Discover the Top 6 Highest Flying Birds Patrolling the U.S. Skies

Although there is a great deal of birds throughout the United States, not every one of them is well-known for its ability to fly. Some birds struggle to even stand up! Nevertheless, there are some species that have perfected flight and are capable of ascending to enormous heights. Let’s take a look at the highest flying birds in the U.S. that can reach astonishing heights! 

Crane

The crane is the second-highest-flying bird ever observed and the highest-flying in America. It is a huge bird of prey with a wingspan of five to eight feet. However, their large size doesn’t hinder them. These birds soar up to 33,000 feet in the air! Long necks help them search the ground for food, and they are renowned for their elegant flight. 

All around the world, wetlands are home to cranes, whose populations are now steady. But because of habitat degradation and hunting, their numbers in certain places are on the decline.

As omnivores, cranes consume both plants and animals in their diet. They consume berries, bugs, fish, and small critters, among other things. In addition, they can access food that other animals can’t with their long necks and legs.

Whooper Swan

The largest species of waterfowl is the whooper swan. It is a species of the swan that is indigenous to North America and Europe. This bird is known for having the longest neck and legs among all swans. 

A whooper swan’s wingspan can reach 10 feet, and it can weigh up to 33 pounds, making it one of the biggest flying birds. This type of bird is one of the highest soaring in the United States. Its strong wings enable it to soar up to 27,000 feet in the air, making it one of the highest flying birds in the U.S.

Many nations have laws protecting whooper swans, and their numbers are gradually growing. In addition, whooper swans make loud, sometimes melodious sounds that typically sound like a trumpeting honk. This call is made by all genders, albeit males make it more frequently. 

Mallard

The Mallard is said to be capable of flying up to 21,000 feet in the air. Given that ducks are not designed for long-distance flight, this is an astonishing feat. However, the wings of the duck are very short and stubby, and the animal’s frame is not built for sustained flight. 

However, the mallard is a master at staying airborne for extended periods of time by utilizing winds and thermals. The mallard’s capacity to soar to great heights is a survival strategy that has allowed the species to flourish in a variety of settings. 

This duck can evade predators and locate food supplies that other birds are unable to reach by having the ability to soar quite high above the earth. Additionally, the accessibility of thermals and prevailing winds have a significant role in determining the mallard’s migration habits. 

This bird can take advantage of these climate conditions to fly at high elevations and also cover great distances with little exertion.

Greater White-Fronted Goose

A goose species with a vast geographic range in the polar parts of the world is the Greater White-fronted Goose. It is well renowned for making lengthy migration flights that might take it far away and quite high.

White-fronted Greater is a medium-sized goose with a distinguishing white ring across its bill and a greyish-brown body. In addition, it may weigh up to six pounds and has a wingspan that ranges from 59 to 65 inches. The species is omnivorous, consuming a range of grasses, sedges, roots, bugs, and other plant and animal waste.

Greater White-fronted Geese are one of the highest flying birds in the U.S. They are notable for flying at great heights during migration, occasionally reaching 20,000 feet above sea level. This is supposed to be a strategy for avoiding bad weather and benefiting from strong tailwinds. 

Additionally, the birds’ distinctive V-shaped flight pattern is thought to help them preserve energy and lessen wind resistance.

Eagle

Around 59 different species of the eagle can be found throughout the world. However, have you ever considered how high these symbols of freedom can fly in the United States? Eagles fly high in the skies by using rising air currents. 

Eagles can soar from 10,000 to 20,000 feet above sea level, based on the species. In addition, their acute eyesight enables them to hunt for prey far down from this point of view. Furthermore, eagles have the ability to glide at velocities as high as 60 mph.  

Pelican

These animals are well known for chowing down on copious amounts of fish— often up to four pounds per day. One of the less well-known characteristics of the pelican bird is its capacity to fly at very high altitudes.

Despite their size and weight, pelicans are able to soar 10,000 feet in the air thanks to air sacs in their bones. However, only the brown pelican, which frequently swoops down from a height of 60 or 70 feet, plunges from the sky into the water to capture fish.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jeffry Weymier/Shutterstock.com