Quick answer
Ostrichs feed as Omnivore (mostly plants), adjusting with season, age, and local prey or plant availability.
Key takeaway
Ostrichs feed as Omnivore (mostly plants), adjusting with season, age, and local prey or plant availability.
Diet overview
Ostrichs (Struthio camelus) are best described as Omnivore (mostly plants). That label summarises preferred foods, not every item an individual might sample.
How they obtain food
Foraging and hunting strategies reflect anatomy and habitat. Energy-rich foods are prioritised when available; lean seasons force broader diets or longer travel.
Seasonal and life-stage shifts
Young ostrichs often eat different foods or receive provisioned meals from parents. Adults may specialise regionally based on what is abundant.
Ecosystem role
As consumers in their food web, ostrichs influence prey, vegetation, or nutrient cycling.
Human conflict
Do not feed wild ostrichs. Habituation raises injury risk for people and animals and can lead to lethal management.
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
What Do Ostrichs Eat?
Ostrichs feed as Omnivore (mostly plants), adjusting with season, age, and local prey or plant availability.
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.