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The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World

Cheetah, South Africa | AnimalsAroundtheGlobe

Get ready to race through the realm of speed with our guide to the “Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World”! Ever wondered which creatures lead the pack in sheer velocity? Dive into our exciting exploration and discover the champions of speed in the animal kingdom.

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We hope you enjoy reading about these super-fast animals. You can read the entire article or jump to any section below.

#1 Peregrine Falcon

The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World, Peregrine Falcon

Claiming the top spot as the fastest creature in the world, the peregrine falcon is unmatched in its aerial speed. During its high-speed dives, this bird reaches astounding velocities over 300 kilometers (186 miles) per hour, earning it the title of the fastest bird and mammal on the planet.

The peregrine falcon’s incredible speed is a result of its aerodynamic build, robust muscles, and sleek, swept-back wings, all of which are perfectly adapted for rapid flight.

Even in level flight, where its movement is propelled entirely by wingbeats, the peregrine falcon can attain speeds between 40-60 mph (64-97 km/h), showcasing its remarkable prowess in the skies.

#2 Golden Eagle

The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World, Golden Eagle | AnimalsAroundtheGlobe

Securing the second spot among the world’s fastest animals is the magnificent golden eagle, the largest bird of prey in North America and the proud national bird of Mexico. These majestic birds boast a striking appearance with dark brown bodies contrasted by their lighter golden-brown heads and necks.

Known for their incredible speed, golden eagles are adept at diving at over 150 miles per hour to capture their prey, showcasing their prowess as aerial hunters.

While golden eagles are not currently listed as endangered, their presence is a rare spectacle in the eastern United States. Sightings in regions like New York and New England are particularly uncommon, occurring mostly during migration periods.

In comparison to their counterparts, the bald eagles, golden eagles are considerably larger, typically being about 50% bigger. They exhibit impressive wingspans that can exceed 7 feet (2 meters), making them a truly awe-inspiring sight in the bird world.

#3 Cheetah

The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World, Cheetahs in Africa | AnimalsAroundtheGlobe

The cheetah, known as Africa’s most endangered large cat, holds the title of the fastest land animal in the world. This remarkable predator is capable of reaching breathtaking speeds exceeding 110 kilometers per hour in just a few seconds, thanks to its evolutionary adaptations for speed. At full sprint, a cheetah’s stride can stretch to an astonishing seven meters.

Its unique physical structure plays a crucial role in its speed. The cheetah boasts a flexible spine, semi-retractable claws, elongated legs, and a lengthy tail, all contributing to its ability to hit a top speed of 110 km/hr (70 mph). Its slender, lightweight body and long limbs are powered by specialized muscles that facilitate a greater swing range, enhancing acceleration.

The cheetah’s foot pads are more intricate and less rounded than those of other felines, akin to tire treads, aiding in quick, sharp turns. Its claws, short and blunt, are more similar to those of a dog than a typical cat. These claws function like cleats, gripping the ground to provide traction and speed.

Historically, cheetahs had a wide distribution, but their numbers plummeted in the 1970s when European settlers in Africa deemed them pests and drastically culled their populations. Today, they are found in only about 10% of their historical range.

The cheetah’s current distribution is extensive yet sparse, with populations scattered and fragmented. They are primarily found thriving in the southern and eastern regions of Africa, a testament to their resilience and adaptability in the face of past adversities.

#4 Sailfish

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Sailfish, known for moving in groups, use their collective strength to herd their prey upwards, with the water’s surface acting as a natural barrier. Their distinctive, large dorsal fin, resembling a sail, plays a crucial role in directing prey into a desired direction.

Widely recognized as potentially the fastest fish in the world, the sailfish’s speed is a topic of fascination among scientists. It’s believed that these swift ocean dwellers can reach speeds surpassing 68 mph, positioning them as some of the most rapid swimmers in the marine world.

#5 Swordfish


Swordfish, also known as broadbills in certain regions, are large, highly migratory predatory fish distinguished by their long, flat, and pointed bills. They are renowned not only for their impressive bills, which can measure over 1.5 meters in length, but also for being among the fastest swimmers in the ocean.

Recent scientific discoveries have shed light on the mechanisms that enable swordfish to achieve incredible speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour, further highlighting their remarkable capabilities as swift and agile predators of the sea.

#6 Ostrich

The ostrich, renowned as the world’s largest and heaviest bird, can reach impressive heights of 2.5 meters (8 feet) and weighs up to 145 kg (320 lb.), a size that renders it flightless. However, this magnificent bird thrives in the savannas, deserts, and open woodlands of central and southern Africa, thanks to several unique adaptations.

One of the ostrich’s most notable features is its long, powerful legs, specifically evolved for running. Unlike most birds, which have three or four toes, ostriches are equipped with just two toes on each foot, a design that aids in achieving remarkable speeds. These birds can sprint up to 70 km/h (43 mph) and maintain a steady pace of 50 km/h (31 mph), with each stride spanning 3-5 meters (10-16 feet)!

This extraordinary speed not only allows ostriches to outrun potential threats but also makes them the fastest two-legged mammal on the planet, a testament to their unique place in the animal kingdom.

#7 Pronghorn

Pronghorns hold the title of the swiftest land mammal in North America. They usually travel at speeds around 40 miles per hour, but are capable of reaching up to 60 miles per hour over extended distances.

Though not as fast as cheetahs in short bursts, pronghorns excel in endurance, maintaining their high speeds for much longer durations. This remarkable stamina places them as the second-fastest land animal globally.

#8 Springbok

The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World, Springbok in Africa | AnimalsAroundtheGlobe

The pronghorn, with its ability to reach speeds of 60 miles per hour, ranks as the world’s second-fastest land animal, just behind the cheetah, which can hit 61 mph. Although slightly slower than the cheetah, the pronghorn’s true prowess lies in its endurance, as it can sustain its high speed for significantly longer periods.

In another fascinating display of animal behavior, springboks exhibit a unique reaction when excited: they raise a patch of white hair. Additionally, springboks are known for their remarkable leaping ability. In a behavior called pronking, they can spring into the air with a stiff back and locked legs, reaching heights of over 10 feet (3 meters).

#9 Lion

The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World, African Lion in the Sahara, Zambia | AnimalsAroundTheGlobe

The lion, renowned for its incredible speed, stands as the second-fastest land animal in Africa, capable of reaching a top speed of 81 km/h (50.3 mph). However, despite this impressive burst of speed, lions, particularly the larger males, often find it challenging to maintain such velocity, especially when maneuvering through twists and turns during a chase.

Lionesses, adept hunters in their own right, can also achieve speeds up to 81 km/h (50 mph), but only for short durations. This limitation necessitates that they approach their prey stealthily and get as close as possible before launching their swift, powerful attacks.

#10 Blue Wildebeest

The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World wildebeest, Africa | AnimalsAroundtheGlobe


The blue wildebeest, although classified as an antelope, has a distinct appearance with its large body and disproportionately large forequarters, resembling a bovine. These animals can reach lengths of up to 8 feet, stand 4.5 feet tall at the shoulder, and weigh as much as 600 pounds, with both males and females sporting horns.

Their annual migration, driven by weather patterns and the quest for fresh grazing grounds, typically unfolds around May or June. This mass movement, involving up to 1.5 million wildebeests along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, is considered one of the most spectacular natural events on the planet.

Capable of reaching speeds up to 50 mph (80.5 km/h), the wildebeest, also known as the gnu, can match the pace of lions and outstrip many other land mammals. This speed serves as a crucial survival trait, as wildebeests are preyed upon by many African predators, including lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs. The safety of the wildebeest often lies in the strength of their large herds, moving together across the African plains.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What is the top 5 fastest animals in the world?

The fastest 5 animals in the world are #1 Peregrine Falcon, #2 Golden Eagle, #3 Cheetah, #4 Sailfish, #5 Swordfish.

What are the fastest animals in the world in order?

Peregrine Falcon – more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) per hour during diving, in level flight they can reach 40-60 mph/ 389 km/h.
Golden Eagle – capable of diving at more than 150 miles per hour on their prey.
Cheetah – the world’s fastest land animal with a top speed of 110 km/hr (70 mph).
Sailfish – often regarded as the world’s fastest fish, with speeds exceeding 68 mph.
Swordfish – can reach up to 100 kilometers per hour.
Ostrich – can sprint up to 70 km/h (43 mph) and maintain a constant speed of 50 km/h (31 mph).
Pronghorn – typical running speed is 40 miles per hour, although they can go up to 60 miles per hour over lengthy distances.
Springbok – can maintain a speed comparable to the Pronghorn.
Lion – has a top speed of 81 km/h (50.3 mph).
Blue Wildebeest – can gallop up to 50 mph/ 80.5 km/h, comparable to lions’ speed.

What is the fastest living animal in the world?

The fastest living animal in the world is the Peregrine Falcon, reaching more than 300 kilometers (186 miles) per hour during its plunging flight.

Is a falcon faster than a cheetah?

Yes, a falcon, specifically the Peregrine Falcon, is faster than a cheetah. The Peregrine Falcon can reach speeds of more than 300 kilometers per hour (186 miles per hour) during its diving flight, which is significantly faster than the top speed of a cheetah at 110 kilometers per hour (70 miles per hour).

Are kangaroos faster than dogs?

This depends on the specific species of kangaroo and dog. Greyhounds, one of the fastest dog breeds, can reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Red kangaroos, the fastest kangaroo species, can reach speeds of over 35 miles per hour. So, in a speed contest between a greyhound and a red kangaroo, the greyhound would likely be faster. However, kangaroos have the advantage of being able to maintain high speeds for longer distances.

What’s the fastest two-legged animal?

The fastest two-legged animal is the Ostrich. Ostriches can sprint up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 miles per hour) and maintain a constant speed of 50 kilometers per hour (31 miles per hour).

Which animal has the fastest reflexes?

Some animals renowned for their quick reflexes include certain birds of prey like the Peregrine Falcon, which must react incredibly quickly while diving to catch prey. Dragonflies are known to have extraordinarily fast reflexes and high-speed maneuverability in flight, enabling them to catch prey in mid-air. Cats, both domestic and wild, also have famously quick reflexes. Among mammals, the star-nosed mole is often cited for its extremely fast eating reflex—it can decide whether something is edible and eat it in just 225 milliseconds!

Summary Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World

Cheetah

The Top 10 Fastest Animals in The World are remarkable in the speeds they can total, soaring through the air, water and on land.

If you enjoyed reading up about them, look at our top 10 cutest and most endangered animals next! Similar topics you might like are:

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