Towering, feathered, and full of character, ostriches are impossible to overlook on safari – not just for their sheer size, but for their quirky movements, lightning-fast speed, and distinctly prehistoric charm. Native to Africa, these flightless giants are far from vulnerable. In fact, ostriches are remarkably well adapted for survival on the ground.
At Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa, just under two hours from Cape Town, the vast Karoo plains provide the perfect habitat for the Big 5 and some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife – including the world’s largest bird, the ostrich (Struthio camelus).
Physical Attributes:
Eyes
Ostriches have enormous eyes – each one measuring around 5 centimetres (2 inches) in diameter – making them the largest eyes of any land animal. These powerful eyes, positioned on either side of the head, only blinking once per minute, gives them a wide field of view and allow them to detect predators from several kilometres away.
Brains
In contrast, the ostrich’s brain is surprisingly small, weighing just 40 grams (1.4 ounces) – smaller than one of its eyes. This disproportion isn’t a flaw but an evolutionary trade-off: the ostrich relies more on instinct, eyesight, and rapid reflexes than on complex thinking. When survival depends on spotting and fleeing from predators like lions or cheetahs, quick reaction times matter more than problem-solving.
Necks
Their long necks, which can measure over 1 metre (3.3 feet) in length, function like natural periscopes – helping them scan the horizon for threats while keeping their large bodies low and camouflaged among the dry Karoo vegetation. It’s the perfect combination: powerful legs for escape, eyes for early warning, and a flexible neck for maximum visibility.
Legs
They have strong, sinewy legs that are built for sprinting and can cover up to 5 metres (16 feet) in a single stride. At full speed, an ostrich can reach up to 70 km/h (43 mph), maintaining fast-paced sprints over surprisingly long distances. Aside from running, their legs also serve a vital defensive purpose: a cornered ostrich can deliver a powerful forward kick which is incredibly powerful – strong enough to break bones or fatally injure a predator. With razor-sharp claws on their toes, they are surprisingly capable fighters when escape isn’t an option.
Toes
Ostriches are the only birds with two toes on each foot – a unique adaptation that contributes to their extraordinary speed. The larger inner toe, which resembles a hoof, provides traction and balance, while the smaller outer toe helps with stabilisation.
Bodies Built for the Ground
The ostrich’s large, rounded body may seem bulky, but it’s finely tuned for terrestrial life. Covered in insulating feathers, this body shape helps them manage the extreme temperature swings of the Karoo – staying cool in the day and warm at night.
Despite weighing up to 150 kg (330 lbs) and standing over 2.7 metres (9 feet) tall, ostriches are remarkably agile. Their low centre of gravity and powerful upper legs make them stable, balanced runners, even at high speeds. Unlike the aerodynamic forms of flying birds, ostriches have flexible torsos that help absorb impact while sprinting – built not for flight, but for endurance and survival on solid ground.
Feathers and Plumage
Unlike flying birds, ostriches have loose, fluffy feathers that lack the rigidity required for flight. Instead, their plumage provides insulation, sun protection, and even acts as natural cooling fans in the Karoo heat.
You can tell males and females apart by their feathers. Males display striking black plumage with white wing and tail feathers, which become even more vibrant during the mating season. Females and juveniles, on the other hand, are dressed in brown or grey-brown feathers for better camouflage – especially when nesting. This colour contrast also serves a practical purpose during incubation: the male blends into the night; the female, into the day.
Ostriches Lay the Largest Eggs in the World
Ostriches lay the largest eggs on Earth, each weighing around 1.4 kg (3 lbs) and measuring up to 18 cm (7 inches) in length. One egg is equivalent to about two dozen chicken eggs and packs an estimated 2,000 calories. Despite their size, the shells are surprisingly fragile and must be carefully tended to by the incubating pair.
Female ostriches can produce between 40 and 100 eggs annually, typically laying one egg every second day during the breeding season (March to August). They remain reproductively active for 25 to 35 years, with a total lifespan of around 30 to 40 years and up to 70 years in captivity.
Diet and Digestion
Ostriches are omnivores, feeding mainly on seeds, grasses, roots, leaves, and insects – and occasionally small reptiles. Lacking teeth, they swallow small stones and pebbles to aid digestion. These help grind food inside a muscular part of the stomach called the gizzard, breaking it down for nutrient absorption.
Do Ostriches Really Bury Their Heads in the Sand?
Ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. What they do is lower their heads to the ground when foraging, tending to eggs, or lying low to avoid detection, which may look from a distance like their heads have disappeared. In reality, ostriches are alert, instinct-driven animals with highly developed survival tactics.
See the World’s Largest Bird at Aquila Private Game Reserve
Spotting an ostrich at Aquila Private Game Reserve is a reminder of nature’s ingenuity. From their oversized eyes and long legs to their high-speed sprints and prehistoric form, these birds are a living link to ancient times – and a firm favourite among guests of all ages.
Book your overnight or day-trip safari experience and keep your eyes open for the ostrich – the odd, elegant, and endlessly entertaining giant of the Karoo.
