Ostrich belongs to bird family in spite of the fact that they can’t fly. Among bird species, ostrich is the largest bird. Having long neck and legs, it can run very fast. Another interesting fact about ostriches is that they lay largest egg as compared to that of other birds. Here I am sharing a set of other important facts about ostriches including:

Habitat

Ostriches are mainly found in Somalia, Ethiopia, Southern parts of Sahara and in some parts of East Africa. Ostriches of today prefer open land and native to the savannas and Sahel of Africa, both north and south of equatorial forest zones.

Weight

The wait of a male ostrich is 350 pounds while the females weigh 200 pounds.


Average Life

Average life of ostriches is approximately 40 years.

Family

They belong to Struthionidae.

Kingdom: Animalia

Eating Habits of Ostriches

Ostriches have quite interesting eating habits. Mostly the ostriches eat what is available to them. Most surprising fact is that they drink water rarely as they get sufficient moisture from the plants they eat. But if they have to drink some water they drink it from small holes. Their basic food items include:

  • Plants
  • Leaves
  • Shrubs
  • Grass
  • Seeds
  • Roots
  • Fruits
  • Lizards
  • Small Rodents
  • Insects
  • Flowers

They lack teeth so they swallow pebbles that act as gastroliths for grinding food. It is reported that an adult ostrich carries about 1 kilogram of stones and pebbles in its stomach. They fill their gullet with stones while eating that in turn passes through their esophagus in form of balls that are known as bolus.