Common ostrich

Presentation

The Common ostrich is the largest living bird today. Incapable of flying, it compensates with exceptional terrestrial locomotion, reaching speeds of 70 km/h. Its massive body, long muscular legs and long neck make it a fascinating and easily recognizable animal.

The male's plumage is black, while females and juveniles display grayish-brown plumage. The head and neck, partially bare, have reddish or bluish skin depending on the population. The vestigial wings are not used for flight but for thermal regulation and courtship. The legs, devoid of feathers, are robust with only two toes.

Characteristics

Indicative values: they vary by subspecies, sex and region.

Habitat and distribution

The Ostrich frequents arid and semi-arid open environments: deserts, savannahs and steppes of Africa. It appreciates areas where vegetation is sparse and prefers flat land, adapting remarkably to conditions of extreme drought and prolonged absence of water.

Behaviour

Terrestrial and diurnal, the Ostrich lives in flexible social groups that can reach several dozen individuals. She has excellent vision and keen hearing. Although generally calm, it can become aggressive during the breeding season. Its rapid running is its main defense against predators.

Reproduction

Ostriches are polyandrous: a female can mate with several males. The nest is a simple hollow dug in the sand where the female lays 4 to 8 eggs. Incubation lasts approximately 42 to 46 days, carried out by the dominant male at night and females during the day. The chicks follow the adults a few months before independence.

Peculiarities

The Ostrich produces the largest eggs in the animal kingdom: around 1.4 kg each. She can travel long distances without drinking, storing body water with great efficiency. Its eyes are larger than its brain, giving it exceptional surveillance of its surroundings. It practices thermoregulation through its wings and plumage.

Threats and conservation

The Ostrich remains little threatened overall and maintains a favorable conservation status. However, it is subject to local pressures linked to illegal hunting, habitat loss due to agricultural and pastoral expansion, as well as climate change which affects the availability of food and water resources.

References

UICN — Liste rouge des espèces menacées

Profile updated 29 August 2026 · Reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team.