OSTRICH FACTS

COMMON NAME: Ostrich

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Struthio camelus

TYPE: Bird

DIET: Omnivore

GROUP NAME: Herd

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 30 to 40 years At 8 ft. tall, and up to320 lbs. in weight the ostrich is the world’s largest and heaviest bird. Although its weight prohibits it from taking flight the ostrich is well well-adapted to living in the savanna, desert and open woodlands of central and southern Africa.

The ostrich is equipped with long, muscular legs built for running – In rapid bursts, they can reach top speeds of 43 miles per hour and are capable of running at 30 miles per hour for 10 miles at a time and can usually outrun any animal posing a threat.

If fleeing the scene is not an option, ostriches can use their powerful legs equipped with a 4-inch talon on each foot – their downward kicks can kill a human or a potential predator like a lion.