Struthio camelus
The Common Ostrich is a striking bird. Males boast black body feathers contrasted by white wing and tail plumes. Their long, bare necks and legs are pinkish-grey, and their heads are relatively small with large, expressive eyes.
Females are slightly smaller and have duller, brown-grey plumage. Juveniles resemble females but have streaked necks and legs. Both sexes have two-toed feet, which is unique among birds.
Length
210cm to 275cm
Wingspan
200cm to 250cm
Weight
63kg to 145kg
Fastest running speed of any bird
Record: 70 km/h (43.5 mph)
Largest and heaviest living bird
Record: Up to 2.75 m (9 ft) tall and weighing up to 156 kg (344 lb)
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Common Ostriches inhabit open, arid, and semi-arid landscapes across sub-Saharan Africa. They thrive in grasslands, savannas, and the fringes of deserts, where their excellent vision and speed are advantageous.
While primarily found in East and Southern Africa, including countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, small populations also exist in West Africa. They are absent from densely forested areas and true deserts.
Up to 3,000 meters
Tropical, Subtropical, Arid
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Common Ostrich. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you: