Ostriches

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) can stand more than 2.5 metres tall and is the largest living bird. It is easy to recognise by its long neck and legs, large eyes and black (males) or grey-brown (females) plumage. It has wings, but they are used for balance, display and shading chicks rather than flying.

Where does it live?

It lives in Africa's savannas, open grasslands and semi-deserts. Historically a subspecies also lived on the Arabian Peninsula; it died out in the 20th century.

What does it eat?

Most of its diet is plants such as grass, leaves, seeds and flowers; it sometimes eats insects and small animals. It swallows small stones to help with digestion. It can get much of its water from plants.

Behaviour and social life

Ostriches live in small groups and often graze alongside zebras and antelopes. When in danger they run away fast, reaching more than 60–70 kilometres per hour in short bursts. Their powerful kicks are an effective defence against predators.

Chicks

In the breeding season a male and a dominant female use a shared nest in which several other females also lay eggs. The male usually incubates at night and the dominant female by day. Chicks can walk soon after hatching.

Conservation status

The ostrich is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Some North African populations, however, have declined sharply because of hunting and habitat loss. The Somali ostrich is treated as a separate species.

Fun facts

• An ostrich's eyes are larger than its brain.
• "Burying its head in the sand" is a myth; it lowers its head to turn its eggs or lies flat to hide from danger.
• One ostrich egg can equal about two dozen chicken eggs.