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.
|
These Jaw-Dropping Photos Reveal the TRUE Scale of Things
When you see just how the size of a person compares to these massive natural wonders and human creations, you'll be utterly surprised!
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.
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
Why is Your Cat Constantly Checking Up on You?
Ever wonder why your feline friend seems to follow you around the house, peeking into rooms you're in?
These Are the Worst Parents in the Animal Kingdom
These animals certainly won't be winning any parenting awards!
12 Fascinating Facts About the North Pole
The North Pole is a unique & mysterious place, and it would be fun to learn more about it, so here are 12 lesser-known North Pole facts!
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
There Are Exquisite, Colorful Trees Growing in Japan...
Japan is more than Japanese culture, it is also a land of unspeakable natural beauty as you can see in these beautiful photos of japan's nature.
World's Finest Wildlife Images Crowned for 2023: 16 Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of One Eyeland’s 2023 Wildlife Photography Awards.
7 Uncommon Trees You've Probably Never Seen Before...
Trees are often underappreciated. Here we present to you some of the most unusual yet fascinating trees from around the globe.
World's Biggest Snake: This Massive Anaconda Is 26ft-Long!
Scientists have just discovered the world’s biggest snake in Amazon rainforest.
Wild Nature: Young Elephant Fends Off 14 Lions Unharmed
How an elephant convinces a group of lions that this is not an animal worth tangling with...
Behold 15 of Most Stunning Pigeons and Doves
We’ve compiled 15 of the most exquisite and graceful pigeons and doves in the world, both wild and human-bred, for you to discover and delight in.
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.
Animal Kingdom: Meet the World’s Grumpiest Cat
Pallas’s cats are perhaps the most unusual wild cats of our planet.
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.
Hilarious Nature: True Facts About Elephants!
Come with us as we explore this huge mammal, make some jokes and meet one of the smartest and most fascinating of all animals, the elephant.
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.
Jaw-Dropping Photos: The Wonderful Lives of Ladybugs
Here are some wonderful photos of ladybugs in their natural habitats. I always feel a childish wonder and thrill when can coax one onto my hand.
These Dogs Are The Perfect Companions For Older Adults!
Everyone loves companionship, and for dog-lovers there's nothing more painful that wanting a furry friend and not having one. Age is no factor for pet-having, and these 20 dogs prove it!
How's it Possible that These Roses Last for 3+ Years?
Wouldn't it be a beautiful idea to receive a rose that may last a lifetime? These flowers just might...
14 Special Animals You Didn’t Know Existed
In our magical world, there are millions of different kinds of animals, some beautiful and some strange. Take a peek at 14 of them right here...
The Glass Butterfly: One of Nature's Most Beautiful Creatures
The 'Great Oto' butterfly is nicknamed the 'glass butterfly' and it's easy to see why. It may just be the most beautiful butterfly of all.
Who Needs Superheroes When We Have These Dogs?
Take a look at the extraordinary stories of five remarkable dogs who save lives and stop crimes.
15 Wildlife Photos SO Bad They Are Actually Funny
Here is a look at a collection of hilarious pictures of wild animals that are so bad they will actually make you laugh.
The Friendliest Dolphin You've Ever Seen...
Diving into the crystal clear waters with Jojo is to go on a super joyful and happy adventure!
The Tell Tale Signs That Nature is About to Strike
Every natural phenomenon has its signature calling card. Some are almost as strange as the phenomenon itself...
Far, Far Away, There's a Land Where Pandas Roam Free...
Giant pandas are highly endangered, however there's a beautiful sanctuary in China devoted to ensuring that population numbers are boosted. See the photos.
Sloths: Masters of Slow-Motion Evolution
The sloth is much more interesting than you ever realized.
The Most Astonishing Wildlife Photos of the Decade
These are some of our favorite shots of animals in the wild, ever. Enjoy this stunning collection of professional wildlife photography
These Siberian Cats Are Truly Stunning!
Alla Lebedeva has turned her homestead into a "Catland" and she has now gone viral thanks to some incredible photographs of her glorious Siberian cats.
Take Flight With a Wonderfully Crisp Video of the Himalayas
If you ever wanted to see Mt. Everest up close but never had a chance, just sit back and enjoy this amazing video. It's almost like being there in person.
The Colors of These Birds are Ravishing!
Birds inspire us, fascinate us and make us admire them with their beauty and grace. Enjoy some beautiful pictures of 14 of the most colorful birds in the world.
These Are Definitely the Oddest Couples I Could Imagine...
These strange couples destroy all my previous notions about animal relationships.
A Heart-In-Mouth Video About a Chick's Fight To Survive
The adaptations of nature are truly incredible. Barnacle goose chicks have to leap off cliffs within hours of their birth to reunite with their parents.
The Japanese Art of Bonsai Makes Miniature Gods of Us!
It has taken a lot of gardening patience for someone to grow these pot sized bonsai beauties, and - boy! - aren't they worth the wait!
A Wonderful Collection of Flowers, Beauty and Color
This is BabaMail's Ultimate Floral Post collection. We've selected 12 of the best articles, photo-series and videos from our website for you to enjoy.
Marvel at 14 of the Tallest Mountains in the World
There are fourteen mountains in the world that stand over 8000 meters (26,250 feet) tall. Known collectively as the 8000ers, these skyscraping peaks are very literally the top of the world.
These Rare Animals Are Both Weird and Wonderful
Have you ever seen a creature that looked so weird and unique that you weren't sure if you were actually looking at an alien or something that belongs on our planet?Discover here these 15 weird and wonderful creatures that are too wonderful for words
Do Our Cats Love Us? A Fascinating Experiment
This cat owner decided to put his 2 cats to a test usually prescribed to toddlers.
Nature Really Does Have Some Gorgeous Geometry!
When nature makes use of geometry, it uses it in the most stunning of ways.
The Beautiful Wildlife of Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is a wonderful place that has a large number of wild animals.
Watch These Colorful Moths Fly in Exquisite Slow Motion
In this video, a talented photographer used slow motion to show us the most beautiful moments with colorful, fuzzy moths.
This Incredible Bird Can Make Any Sound it Likes!
This classic Attenborough scene is of the most amazing bird in the world. Just listen to the sound(s) it makes! Cover image by Vern / flickr
19 Flower Species that Celebrate the Summertime with Beauty
Summertime in the northern hemisphere is decorated by some of the most beautiful flowers you've seen.
These Have Got to Be Some of the World Strangest Plants
In this world there are pretty plants and then there are talented and bizarre plants. These 12 plants definitely fall into the latter category.