Common ostrich

Struthio camelus

The common ostrich is a giant flightless bird of open African grasslands. It is diurnal, walks in herds, and runs on powerful long legs.

Key facts

Common ostrich (Struthio camelus) is an omnivore animal classified as Bird · Struthioniformes · Struthionidae.
Primary habitats are savanna · desert, with a range across Afrotropical.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is herd, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The common ostrich is a giant flightless bird of open African grasslands.
It uses savanna, semiarid country, and open grassland.
Typical lifespan: 8-25 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses savanna, semiarid country, and open grassland. Broad visibility supports vigilance, while greener areas are used seasonally for feeding.

Wingspan is about 180-275 cm and weight about 63-145 kg. A long neck, long legs, large eyes, and strong two-toed feet suit fast running.

Active by day, herd members often keep watch with heads raised. When threatened, they run to create distance and can defend themselves with kicks.

It is omnivorous, eating grasses, seeds, leaves, fruit, and small animals. It walks widely while picking food from the ground.

Males scrape shallow ground nests, and several females may lay in one nest. Adults guard the large eggs and chicks on open ground.

Its status is listed as Least Concern. In open country, keen sight and running speed are its main defenses.