5. Cheetah
The cheetah is skilled at running down fast prey and can reach a top speed of 113kph (70mph). That’s three times faster than the top running speed for a human which is about 36kph (22mph)!
4. Spur-Winged Goose
The Spur-Winged Goose is the world’s largest goose and can fly at 142kph (88mph).
3. Frigate Bird
The frigate bird’s speed of 153kph(95mph) is helped by having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird. They are able to stay aloft for more than a week at a time!
2. White Throated Needletail
The White Throated Needletail (also known as the Spine Tailed Swift) is the fastest bird in powered flight, with a top recorded speed of 171kph/106mph!
1. Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is the fastest bird, and in fact the fastest animal on the planet, when in its hunting dive, the stoop, in which it soars to a great height, then dives steeply at speeds of over 322kph (200mph). It reaches horizontal cruising speeds of up to 90 kph (56mph). Find out more fascinating information on Peregrine Falcons in our Animals A-Z section.
