Why do flightless birds have wings?

Evolutionary scientists have discovered that the flightless birds of the world evolved their ground-hugging ways separately. ... Their puny wings can't possibly lift their heavy bodies off the ground. These flightless ... "It's very unlikely that tinamous would re-evolve flight from a flightless ancestor," says Baker. read more

Some possible functions, depending on the species of flightless bird, are: balance while running, cooling in hot weather, warmth in cold weather, protection of the ribcage during falls, mating rituals, scaring predators (emus will run at perceived enemies of their chicks, mouth open and wings flapping), sheltering of chicks, etc. read more

Flightless birds have wings which are called vestigial, meaning remnant. Their wings may have use - depending on how one defines use. For instance, Penguins can not fly in air, but their wings now resemble the flipper of a fish or dolphin useful underwater for “flying” and steering. read more

Each landlocked group evolved in place, creating the awe-inspiring and quirky birds known today: ostriches in Africa, rheas in South America, emus and cassowaries in Australia, the extinct elephant bird in Madagascar, and kiwis and extinct moas in New Zealand. read more