Baby Ostriches: Even The Largest Birds Start Out As Little Chicks

Someday, these baby ostriches will grow up to be the tallest and heaviest bird in existence; standing up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall, and weighing in at as much as 350 pounds (159 kilograms). When they grow up, they will also be one of the fastest creatures on the planet; with a stride that covers 16 feet (4.9 meters), a sprint speed of 40 mph (64 kph), and a long distance ability that sees them run at over 30 mph (48 kph) for long periods of time. They will also grow to be one of the world’s most dangerous, yet non-aggressive creatures, with a defensive kick that can stop a lion in it’s tracks, but a desire to avoid conflict and danger that sees then hiding in the grass with their heads held low (they do this to blend in with the sand, not bury their heads as people have long believed) rather than attacking. First though, ostriches are cute little babies just like the rest of of, with their long build making them adorably awkward. Ostrich chicks, who are born in groups of 15-60 (they are born in communal nests where all the females lay eggs in the same spot, but only the dominant male and female watch over them), can be seen taking their first steps while hiding under the wings of their parents in order to be protected from the sun or rain. Ostriches full mature by 18 months, and go on to live for 30-40 years in the wild. They are a completely flightless bird and can be found on the savannas and plains of the African Continent.