The largest type of bird is the ostrich. Native to Africa, the ostrich can reach heights of up to 9 feet and weigh between 220 to 350 pounds, making it the heaviest living bird. Unlike most birds, ostriches cannot fly due to their large size, but they are exceptional runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Their long legs and powerful strides make them well-adapted to their open savannah habitats, where they forage for seeds, shrubs, and grasses.