Bird lifespans vary widely depending on the species, size, and environmental factors. Generally, larger birds tend to live longer than smaller birds.

Typical Lifespans by Bird Type

• Seabirds (albatrosses, terns, penguins): 30 to 50 years, with some individuals like the Laysan albatross "Wisdom" living over 70 years in the wild

• Eagles: 20 to 25 years on average; bald eagles can live 20-30 years in the wild and up to 50 years in captivity

• Hawks: 8 to 20 years

• Songbirds: Typically 8 to 12 years; warblers live 3 to 6 years, hummingbirds 6 to 9 years, though some hummingbirds can live up to 14 years in the wild

• Common garden birds: Average 2 to 5 years, though some individuals can reach 10 years or more (e.g., blackbirds up to 21 years, blue tits over 10 years)

• Parrots: Medium to large parrots can live 40 to 80 years, with macaws reaching 50 to 70 years and some captive parrots living over 80 years

Factors Affecting Bird Longevity

• Size: Smaller birds generally have shorter lifespans due to higher metabolic rates, while larger birds live longer

• Captivity vs. Wild: Birds tend to live longer in captivity due to protection from predators and consistent food supply. For example, Andean Condors can live up to 77 years in captivity

• Species-specific traits: Some species have unique longevity records, such as the Sulfur-crested Cockatoo living up to 80 years in captivity

Summary Table of Bird Lifespans

Bird Type/Species| Average Lifespan (Years)| Maximum Recorded Lifespan (Years)
---|---|---
Albatrosses & Seabirds| 30-50| 70+ (wild)
Eagles| 20-25| 25 (wild)
Hawks| 8-20| -
Songbirds (general)| 8-12| 15-20 (some species)
Hummingbirds| 6-9| 14 (wild)
Garden birds (e.g., blackbird, blue tit)| 2-5 (average)| 10-21
Parrots (macaws, cockatoos)| 40-80| 80+ (captivity)

Birds often live longer than similarly sized mammals, sometimes three times as long, despite high metabolic rates

. In conclusion, bird lifespans range from just a few years for small species to several decades for larger birds, with exceptional individuals living over 70 years in the wild or captivity