The fastest bird in level (horizontal) flight is the common swift (Apus apus) .
In level flight, the common swift reaches a speed of 170 – 180 km/h (105 – 112 mph). Therefore, it is considered one of the fastest birds in the world.

Contrary to appearances, it is not a cheetah, but a peregrine falcon that is the fastest animal in the world. The peregrine falcon reaches a speed of 350 km/h (217 mph) in a diving flight.