It Flies Higher Than Commercial Airplanes

Most birds don’t fly that high in the air. In fact, some birds – such as the emu or the cassowary – don’t fly at all. They have wings, but only in the “vestigial” sense, meaning that their wings are non-functional remnants of their flying ancestors. Evolution went even further in New Zealand’s moas, which were completely wingless.

Yet there are some flight-capable bird species with a knack for soaring really high in the air. While this may sound like a matter of choice, it’s actually quite complicated. Flying at high altitudes requires birds to be more efficient in their movement and energy production.

For instance, research published in the Journal of Experimental Biology suggests that high-altitude birds have developed unique specializations such as more effective breathing patterns, larger lungs and blood with a higher oxygen affinity.

These adaptations, according to the research, allows birds to “improve the uptake, circulation and efficient utilization of oxygen during high-altitude hypoxia.”

High-flying birds also tend to have larger wings than their low-flying cousins, presumably to allow the birds to soar without expending as much energy.

Research has identified a handful of bird species that are known to soar at altitudes of 20,000+ feet – the most notable and highest soarer being the Ruppell’s griffon. Here is more detail on the record-setting, “Chuck Yeager’s” of the bird world.

Ruppell’s Griffon (37,000+ ft.)

This African vulture holds the record for the highest known bird flight. In fact, a Ruppell’s griffon collided with a commercial aircraft over western Africa at an altitude of 37,000 feet, higher than the cruising height of most airliners. The species is uniquely adapted to extreme altitudes, with hemoglobin that binds oxygen more effectively than that of almost any other bird. These vultures rely on powerful soaring techniques and can cover vast distances in search of carrion, making use of rising thermal currents to stay aloft with minimal energy expenditure.

Bar-Headed Goose (27,000+ ft.)

This bird is known for its grueling migrations over the Himalayas, including Mount Everest. Bar-headed geese have been recorded flying at elevations above 27,000 feet during their seasonal journeys between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. To cope with the thin air, they possess a high lung capacity and their muscles are particularly efficient at using oxygen. These physiological traits allow them to flap continuously, rather than just soar, even in oxygen-starved environments.

Alpine Chough (25,000+ ft.)

The alpine chough, a member of the crow family, lives in mountainous regions across Europe, North Africa and Asia. Though not migratory in the same way as the bar-headed goose, this species regularly forages and nests at high altitudes. Observations have documented Alpine choughs flying at over 25,000 feet. Their strong, curved wings and acrobatic flight style allow them to navigate rugged terrain with ease, making the most of updrafts and wind currents that sweep over alpine cliffs.

Whooper Swan (25,000+ ft.)

Known for their distinctive trumpet-like calls, whooper swans are powerful, long-distance migrants. These swans have been spotted by pilots at heights of up to 25,000 feet during their transcontinental migrations between Europe and Asia. Despite their large size, their strong wings and streamlined bodies help them maintain high-altitude flight over long distances. They often travel in V-shaped formations that improve aerodynamic efficiency and conserve energy among the flock.

Steppe Eagle (24,000+ ft.)

The steppe eagle is a bird of prey that breeds in the open plains and steppes of Central Asia. These eagles are skilled soarers, often riding thermal updrafts to reach extreme heights. Their broad wings and keen eyesight make them efficient hunters and scavengers, capable of spotting prey from great distances. Their long-distance migratory routes take them across mountainous regions where such high-altitude flights are essential.

Lammergeier (24,000+ ft.)

Also known as the bearded vulture, the lammergeier is a striking bird that thrives in mountainous regions from Europe to the Himalayas. It has been recorded flying at heights of up to 24,000 feet, gliding on thermals. Unique among vultures, lammergeiers primarily feed on bone marrow, often dropping large bones from great heights onto rocks to crack them open. Their adaptations for high-altitude flight include long, narrow wings and a lightweight frame, enabling them to maneuver with precision in thin air.

Demoiselle Crane (24,000+ ft.)

Despite their delicate appearance, demoiselle cranes are among the toughest migratory birds in the world. Each year, they make a perilous journey over the Himalayas to reach their wintering grounds in India. Flying at altitudes up to 24,000 feet, they endure fierce winds, cold temperatures and low oxygen levels. These cranes are known for their resilience and strong familial bonds, often migrating in flocks that include young birds guided by their experienced elders.

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