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.
|
Have You Ever Seen Animals Quite So Strange and Bizarre?
Here are some weirdly fascinating animals that look so strange, you won’t be able to take your eyes off of them!
New From Nature: 11 New Animal Species Discovered in 2022
Today, we will acquaint you with 2022's 11 newly discovered species of animals and delve into the reasoning behind their distinctive names.
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!
Return to the Ocean: The Complex Final Journey of a Whale
Today, we delve into the intricate and captivating lifecycle fostered by these deep-sea giants.
These Photos Tell Us Some Amazing Stories About the World
The world, as these pictures prove, is full of amazing sights and stories.
8 Members of the Animal World Who Thrive In Their Solitude
Here's a look at some of the most interesting solitary animals in the world who thrive in their solitude.
The Most Incredible Animal Friendships!
in reality, animals can sometimes remind us of childhood stories and tv programs - sometimes the unlikely friendships are indeed made by animals, and here's the proof:
Wildlife Is Even More Beautiful In 4K Definition!
The wildlife in Myanmar is beautiful, and we're lucky enough to witness it being captured in 4K definition. Enjoy!
Bird Watchers’ Paradise: 7 Stunning Bird Sanctuaries
If you love birds, then pack your bags and take a trip to these wondrous bird sanctuaries.
Nature's Brilliant Blues Will Brighten Your Day
We live on the 'blue planet', underneath a blue sky, but instances of blue elsewhere is actually quite rare. Here are some of the most beautiful examples.
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
Experience Pinnacles National Park in Crisp 4K Resolution
Check out this incredible time lapse video of California's Pinnacles National Park, which was filmed in crisp 4K resolution.
Watch this Colorful Caterpillar Turn into a Stunning Moth!
Watch as this gorgeous caterpillar goes through the various stages of growth, to eventually emerge as a beautiful puss moth.
10 Vegetables and Plants You Can Grow in the Fall
Just because we're approaching fall it doesn't mean you should hang up your gardening gloves. There's still plenty of things you can plant in your garden.
Our Planet is Full of Beauty! Take a Look at These Photos
Our planet is incredibly beautiful. Here are 15 stunning photos of planet Earth.
GALLERY: You've Never Seen Such Crazy Weather Pics Before!
Check out this incredible collection of extreme weather photos.
These Cute Bat Photos Will Change Your Perception of Them!
These adorable photos of bats will change your perception of them forever!
This Incredible Video Takes You Swimming With a Polar Bear
Go on a swim right next to one of the world's biggest apex predators.
An Inspiring Collection of Moments in the Lives of Animals
Some of the most poignant stories and photos of animals from around the world.
If You Want to See Some Breathtaking Beauty, Come In Here...
Check out the astonishing winning panoramic images from the 2023 EPSON International Pano Awards.
Woman Captures Stunning Photos of Birds in Her Back Yard!
Although the weather and seasons in Germany and Michigan are quite similar, one woman realized that the birds are different. She took some great photos to prove this.
The Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Animals
Bats, hyenas, vultures, snakes, and more – today we will shed light on the world’s most misunderstood animals.
In Pictures – Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022.
A Most Beautiful Exploration of the Ocean Floor
Dive far below the ocean, all the way to its bottom below the great frozen continent of Antarctica.
The Beautiful Animals You'll See When On Safari...
If you want the best safari experience, Africa is where you should go, especially if you want to see the big five wild animal groups: the lion, the leopard, the elephant, the rhino and the buffalo.
16 Award-Winning Shots That’ll Take Your Breath Away
The 2020 winners of the nature photography competition BigPicture have been announced, and they are astounding!
Humans Aren't the Only Devoted Parents...
Beautiful examples of the kind of parents you'll find in the animal kingdom.
15 Magical Animal Moments That’ll Make You Smile All Day!
Animals sometimes take on the role of "models" and provide photographers with the opportunity to capture wonderful moments of magic that simply warm our hearts.
14 Plants in the Most Artful, Unique, and Quirky Pots
These perfectly-paired pots and plants will light up any garden.
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!
Nature Is Full of Mystery When You Look at These Photos
Take a look at these amazing photos of nature which depict so much mystery.
War of the Carnivores: Full Length Wildlife Documentary
These fierce warriors contest each other in a raw, untamed spectacle of survival, where every moment counts. Brace yourselves, the battle begins.
These Creatures Are So Scary You'll Be Happy They're Extinct
Once you read more about these extinct animals - you'll be happy you won't have to see them in real life.
Better Together: Animals Who Collaborate in the Wild
These pairs of animals of different species have amazing ways of helping each other in the wild.
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.
Horse Kingdom: Exploring the 15 Most Stunning Horse Breeds
Many beautiful horse breeds have been developed over the course of the centuries, but some are more beautiful than others... Take a look.
16 Perfect Examples of How Beautiful Earth Is
16 beautiful examples of why Earth is such a wonderful and gorgeous place to live.
Woodpeckers Are So Captivating!
Did you know that there are over 200 species of woodpeckers in the world? Let’s check out some of the most fascinating ones.
You May Learn Some New Dance Moves Thanks to These Birds
Watch this hilarious, yet sweet compilation of bird mating dances.
This is What Pure Love Looks Like in the Animal Kingdom
This heart-warming photo series proves that the love between a parent and child is universal.
10 of the Largest Living Birds in the World
Check out this list of the largest and heaviest birds that inhabit our planet today.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Flower to See Its Full Beauty
These interactive photos of flowers will allow you to see them in video with a click.
Humans and Wild Animals CAN Be Friends...
This beautiful video makes my faith in humanity just a little stronger, as these humans have managed to befriend some of the wildest animals out there by being gentle.
This Man Saved the Tiniest Bird You've Ever Seen
This video is heart melting. Such a good guy this man is, saving the tiniest birds you've ever seen. See the tiny eggs transform into tiny creatures of fluff and feather.
This Video Opens Up a World of Flowers, Beauty and Color
A beautiful video of young flowers opening in stunning colors.
Best of Animal Photography: 17 Stunning Images
Check out the most amazing shots of animals caught on camera from “The Decisive Moments Magazine”.
Unbelievable Natural Illusions That’ll Make Your Jaw Drop
Nature always has a few tricks up her sleeve and never stops surprising us with her fascinating creations. Here are 14 mind-bending examples...