Dimensions
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height (adult male) | 2.1–2.7 m | 6.9–9 ft | Standing height of adult males, head included. Range: varies | [1] |
| Height (adult female) | 1.7–1.9 m | 5.7–6.2 ft | Standing height of adult females (1.7 to 1.9 m). Range: varies | [1] |
| Maximum height | up to 2.7 m | up to 9 ft | Fully grown ostrich measured including the neck; females tend to be shorter than males. Maximum | [2] |
| Mass (adult male) | 100–130 kg | 220–287 lb | Adult males, 100 to 130 kg. Range: varies | [1] |
| Mass (adult female) | 89.8–110 kg | 198–242 lb | Adult females, 90 to 110 kg. Range: varies | [1] |
| Mass (adults) | 91–140 kg | 200–300 lb | Adult ostriches of either sex, 90 to 136 kg. Range: varies | [2] |
About the ostrich
The common ostrich of Africa's grasslands and savannas is the tallest and heaviest living bird. It cannot fly but is built for running, with long, powerful two-toed legs. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance lists adult males at 6.9 to 9 ft tall and females at 5.7 to 6.2 ft, with males weighing 220 to 287 lb.
- Ostriches can sprint in short bursts at up to 43 mph (70 km/h) and hold a steady 31 mph (50 km/h); a single stride can cover 10 to 16 ft. [1]
- An ostrich egg averages about 6 by 5 inches (15 by 13 cm) and weighs about 3 lb. [1]
- Ostrich eyes are about 2 inches (5 cm) across, the largest of any bird. [2]
- The Smithsonian's National Zoo describes ostriches as the fastest two-legged animals on Earth. [2]
How many fit?
- ≈ 1.2–1.7 × Human · height lined up end to end match the Ostrich · height (adult male)
- ≈ 1.1–1.7 × Human · body mass on the scales weigh as much as Ostrich · mass (adult male)
- ≈ 2.8–3.6 × House cat · length (average adult) lined up end to end match the Ostrich · height (adult male)
- ≈ 18–32 × House cat · adult mass on the scales weigh as much as Ostrich · mass (adult male)
Counts divide one sourced figure by another. "End to end" uses each object's main measurement; weight and volume rows appear only when both figures are sourced.
How it compares
- 2.8–3.6× An ostrich is about 2.8–3.6 times as tall as a house cat is long. See side by side
- 3.4–5× An ostrich is about 3.4–5 times as tall as a Labrador Retriever is tall at the shoulder. See side by side
- 1.2–1.7× An ostrich is about 1.2–1.7 times as tall as an average adult. See side by side
- 0.8–1.5× An ostrich is roughly as tall as a polar bear is long: between 0.8 and 1.5 times, depending on size. See side by side
- 1.2–1.7× An ostrich is about 1.2–1.7 times as tall as a horse is tall at the shoulder. See side by side
- 0.6–1.1× An ostrich is roughly as tall as an African elephant is tall at the shoulder: between 0.6 and 1.1 times, depending on size. See side by side
Factors compare the height (adult male) of an ostrich with each object’s own main measurement (height for a human). Where a size varies, the factor is given as a range.
Notes on these figures
- San Diego Zoo's metric conversion for male height contains a typo ('21. to 2.7 meters'), so the feet values (6.9 to 9 ft) are stored.
- The Smithsonian's National Zoo gives a broader adult weight range (200 to 300 lb) than San Diego Zoo's sex-specific ranges.