Bird Flight Speed Calculator
Calculate flight distances and compare various bird species' speeds with our interactive tool.
Select a bird species and flight duration to see results
About Bird Flight Speeds
Birds exhibit a wide range of flight speeds depending on species, flight type, and environmental conditions. The speeds listed in our calculator represent typical maximum speeds under favorable conditions.
Types of Bird Flight
- Level flight - Normal, sustained flying speed
- Diving speed - Maximum speed achieved during a dive (significantly faster)
- Migration speed - Often slower than maximum speed to conserve energy
Did You Know?
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird and animal in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 240 mph (386 km/h) during its hunting dive (stoop). However, in level flight, the Spine-tailed Swift holds the record at about 106 mph (171 km/h).
Flight Speed Applications
Bird Watching
Understanding flight speeds can help birdwatchers identify species by their flight patterns and speeds, especially when observing distant birds.
Migration Tracking
Researchers use flight speed data to predict arrival times and track migration patterns of various bird species around the world.
Conservation
Flight capabilities inform conservation strategies, particularly when designing protected corridors for migrating species and calculating energy needs.