The ostrich is the largest bird alive and lays the biggest eggs — but only in comparison to other eggs. When you compare egg size relative to the bird’s body size, the ostrich actually lays the smallest eggs.

Their eyes are bigger than their brains
An ostrich’s eye is about 5 cm in diameter — the largest of any land animal — and it’s actually bigger than its brain.

Faster than a horse
Ostriches can run up to 70 km/h (about 43 mph) and sustain speeds of 50 km/h over long distances — faster than most horses.

One egg equals 24 chicken eggs
An ostrich egg weighs around 1.4 kg (3 lbs) and is equivalent in volume to about 24 chicken eggs.

They don’t bury their heads in the sand
That’s a myth. When ostriches lower their heads to check their nests or turn their eggs, it might look like they’re hiding — but they’re not.

Only two toes per foot
Ostriches are the only birds with just two toes on each foot. One of them has a large claw they can use to defend themselves.

Can an ostrich kill you with its claws?

Yes, ostriches can seriously injure — and in rare cases, even kill — a person.

They deliver powerful kicks with their legs (more than 2,000 psi of force), and their large inner toe has a sharp claw up to 10 cm (4 inches) long. A well-aimed kick can cause deep wounds or even be fatal if it hits a vital area like the abdomen or chest.

In the wild, ostriches use these kicks to defend themselves against predators like lions. They rarely attack humans unless they feel threatened or are defending their nest.

So yes — it’s best to admire these impressive birds from a safe distance.