however, are vulnerable to aerial predators like eagles and protect themselves by running in erratic patterns.

Southern Cassowary

With its vivid blue neck, red wattles, and helmet-like casque, the Southern Cassowary is both striking and dangerous. Found in the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea and northern Australia, it is one of the few birds known to fatally attack humans.

Cassowaries prefer dense forests, unlike their cousins the emu and ostrich. Shy by nature, they feed mostly on fruit but will lash out violently if threatened. Their dagger-like claws and explosive kicks have earned them the reputation of being among the most dangerous birds in the world.

Inaccessible Island Rail

Measuring just 15–17 centimeters, the Inaccessible Island Rail holds the title of the world’s smallest living flightless bird. True to its name, it lives only on Inaccessible Island in the South Atlantic.

Its survival is thanks to the island’s remoteness—so far, humans have not introduced predators there. For the sake of this little rail, it’s best to keep it that way.

Ostrich

The undisputed heavyweight of the bird world, the ostrich towers over all others. Native to Africa, it lays the largest eggs of any bird and can outrun nearly any predator, sprinting at speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

Ostriches travel in small groups, with one dominant male often guarding several females. When threatened, they rely on their powerful legs to strike back, capable of delivering kicks that can kill lions. Historically, ostrich eggs even served as water containers for desert peoples.

Emperor Penguin

The Emperor Penguin is the largest of all penguins and one of the most iconic flightless birds. These Antarctic survivors migrate vast distances between breeding and feeding grounds, enduring some of the harshest conditions on Earth.

After laying a single egg, the female passes it to the male, who balances it carefully on his feet while incubating it through the brutal winter. Their remarkable dedication and lifelong pair bonds make emperor penguins one of the most beloved birds in the world.

Kakapo

The kakapo of New Zealand is the world’s only flightless parrot—and also the heaviest. These nocturnal, ground-dwelling birds are critically endangered, with fewer than 150 individuals left.

Kakapos hold cultural importance for the Māori people and remain a focus of intensive conservation efforts. Because they are vulnerable to both predators and changes in food supply, scientists closely monitor every surviving bird.

Kiwi

No bird is more entwined with national identity than the kiwi of New Zealand. These small, flightless birds gave their name to New Zealanders themselves.

Five species exist, but most are threatened by introduced predators. Adult kiwis defend themselves with strong legs, but chicks are easy prey. Conservation programs now raise young kiwis in captivity until they are strong enough to fend for themselves.

Despite being the smallest of the flightless birds, the kiwi lays an egg so large relative to its body size that it rivals even the ostrich in reproductive achievement.