Ostrich: Key Facts & Natural History

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.

By Kaiser Khan , Founder Last reviewed July 10, 2026 How we research & review

Key takeaway

Overview

Biology

Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is classified as Bird with conservation status Least Concern. Typical weight 63–130 kg (140–290 lb); lifespan around 40–45 years in the wild.

Ecology

Diet: Omnivore (mostly plants). Habitat: Savanna, semi-desert, open plains. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures.

People and this species

Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild individuals are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.

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

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