The largest living bird is

Options

A. Struthio (Ostrich)
B. Aptenodytes (Penguin)
C. Phonicopterus (Flamingo)
D. Aepyornis (Giant elephant bird)

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the largest living bird. To answer this, we need to consider both the height and weight of various bird species.

2. **Identifying Flightless Birds**: Generally, the largest birds tend to be flightless. This is because flight requires a lighter body structure, which limits the size of flying birds. Therefore, we will focus on flightless birds.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Ostrich (Struthio)**: The ostrich is known to be the tallest and heaviest living bird. Males can reach heights of up to 9 feet and weigh between 200 to 250 pounds.
- **Penguins (Aptenodytes)**: Penguins are also flightless, but they are much smaller, with weights ranging from 1.5 to 23 kg.
- **Flamingos**: Flamingos can fly and their height is around 1.1 to 1.5 meters, with a weight of 2 to 4 kg.
- **Giant Elephant Bird**: This bird is extinct and, while it was larger than the ostrich, it does not count as a living bird.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the ostrich is confirmed as the largest living bird, as it is both the tallest and heaviest among the options provided.

5. **Final Answer**: The largest living bird is the **Ostrich**.

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