Common ostrich

The common ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest and heaviest bird alive today. It cannot fly, but its long, powerful legs let it run at about 55 kilometres per hour for a long time, and in short bursts up to about 70. Males stand roughly 2.1 to 2.75 metres tall.

Ostriches are native to parts of Africa, in grasslands, savannas and deserts. They live in nomadic groups of about 5 to 50 birds and mostly eat plants, plus some insects and small reptiles. They also lay the largest eggs of any living bird, though the extinct elephant bird of Madagascar laid even bigger ones.

Built for running

An ostrich has only two toes on each strong foot, which helps it run fast. Its bones and muscles are suited for running rather than flying, and its small wings help it balance and steer. It is the fastest land speed of any two-legged animal. When danger appears, it either lies flat on the ground to hide or runs away. If it is cornered, a kick from its legs can be powerful.

Family and farms

Males are mostly black with white wing and tail feathers, while females and chicks are brown. A territorial male may keep a group of two to seven females. People farm ostriches around the world for feathers, leather and lean meat. In the wild they are listed as Least Concern, and the little-known Somali ostrich has been counted as a separate species since 2014.

On the globe

The model shows an ostrich in the Little Karoo in South Africa. Look for the long neck and powerful legs.