10 fastest birds on the planet, including one that can cruise at 169kph for hours

The animal kingdom has some impressive contenders when it comes to speed, but few can rival the sky’s elite. Birds have evolved to move through the air with efficiency and precision to pursue prey, evade predators, migrate and find mates. These are some of the fastest fliers and savviest swoopers around.

Fastest birds on the planet

1. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

This bird may be the ultimate dive bomber. Capable of reaching speeds up to 380kph, the peregrine falcon easily secures its title as the fastest bird in the world. These deft raptors – who live nearly everywhere except Antarctica – tuck their wings and plummet at speed to strike prey mid-air with astonishing accuracy. 

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2. Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Nearly on the tail of the peregrine falcon, golden eagles can fly as fast as 320kph during their own hunting dives. Their excellent eyesight helps them secure rabbits, squirrels and sometimes even small deer through an efficient deployment of speed and sharp talons.

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3. White-throated needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) 

Also known as the spine-tailed swift, this bird lives up to its “swift” moniker as one of the fastest level fliers at 169kph. White-throated needletails don’t dive for their insect prey, they simply rocket through the air in hot, aerodynamic pursuit, snatching food as they go. 

4. Grey-headed albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma) 

Albatrosses are master gliders, riding ocean winds to help them cover thousands of kilometres with minimal wing flapping, but they’re fast fliers when they need to be. The grey-headed albatross can sustain flight at about 125kph, which can prove useful in turbulent climates.

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5. Frigatebird (Fregatidae)

One of the weirdest birds in the world Frigatebirds have distinct black plumage and an impressive wingspan of up to 2.5 metres. Their long, narrow wings make them agile birds, and they’re quick, too, capable of cruising around 150kph whilst snatching fish from the surface – or stealing another seabird’s catch. 

• It sleeps while flying, cannibalises the young and forces other birds to vomit up their food – then eats its sloppy seconds

6. Saker falcon (Falco cherrug)

Found across Eurasia’s open grasslands, the saker falcon is a skilled and fast hunter. These birds can reach 240kph during dives, combining precise control and impressive speed to catch small mammals on the ground, or even other birds mid-flight. Like peregrines, saker falcons are prized in falconry for their precision and stamina. 

7. Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus)

The largest of all falcons, gyrfalcons live in Arctic and subarctic regions. They can dive as quickly as 210kph to effectively strike the likes of ptarmigan and other waterfowl with ease, providing strength and endurance in their harsh environments.

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8. Common swift (Apus apus)

The common swift may not have a fancy name, but these small birds are marvels of velocity. Regularly cruising around 110kph in level flight, common swifts can stay airborne for months thanks to their ultra-lightweight bodies and effective wings. Common swifts have been recorded flying as long as 10 months straight without touching land. 

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9. Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo)

A compact falcon with remarkable speed and mid-air agility, the Eurasian hobby can reach speeds of 160kph in short bursts. They’re skilled hunters in the open fields and woodlands of Europe and Asia alike. 

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10. Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna)

Hummingbirds may not cover long distances, but they’re fast divers for their diminutive size. Anna’s hummingbirds can dive at nearly 100kph, making the most of their tiny, rapid-flapping wings. 

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