Ostrich
Scientific Name
Class
Order
Range
Habitat
Estimated Wild Population
More Information
Physical Description
As the largest living bird species, ostriches can reach up to nine feet tall and weigh up to 285 pounds. They have a black chest and wings; a white underside; and a long, bare neck and legs. Because of their large size, ostriches are unable to fly. They primarily feed on seeds and plants but also eat insects and meat abandoned by predators. Ostriches live in grazing groups of up to 50 birds. During breeding season, males compete for mates by establishing and defending territories. Females lay their eggs in holes scraped into the ground.
Interesting Fact 1
Ostriches are the world's fastest birds on land. Their long legs enable them to run up to 40 miles per hour.
Interesting Fact 2
They can survive without drinking water for long stretches of time, instead gaining moisture from various plants.
Interesting Fact 3
Their eggs, the largest found in nature, can weigh up to three pounds.
Commitment to Care
Lincoln Park Zoo prioritizes individual well-being over everything else. Guided by scientific research, staff and volunteers work to provide the best welfare outcomes for each individual in the zoo’s care.
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Animals Depend On People Too
When you ADOPT an animal, you support world-class animal care by helping to provide specially formulated diets, new habitat elements, and regular veterinary checkups.
Wish List
The Wish List is full of one-of-a-kind items for the zoo’s animals, including nutritious snacks and enrichment items to keep them active and healthy.
Take Action With Us
Wildlife face many daunting challenges—some global, like planet-wide climate change, and some that affect individuals, like an animal ingesting plastic—but now is not the time to despair. None of these problems are too big for us to come together and solve.
