12 Interesting Facts About The Ostrich Bird
Smiling Ostrich | Via Getty Images
The ostrich, known as the world’s largest bird, is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood birds on the planet. With its towering height, exceeding that of an average man by about one meter, powerful legs, and unique behaviors, this flightless bird native to Africa is packed with surprises. In this guide, we’ll uncover 12 interesting facts about ostrich birds that might just change the way you see them.
Let’s dive into the wild world of the ostrich!
A Flightless Bird
The ostrich is a flightless bird that holds the title of the world’s largest living bird and the largest living land animal. Belonging to the Struthionidae family, ostriches are part of the ratite group, which also includes emus, kiwis, and rheas. Unlike their avian relatives, flightless birds like ostriches have evolved to thrive on land, losing the ability to fly over time. Standing as the largest living birds on Earth, male ostriches can reach towering heights of up to 9 feet (2.8 meters) and weigh as much as 345 pounds (156 kilograms). Despite their massive size, ostriches are incredibly swift, capable of reaching speeds up to 43 miles per hour (69 kilometers per hour).
Their long, powerful legs and strong feet are not just for show; they enable ostriches to run at high speeds and deliver dangerous kicks to deter predators. While their brains may be relatively small compared to their body size, their excellent eyesight more than compensates for this, allowing them to spot predators from afar. Interestingly, ostriches have hollow bones, making them lighter and more efficient runners. Their short wings, though unsuitable for flying, play a crucial role in balance and steering while they sprint across the savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.
Two Ostrich Species
There are two living species of ostriches: the common ostrich (Struthio camelus) and the Somali ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes). Known for their long legs, powerful thighs, and excellent eyesight, ostriches can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour and deliver dangerous kicks to deter predators.
Somali ostrich | Via Getty Images
1. The Largest Bird on Earth
When it comes to size, the ostrich holds the crown. Standing up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and weighing as much as 320 pounds (145 kg), the ostrich is the largest living bird on the planet. Despite their size, these birds are surprisingly agile and fast. The ostrich's eyes, which are significantly larger than its brain and measure two inches across, provide them with excellent eyesight, helping them detect predators in their desert habitats.
Ostrich with Chicks | Photo by Nico Smith
2. Flightless but Lightning Fast
Ostriches may not fly, but they more than make up for it on land. They can cover up to five meters in a single stride. They are the fastest animals in the world and the fastest bird on foot, capable of sprinting up to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in short bursts and maintaining speeds of around 45 mph (72 km/h). Their long, muscular legs are built for speed and distance.
Ostrich are the fastest birds on foot | Photo by John Carnemolla
3. They Have the Largest Eyes of Any Land Animal
One of the most visually striking ostrich facts: their eyes. Each eye is about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter—the largest of any land animal relative to their body size. This excellent vision helps them detect predators from long distances.
4. Ostrich Brains Are Smaller Than Their Eyes
Despite their huge size and sharp vision, ostriches have relatively small brains. In fact, the size of an ostrich brain is smaller than one of its eyes. This has led to the popular myth that ostriches aren’t very intelligent, though their survival skills say otherwise. Compared to other birds, ostriches have a much smaller brain relative to their body size, which sets them apart from most bird species.
Ostrich | Photo by George Desirpris
5. Powerful Legs with a Mean Kick
An ostrich’s strong legs aren’t just for running—they’re also formidable weapons. Ostriches can deliver kicks strong enough to deter lions. Additionally, they can defend against approaching lions using their powerful legs. Each foot has two toes, with the larger one sporting a claw that acts almost like a hoof or weapon in self-defense.
6. Ostriches Don’t Bury Their Heads in the Sand
Let’s bust a myth. Ostriches do not actually put their head in the sand. This misconception likely arose from their behavior of lying low and stretching their necks flat on the ground when they feel threatened, which can look like head-burying from a distance.
Ostriches stretch their necks flat on the ground when they feel threatened | Photo by Rich Matts
7. They Lay the Largest Eggs in the World
It’s no surprise that the largest bird lays the largest egg, known as the ostrich egg. Ostrich eggs weigh about 3 pounds (1.4 kg) and are roughly the size of 24 chicken eggs. The shells are so thick they require a drill or hammer to crack open.
Ostrich Eggs | Photo by Leopardina Tree
8. Ostriches Have a Unique Temperament
Ostrich temperament can vary, but they are generally wary, curious, and occasionally aggressive—especially during breeding season when female ostriches are choosy and take the lead in the mating chase, showcasing the males' stamina and speed. Domesticated ostriches have been known to interact well with humans, but wild ostriches will defend themselves fiercely.
9. They Can Survive Without Water for Days
Adapted to arid climates, ostriches can go several days without water by extracting moisture from the plants they eat. However, they will drink and bathe in water when it is available.
10. A Group of Ostriches Is Called a Herd
Ostriches are social animals that often live in groups called herds, flocks, or sometimes even “congregations.” They commonly live near grazing animals such as wildebeest, antelopes, and zebras, benefiting from a symbiotic relationship where the grazers stir up insects for the ostriches and the ostriches provide a warning system against predators. These herds can consist of 5 to 50 birds and provide safety in numbers from predators. Within these groups, a dominant male competes for control over females, referred to as hens. The dominant male primarily mates with one female, while the other hens also contribute by laying eggs in a communal nest, showcasing a collective breeding strategy.
Herd of ostriches | Via Getty Images
11. Their Wings Serve Important Purposes
Even though ostriches can’t fly, their short wings are far from useless. They use them for balance when running, mating displays, and shading their chicks. Wings are also used in threat displays to appear larger and more intimidating.
Ostrich chicks hatch fully feathered and are ready to run immediately after they emerge from their eggs, showcasing their adaptability and survival skills from a young age.
Ostrich’s wings are short | Photo by Jess Bray
12. Breeding and Mating Rituals
Breeding and mating rituals in ostriches are nothing short of a spectacle. Males perform a unique dance involving wing-flapping, head-swaying, and dramatic postures to attract females. It’s a theatrical display that rivals any bird-of-paradise performance. The dominant male, often the most impressive dancer, will mate with several females, who then lay their eggs in a communal nest.
The female ostrich selects a nesting site, creating a shallow depression in the ground lined with grasses and other vegetation. Once the eggs are laid, the male ostrich takes over the incubation duties, sitting on the eggs for up to 42 days and keeping them warm with his body heat. During this period, the male also defends the nest against predators, using his powerful legs and sharp claws to ward off any threats.
After the chicks hatch, the male ostrich continues to play a crucial role, teaching them essential survival skills and protecting them from predators. Female ostriches often lay multiple eggs in the same nest, and these eggs are incubated together, ensuring a higher chance of survival for the chicks.
Male Ostrich dancing | Photo by Trevor Platt
13. Defense Mechanisms of the Ostrich
Ostriches are equipped with several defense mechanisms to protect themselves from predators. Their powerful legs and sharp claws are their primary weapons, capable of delivering dangerous kicks with great force. These long legs not only help them run at high speeds but also serve as formidable tools for self-defense.
In addition to their physical prowess, ostriches use their wings for balance and steering while running, making it more challenging for predators to catch them. When threatened, they often lie low to the ground, using their feathers to blend in with the surrounding environment, a behavior that can make them appear as if they are burying their heads in the sand.
Running ostrich | Photo by John Carnemolla
14. Nesting and Incubation Practices
Ostriches have unique nesting and incubation practices. They create communal nests, where several females lay their eggs in a single, large nest dug into the ground. The dominant female lays her eggs in the center, while other females place theirs around the edges. This communal approach helps protect the eggs from predators. Male ostriches take on the primary role of incubating the eggs at night, while the dominant female takes over during the day. This shared responsibility ensures the eggs are kept at a consistent temperature. Ostrich eggs are the largest of any bird species, weighing around 3 pounds and requiring significant effort to crack open.
Ostrich and its eggs in nest | Via Getty Images
15. Their Memory May Be Better Than We Thought
While ostriches are often mocked for having tiny brains, recent research suggests their memory and problem-solving abilities are underestimated. They can recognize familiar humans, navigate vast distances, and remember routes to water sources.
16. Ostrich Feathers Were Once High Fashion
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, ostrich feathers were a prized luxury fashion item, especially in Europe. Ostrich farming became a booming industry to meet the demand for hats and accessories.
White ostrich feather wedding decoration of restaurant | Photo by Oskana Bondar
Habitat and Distribution
Ostriches thrive in diverse habitats such as savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands. Native to Africa, ostriches live in sub-Saharan regions, including the southern Sahara, and parts of East and Southern Africa. Small populations also exist in Australia due to human introduction. The common ostrich resides in sub-Saharan regions, while the Somali ostrich is found in the Horn of Africa. These birds prefer areas with low vegetation, allowing them to run freely and spot predators from a distance. The coloration of their feathers helps them blend into environments with sandy soil, providing camouflage to evade predators. They are also drawn to regions with abundant food and water sources. In the wild, ostriches can be seen in pairs or small groups, often migrating to find food and suitable breeding grounds.
Diet and Foraging Habits
Ostriches have a varied diet that includes plants, seeds, and small insects. They are opportunistic feeders, often foraging for food in the early morning and late afternoon. One fascinating aspect of their diet is their consumption of small stones, which help grind and digest food in their gizzards. This adaptation allows them to extract maximum nutrients from their plant-based diet. Ostriches are also known to eat small animals and insects, making them omnivores. Their foraging habits are influenced by the availability of food and water, and they can travel long distances to find sustenance.
Conservation Status of Ostriches
The conservation status of ostriches varies by region and species. While the common ostrich is not currently endangered, it faces threats from habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. The Somali ostrich, however, is classified as vulnerable due to habitat degradation and hunting pressures. Conservation efforts are in place to protect ostrich populations, including habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and breeding programs in ostrich farms and sanctuaries. These initiatives aim to ensure the survival of these magnificent birds for future generations to admire and study.
The Ostrich Is More Than Just a Fast Bird
From their incredible size and speed to their fascinating anatomy and misunderstood brain, ostrich birds are among the most remarkable species in the avian world. Unlike other flightless birds, which evolved alternative adaptations to escape predation, ostriches have developed the ability to run at high speeds as a key survival trait. They create a communal nest where females lay all the eggs collectively. The chicks hatch fully feathered and ready to walk shortly after birth. Whether you’re intrigued by the size of an ostrich’s brain or simply amazed by their massive eggs, there’s no denying these birds are evolutionary marvels.
So next time you think of an ostrich, don’t just picture a bird that can’t fly—picture a resilient survivor, a speedster, and a female ostrich that plays a crucial role in their fascinating mating rituals and communal parenting.
