The largest bird in the world

The ostrich is a large bird, the colossal and heaviest on Earth. It can grow up to 3 meters tall and weigh between 80 and 180 kg. Due to its size, it cannot fly, but it is an excellent runner.

Its physical structure is very particular. It has long, bony legs, a raft-shaped torso, a light, flexible neck, a triangular head, and large eyes. It is currently only found in Africa.

Fun facts

• Ostriches do not bury their heads in the ground, as some think. What they do is carry it very close to the ground to eat or attend to the nests. Because their neck is so flexible, they can easily move it from side to side, back and forth, and up and down.
• Her eyes are bigger than an elephant’s and allow her to keep a good eye on everything around her. They are always on the alert due to the presence of hungry predators that can cause harm to them or their young.
• A kick from an adult ostrich can break bones and the largest claw on its legs is capable of pulling out the entrails of the opponent.
• They are specialists in the flight more than in the fight, they have a maximum escape speed that reaches 70 km per hour. In fact, they are considered the fastest two-legged animals in the world.
• Coloration changes according to gender, males are black and females are brown.
• The females lay between 6 to 8 eggs and are the largest known specimens, weighing up to a kilo and a half each.
• They are omnivorous, that is, they feed on both herbs, seeds and fruits, as well as insects and small vertebrates. It is common for them to ingest stones that help them grind food better.