So, how fast can an ostrich run? An Ostrich is a wingless bird. An ostrich compensates for its lack of capacity to fly by being one of the fastest terrestrial animals on the African savannah. It’s a large, intimidating bird with gigantic wings that don’t provide adequate support for the bird to fly.
As a result, the ostrich relies on its long legs to survive on the wide expanses of the African savannah, the northwest continent, and the southern continent. Southern Africa and the African savannah are the primary places where you find them. Ostriches belong to mainly 2 species:
- Somali Ostrich
- Common Ostrich
These birds’ distinguishable vibrant colors make them immediately identifiable. Because many animals are targeted for leather items, the South African ostrich and the Masai ostrich are a part of conservation efforts. Knowing all of this information about ostriches raises the question of how fast ostriches run.
How Fast Can an Ostrich Run in MPH?
The average speed of ostriches is 43 miles per hour. They can also jump a massive 5 meters in a single stride. They are the world’s fastest mammals with two legs because they have a top speed of 60 miles per hour.
Ostriches can maintain a speed of 32 to 34 miles per hour for almost half an hour due to their commendable stamina.
They go at around 45 miles per hour on average (72.4 kph). That’s nothing short of demonstrating its incredible physical strength, which allows it to outpace some of the world’s fastest species. Its impressive average speed is largely due to its elastic legs.
Ostriches can sprint with spurts as long as 12 feet (3.6 meters)! It can concentrate entirely on moving its legs quicker due to its low center of gravity and wings, focusing solely on speed. Over time, the body traits that enable an ostrich to maintain its pace without falling over have evolved.
How Fast Can an Emu Run?
Emus can reach speeds of 50 km/h, which is faster than Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man. However, they are not quicker than Eastern Grey Kangaroos, which can reach speeds of up to 71 km/h.
Is an Ostrich Faster Than a Cheetah?
Cheetahs and ostriches can readily live in Africa’s natural habitat. Cheetahs are the fastest terrestrial animals on Earth because they have tremendous speeds. Ostriches are the world’s biggest birds, and ostrich legs have been known to kill lions.
Ostriches cannot outrun a cheetah in a 100-meter race, but cheetahs have incredibly low stamina and get tired or weary very quickly. But, an Ostrich can run at 40-45 mph for over 30 mins.
So, no, you’ll never see an ostrich outrun a cheetah. Compared to a cheetah, an ostrich can only run for longer periods.
Is an Ostrich Faster Than a Horse?
Yup! They certainly are. An ostrich may easily outrun a horse.
When it comes to speed, horses can’t keep up with ostriches. A horse can only run at 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour), while an ostrich can do 43 miles per hour (69 kilometers per hour). Isn’t that incredible?
Ostriches have a spring in their step and use less muscle power to run because of the elastic energy stored in their tendons. Although the American Quarter Horse can gallop quicker for a few minutes than an ostrich, this is primarily because horse species naturally adapt to sprint short distances.
Which Is the Fastest Running Bird?
We’ve spoken a lot about how fast an ostrich is, but to properly understand it, we need to compare it to other mammals and flying birds because it has plenty of competition.
In truth, the ostrich is the fastest running bird on the planet. Australia’s emu is right on its tail. It’s also worth mentioning that rheas, an ostrich relative species, lives in South America. Gauchos have taken care of them for a long time.
There are also Kiwi Birds who are a major competition to the Ostrich.
How Does an Ostrich Move?
Wings
Tailbones are additional bones at the base of our spine that have no function in humans. Humans inherited tailbones from their ape forebears.
Although they have wings, it is extremely unusual to see an ostrich fly. The speed of an ostrich is determined by its wings. Ostriches use their more than two-meter-long wings to steer and balance themselves at high speeds.
When flying at high speeds, an ostrich, like an airplane, employs subtle wing movements to maintain equilibrium.
Super Elastic Legs
In a single stride, an Ostrich can cover up to 6 meters! Both their legs leave the ground at the same time, and this is the reason why they bounce so easily wherever they go. The reason behind them being so fast is that their light legs bounce to achieve
Cheetahs, the fastest land animal, are formed similarly to ostriches. They have long, thin legs that aid in balance and acceleration.
Whether you’re a little snail or The Great Usain Bolt, the science for running speed is the same. By increasing the frequency of your steps and prolonging your stride, you can run faster than you used to.
Ostriches have the longest legs among any flightless bird, allowing them to move more quickly.
All of the muscles in their legs are close to their bodies. Ostriches have large upper thigh and buttock muscles but modest calf muscles compared to humans.
Ostriches can swing their legs quicker than most other animals due to their close closeness to their body. These muscles provide strength, and their long, light legs enable them to cover ground.
Perfect Centre of Gravity
These flightless birds don’t appear to be in terrific form when it comes to running.
Isn’t that large tummy bouncing around a speed bump?
No way, no how.
Ostriches can hide their vital organs beneath their wings, allowing them to run quicker.
Every bird has a well-positioned center of gravity, allowing for incredible movement. Just look at how a bird lands on any perch with ease.
Ostriches have an ideal body proportion because their center of gravity is located between their long legs and wings. No matter how fast they run or how out of control they appear to be, they are always perfectly balanced.
When we run, our leg muscles propel us forward. Our leg muscles, on the other hand, have to work hard to hold us upright. The finest Olympic long-distance runners are those who look to run effortlessly. They use the majority of their energy to progress.
Not everyone is an Olympian when it comes to running. Since our muscles have to keep us moving on a straight path, we become weary quickly.
Ostriches have an extremely effective tactic. Because their center of gravity keeps them perfectly balanced, they can move forward with all of their physical force.
Final Words
The ostrich is the biggest bird on Earth. These massive birds may weigh up to 150 kilograms and stand 2.8 meters tall. Ostriches are unable to fly due to their enormous size and weight. Ostriches rely on their powerful legs to get from point A to point B, but their wings also play a role despite their lack of flight. The main ostrich species are the common and Somali ostrich. Can these birds outrun a lion?
To spot these birds in action, go on an African safari. Ostriches sprint for very long distances. This was a complete guide to how fast an ostrich can run.
