Ostrich is a special species of birds, which, despite its belonging to the category of birds, differs from its relatives in gigantic size and inability to fly. However, nature did not deprive even these inhabitants of the savannah, giving them, as compensation, the opportunity to develop incredibly high speed during running thanks to powerful legs. What are the maximum ostrich speed, running features? How do these unusual birds behave in life?

Ostrich speed

The usual speed of ostriches in everyday conditions and during danger is significantly different, since in the second case the ostrich flees to save its life. The run of these unusual birds is characterized by plasticity and grace. They travel long distances, practically spending their energy reserves. In total there are about 5 varieties of ostriches, but all of them are able to run equally fast. So what are the average, maximum speeds, and also in case of danger?

Important! Ostriches react very aggressively to sudden movements. That is why farmers who breed these sensitive birds are especially careful about feeding them. — most often they protect themselves with huge bogeys, whose growth exceeds the growth of ostriches. Thus, the bird obeys the higher (and therefore the main) and quickly calms down.

Average

In ordinary circumstances (for example, for moving around the area) ostriches are able to develop over 50 km / h. At the same time, their continuous run can last about half an hour, which is a record among other animals. If we are talking about walking, then there are also very enviable indicators - 25-30 km / h.Even very young chicks manage to move as fast. This is due, in the opinion of zoologists, to the unique structure of the limbs of birds, and research on the musculoskeletal system of birds has been taking experts and time for the last decade. Based on the results of these scientific works, additional capabilities of the human body are studied, which is important for athletes.

Maximum

To overcome considerable distances to ostriches allows economical energy consumption. This is what distinguishes them from other birds and maintains a consistently high speed throughout the entire running process. This is a unique ability that is not inherent in any other mammal species on the planet. The maximum recorded ostrich speed is 92 km / h, which is an absolute world record. This is twice as fast as their usual run, and the owner of such a result was able to run at such a speed, not particularly spending his energy potential, a very long distance.

Did you know? Scientists have proved that all species of ostriches have one common ancestor, which existed together with dinosaurs more than 60 million years ago. The remains found in South America indicated that the birds initially still knew how to fly, but in the process of evolution they lost this ability, preferring to flee from predators rather than flight.

In case of danger

Fleeing from a predator, the speed of birds can reach 70–75 km / h, that is, 20 m / s. It is characteristic that an ostrich can withstand such a load for no longer than 20 minutes. However, this time is enough for the stalker to tire and fall behind. The stride speed at this indicator also increases and reaches 7 m. Typically, birds manage to avoid skirmishes with predatory animals due to their long necks and well-developed hearing - they see danger from afar and immediately flee.Despite its gigantic size and murderously massive legs, the bird is not particularly aggressive, therefore, prefers to run away from potential danger than attack the enemy. It is for this reason that the predatory inhabitants of the savannah rarely dare to attack the ostrich (this is simply meaningless).

Running features

Muscular and developed legs give the bird the opportunity to cover incredibly long distances in the shortest possible time. It is amazing that there are only two fingers on the limbs of an ostrich - one is very small and almost imperceptible, but the other is characterized by a number of functions that provide the bird with such a phenomenal speed of movement:

• with its help, the bird has the ability not to slow down while running and perform various maneuvers;
• abruptly push off from the ground;
• regulates the speed that the ostrich develops when walking and running;
• performs a protective function during the strike of the enemy.

Important! Farmers containing captive birds note their high productivity almost all year round, provided that they are kept properly. The bird is very unpretentious and easily tolerates various adverse conditions.

Tall and strong legs allow the ostrich to pace easily, gracefully and confidently. The average step width of the birds is 4 m. Observing how the bird runs, it may seem that it is only very quickly fingering it. This is because a properly distributed load allows the body not to fall forward.

Ostriches behavior in life

As for the behavior of ostriches in the wild, here more is known about adult birds than about chickens. After the chick has left the nest, he will never be able to return to it because of the tall herbs that hide him from the baby’s eyes. Ostriches lead a flocking lifestyle, so several adult pairs of birds take care of the chicks that gather in a separate small brood.

Some features of the behavioral reactions of ostriches depend on factors such as time of year and age. However, it is safe to say that by nature feathered, mostly shy, easily excitable and very prudent. Thanks to vigilance and well-developed hearing, they can recognize a predator from a great distance. That is why birds move very carefully in shrubs so as not to damage their eyes (this is one of their main sources of hazard detection).

Did you know? The average life expectancy of ostriches is about 60 years.

Ostriches give the greatest preference to open areas in order to see a potential threat from afar. Most often, birds have to survive in an extremely adverse environmental situation, so they are forced to eat a wide variety of foods (that may be different seeds, insects and small vertebrates). By the same principle, the birds learned to withstand the change in weather conditions, because they tolerate heat and a sharp cooling.A characteristic feature of ostriches is also polygamy. The male can mate as many as desired with different representatives of the opposite sex, however, during the incubation period, he will help only one, dominant, female. Mating dances and other rituals among these birds are also not uncommon. Interestingly, the legs of ostriches are adapted to swimming. This is possible due to the presence of membranes between the fingers.

The lifestyle and unique abilities that nature has awarded ostriches more than compensate for their inability to sing and fly, which distinguishes them from other birds. Today, birds are no longer in demand as draft power, but because of the receipt of healthy meat and fluff. Their phenomenon now causes only genuine interest of researchers and provides materials for scientific work.