The Ostrich: Tallest, Fastest, Heaviest

By Leslie Brown

Native to Africa, ostriches are the largest living birds in the world. Among birds, the ostrich is a record breaker. It is the tallest and heaviest of all birds. An ostrich can stand up to nine feet, which is more than three feet taller than the average man. A male ostrich stands between six and nine feet at maturity, while females range between 5.5 and 6.5 feet tall. Ostrich chicks grow about 10 inches per month, and at 12 months they can weigh about 100 pounds. As adults, they typically weigh between 150 to 330 pounds. In captivity, ostriches live from 30 to 70 years.

Ostriches are flightless, although their wings are unbelievably strong. The males show beautiful contrasting bright white and black feathers and a white tail. However, the tail of one subspecies is buff. Females and young males are grayish-brown and white. The head and neck of both male and female ostriches is nearly bare, with a thin layer of down. The skin of the female’s neck and thighs is pinkish gray, while the male's is blue or gray depending on the subspecies. Ostrich eyes are the largest of any land animal. Their eyes are shaded from sunlight with eyelashes falling from above.

Ostriches normally spend winter months in pairs or alone. Only 16 percent spend their time with other birds. During breeding season and during rainless periods, ostriches live in groups of five to 50 birds led by the top hen. They often travel together with other grazing animals, such as zebras or antelopes. The ostrich is most active early and late in the day.

They have acute eyesight and hearing, and can sense predators, such as lions, from far away. When being pursued by a predator, they can run up to more than 45 mph, which makes the ostrich the fastest two-legged animal. When they lie down and hide from predators, the birds lay their heads and necks flat on the ground, making them appear as a mound of earth from a distance. This even works for males, as they hold their wings and tail low so that they appear as a nondescript dark lump.

Contrary to popular belief, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. The old story probably originated with one of the bird's defensive behaviors. At the approach of trouble, ostriches will lie low and press their long necks to the ground in an attempt to become less visible. Their plumage blends well with sandy soil and, from a distance, gives the appearance that they have buried their heads in the sand.

During hot weather, ostriches lift and fan their wings, and during cold weather they cover themselves with their wings. Ostriches typically eat plants, roots, and seeds, but will also eat insects, lizards, or other creatures available in their sometimes harsh habitat.

Handling ostriches can be dangerous to both you and the bird. A mature ostrich is capable of delivering a kick of up to 500 pounds per square inch. When frightened, they jump and flail with their wings and legs. They can maintain a speed of up to 50 miles per hour for a good 30 minutes. They can use their wings as "rudders" to help them change direction while running. An ostrich's powerful, long legs can cover 10 to 16 feet in a single stride. Their legs can also be formidable weapons. Ostrich kicks can kill a human or a potential predator like a lion. In addition, each two-toed foot has a long, sharp claw.

Ostrich eggs are the largest of all eggs and weigh about 2.75 pounds. Generally, females will lay an egg every other day, and 40 to 50 are typical. When courting, ostriches demonstrate an elaborate display of feathers by both sexes.

Ostriches can be purchased at any age from a day old through mature birds, at prices ranging from $1,500 to $30,000, depending on bird sex and age. Fertile eggs are currently advertised for $1,250 per egg, while day-old chicks sell for $1,500. The quickest, but the most expensive way to begin ostrich production is to buy a proven breeding pair, which cost between $50,000 and $75,000. In general, it is best to purchase ostrich chicks at three to six months because the chicks are relatively hardy, yet not prohibitively expensive.

The main products from an ostrich are 1) a red meat that is lower in fat and cholesterol than turkey; 2) leather that is extremely durable with unique markings; and 3) decorative by-products, namely, feathers and eggs. The ostrich is farmed around the world for its feathers, which are commonly used for feather dusters.

Ostriches should be transported in an enclosed trailer so they can not stick their heads out. They generally sit and travel quite well. However, there should not be any sharp objects or corners inside the trailer because the birds can be injured during sudden stops or quick acceleration. Rugs are effective for good footing on trailer floors. Different-sized birds should be separated during transportation to prevent smaller birds from being injured.

Tamer birds are much easier to handle than wild birds, and they are less prone to injure themselves. To handle mature ostriches, at least four experienced people are necessary. Sheets of plywood with holes for the ostrich’s arms to pass through protect handlers who want to place a hood over their head. Once the birds are hooded, they generally settle down and become much easier to handle.

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