11 Highest Flying Birds In The World

There are many birds with great flying capability but in this article, you will discover who are the true champions of the skies. You will be surprise to see how hight some these birds can fly.

This list includes some of the most well-known high flying birds like, the Ruppell’s Vulture, The Golden eagle, the Mallard, and the Alpine Chough.

Ruppell’s Vulture

Species: Gyps rueppellii
Altitude:37,000 feet 
Distribution:Sahel region, Africa

The Ruppell’s vulture (Gyps rueppellii), also known as the Rüppell’s griffon vulture, is a majestic scavenger bird native to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Renowned for its impressive size and soaring capabilities, the Rüppell’s Vulture holds the record for the highest flying bird in the world, reaching heights of 37,000 feet (11,300 meters).

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Black Kite

Species: Milvus migranss
Altitude: 35,000 feet 
Distribution: Australia, Asia, and Europe

The aptly named Black Kite, a medium-sized raptor, embodies grace and opportunism. This dark brown bird, with a hint of light brown on the shoulders, and a distinctive forked tail is an opportunistic hunter. The black kite can reach an altitude of around 35,000 feet (10,650 meters) especially, during their migratory flight.

Common Crane

Species: Grus grus 
Altitude: 33,000 feet 
Distribution: Northern Europe and Asia

The Common Crane (Grus grus) is a majestic bird with a long and elegant neck, standing at around 3.3 feet (1 meter) tall. During their migratory journeys, Common Cranes can reach altitudes of up to 33,000 feet (10,000 meters) while crossing mountain ranges such as the Himalayas.

Whooper Swan

Species: Cygnus cygnus
Altitude: 27,000 feet 
Distribution: Northern Europe and Asia

The Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) is a breathtakingly beautiful waterfowl known for its elegant white plumage, majestic black bill with a yellow base, and graceful S-shaped neck. During migrations, Whooper Swans have been documented soaring at impressive altitudes of up to 27,000 feet (8,200 meters).

Alpine Chough

Species: Pyrrhocorax graculus
Altitude: 26,500 feet 
Distribution: Mountains from Spain to China

The Alpine Chough is a high-flying bird species found in the mountainous regions of Europe. It can fly as high as 26,500 feet (8,050 meters) above sea level. These intelligent birds are easily identifiable by their sleek black plumage, bright yellow beaks, and distinctive red legs.

Bearded Vulture

Specie: Gypaetus barbatus) 
Altitude: 24,000 feet 
Distribution: Northern Europe and Asia

The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), also known as the lammergeier, is well known for its majestic presence in the skies above Sikkim and other Asian regions. These magnificent birds soar effortlessly at altitudes of up to 24,000 feet (7,300 meters), utilizing thermal updrafts to stay suspended for hours.

Bar-headed Goose

Species: Anser indicus
Altitude: 23,000 feet 
Distribution: Central and South Asia

The Bar-headed Goose (Anser indicus) is a remarkable bird renowned for its incredible feat of high-altitude migration. The Bar-headed Goose is capable of reaching staggering altitudes of 23,000 feet (7000 meters) during migration.

Andean Condor

Species: Vultur gryphus
Altitude: 21,000 feet 
Distribution: Northern Europe and Asia

The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is the only member of the genus Vultur and is considered the South American New World vulture. Its wingspan can reach up to an impressive 3 meters, allowing it to effortlessly glide through the thin air at heights exceeding 21,000 feet (6,500 meters).

Mallard

Species: Anas platyrhynchos
Altitude: 21,000 feet 
Distribution: Europe, Asia and North America

The Mallard is a versatile bird species found across Europe. It can adapt to diverse habitats, including wetlands, rivers, and coastal regions. These remarkable birds are capable of reaching staggering altitudes of up to 21,000 feet (6,500 meters) during migration, making impressive journeys across various landscapes.

Bar-tailed Godwit

Species: Limosa lapponica
Altitude: 20,000 feet 
Distribution: Australia, Asia and Europe

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White Stork

Species: Ciconia ciconia
Altitude: 16,000 feet 
Distribution: Europe, Africa and Asia

The white stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large bird with a striking white body, black wing feathers, and long red legs. White storks can fly at altitudes of up to 16,000 feet (4,800 meters) during migration. They like nesting in tall trees, buildings, or on man-made structures.