Who knew the Ostrich was such a notable record-holder in the Animal Kingdom? Not only is it the world’s largest bird; it also lays the largest eggs [of any bird] and is the fastest two-legged animal on land (sorry Usain Bolt)! Here are 10 things you might not have known about this fascinating bird. Behold! The Ostrich in all of its flightless glory!
|
|
The Ostrich is the largest living species of bird in the world, typically weighing 140 – 290 lbs (63.5-131.5 kg) and measuring 6 – 9 ft (1.8-2.7 meters) in height. |
Ostrich eggs are the largest of all bird eggs (and by extension the yolk is the largest single cell), though they are actually the smallest eggs relative to the size of the adult bird. On average they are 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, 13 centimetres (5.1 in) wide, and weigh 1.4 kilograms (3.1 lb).
|
Contrary to popular belief, Ostriches do not bury their heads in sand. This myth likely began with Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), who wrote that Ostriches: “imagine, when they have thrust their head and neck into a bush, that the whole of their body is concealed.”
|
Ostriches normally spend the winter months in pairs or alone. Only 16% of Ostrich sightings were of more than two birds. During breeding season and sometimes during extreme rainless periods Ostriches live in nomadic groups of five to 50 birds (led by a top hen) that often travel together with other grazing animals, such as zebras or antelopes.
|
The Ostrich is the largest living species of bird in the world, typically weighing 140 – 290 lbs (63.5-131.5 kg) and measuring 6 – 9 ft (1.8-2.7 meters) in height.
|
Ostriches can run at maximum speeds of about 97.5 km/h (60.6 mph), making it both the fastest bird on land and the fastest two-legged animal in the world. |
The Ostrich is farmed around the world, particularly for its feathers, which are decorative and are also used as feather dusters. Its skin is used for leather products and it is claimed that Ostriches produce some of the strongest commercial leather. Its meat is marketed commercially with a taste similar to lean beef and is low in fat and cholesterol and high in calcium, protein and iron.
|
Ostriches mainly feed on seeds, shrubs, grass, fruit and flowers; occasionally they also eat insects such as locusts. Lacking teeth, they swallow pebbles that act as gastroliths to grind food in the gizzard. An adult Ostrich carries about 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of stones in its stomach.
|
One scrambled ostrich egg equals about 25 chicken eggs
|
The Ostrich has just two toes on each foot (most birds have four), with the nail on the larger, inner toe resembling a hoof. The outer toe has no nail, and the reduced number of toes is an adaptation that appears to aid in running.
|
Ostrich wings reach a span of about 2 metres (7 ft) and are used in mating displays and to shade chicks. They are however, unable to fly.
|
The Story of a Diver Who Became the “Mother of Sharks”
Watch the amazing and heartwarming story of a diver who has befriended dangerous sharks and treats them like her own pets.
These 5 Animals Can Survive Earth's Most Extreme Climates
Take a look at five animals from all over the world that manage to survive and thrive even in the most extreme climates.
How Do Wild Animals Survive Winter Without Shelter?
Learn all the genius biological mechanisms animals use to survive winter in the wild - without central heating or warm socks.
20 Animals We’ve Just Discovered in the Past Decade
Of all the animals discovered during the 2010's, these 20 are the coolest, starting with a tiny chameleon and ending with a really creepy wasp
Nature Lesson: Fun Hummingbird Facts You Never Knew Before
Learn some amazingly true and little-known facts about the insect-sized hummingbirds.
These 20 Animal Facts will Blow Your Mind
Did you know that squirrels plant trees or that oysters can change their gender? These little-known animal facts will blow your mind! I was especially impressed with no.6!
30 Reasons Owls are Beautiful...
Owls have beautiful eyes, they are great hunters and are highly intelligent. Here are 30 owls photos that prove they are stunning and elegant creatures.
The Crystal Waters of Fiji Are Pure Underwater Heaven
There are few waters more beautiful than the crystal clear waters of Fiji.
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2022
Behold the best images from the Northern lights photographer of the year 2022.
Amazing! These Birds Fly as High as a Commercial Plane!
Ever wondered what the highest flying birds in the world are? Well, you don't have to wonder anymore!
Marvel at the Stunning Winners of Ocean Art Awards!
Marvel at the spectacular winning images from the 2023 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest.
The 12 Least Densely Populated Places on The Planet
Behold a countdown of the top 12 least populated places on Earth. These places are ruled by nature and full of beautiful vast landscapes
Hilarious! Someone's Gonna Get Fired for This...
I've never seen so many pictures that seem too perfect to be real as here!
Best of Animal Photography: 17 Stunning Images
Check out the most amazing shots of animals caught on camera from “The Decisive Moments Magazine”.
This Horse Breed is One of the Most Royally Graceful...
These horses truly display the traits and gracefulness that have caused man to fall in love with this animal, so long ago.
I Can't Believe a Dull Fish Can Make Such Beautiful Art!
You've heard that birds exhibit magnificent courting rituals, but none of them compare to what the puffer fish gets up to. What an artist!
Roses Are Even More Beautiful After Reading These 10 Facts
The rose evokes sentiments of love, romance and relationships, but there are some things about them that I never even imagined. Read these impressive rose facts
These Wholesome Animal Titbits Will Make You Smile
Here are some adorable animal facts that will keep you smiling all day.
16 Fascinating Plants You Have to See to Believe!
How many of these interesting plants have you seen before?
Few Flowers are as Colorful as the Tulip...
Tulips are some of the most stunning flowers imaginable. Take a look at these breathtaking photos to find out why.
15 Magical Pics Presenting Nature in Its Finest Glory
Take a look at this magnificent collection of nature pictures that will transport you to a different world.
15 Charming Close-Ups of Cold-Blooded Creatures
You've never seen lizards, snakes, or frogs like this before.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
Australia is the Land of the Most Bizarre Creatures!
Australia is the land of the most bizarre creatures!
The Astonishing Story of the Horse Who Could Do MATH
One of the most mathematically gifted and famous animals ever known was Clever Hans - a horse who lived in Germany in the early 1900s
These Stunning Waterfalls Will Take Your Breath Away!
Waterfalls are a thing of beauty which never fail to impress! Check out 17 of the world's greatest waterfalls here!
Turbulent Waters: Unbelievable Sea Moments
The ocean can be a big and scary place. Here are some of the craziest sea moments caught on camera.
Have You Ever Seen Birds More Stunning than These?
Among all species, birds are perhaps the prettiest. Take a look at the world's most beautiful birds:
This is One of the Most Fascinating Natural Phenomenon
Get ready to meet a whole lot of grunion fish, who are most famous for their spectacular land mating ritual.
A HUGE Bird Photography Article Collection!
Aren't birds gorgeous? Well, if you like photos of birds, you should try this enormous collection of 14 bird photography articles from BabaMail!
The Galapagos Islands Are Truly a Marvel of Nature
The Galapagos islands truly are a marvel of nature. Parts of the islands are open to visitors, so if you have the chance to go, grab it with both hands!
Here's What Happens When Animals Befriend People...
Here are 20 cute pictures of woodland animals that simply love to befriend people!
What Is Your Cat Trying to Tell You? Cat Sounds Explained
Cats are extremely intelligent pets and the sounds they make are their way of communicating, even if we don't always understand what they mean
Weird Science: 12 Phenomena That Scientists Can’t Explain
Scientists think they're got the world covered but so many mysteries remain. Here are 12 bizarre phenomena that even scientists can't explain.
Fly Through the Most Royally Stunning Castles of Europe!
I love this wonderful drone footage of the great castles and palaces of old Europe so much I just had to share it with you. It's a true life fairytale.
For Proof of True Love, Look to the Animal Kingdom
These heart-warming pictures will remind you that love is all around you in the world.
I Never Knew Bosnia Could Be So Breathtaking!
An incredible video of Bosnia & Herzegovina filmed for six months, displaying the natural beauty of this gorgeous country.
Equestrian Grace: 15 Majestic Horses in Icelandic Scenery
These photographs of beautiful horses in Iceland by Petra Marita look like beautiful paintings.
This Animal Is the Best Mimic in the World...
How intelligent and clever IS this animal??
You Won't Believe the Equine Wonder in These Horse Photos
Wiebke Haas captures some of the world's most beautiful horses strutting their proud stuff in this superb collection of equine majesty.
Unbelievable! I Have Never Seen Animals Act Like This!
When you're out in the wilderness or outdoors, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature, and crazy things can happen. If you're lucky, like these guys, you might get to catch those things on camera!
These Beautiful Animal Stories Will Touch Your Heart
Animals are an infinite source of inspiration for all of us, and these touching stories will give you renewed hope in life and maybe even make you shed a tear.
Behold, 10 of the Most Beautiful Flowers in the World!
Take a look at the world's most beautiful flowers in this collection of photos we have made just for you to enjoy and share with your friends.
Feast Your Eyes: 50 Stunning Sceneries From 50 US States!
The US is full of magnificent places, in each and every state...
Photographer Captures the Ethereal Beauty of the Sea World
Check out some truly stunning photographs of the animals of the sea world by noted photographer Greg Lecoeur.
I Bet You've Never Seen Animals Like These Before!
From a pink dolphin to a brown panda, you have probably never seen these weird and rare variations of animals.
18 Breathtaking Photos Depict Nature as Heaven on Earth
These photos enable us to appreciate the beauty in mother nature and all that she has to offer.