What Animal Can Fly the Highest? Discover the Rüppell's Griffon Vulture
Learn about the Rüppell's griffon vulture, the highest flying bird that reaches altitudes of 37,000 feet!
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The bird that flies the highest is the Rüppell's griffon vulture, reaching altitudes up to 37,000 feet. This incredible feat was confirmed when one collided with an airplane at this altitude over the Ivory Coast in 1973. This vulture's physiological adaptations enable it to survive in low-oxygen environments, making it the reigning champion of high-flying animals.
FAQs & Answers
- What animal can fly the highest? The Rüppell's griffon vulture holds the record for the highest flying animal, reaching altitudes of up to 37,000 feet.
- Why can the Rüppell's griffon vulture fly at such high altitudes? The Rüppell's griffon vulture has physiological adaptations that allow it to survive in low-oxygen environments, crucial for high-altitude flight.
- What happened when a Rüppell's griffon vulture flew at high altitude? In 1973, a Rüppell's griffon vulture collided with an airplane at 37,000 feet over the Ivory Coast, confirming its altitude capabilities.
- Are there other animals that can fly at high altitudes? While the Rüppell's griffon vulture is the highest, other birds like the bar-headed goose can also achieve high altitudes, typically around 30,000 feet.