Twelve ostrich facts, fact-checked
The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest living bird, and almost everything about it is a consequence of giving up flight. Full profile in our ostrich guide.
1. They do not bury their heads
The myth comes from a nesting bird lowering its head flat to the ground to look like a mound, and from turning eggs in a shallow nest.
2. Fastest bird on land
Around 70 km/h sustained, with strides that can exceed 5 m.
3. Only two toes
Unique among birds, and an adaptation for running — much as a horse's single hoof is.
4. The eye is bigger than the brain
About 5 cm across, the largest eye of any land vertebrate.
5. The largest egg of any living bird
Around 1.4 kg, though it is the smallest egg relative to adult body size.
6. Communal nests
A dominant female's eggs sit at the centre; other females add theirs around the edge, where predation risk is higher.
7. A kick can kill
Forward kicks with a long claw generate enough force to seriously injure or kill a lion or a person.
8. They have no teeth
Swallowed stones grind food in the gizzard, and an adult may carry over a kilogram of them.
9. Males boom
A deep territorial call sometimes mistaken for a lion at a distance.
10. Wings are for steering and display
Used as air brakes and rudders while running at speed, and in courtship display.
11. They tolerate extreme heat
Body temperature is allowed to rise during the day and lost at night, saving water.
12. They are Least Concern, with exceptions
Widespread and farmed, but the North African subspecies is Critically Endangered and subject to reintroduction efforts.
Read the full ostrich wildlife guide for IUCN status, population context and sources — or donate to WARN to help fund the partner teams protecting wildlife on the ground.
