It’s a well-known fact that most birds can fly.

Some birds fly to catch prey, while others fly to escape predators.
Regardless, the ability to fly is one of the defining features of most
birds. However, there exists a subset of birds that lack this ability.
There exist a handful of birds that can’t fly at all, and live their entire
lives rooted to the ground.
While some of these birds have been hunted to near extinction, others
continue to thrive and proliferate. In this video, we’ll discuss a handful
of these unique birds that can’t fly. So, next time you see one of these
particular birds, you’ll know why they’re sticking to the ground.
10.kakapo

Also known as the owl parrot due to its owl-like features, the kakapo is
a large species of flightless parrot.
Endemic to New Zealand, kakapos rank as the largest parrots in
the world. They range from 23 to 25 inches long and weigh between 2
and 9 pounds. Although they are birds that can’t fly, kakapos excel at
climbing trees. On occasion, they will also use their wings to glide short
distances after jumping from high elevations. Their plumage appears
greenish-yellow, and they sport a large beak and feet. Kakapos are
nocturnal and live on a diet of grasses, seeds, gruits, and tree sap. Due
to hunting, deforestation, and predation by invasive mammals,
kakapos are among the rarest animals on Earth. Currently, only around
200 remain in the wild, all of which live in isolated, predator-free island
sanctuaries.

9: 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. However, they still use their wings for balance when
running, as well as for courtship displays. Two living species of ostrich
remain, both of which live in the wild in Africa, along with commercial
farms. Ostriches usually weigh from 139 to 320 pounds and can stand
up to 9 feet, 2 inches tall. Their plumage is mostly black, although they
sport white tail feathers. They can run up to 43.5 miles per hour,
making them the fastest bird on land. In addition, they also lay the
biggest eggs of any animal on land. Their diet mostly consists of
grasses and plants, although it also eats invertebrates and
some reptiles.

#8: 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. They make one of the most
unique migrations in the world, trekking nearly 100 miles inland to
breed during winter. Males and females take turns incubating a single
egg and feeding young until they can take care of themselves.
Emperor penguins rank as the largest penguin species, standing up to
39 inches tall and weighing 49 to 99 pounds. Their plumage appears
black on their faces and backs, white on their bellies, and yellow
around their necks. Capable of holding their breath for up to 20
minutes, they can dive to depths of 1,755 feet. While submerged, they
hunt for food including crustaceans, krill, fish, and squids.

#7: Steamer Duck

Steamer ducks get their name from their habit of flapping their wings
and feet when in the water. This behavior can make them look like a
paddle steamer boat to the casual observer. However, although they
flap their wings, they still rank among birds that can’t fly. All four
species of steamer duck live in Chile and Argentina at the southern
tip of South America. Of the three species, only the flying steamer
duck is capable of flight. Known for their large size, steamer ducks
typically can measure over 33 inches long and weigh over 15 pounds.
They live near rocky coastlines and subsist on mollusks, crustaceans,
seeds, small fish, and insects. Steamer ducks can act highly aggressive
and frequently engage in violent battles with other steamer ducks. In
addition, they will fight off other, large waterfowl and raptors, and may
come to the rescue of other species.

#6: 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. Their
plumage appears brown with shades of black and gray. On average,
they measure between 20-24 inches long and weigh from 1.1 to 3.5
pounds. A weka’s tail is small and almost always moving, which is
characteristic of other species of rail. They live in forests, sand dunes,
rocky coastal areas, and grasslands throughout New Zealand. Their
diet primarily consists of grasses, leaves, seeds, and berries. Wekas
nest on the ground, and both males and females take turns incubating
the eggs. Currently, the IUCN lists them as a Vulnerable species due to
predation by invasive predators and habitat loss.

#5: Cassowary
The cassowary is another member of the long-legged, flightless
ratites. Three extant species range throughout New Guinea,
northern Australia, and the Aru Islands. Among birds that can’t fly,
cassowaries enjoy a fearsome reputation, and also go by the name
“world’s most dangerous bird.” This title is earned due to its large size,
sharp claws, and aggressive nature when cornered or threatened. They
stand between 5 to 6.6 feet tall and can weigh up to 130 pounds. Their
small wings end in hard, keratinous quills that look similar to a
porcupine’s but without barbs. Cassowaries feature a large golden or
blue casque on their heads which grows with age and a blue wattle on
their neck. Capable of running up to 30 miles per hour, cassowaries
can also jump long distances and swim well. Most of their diet consists
of fruits, as well as small invertebrates, birds, rats, and fish.

#4: 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.
Flightless cormorants range throughout the Galapagos Islands and
some isolated regions of Ecuador. They measure between 35 to 39.5
inches long and weigh from 5.5 to 11 pounds on average. Their
plumage appears brownish-black, and they sport a long beak that ends
in a sharp hook. In order to fly, their wings would need to grow three
times larger than their current size. To move around, they rely on their
webbed feet and strong legs to propel them through the water. The
diet of the flightless cormorant consists mostly of fish and octopuses.
Since they don’t possess waterproof feathers, they must dry off
regularly between swimming trips.

#3: Emu
The emu is the second-largest member of the ratites and extant
species of bird in the world. They stand between 59 to 75 inches tall
and weigh from 40 to 132 pounds. Native to Australia, they range
throughout the country’s savannahs and forests, although they tend to
avoid arid regions. With their long, powerful legs, they can run up to 30
miles per hour. Their plumage varies according to their environment
but generally appears brownish-beige with hints of black and rust.
Emus forage during the day and eat a diet of seeds, grasses, fruits,
and insects. Unlike most birds, the males are solely responsible for
constructing the nest and incubating the eggs. Furthermore, female
emus typically act more aggressively than males and may fight over
potential mates. While listed as a species of Least Concern, they face
threats due to habitat loss, traffic collisions, and invasive predators.

#2: Kiwi
An international symbol of New Zealand, 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. Their wings are so small that they appear barely
visible under its hairlike, brown-gray feathers. They sport a long bill
with a sensitive nose to help them detect prey and no tail. Although
mostly nocturnal, they also come out during the day, especially if they
live in sanctuaries. Kiwis mostly live in forests but also adapted to live
in scrublands, mountainous regions, and grasslands. They eat a varied
diet of small invertebrates and amphibians, worms, insects, fruits,
and seeds. Their eggs weigh up to 1 pound, which ranks as one of the
largest eggs in relation to body size among all birds.

#1: 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. Once believed extinct in the wild, its population as of
2019 is around 418 individuals. Takahēs can reach up to 25
inches long and can weigh nearly 9.3 pounds. Stocky, powerful
birds, takahēs sport huge bills that can deliver a strong bite.
Their plumage appears dark blue on the head and belly and
lighter blue and green on the wings and back. They live in
mountainous grassland regions during the summer and
descend to lower elevations in winter. While highly territorial
and solitary, takahēs breed for life and can live up to 18 years
in the wild. They primarily subsist on a diet of grasses, shoots,
and insects, particularly on snow grass.

[Opening shot of a lush forest]

[Background music begins]

Host: "Hello, nature enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the fascinating
world of flightless birds, those unique creatures that have chosen to live their
lives grounded. From the iconic to the obscure, we'll explore the remarkable
stories of these birds that defy the skies."

[Cut to a picture of a Kakapo]

Host: "Our journey begins with the Kakapo, also known as the owl parrot, a
large, flightless parrot endemic to New Zealand. Despite their inability to
soar through the air, Kakapos have found other ways to navigate their
environment, excelling at climbing trees and occasionally gliding short
distances with their wings."

[Transition to an image of an Ostrich]

Host: "Next on our list is the Ostrich, the largest bird in the world. Found in
Africa, these mighty creatures may have puny wings, but they use them for
balance and courtship displays. With speeds of up to 43.5 miles per hour,
ostriches are the fastest birds on land, making them a formidable presence
in their habitats."

[Move to a video clip of Emperor Penguins]

Host: "Now, let's venture to Antarctica to meet the Emperor Penguin, one of
the most recognizable flightless birds. These resilient birds embark on a
unique migration, trekking nearly 100 miles inland to breed during the harsh
winter. Standing tall at 39 inches, these penguins are masters of the icy
depths, diving up to 1,755 feet in search of food."

[Cut to footage of Steamer Ducks]

Host: "Heading to the southern tip of South America, we encounter the

Steamer Duck. True to their name, these ducks exhibit a distinctive behavior,
flapping their wings and feet in the water, resembling paddle steamer boats.
Despite their wing-flapping antics, they, too, belong to the family of flightless
birds."

[Show images of Weka]

Host: "From the scenic landscapes of New Zealand comes the Weka, a
flightless bird from the rail family. While they possess small, ineffective
wings, Wekas have adapted strong legs for survival. Found in diverse
environments, from forests to grasslands, they are currently listed as a
Vulnerable species due to predation and habitat loss."

[Transition to Cassowary]

Host: "Now, let's meet the Cassowary, a formidable flightless bird inhabiting
New Guinea, northern Australia, and the Aru Islands. Known as the 'world's
most dangerous bird,' Cassowaries boast large size, sharp claws, and an
aggressive nature. Their unique appearance includes a helmet-like casque
and vibrant blue wattles."

[Show video clips of Flightless Cormorants]

Host: "Venturing to the Galapagos Islands, we encounter the Flightless

Cormorant, the only cormorant species unable to fly. With wings that would
need to grow three times larger for flight, these birds rely on their webbed
feet and strong legs to navigate the waters around the islands, feasting on a
diet of fish and octopuses."

[Transition to images of Emus]

Host: "From the vast savannahs and forests of Australia comes the Emu, the
second-largest bird in the world. With long, powerful legs, these birds can
reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. Despite their inability to fly, Emus
play a vital role in their ecosystems, foraging for seeds, grasses, fruits, and
insects."

[Cut to footage of Kiwis]

Host: "In the enchanting landscapes of New Zealand, we find the Kiwi, the
smallest member of the ratites. With barely visible wings, a long bill, and no
tail, Kiwis have adapted unique features for survival. Their nocturnal habits
and varied diet make them a symbol of New Zealand's rich biodiversity."

[Show pictures of Takahē]

Host: "Our journey concludes with the Takahē, native to New Zealand and
one of the rarest flightless birds in the world. Once believed extinct, these
stocky, powerful birds have made a remarkable comeback, with around 418
individuals as of 2019. With their striking blue plumage and strong territorial
instincts, Takahēs are a testament to the resilience of nature."

[Closing shot of diverse landscapes]

Host: "And there you have it, a glimpse into the lives of some extraordinary
birds that have chosen to keep their feet firmly on the ground. Join us next
time as we continue our exploration of the wonders of the natural world.
Until then, happy bird watching!"

[Background music fades out, video ends]