- Who
- Spur-winged goose
- What
- 142 kilometre(s) per hour
- Where
- Not Applicable ()
The fastest-flying species of waterfowl is the spur-winged goose (Plectropterus gambensis). Native to wetlands throughout sub-Saharan Africa, this distinctive waterfowl has a maximum recorded speed of 142 kilometres (88 miles) per hour.
The spur-winged goose is the largest waterfowl in the African continent and among the largest geese on Earth.
It is also the most toxic waterfowl, sequestering a poison called canthardin from the blister beetles that form part of its diet.
The red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator) is a close contender for the fastest-wildfowl record, having logged speeds in level flight of 129 kilometres (80 miles) per hour, although unverified claims of up to 161 kilometres (100 miles) per hour have been alleged; it definitely holds the record as the fastest duck.
