Common Ostrich
Struthio camelus
The common ostrich is the world's largest living bird, and nothing quite prepares you for how big they actually are until you see one standing next to your safari vehicle. A mature male can stand 2.7 meters tall and weigh 140 kg, with a stride that covers 3 to 5 meters and a top speed of 70 km/h, making them the fastest bird on land and faster than most horses at full gallop. Those powerful legs aren't just for running either: a single kick can kill a lion, and predators give adult ostriches a wide berth. Males are striking birds, with jet-black plumage offset by white wing and tail feathers, while females wear a more subdued brownish-grey. During the breeding season, a male's legs and neck flush bright pink or red, and his elaborate courtship dance (dropping to his knees and waving those massive wings) is one of the more theatrical displays in the bird world. Ostriches are found across Africa's savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid regions, from Kenya's Masai Mara to Namibia's arid plains. They live in loose groups and are often seen alongside herds of zebra and wildebeest, benefiting from their sharp eyesight to spot predators. And no, they do not bury their heads in the sand. That myth comes from the way they lay their heads flat on the ground to avoid being seen from a distance.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Struthio camelus
- Family
- Struthionidae
- Diet
- Omnivore: grasses, seeds, roots, flowers, insects, lizards
- Social Structure
- Loose groups of 5-50; one dominant male with several females
- Top Speed
- 70 km/h
- Lifespan (Wild)
- 40 years
Best Parks to See Common Ostrichs
Top safari destinations for common ostrich sightings
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
Very good
Masai ostriches (a subspecies with pink necks and legs) are common on the open plains. Males display dramatically during breeding season.
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
Very good
Common across the short-grass plains. Often seen running alongside the migration herds.
Amboseli National Park
Kenya
Very good
Ostriches against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro make for iconic photography. Common on the dry lake bed and surrounding plains.
Etosha National Park
Namibia
Almost guaranteed
Etosha has an excellent ostrich population. They're frequently seen near waterholes and on the open grasslands around the pan.
Kruger National Park
South-africa
Good
Found in the more open areas of Kruger, particularly the central grasslands. Less common in heavily wooded sections.
Ngorongoro Crater
Tanzania
Very good
Ostriches roam the crater floor's grasslands. The contained environment means sightings are reliable.
Samburu National Reserve
Kenya
Very good
The Somali ostrich (blue-necked subspecies) is found here. It's one of the only places to see this distinctive subspecies.
Best Time to See Common Ostrichs
Year-round
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Ostriches are resident and visible throughout the year. They're diurnal and easy to spot on open plains.
Breeding Season (East Africa)
March, April, May, June
Males perform elaborate courtship dances, their legs and necks flush bright pink, and you can observe nest-building and incubation behavior.
Dry Season
July, August, September, October
Short vegetation makes ostriches more visible and they concentrate in areas with remaining green growth.
Physical Characteristics
Male Weight
100-145 kg
Female Weight
90-120 kg
Top Speed
70 km/h
Lifespan
40 years (wild)
Conservation Status
Population
Decreasing150,000 - 200,000
Estimated wild population
Main Threats
- Habitat loss from farming and development
- Hunting for feathers, skin, and meat
- Egg collection
- Fence collisions
- Nest disturbance by livestock
Viewing Tips
Ostriches are hard to miss on open plains, but scan with binoculars as they may be further away than they appear
During breeding season (varies by region), watch for the male's dramatic courtship dance: dropping to his knees and swaying his wings
Look for ostriches with chicks; the tiny, speckled babies following their parents across the savanna are delightful
Males with flushed pink/red necks and legs are in breeding condition, signaling courtship activity nearby
Ostriches often associate with zebra and wildebeest herds, so scan the edges of large herbivore groups
In Samburu, look specifically for the blue-necked Somali ostrich, which is a separate subspecies from the common (pink-necked) ostrich
Photography Tips
Full body portraits require a wide approach since ostriches are tall; a 100-200mm range captures the whole bird with habitat
The male courtship dance is one of the most photogenic behaviors: wings spread, body rocking, dramatic and bizarre
Running ostriches at full speed make incredible action shots; use 1/2000+ shutter speed to freeze the motion
Close-up head portraits reveal their surprisingly expressive eyes with long lashes
A mother ostrich with a trail of tiny chicks is a tender, popular image
Silhouette shots at sunrise work beautifully with the ostrich's distinctive tall profile
Interesting Facts
Ostriches are the fastest birds on land, reaching speeds of 70 km/h with strides up to 5 meters long
An ostrich egg is the largest of any living bird, weighing about 1.4 kg (equivalent to roughly 24 chicken eggs)
Their eyes are the largest of any land animal, measuring almost 5 cm in diameter, giving them excellent long-range vision
Ostriches swallow stones (called gastroliths) to help grind food in their muscular gizzard since they have no teeth
A male ostrich's booming call during breeding season is so low-pitched it can be mistaken for a distant lion
Ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. This myth comes from their habit of laying their heads flat on the ground to avoid detection.
The male (black feathered) incubates the eggs at night to camouflage the nest, while the drab female sits during the day for the same reason
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can an ostrich run?
Ostriches can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h (45 mph), making them the fastest birds on land and faster than most racehorses. They can sustain a speed of about 50 km/h over long distances. Their long legs and powerful thigh muscles provide the driving force, with each stride covering 3 to 5 meters.
Can an ostrich kick kill a lion?
Yes, an ostrich's forward kick is powerful enough to injure or kill a lion. Their legs deliver a force of about 2,000 Newtons, and each foot has a sharp, 10 cm claw. Predators generally target ostrich chicks or eggs rather than risk confronting a healthy adult.
Do ostriches really bury their heads in the sand?
No, this is a myth. When threatened, ostriches sometimes lay their heads and necks flat on the ground to avoid being spotted from a distance. From far away, this can look like the head has disappeared into the sand. In reality, an ostrich's first defense is its incredible running speed.
Where can I see ostriches on safari?
Ostriches are found across Africa's open savannas and grasslands. Etosha in Namibia is particularly reliable, and the Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Amboseli in East Africa all have good populations. For the rare blue-necked Somali ostrich, visit Samburu National Reserve in Kenya.
What is the difference between a Masai ostrich and a Somali ostrich?
The Masai ostrich (found in Kenya and Tanzania's southern regions) has pink-red neck and leg skin during breeding. The Somali ostrich (found in northeastern Kenya and the Horn of Africa) has blue-grey neck and leg skin. Samburu National Reserve is one of the best places to see the Somali subspecies.