How high can birds fly?

Generally birds follow the facetious advice often given to pilots -- "fly low and slow." Most cruise speeds are in the 20-to-30-mph range, with an eider duck having the fastest accurately clocked air speed of about 47 mph. read more

While these birds vary in size, they have one thing in common: a longer wingspan relative to their bodies, compared with birds that fly lower. read more

Migratory birds and birds of prey can reach substantial heights while flying. This list gives the highest recorded flights for various species (limited to observations of 4,500 metres/15,000 feet and above). read more

The Ruppell's vulture, the highest-flying bird, can fly as high as 37,000 feet. The common crane and bar-headed goose have been observed flying over the Himalayas at heights of 33,000 feet and 29,000 feet, respectively. read more