Birds grew wings and flew into the sky. Since then, birds have become the overlords in the sky. Of course, in addition to birds, there are also a few animals in the sky that can fly, such as: various insects, and bats among mammals . Although it can fly high, it is still not the opponent of birds, and even becomes the prey object of birds.

There are so many birds living in the sky, and different birds have different abilities and strengths. There are also three, six, and nine levels among birds. Many people have a question in their minds, which kind of bird is the fastest in the world. What about the fastest bird?

The fastest flying bird in the world

In the era before high-rise buildings, swallows were a common bird in life with a tail like scissors. Their flying speed is also very fast, and their flying skills are also very superb, and they can even fly close to the ground. The flying speed of swallows can reach 120 kilometers per hour, which is 33 meters per second, which is a must among birds.

Some people say that the speed of peregrine falcons is faster than that of swallows. The peregrine falcons usually fly at a speed of about 90 km/h, and even pigeons cannot catch up with them (the average flight speed is 98 km/h), but peregrine falcons have a unique skill. , that is dive flight.

Fly high into the sky and pursue the prey in a diving attitude, so that the flight speed can reach 300 km/h, and no prey can escape from it.

However, after research by biologists, it was found that the fastest flying bird in the world is a bird called "point-tailed swift". In India in 1934, there was a measurement of the pointed-tailed swift. During the flight distance of nearly 3 kilometers, the flying speed of the pointed-tailed swift was as high as 276.47 to 353.23 kilometers.

The reason why it flies so fast is related to its body structure, because the body of the pointed-tailed swift is very light, the body length does not exceed 30 cm, and the weight is only about 9-150 grams.

This is followed by the wing feathers of the pointed-tailed swift, which consists of about 10 longer primary flight feathers and two layers of shorter secondary flight feathers. This kind of wing structure makes the wings of the pointed-tailed swift lighter and can also reduce more air resistance in flight.

Because of such lightweight body accessories, the flying speed of the pointed-tailed swift far exceeds that of ordinary birds. The normal flight speed can be maintained at 180 km/h, and the fastest time can reach 350 km/h, which is comparable to the speed of high-speed rail. .

It is precisely because the sharp-tailed swift's flying ability is maximized that it also has a disadvantage, that is, its claws are severely degraded, and it loses the power that ordinary birds can bounce. Once the sharp-tailed swift landed on the flat ground, the long and narrow wings could be flapped, which would prevent the sharp-tailed swift from taking off flat.

This also leads to tip-tailed swifts generally only resting on tree trunks and wall bulges.

Fly almost all my life

In order to test the flying ability of pointed-tailed swifts, biologists have installed micro-positioning devices on the bodies of several pointed-tailed swifts. Through observation, it was found that one of the swifts flew for nearly 10 months without landing. As a flying master, almost every Swiftlet spends more than 90% of its life flying, eating, drinking, excreting and even mating during the flight.

This is of course the evolutionary result of the principle of "survival of the fittest". The sharp-tailed swift is weak and difficult to take off. There are many dangers on the ground and even in the trees. In order to survive, the sharp-tailed swift will try to avoid falling on its own. In danger, the best way is to fly without landing.

When hungry, look for insects flying in the sky, spiders that weave webs, and rely on their speed to bring food directly to their mouths.

When thirsty, the pointed-tailed swift will fly low on the water surface. When it is close to the water surface, it will open its mouth for drinking water resources, setting off a ripple on the water surface.

Of course, sleeping is not difficult for the pointed-tailed swift. Many birds will " single hemisphere slow-wave sleep ", that is, when flying, sacrifice a certain amount of flight ability and let half of their heads take turns to rest, so as to be in flight. Sleeping while flying.

When two sharp-tailed swifts meet eyes, they will fly at the same speed in the air, and only need to touch for a short period of time to complete the task of reproduction.

Point-tailed swifts are loyal to love, and love will also make "footless" swifts settle down. After two point-tailed swifts mate, they will start to build their nests, which are generally built in dangerous locations, such as vertical walls, trees, or high places on the roof. Another species of swift even builds its nest behind a waterfall. This is also the best means for the safety of future generations.