The short answer: Bird weights span a huge range. Small songbirds weigh about 24 to 40 g (0.85 to 1.4 oz), while the ostrich can exceed 100 kg (220 lb).
Bird weight by type
Weight depends almost entirely on species. Here are representative examples across the range.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Hummingbird | About 2 to 6 g (0.07 to 0.2 oz) |
| Sparrow | About 24 to 40 g (0.85 to 1.4 oz) |
| Pigeon | About 300 g (10.5 oz) |
| Bald eagle | About 3 to 6 kg (6.6 to 13 lb) |
| Ostrich | About 100 to 150 kg (220 to 330 lb) |
What affects bird weight
- Species. This is by far the biggest factor, spanning grams to over 100 kg.
- Flight ability. Flightless birds like ostriches can be far heavier.
- Sex. Males and females differ in many species.
- Season. Migratory birds add fat before long journeys.
- Age. Chicks reach adult weight at different rates by species.
How bird weight compares
A hummingbird weighs about the same as a penny, while an ostrich can weigh as much as two adult humans combined.
Frequently asked questions
What is the lightest bird?
The bee hummingbird is the lightest, weighing roughly 2 grams, about the mass of a paperclip.
What is the heaviest bird?
The ostrich is the heaviest living bird, with large males exceeding 130 kg (290 lb).
How much does an average garden bird weigh?
Common garden birds such as sparrows and finches typically weigh between 20 and 40 grams.
