Quick answer
An ostrich can reach about 70 km/h (43 mph) on foot in short bursts, depending on terrain, motivation, and individual condition.
Key takeaway
An ostrich can reach about 70 km/h (43 mph) on foot in short bursts, depending on terrain, motivation, and individual condition.
Top speed
Published figures put ostrich speed near 70 km/h (43 mph) on foot. These are typically peak sprint estimates, not cruising speeds sustained for long distances.
Sprint versus endurance
Most species accelerate hard for capture or escape, then recover. Open terrain favours higher recorded speeds; dense cover favours agility over raw pace.
Anatomy that helps
Limb length, muscle fibre mix, and body mass (63–130 kg (140–290 lb)) shape acceleration and top end. Heavier animals may hit hard but tire sooner.
Compared with people
Healthy adult humans jog far slower than most cursorial mammals. Never try to outrun wildlife — create distance and barriers instead.
Field tip
Speed estimates vary by study method (radar, filming, anecdote). Treat ranges as approximate and prefer recent peer-reviewed or museum summaries when available.
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.
Research notes
Figures for ostrichs (Struthio camelus) come from field studies, museum records, and conservation assessments that do not always agree on exact averages. Prefer ranges over single-point claims, and check whether a source describes wild, captive, or mixed populations.
Practical takeaways
If you encounter ostrichs in the wild, prioritise distance and local guidance. If you care for related domestic or captive animals, match diet and housing to species needs rather than generic pet advice. Share accurate status information (Least Concern) when discussing conservation.
Sources
FAQs
How Fast Is an Ostrich?
An ostrich can reach about 70 km/h (43 mph) on foot in short bursts, depending on terrain, motivation, and individual condition.
What is the scientific name of the ostrich?
Struthio camelus
What do ostrichs eat?
Omnivore (mostly plants)
Where do ostrichs live?
Savanna, semi-desert, open plains
Are ostrichs endangered?
Listed here as Least Concern. Check IUCN and national lists for the latest assessment.