The ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird in the world. Native to Africa, it belongs to the ratite family, which includes other flightless birds like emus and kiwis. Despite being unable to fly, ostriches are incredibly fast runners, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph), making them the fastest birds on land.
Key Facts About Ostriches:
• Scientific Name: Struthio camelus
• Height: Up to 2.7 meters (9 feet)
• Weight: 100–160 kg (220–350 lbs)
• Speed: Up to 70 km/h (43 mph)
• Diet: Omnivorous – they eat plants, seeds, insects, and small animals
• Lifespan: 30–40 years in the wild
Interesting Facts:
1. Massive Eggs: Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any living land animal, weighing around 1.4 kg (3 lbs).
2. Powerful Legs: Their legs are strong enough to deliver deadly kicks to predators like lions.
3. Two Toes: Unlike most birds, ostriches have only two toes on each foot, which helps them run faster.
4. Not Head-in-Sand: The myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand isn’t true. They lower their heads to the ground to blend in when threatened.
Curious about anything specific regarding ostriches?
