How fast can an ostrich run?

An ostrich can run up to 43 mph (69 km/h) in a sprint. That makes it the fastest bird on land, even though it cannot fly.

Ostriches achieve this speed with exceptionally long, powerful legs and elastic tendons that store and release energy with each stride. Their two-toed feet help reduce weight and provide stability, while a single large toe can deliver a powerful defensive kick. They can cover more than 10 feet in one stride.

The 43 mph figure describes a top sprint, not a speed an ostrich maintains indefinitely. Observations commonly place their sustained running speed closer to 30–37 mph. Their speed helps them escape predators across open African habitats, where flight is unnecessary and endurance is often more useful.

Ostriches are also the world’s largest and heaviest living birds. Their reduced wings are used for balance and display, while their legs do the work of locomotion.