As we wrap up our bird-themed week, it feels only right to end with a true heavyweight of the avian world—the common ostrich. Not only is it the tallest living bird on Earth, but it’s also the heaviest, the fastest on two legs, and one of the most fascinating birds you’ll ever meet.
Standing up to 9 feet tall and weighing as much as 290 pounds, male ostriches are impossible to miss. Their eyes—measuring about 2 inches in diameter—are the largest of any land vertebrate, giving them incredible long-distance vision that helps them spot predators long before danger gets close.
From Ancient Range to Modern Habitat
Ostriches once roamed widely across Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, but today they’re found only in the woodlands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. Humans later introduced ostriches to Australia for farming, and over time a large feral population established itself in the Australian outback.
In the wild, ostriches typically live 30–40 years, but in captivity they can reach an impressive 70 years of age, continuing to breed well into old age.
Built for Speed and Survival
With exceptional eyesight and sharp hearing, ostriches can detect predators such as lions from afar. When escape is necessary, they rely on speed—reaching bursts of over 43 mph, and possibly even 50 mph, while maintaining steady speeds around 31 mph. That makes the ostrich the fastest bipedal animal on the planet.
When hiding instead of running, ostriches lie flat with their heads and necks stretched along the ground. From a distance, this makes them look like nothing more than a mound of earth—a surprisingly effective disguise.
Feet, Wings, and Clever Adaptations
Unlike most birds, which have four toes per foot, ostriches have just two. The larger inner toe even has a hoof-like nail. This streamlined design helps them run efficiently across open landscapes.
Though flightless, ostriches’ wings are far from useless. In environments where temperatures can swing by over 70°F between day and night, wings help regulate body heat by covering or exposing bare skin as needed. They also act as stabilizers during high-speed running, aiding in braking, turning, and quick zigzag maneuvers.
Debunking the Head-in-the-Sand Myth
Despite popular belief, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. This myth likely came from observing them tending to their eggs. Ostrich nests can be up to two feet deep, and when adults bend down to rotate the eggs, it can look—especially from far away—like their heads have vanished underground.
Diet and Digestion
Ostriches mainly eat plant matter, but they won’t pass up the occasional snake, lizard, or rodent. Since they lack teeth, they swallow sand and pebbles to help grind food in their gizzards—a clever workaround for chewing.
Feathers, Fashion, and Farming
Historically, ostriches were heavily hunted and farmed for their feathers, which were once a symbol of high fashion. During the 19th century, ostrich feathers were so valuable they reportedly cost nearly as much as diamonds per pound. Their skin is also prized for producing what’s considered one of the strongest commercial leathers.
Ostrich Racing: A Curious Tradition
In some parts of the world, people have raced ostriches, riding them with special saddles and reins. While the practice is most common in Africa, it still exists elsewhere—including in the United States. Virginia City, Nevada, hosts the famous International Camel & Ostrich Races, featuring ostriches, camels, and even zebras.
That said, ostrich racing is becoming less common due to ethical concerns, and modern farms often impose strict weight limits, making it an activity mainly for children and smaller adults.