Wildly Fast Animals
In the wild, speed is everything, and some animals have shown us what it means to be naturally fast. These creatures are bonafide masters of sudden sprints and effortless flying that can make even the fastest car pale in comparison. Let's take a closer look at ten animals that prove they're in a league of their own when it comes to speed.
Kévin et Laurianne Langlais on Pexels
1. Peregrine Falcon
Race cars have nothing on peregrine falcons! In a hunting dive called a "stoop," peregrine falcons achieve speeds of up to 240 mph as they hurtle toward their prey. Plus, their streamlined body and exceptional eyesight make them the ultimate predator of the skies.
Mosharaf hossain ce on Wikimedia
2. Cheetah
Cheetahs are capable of reaching speeds of 70 mph in short bursts, as their long legs and semi-retractable claws give them the flexibility needed to sprint after prey. However, such speed comes at a cost, as cheetahs can only sustain it for about 20–30 seconds before exhaustion sets in.
3. Sailfish
A marine marvel, the sailfish's iconic dorsal fin, or "sail," helps it stabilize and maneuver during rapid movements. Often seen leaping out of the water, the sailfish combines speed and spectacle, earning a reputation as one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures.
4. Pronghorn Antelope
Pronghorns can sustain speeds of 30–40 miles per hour for miles. Their speed is a relic of a time when they had to outrun predators like the American cheetah (now extinct). With their oversized lungs and aerodynamic bodies, these sprinting superstars are built for the chase.
Yathin S Krishnappa on Wikimedia
5. Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat
The Brazilian free-tailed bat is a strong contender in the speed rankings. Unlike most bats, which are known for their slow and fluttery movements, this species is built for speed. The nocturnal hunters also play a vital ecological role by consuming vast quantities of agricultural pests.
Brazilian Free Tailed Bat Speedster of the Skies by GSJ VIDEOS
6. Common Swift
Common Swift spend most of their lives in the air. Their forked tails and pointed wings allow them to make sharp turns and sudden dives. Moreover, these birds are so adapted to flight that they can even sleep while airborne, which makes them one of nature's most remarkable flyers.
7. Grey-Headed Albatross
These albatrosses have been recorded flying at over 79 miles per hour. They rely on a technique called dynamic soaring, where they use the ocean's wind currents to propel themselves. However, overfishing and climate change are threatening their food sources and breeding grounds.
Lieutenant Elizabeth Crapo, NOAA Corps: NOAA Photo Library on Wikimedia
8. Anna's Hummingbird
Ever seen a tiny bird that's basically a glittery rocket? Meet Anna's hummingbird—the bird that lives life in the fast lane of wildlife. During the courtship dive, it reaches speeds of 61 mph, which creates a distinctive sound as it abruptly pulls up at the end.
9. Black Marlin
Black marlin is considered the fastest swimmer in the world. Found in tropical and subtropical waters, the black marlin is not only admired for its speed but also for strength, often giving anglers a fierce fight. Furthermore, it has an elongated bill that helps reduce water resistance.
10. Golden Eagle
While the peregrine falcon holds the speed record, golden eagles impress by reaching up to 200 mph. These powerful raptors rely on their immense wingspan, almost averaging seven feet, to control their rapid descent. Their dives are often silent, which gives prey very little chance to react.
