Species BirdsCommon Ostrich

Common Ostrich

Struthio camelus

CommonBird
Illustration of Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The Common Ostrich is the world's largest bird, characterized by its long neck and powerful legs. It is known for its impressive running speed, reaching up to 45 miles per hour.

Habitat
Inhabits savannas and open grasslands.
Diet
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, seeds, and fruits.
How common
Common

Not certain it is a Common Ostrich? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Common Ostrich sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Common Ostrich? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Common Ostrich is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love birds? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More birds

Common Pauraque
Common Pauraque
Nyctidromus albicollis
Common Poorwill
Common Poorwill
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Common Raven
Common Raven
Corvus corax
Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll
Acanthis flammea
Common Squirrel-Cuckoo
Common Squirrel-Cuckoo
Piaya cayana
Common Tern
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Common Tody-Flycatcher
Common Tody-Flycatcher
Todirostrum cinereum
Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas