Ostriches are built for speed, making them the fastest birds on land. They can sprint up to 60 mph (97 km/h) in short bursts and maintain steady speeds of up to 40 mph (64 km/h) over long distances.
Did you know that ostrich legs are so powerful that a single kick can kill a predator, even a lion?
Biggest Birds, Biggest Eyes
Ostriches are the largest living birds, standing up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and weighing as much as 330 pounds (150 kg). They also have the biggest eyes of any land animal—about 2 inches (5 cm) across—giving them excellent eyesight to spot predators from far away.
Masters of Adaptation
These flightless birds have two-toed feet designed for efficient running, and their long legs let them cover up to 16 feet (5 meters) in a single stride! In hot African climates, ostriches can go days without water, getting moisture from the plants and seeds they eat.
Record-Breaking Eggs
Ostrich eggs are the largest of any bird species, weighing around 3 pounds (1.4 kg) and measuring about 6 inches (15 cm) long. One egg is the equivalent of 24 chicken eggs!
Ostriches often live in groups called flocks, working together to keep an eye out for danger. The dominant female lays her eggs in a communal nest, but her eggs get the warmest spots for incubation.
Myth-Busting Behavior
Despite the myth, ostriches don’t bury their heads in the sand. Instead, they lay their heads flat on the ground to blend in, making it harder for predators to spot them.
Have fun discovering the fascinating habits of Ostriches!
Guess the answers to these quiz questions and earn 1 point for each correct one!
Drag each bird‘s head to its matching feet!
Arrange the images to show the correct order of the ostrich’s lifecycle!
Watch how the chief hen in an Ostrich harem uses a sneaky trick to protect her eggs!
