It’s no surprise that the ostrich is one of the most interesting animals in the world – after all, they can run up to 40 mph and even fly a bit. But there’s a lot more to these fascinating creatures than just speed. From the way they communicate to their nesting habits, here are ten interesting facts about ostriches that you may not have known. So, whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just curious about these giant birds, read on and learn something new about the ostrich.
Marvelous Mothers
Male ostriches take pride in their parenting skills. After the females lay their eggs, the males take charge of incubating them during the day, using their powerful legs to carefully rotate the eggs for even heating.
Nutritional Know-How
Ostriches have a unique digestive system. They possess multiple stomach compartments, similar to cows, which allow them to extract the maximum amount of nutrients from the plants they consume.
Sustainable Swimmers
Ostriches possess the ability to swim, although it is a rare sight. They can use their wings to propel themselves through water, and their buoyant bodies make it possible for them to stay afloat.
Flightless Marvels
Unlike most birds, ostriches cannot fly. Their large and muscular legs are their primary mode of transportation, helping them easily cover long distances. Despite not being able to take wing, ostriches can still soar up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) off the ground in a single leap.
Sociable Creatures
Ostriches are social animals that live in groups called flocks. These flocks usually consist of 10 to 50 individuals, and they work together to defend against potential threats.
Eye-Catching Plumage
Male ostriches boast stunning black and white feathers, while females possess a more modest grayish-brown plumage. During courtship displays, males will flaunt their vibrant feathers to attract females.
Built to Survive
Ostriches have several unique adaptations that aid their survival in the wild. Their long legs help them run swiftly, while their eyes—being the largest of any land animal—provide excellent eyesight, enabling them to detect predators from afar.
Speed Demons
Ostriches are incredibly fast runners and can sprint at speeds of up to 43 miles per hour (70 kilometers per hour). This makes them the fastest land birds in the world. They’re also incredibly strong and have powerful legs that can easily kick a human with enough force to cause serious injury.
Egg-cellent Production
Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any living bird species. These eggs are about 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length and can weigh around 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms). Just one ostrich egg is equivalent to approximately 24 chicken eggs.
Largest Living Bird
Ostriches are the largest living bird species on Earth today, with male ostriches weighing up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms) and reaching a height of up to 9 feet (2.7 meters). It’s not just size that sets them apart either – they have the largest eyes of any land animal, with an eyeball diameter measuring up to 2 inches (5 cm).
