Ostrich Facts for Kids
Ostriches are huge flightless birds from Africa. They have long necks, long legs, big eyes, small heads, soft feathers, and powerful running skills that help them survive in open country.
Quick Ostrich Facts
- Animal Type: Bird
- Group: Ratite and flightless bird
- Known For: Largest living bird and fast running
- Habitat: Savannas, grasslands, deserts, scrublands, and open country in Africa
- Diet: Seeds, grasses, leaves, roots, flowers, insects, lizards, and small animals
What You’ll Learn
Learn 10 fun ostrich facts for kids with simple explanations, kid facts, quiz, glossary, and an ostrich activity.
These ostrich facts for kids are written in a simple way for kids, parents, teachers, and curious little fact-hunters.
10 Fun Ostrich Facts for Kids
1. Ostriches Are the Largest Living Birds
Ostriches are the largest birds alive today. They are much taller and heavier than most other birds.
Kid Fact: An ostrich is the skyscraper of the bird world.
2. Ostriches Cannot Fly
Ostriches have wings, but their bodies are too large for flying. Their wings help with balance, display, and turning while running.
Kid Fact: Ostrich wings are not for flights; they are for fancy steering.
3. Ostriches Can Run Very Fast
Ostriches are famous for running quickly across open land. Their long legs help them escape danger.
Kid Fact: An ostrich is a feathered running machine.
4. Ostriches Have Two Toes on Each Foot
Most birds have more toes, but ostriches have only two toes on each foot. This helps them run efficiently.
Kid Fact: Ostrich feet are built for speed, not tiptoeing.
5. Ostriches Lay Huge Eggs
Ostrich eggs are the largest eggs laid by any living bird. One egg is much bigger than a chicken egg.
Kid Fact: An ostrich egg is breakfast-sized for a giant.
6. Baby Ostriches Are Chicks
Baby ostriches are called chicks. They hatch from eggs and can walk and run soon after hatching.
Kid Fact: An ostrich chick starts life already practicing speed.
7. Ostriches Have Big Eyes
Ostriches have very large eyes, helping them spot danger across open habitats.
Kid Fact: Those eyes are savanna lookout windows.
8. Ostriches Live in Africa
Wild ostriches live in parts of Africa, especially open areas where they can see far and run.
Kid Fact: Ostriches like wide-open places with room to zoom.
9. Ostriches Eat Plants and Small Animals
Ostriches eat seeds, grasses, leaves, flowers, insects, lizards, and other small foods. They are not picky nibblers.
Kid Fact: An ostrich menu is part salad, part tiny critter surprise.
10. Ostriches Use Strong Legs for Defense
Ostriches can use powerful legs and feet to defend themselves if threatened. It is best to watch wild ostriches from far away.
Kid Fact: Ostrich legs are not just for running; they are serious warning tools.
The Weirdest Ostrich Fact
Ostriches cannot fly, but they can run fast enough to leave many animals eating dust.
Try This Activity
Ostrich Drawing Activity
Draw an ostrich running across an African savanna. Add a long neck, long legs, two-toed feet, fluffy feathers, giant eggs, chicks, grasses, and acacia trees.
Quick Ostrich Quiz
- What is the largest living bird? Answer: The ostrich.
- Can ostriches fly? Answer: No.
- Where do wild ostriches live? Answer: Africa.
- What are baby ostriches called? Answer: Chicks.
- How many toes does an ostrich have on each foot? Answer: Two.
Mini Glossary
- Ratite: A group of mostly large flightless birds.
- Chick: A baby bird.
- Flightless: Unable to fly.
- Savanna: A grassland habitat with scattered trees.
- Defense: A way an animal protects itself.
Create Your Own Ostrich Story
Turn these ostrich facts into a fun animal story with our free Animal Story Generator.
Try It FreeFact check note: Fact checked with Britannica Kids ostrich resources, Britannica ostrich resources, and trusted bird education references.