Common Ostrich
Scientific name: Struthio camelus
Ostriches are the world’s largest birds. They cannot fly, but they can run very fast – sometimes sprinting up to 43 miles an hour!
Their speed is partly due to their long and powerful legs, which can cover 3-5 meters in one stride and are strong enough to kill lions.
They don’t actually bury their heads in the sand, but will lie low to hide themselves from potential predators, stretching their long necks along the ground, making it look as though they’ve buried their heads in the ground.
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Size Fact
Ostriches are tall birds at 2.1 – 2.7m high.
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Food Fact
Ostriches are omnivores and will eat a varied diet. Their main diet includes roots, leaves and seeds. Ostriches have been known to eat insects, lizards and even snakes and rats.
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Fun Fact
Ostriches don’t actually bury their heads in the sand – it’s a myth.
Adopt Me
You can support our conservation efforts and help with the costs of keeping rare and wonderful zoo animals by adopting an Ostrich. Adopt an Ostrich for yourself or as a gift.
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