FaunaHub

Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

BirdRatiteFlightless

Common ostrich (Struthio camelus) in Amboseli National Park, Kenya.

Common ostrich (Struthio camelus), Amboseli National Park, Kenya.

Image: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest and heaviest living bird in the world. It is a flightless ratite of African grasslands and semi-deserts, built not for flight but for running — the fastest bird on land and one of the fastest land animals over distance.

With its long neck and legs, large eyes, and distinctive plumage, the ostrich is unmistakable. Males are largely black with white wing and tail feathers, while females are brownish-grey.

Conservation note: the common ostrich is widespread across much of sub-Saharan Africa and is generally assessed in a lower category of concern, though some populations are more restricted. Verify current status at iucnredlist.org.

Habitat & Range

Ostriches inhabit open country across sub-Saharan Africa — savanna, grassland, scrub, and semi-desert. They favour open landscapes where their excellent eyesight and running speed help them detect and escape predators.

Diet

Ostriches are mainly herbivores, feeding on seeds, grasses, leaves, flowers, and fruit, and also taking some insects and small animals. Like other birds, they swallow grit and small stones that help grind food in the gizzard, and they can go without drinking for periods by using moisture from plants.

Behavior

Ostriches are social, often seen in groups, and rely on speed and powerful kicks for defense. They can sprint at high speed over open ground and maintain fast running over distance. Several females may lay eggs in a single communal nest, which the dominant pair incubates — the male typically at night and the female by day. The popular belief that ostriches bury their heads in sand is a myth.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Ostriches are farmed in many countries for feathers, leather, meat, and eggs, and wild populations are affected by habitat change and hunting in parts of their range. The species remains widespread overall; for current status and any regional concerns, consult authoritative sources such as the IUCN Red List.

More photos of the ostrich

Juvenile ostrich in the Kalahari Desert of Namibia.

Juvenile ostrich, Kalahari Desert, Namibia.

Image: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Ostrich

Can ostriches fly?
No. Ostriches are flightless. They are ratites — a group of large flightless birds — and instead of flying they are superbly adapted for running, with long, powerful legs. Their wings are used for balance, display, and shade rather than flight.
How fast can an ostrich run?
The ostrich is the fastest bird on land and can sprint at high speed in short bursts, while sustaining fast running over longer distances. Its long legs and two-toed feet are specialised for speed across open ground.
Do ostriches really bury their heads in the sand?
No — this is a myth. Ostriches sometimes lower their heads to the ground to tend eggs or to stay inconspicuous, which from a distance can look like burying, but they do not put their heads in sand.
What do ostriches eat?
Ostriches are mainly herbivorous, eating seeds, grasses, leaves, flowers, and fruit, with some insects and small animals. They swallow grit to help grind food internally.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.