Birds That Can’t Fly

Kakapo Also known as the owl parrot due to its owl-like features, the kakapo is a large species of flightless parrot. Although they are birds that can’t fly, kakapos excel at climbing trees.

Ostrich The ostrich is the largest member of the ratite infraclass Palaeognathae and the most massive extant bird in the world. Due to their massive size, their puny wings mean they rank among the birds that can’t fly.

Emperor Penguin The emperor penguin is one of the most recognizable birds that can’t fly in the world. Emperor penguins live only in Antarctica and split their time between the coasts and inland.

Steamer Duck Steamer ducks get their name from their habit of flapping their wings and feet when in the water. Although they flap their wings, they still rank among birds that can’t fly. 

Weka Another flightless bird from New Zealand, the Weka is part of the rail family. Also known as the woodhen or Māori hen, there exist four different subspecies, although this is hotly debated. Although they possess small, ineffective wings, they adapted strong legs. 

Cassowary The cassowary is another member of the long-legged, flightless ratites. Among birds that can’t fly, cassowaries enjoy a fearsome reputation, and also go by the name “world’s most dangerous bird.” 

Flightless Cormorant Also known as the Galapagos cormorant, the flightless cormorant is unique among birds that can’t fly. It’s the only cormorant species that is unable to fly, and also one of the largest cormorants in the world.

Emu The emu is the second-largest member of the ratites and extant species of bird in the world. With their long, powerful legs, they can run up to 30 miles per hour, however can't fly.

Kiwi Kiwis are the smallest member of the ratites. Scientists recognize five different species, most of which face threats due to habitat loss and invasive predators. Among the birds that can’t fly, kiwis adapted some unique features that set them apart.

Takahe Also known as the South Island takahē or notornis, the takahē is native to New Zealand. The largest extant member of the rail family, it’s one of the rarest birds that can’t fly in the world.