Fauna
Bird

Common Ostrich

Struthio camelus

Also known as Ostrich, African Ostrich

Common ostriches are the world's largest birds, built for high-speed running across open African savannas and semi-arid plains. Males display striking black-and-white plumage while females blend into the landscape with earth-toned grey-brown feathers. Nomadic flocks travel continuously in search of vegetation, seeds, and occasional insects while relying on keen eyesight to spot predators from kilometers away.

FlightlessSavannaLarge Bird
Common Ostrich reference1 / 7
(c) Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jan Ebr & Ivana Ebrová · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySeeds, Grasses, Insects
Predators
  • Lions
  • Leopards
  • Cheetahs
ThreatsHabitat loss, hunting, egg harvesting, and agricultural fencing
HabitatsSavannas, open woodlands, semi-arid plains, and deserts
Life span30–40 years in the wild
Classification
  1. OrderStruthioniformes
  2. FamilyStruthionidae
  3. GenusStruthio
  4. SpeciesStruthio camelus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Powerful forward kicks can deliver lethal strikes; maintain a safe distance at all times.
Why it is dangerous
Equipped with two-toed feet featuring sharp, heavy claws capable of delivering lethal forward kicks.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for huge body size, bare neck and legs, and distinct black or brown plumage.
What to do
Do not approach on foot or enter enclosures; stay inside a vehicle or behind heavy barrier fences.
Responsible observation
  • Keep distance: Never approach on foot, especially near nests or chicks, as protective males charge fiercely.
  • Observe from vehicles: Safari vehicles provide safe viewpoints without disturbing natural foraging behavior.
  • Watch body language: Raised feathers, hissing, and forward pacing indicate agitation and imminent aggression.
Related species
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