Top 7 Oldest Birds In The World

The oldest species of birds, collectively known as the "living fossils" of avian evolution, provide us with valuable insights into the ancient world and the evolutionary history of birds. Studying these oldest species of birds allows scientists to explore the intricacies of avian evolution and understand the ancient world from which they originated.

By examining their physical characteristics, behavior, and ecological adaptations, researchers can piece together a more comprehensive picture of the evolutionary journey that birds have undertaken over millions of years.

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As the average lifespan across species varies, some birds are capable of living as long as an average human, perhaps even more. Here we would like to share with you the top 7 oldest birds in the world ever recorded.

7. Thaao (80 Years Old)

Thaao was the name given to this Andean condor bird who used to live in the Beardsley Zoo, Connecticut. The year 2010 was the final days of Thaao before passing away and became the oldest Andean condor in captivity.

The bird spent most of its life at the Pittsburgh Zoo before moving to the Beardsley Zoo in 1993. Thaoo who was naturally born in the wild was thought to be the first animal in the nation to be monitored using a breed registry.

Thaoo was a proud condor to have served as an ambassador for the zoo and conservation initiatives.

6. Greater (~83 Years Old)

It was not known of the exact date of birth for Greater but the people at the Adelaide Zoo, Australia estimated this Greater Flamingo to be more than 83 years old at the time of its death.

Some claimed that Greater came to this zoo somewhere in 1993 for unknown reasons. One unfortunate event occurred to Greater in 2008 as the bird was brutally beaten up by a group of lads, almost killing it.

Thanks to Adelaide Zoo, Greater managed to be saved and the zoo has ever since became a sanctuary for Greater until its last breath on 30 January 2014.

5. Cookie (83 Years Old)

Cookie's age stands out among the other birds on this list due to the well-documented proof of his longevity. Thanks to this evidence, Cookie holds the distinguished title of being the oldest parrot ever recorded in the Guinness World Records.

Born at the Taronga Zoo in Australia, Cookie arrived at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago in 1934, making him one of its first animal residents. Remarkably, Cookie remained at the zoo until his passing in 2016, becoming not only the oldest animal resident but also the sole survivor of the zoo's original animal collection.

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Throughout his time at Brookfield Zoo, Cookie garnered immense popularity and fame, captivating the hearts of people worldwide. Admirers, including a holy man from India, expressed their affection for Cookie through letters, cards, gifts, and even personal visits to the zoo.

Following Cookie's demise in 2016, the Brookfield Zoo decided to honor his memory by erecting a life-size bronze statue of Cookie in front of its Reptiles and Birds exhibit, an announcement made in late 2017.

4. Poncho (92 Years Old)

With evidence that is available, Poncho, a 92-year-old parrot, maybe the oldest bird alive right now. Poncho had a long Hollywood career before he emigrated to the UK in 2000. In films like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Eddie Murphy's Doctor Doolittle, this greenwing Macaw has made an appearance.

Poncho previously shot the movie 102 Dalmations, for which she traveled to the UK. Unfortunately, Poncho was taken in by the proprietors of the pet store Beck's Pets and Exotics because of her old age and did not go back to the United States. Poncho, according to the pet store, is the oldest living parrot, that is based on the 2014 Guinness World Records.

3. Fred (103 Years Old)

In 2014, at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Fred, a Sulphur-crested cockatoo, celebrated his historic 100th birthday. Despite the fact that this was the last time anyone had heard of Fred, reports and images from recent visitors to Bonorong indicate that he is still alive.

Bonorong claims that Fred may have turned 100 years old, but they waited to celebrate his centenary birthday until they were certain he was older than 100. After his owner went away, Fred was donated to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Fred had been with his prior owner for many years and was already in his 70s when he arrived in Bonorong.

2. Charlie (>114 Years Old)

Charlie, an English blue and yellow Macaw, was said to have reached 114 years old in 2014. Winston Churchill once owned this unique macaw, according to Peter Oram, Charlie's present owner. Oram states that upon Churchill's passing in 1965, Charlie was given to Heathfield Nurseries.

Aside from that, Charlie was initially owned by Oram's father-in-law in the 1930s before being sold to Churchill. Oram claims that Charlie spews anti-Nazi curses, which she must have learned from Churchill; numerous witnesses have heard Charlie's anti-Nazi rants, supporting his assertion that Churchill possessed Charlie.

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It is currently unknown of the whereabouts of Charlie but based on the recent appearance, one could say that Charlie is more than 114 years old.

1. Cocky Bennett (120 Years Old)

The oldest living bird in the world will be Cocky Bennett, a legendary creature that lived in Australia and passed away in May 1916 at the age of 120. The Sydney Morning Herald published an obituary for Cocky Bennett when he passed away, referring to him as a venerable cockatoo.

Cocky was initially Ellis' pet and he moved in with Ellis' nephew Joseph Bowden and his wife Sarah after his uncle Ellis passed away at the age of 87. When Joseph passed away in 1889, Sarah retained Cocky and brought him along when she wed Charles Bennett, the Sea Breeze Hotel's licensee.

Cocky lived at the hotel for many years before passing away in 1916 at the old age of 120 years old making it the oldest bird in the world to ever live.

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