What's your wingspan?

A twist on the usual ape-index.

Scientific studies find no strong link between ape index and climbing performance. All the same, it’s a fun comparative exercise to compare your wingspan with your height.

Wingspan = Arm Span – Body Height.

How do you compare with the native birds of Aotearoa? See the chart below.

New Zealand Bird Wingspans
Image Bird Species Wingspan (cm)
Fantail (Pīwakawaka) Fantail (Pīwakawaka) 20
Pied shag (Kāruhiruhi) Pied shag (Kāruhiruhi) 45
Kea Kea 50
Kererū Kererū 75
Kārearea Kārearea 83
Swamp Harrier (Kāhu) Swamp Harrier (Kāhu) 100
White-faced heron (Matuku) White-faced heron (Matuku) 110
Royal Spoonbill (Kōtuku ngutupapa) Royal Spoonbill (Kōtuku ngutupapa) 120
White Heron (Kōtuku) White Heron (Kōtuku) 170
Grey-headed albatross (Toroa) Grey-headed albatross (Toroa) 200
Haast's Eagle (Pouākai) Haast's Eagle (Pouākai) 260