Ostrich

Struthio camelus

The Ostrich is the largest bird in the world! They can't fly, but they can run super fast—up to 45 miles per hour!

Habitat: Savannas and open grasslands

Appearance

The Ostrich is the world's largest bird, known for its incredibly long neck and legs, and small head with huge eyes. Males have striking black feathers with white tail plumes and wingtips, while females are duller grey-brown. It is visually distinct from other large birds by its two-toed feet.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderStruthioniformesFamilyStruthionidaeGenusStruthio

Ostrich

Interesting facts

Male ostriches perform a unique dance, bowing and flapping wings, to attract a female mate.

Ostrich males and females bravely share the job of incubating their enormous eggs.

Ostriches swallow small stones, called gastroliths, to help grind up tough food in their stomachs!

Their booming call sounds exactly like a lion's roar and can be heard from far away!

Special abilities

Ostrich can run up to 70 km/h because its powerful, long legs help it quickly escape from predators.

Ostrich has incredibly strong legs that deliver a powerful forward kick, helping them defend against dangerous threats.

Ostrich can go many days without drinking fresh water, because it gets enough moisture from the plants it eats.

Ostrich has only two toes on each foot, which helps them run faster and gives them better balance.

Measurements & details

Length: 210-280 cm
Wingspan: 180-200 cm
Weight: 63-145 kg
Lifespan: 30-40 years
Top Speed: 70 km/h
Clutch Size: 15-60
Incubation: 35-45 days

Diet & Feeding

Ostriches are amazing foragers, eating mostly plants but also insects, seeds, and even small lizards!

Primary Foods

Grasses
Shrubs
Seeds
Fruits
Insects
Lizards

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lion

Panthera leo

Lions are major predators, often hunting adult ostriches.

eaten by

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

Hyenas frequently prey on ostrich eggs and young chicks.

eats

Umbrella Thorn Acacia

Acacia tortilis

Ostriches browse on the leaves, flowers, and pods of acacia trees.

eats

White-backed Vulture

Gyps africanus

Vultures scavenge ostrich carcasses and sometimes consume unattended eggs.

Traits

Feathered

Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers.

Social

Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.

Herbivorous

This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.

Thermoregulating

Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment.

Savanna

This habitat trait denotes species native to savannas, which are grasslands with scattered trees, typically found in tropical or subtropical regions with distinct wet and dry seasons.