How fast can an ostrich run?

Since an ostrich can’t fly, to escape its predators, it must be fast on the ground. With its long legs, an ostrich can run at 70 km/h (45 mph) which makes the ostrich one of the fastest animals on the African Savannah. In fact, an ostrich can maintain a steady 60 km/h (37 mph) over lengthy distances.

Multiple factors contribute to the bird’s speed including its wings. With a span of more than 2 meters (6.6 feet), an ostrich uses its wings to steer and balance at a high speed. Similar to an airplane, subtle wing movements help an ostrich maintain its balance while running at high speeds. Their light legs bounce across the African savannah as both feet leave the ground at the same time.

Another factor that contributes to its speed is the increased strides, since the ostrich has the longest legs of all flightless birds. Ostriches can swing their legs faster than other animals because their leg muscles are closer to their bodies. These muscles provide power while long light legs give them distance.

Ostriches are perfectly proportioned as their center of gravity is between their long legs and wings.

With their long protruding necks and great round bodies, ostriches are one of the world’s most distinctive birds, giants of the savannah. Standing more the 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and weighing 100 kg (220 pounds), an ostrich is comfortably the largest flightless birds native to Africa. The bird is also one of the the oldest animals in Africa.