These are the fastest animals on Earth

The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is found all over the world, on every continent except Antarctica. Peregrine falcons are the fastest birds and the fastest animals on Earth today—they reach these top speeds while diving during flight. 

These birds of prey are quick for their large size. Peregrine falcons average 36 to 49 centimeters (14.2 to 19.3 inches) in length with a wingspan of 100 to 110 centimeters (39.4 to 43.3 inches), and they weigh 530 to 1600 grams (18.7 to 56.4 ounces). They search for prey while flying high in the air. When they find something, they dive at their chosen target, reaching speeds of more than 320 kilometers per hour (200 miles per hour). Their speed makes them incredibly successful and efficient hunters.  

Thanks to its wide distribution and adaptability, the peregrine falcon is classed as least concern on the IUCN Red List. In the US, the peregrine falcon has made a significant recovery since the 1970s, when it was listed on the Endangered Species Act and the chemical DDT, which had caused widespread poisoning among their population, was finally banned. In 1999, the peregrine falcon was removed from the Act. 

At IFAW’s Beijing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC), we rescue and rehabilitate peregrine falcons and other birds of prey that become injured, often due to collisions with human infrastructure like vehicles, windows, and overhead static wires, in addition to lead and rat poison. Food shortages and confusion from shifting weather patterns are also impacting raptors.

Golden eagles are larger than peregrine falcons, averaging 70 to 84 centimeters (27.60 to 33.10 inches) long and weighing three to six kilograms (6.61 to 13.50 pounds), with an impressive wingspan of 185 to 220 centimeters (72.8 to 86.6 inches).  

Golden eagles have a stable population of as many as 160,000 mature individuals and are classified as least concern by the IUCN. In the US, golden eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is also listed under CITES Appendix II, shielding the species from unsustainable trade. 

3. White-throated needletails 

The white-throated needletail (Hirundapus caudacutus) is a bird in the swift family that lives in parts of Asia and Oceania. Although it’s never been scientifically proven, it’s believed that the white-throated needletail can reach speeds of up to 168 kilometers per hour (105 miles per hour). This speed helps them travel long distances for migratory purposes and catch their favourite prey—insects. 

White-throated needletails have large wingspans compared to their small body size—around 50-centimeter (19.68-inch) wingspans and 20-centimeter (7.87-inch) bodies. This size difference means white-throated needletails can struggle to take off from land. So instead of perching often, they spend long periods of time in flight. Unlike falcons and eagles, these birds reach their top speeds during level flight, rather than when diving. 

It’s not certain how large this species’ population is, but it’s believed to be stable, and the IUCN lists the white-throated needletail as least concern. 

4. Eurasian hobbies 

The Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo) is a species of falcon that lives across much of Europe, Asia, and Africa. This is another bird that dives to catch its prey, which includes large insects and smaller birds. When they dive, Eurasian hobbies can reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour)—a killer speed for snatching their prey out of thin air.  

Eurasian hobbies are slightly smaller than peregrine falcons. They measure 29 to 36 centimeters (11.41 to 14.17 inches) long and weigh 131 to 340 grams (4.62 to 11.99 ounces). Eurasian hobbies have an average wingspan of 74 to 84 centimeters (29.1 to 33.07 inches). 

There are as many as 1,500,000 mature Eurasian hobbies in the world. Although the species is listed as least concern by the IUCN, there are also signs of a decreasing population trend. 

5. Spur-winged geese 

The next fastest animal is the spur-winged goose (Plectropterus gambensis), a waterbird that lives in sub-Saharan Africa. These large geese measure 75 to 115 centimeters (30 to 45 inches) long and weigh four to seven kilograms (8.8 to 15 pounds). 

Spur-winged geese usually graze in shrubland and grassland near rivers, lakes, and swamps, so they rarely use their speed for hunting. Instead, their maximum flight speed of 142 kilometers per hour (88 miles per hour) is generally used to escape predators and migrate long distances. They are considered the fastest-flying species of waterfowl. 

The IUCN lists the spur-winged goose as least concern, with an increasing population. 

6. Cheetahs 

Sixth​​ on the list is our first flightless animal—the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus). Cheetahs are large cats that live primarily in Africa, though they also have a small population in Iran.  

Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on Earth and the world’s fastest mammals, bounding after their prey at speeds of 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour). They’re known for their extreme acceleration—they can increase their speed by as much as 10 kilometers per hour in a single stride. These sudden and agile bursts of speed are what help them chase and catch fast-footed prey like gazelles.  

Cheetahs are smaller than other large cats, like lions and tigers. Cheetahs measure 1.1 to 1.4 meters (3.7 to 4.6 feet) in length and weigh 34 to 54 kilograms (77 to 143 pounds.) Their smaller size helps them reach much faster speeds than other cats. For example, lions have a top speed of 80.46 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour), and tigers can reach 64 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour). The cheetah is also faster than the leopard, which has a top speed of 57.93 kilometers per hour (36 miles per hour). 

Cheetahs are no longer found in most of their historical range, and their population of around 6,517 mature individuals is decreasing. Because of this, they’re listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. 

Cheetahs are listed under CITES Appendix I, giving them the highest protections from trade. However, the trafficking of live cheetah cubs is still a pressing issue. IFAW’s Countering Cheetah Trafficking from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula (CCTHOA) project works to stop the illegal trade of live cheetah cubs taken from the wild in the Somali region and trafficked to the Arabian Peninsula for sale as exotic pets. 

7. Sailfish 

Next up is the world’s fastest marine animal: the sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus). These fish live throughout the warmer areas of our oceans and can grow to 304 centimeters (around 10 feet) in length. They have a giant dorsal fin that is much taller than their bodies, giving them the appearance of a sailboat, and an elongated bill, similar to that of a swordfish. 

When they swim, sailfish can reach speeds up to 109 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour), helping them catch prey and escape predators like open ocean sharks and orcas. Their speed also helps them catch their prey, including large bony fish, crustaceans, and squid. 

The sailfish population is currently decreasing, and the IUCN lists them as vulnerable. 

8. Gyrfalcons 

Returning to the skies, the eighth fastest animal in the world is the gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus). They’re also the world’s largest falcon species, measuring 48 to 65 centimeters (18.89 to 25.59 inches) long and weighing 805 grams to two kilograms (1.76 to 4.4 pounds). They have a wingspan of 110 to 160 centimeters (43.30 to 62.99 inches).  

When a gyrfalcon dives during flight to ambush its prey, it can reach speeds from 80 to 109 kilometers (50 to 68 miles) per hour. This helps the bird to quickly grab any prey that appears, including ptarmigans and waterfowl, before these animals return to their hideouts to take cover from the cold. 

Gyrfalcons live primarily above the Arctic Circle—they’re found in Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia. They have a stable population of between 12,600 and 55,300 mature individuals and are listed as least concern by the IUCN. Gyrfalcons are protected under CITES Appendix I and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). "Further research on this Arctic-dwelling species is needed to understand how rising temperatures may be having an impact on its populations.

9. Swordfish 

Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are famous for their giant sword-like noses. They live in tropical and temperate parts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, and they use their swords to cut through water and swim at high speeds.  

Following closely behind their sailfish cousins, swordfish can swim at 97 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour). Swordfish use their impressive speed to catch food and avoid predators like orcas.  

Swordfish are slightly lighter and longer than sailfish. Swordfish weigh an average of 22.67 to 90.71 kilograms (50 to 200 pounds) and measure 455 centimeters (14.75 feet) long. Meanwhile, sailfish weigh up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and measure up to 300 centimeters (10 feet) in length. 

The swordfish population is decreasing, and the IUCN lists them as near threatened. A prominent threat to swordfish is overfishing—though there are limits on the size of swordfish that can be caught to prevent juveniles from being taken, swordfish have a high mortality rate when caught on pelagic longline gear—which means many juvenile swordfish die before they can be returned to the ocean. Fishing with driftnets also causes a high rate of juvenile mortality among swordfish. 

10. Mexican free-tailed bats 

The Mexican free-tailed bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) can be found in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina. They are small mammals, weighing only around 12 grams (0.42 ounces). But these tiny animals are incredibly fast fliers, usually averaging around 96.5 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour).  

Mexican free-tailed bats are capable of flying even faster in short bursts. Their maximum recorded speed is just under 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), which means they can sometimes move faster than cheetahs.  

Mexican free-tailed bats have a stable population and are classified as least concern by the IUCN. 

11. Anna’s hummingbirds 

Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) is an incredibly abundant hummingbird species that lives along the West Coast of the US, Canada, and Mexico. They are one of the larger species of hummingbird and also the fastest. 

Anna’s hummingbirds can fly at around 96 kilometers per hour (60 miles per hour), and unlike the other animals on this list, they use this speed during courtship displays to attract mates. It also helps them zoom away from predators when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.  

Their population consists of about 9,600,000 mature individuals and is currently increasing, leading to their classification as least concern. 

12. Springboks  

Next is our second flightless land animal: ​​the springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), a species of antelope found in southern Africa. 

Springboks are known for their unique jumping style, known as ‘pronking’. They spring into the air, lifting all four feet into the air at once. They are also known for their impressive running speed. They have been observed reaching 88 kilometres per hour (55 miles per hour) while running from predators or performing pronking displays. 

The IUCN classifies springboks as least concern, and its population is large, consisting of 1,400,000 to 1,700,000 mature individuals. 

13. American quarter horses 

A domesticated contender in the race is the American quarter horse (Equus caballus). Humans have bred this species for hundreds of years to strengthen certain traits—including their speed.  

American quarter horses are known for their strong sprint and ability to consistently outrun other horse species. Reaching speeds of up to 88 kilometers per hour (55 miles per hour), this horse breed is now used worldwide for shows, races, and ranching. According to the American Quarter Horse Association, there are more than 2.5 million American quarter horses living in the US alone. 

14. Blue wildebeests 

The blue wildebeest, also known as the common wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), is found in the southern and eastern parts of Africa. Blue wildebeests are found in the savannahs and grasslands of southern Africa. 

When they run, blue wildebeests can reach speeds of 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour), which is helpful during long migrations and to escape predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards.  

The IUCN lists the blue wildebeest as least concern, with a stable population estimated at around 1,550,000 mature individuals. 

15. Pronghorns 

The pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) is a hoofed mammal similar to an antelope that lives in western North America. One of its closest living relatives is the giraffe.  

These mammals migrate 240 kilometers (150 miles) each way during the year and can maintain fast speeds for long periods of time. When they need to escape predators, they can run for short bursts at up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour.   

The pronghorn has a stable population of around 750,000 mature individuals and is listed as least concern by the IUCN. 

• Ascension frigatebirds (Fregata aquila), classed as vulnerable 
• Magnificent frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens), classed as least concern 
• Christmas Island frigatebirds (Fregata andrewsi), classed as vulnerable 
• Great frigatebirds (Fregata minor), classed as least concern 
• Lesser frigatebirds (Fregata ariel), classed as least concern 

They all live in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world, spending weeks at a time in flight. They use wind currents to stay in the air without expending too much energy.  

All frigatebirds are fast—for example, the magnificent frigatebird can reach speeds of around 74 kilometers per hour (46 miles per hour). As kleptoparasites, frigatebirds often use their speed to steal food from other birds, though they also hunt their own food as well. 

17. Albatrosses 

The Diomedeidae family, known as albatrosses, are another fast-flying group. The family is made up of 22 species of seabirds living in different parts of the Southern Hemisphere and North Pacific. 

Of these 22 species, the snowy albatross (Diomedea exulans) is particularly fast, capable of reaching speeds around 72 kilometers per hour (45 miles per hour). By accelerating to high speeds and then relying on wind currents, the albatross can cover vast distances with minimal energy expenditure. 

Two species, the waved albatross and Tristan albatross, are critically endangered, with another seven species listed as endangered. Threats to albatrosses include climate change, bycatch from fisheries, and targeted hunting. 

18. Ostriches 

The common ostrich (Struthio camelus) lives in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Ostriches are known for their running ability. Although they’re not the fastest runners in the animal kingdom, they can reach impressive speeds of 70 kilometers miles per hour (43 miles per hour). Because their diet mostly consists of plant matter, ostriches don’t use their speed for hunting, but they do use it to run long distances and escape predators. 

While their population appears to be decreasing, common ostriches are currently listed as least concern by the IUCN. 

19. Thomson’s gazelles 

Thomson’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii) is another fast-running member of the antelope family. They live in East Africa and prefer wide-open spaces where they can graze and watch for predators. 

Their speed is useful for covering long distances during migrations and for escaping predators. As well as reaching speeds of up to 64 kilometers per hour (40 miles per hour), Thomson’s gazelles are incredibly agile. They can quickly change direction, making it harder for predators to catch them. 

Thomson’s gazelles have a population of 145,000 mature individuals and are listed as least concern by the IUCN. 

20. Pigeons 

The last animal on our list is the rock dove (Columba livia)—otherwise known as the common pigeon. Ubiquitous in urban areas worldwide, pigeons have travelled and adapted to many new habitats thanks to human activity. They are listed as least concern by the IUCN and they have an estimated global population of around 260,000,000.  

Pigeons usually fly at 24 to 56 kilometers per hour (15 to 35 miles per hour), but when domesticated pigeons are trained, they can reach speeds of up to 156 kilometers per hour (97 miles per hour) in short bursts. 

Help IFAW protect animals worldwide  

Unfortunately, speed alone can’t guarantee survival, especially as human activity continues to threaten animals’ lives and their natural habitats. 

At IFAW, we work to protect wildlife and the planet we call home. From safeguarding critical habitats to advocating for strong conservation policies, we ensure that animals worldwide can thrive and coexist with people. Learn how you can get involved.