Flightless birds

Ostriches, emus, penguins and kiwis are birds that cannot fly through the air. They use other ways of moving, including running, walking and swimming. Their wings and feathers still have other uses.

How do they move?

• Ostriches and emus use powerful legs to move on land.
• Penguins swim using wings adapted as flippers.
• Kiwis move on the ground and have very small wings hidden in their plumage.

Feathers provide protection and insulation. Depending on the species, wings can contribute to balance, displays or swimming. These birds belong to different families; what they share is that they cannot fly.

Flightless birds and short-distance fliers

Ostriches, emus, penguins and kiwis naturally lack the ability to fly as adults. Chickens, peafowl and pheasants can fly short distances. An injury that prevents flight is different from the adaptations of naturally flightless birds.

Birds include naturally flightless species and flying animals.

Sources: San Diego Zoo — emu · San Diego Zoo — kiwi · San Diego Zoo — ostrich