Question

What bird is considered the highest-altitude species?

Answer 1

The bird with the reigning champion title for the highest-altitude flyer is the Rüppell's griffon vulture (Gyps rueppellii). These majestic scavengers soar through the skies at incredible heights:

• Reaching for the Extremes: Rüppell's griffon vultures have been recorded flying at altitudes exceeding 11,300 meters (37,000 feet)! That's almost as high as commercial airplanes typically fly.

• Built for High Altitudes: These vultures have several adaptations that allow them to thrive in such thin air:

  • Efficient Wings: Their broad wings with a high aspect ratio (wingspan compared to width) are ideal for soaring long distances and conserving energy.
  • Specialized Hemoglobin: Their blood contains a special type of hemoglobin that binds oxygen more efficiently at low pressure, allowing them to extract oxygen from the thin air.
  • Reduced Metabolism: They have a slower metabolism compared to other birds, which helps them conserve energy at high altitudes.

• Life on the High Frontier: Rüppell's griffon vultures are found in the mountains of Africa. They scavenge for food at high altitudes, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses.