Ostrich
Struthio camelus
Quick answer
The ostrich is the largest living bird, reaching up to 2.8 m (9 ft) tall and 130 kg (290 lb). It cannot fly, but it is the fastest bird on land, sprinting up to 70 km/h (43 mph) across the open plains of Africa. Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any living bird and can live 40 to 45 years in the wild.
Ostrich facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Struthio camelus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Omnivore (mostly plants) |
| Habitat | Savanna, semi-desert, open plains |
| Lifespan | 40–45 years in the wild |
| Weight | 63–130 kg (140–290 lb) |
| Top speed | 70 km/h (43 mph) on foot |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
Behavior and defense
Ostriches live in small groups and rely on keen eyesight and speed to avoid predators on the open plains. When threatened, they usually run rather than fight, but a cornered ostrich can deliver a powerful forward kick capable of seriously injuring a lion or a person. The myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand is false; they lower their heads to the ground when tending nests or feeding, which can look like hiding from a distance.
Diet and feeding
Ostriches are mainly herbivores, eating grasses, seeds, roots, and flowers, though they also take insects and small reptiles when available. Like many birds, they swallow pebbles and grit that collect in the gizzard to help grind up tough plant food. They can go long periods without drinking, getting most of their water from the plants they eat.
Habitat and range
Ostriches live across the savannas, semi-deserts, and open plains of sub-Saharan Africa, with a separate population in parts of the Sahel and East Africa. They favor open country where their height and eyesight let them spot danger early. They are also farmed in many countries for meat, leather, and feathers.
Conservation
The common ostrich is listed as Least Concern, with large wild populations and extensive farming. However, some regional populations have declined due to hunting and habitat loss, and the Somali ostrich is now considered a separate, more threatened species. Protected reserves and farming both help maintain overall numbers.
Frequently asked questions about the Ostrich
How fast can an ostrich run?
Ostriches can sprint up to about 70 km/h (43 mph) and sustain around 50 km/h over longer distances, making them the fastest birds on land. Their long, powerful legs and single weight-bearing toe are built for speed.
Can ostriches fly?
No. Ostriches are flightless birds. Their wings are too small to lift their heavy bodies, but they use them for balance while running and in courtship displays.
How big are ostrich eggs?
Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any living bird, each weighing about 1.4 kg (3 lb) and equal in volume to roughly two dozen chicken eggs. Several females often lay in a single communal nest.
Do ostriches really bury their heads in the sand?
No, that is a myth. Ostriches lower their heads to the ground to feed or to turn their eggs in the nest, which can look like burying from far away, but they never hide their heads in the sand.
Are ostriches dangerous?
Ostriches usually flee from danger, but a cornered or defensive ostrich can deliver a forceful forward kick with a sharp claw that can cause serious injury. They are generally not aggressive toward people unless provoked or guarding a nest.
How long do ostriches live?
Wild ostriches typically live 40 to 45 years. On farms and in captivity, with protection from predators, they can reach a similar or slightly longer age.
