When it comes to speed, birds and horses are both incredible animals capable of astounding athletic feats. However, if we’re talking about running speed specifically, there is one bird that can outrun even the fastest horse: the ostrich.
The Ostrich’s Running Abilities
Ostriches are well known for being the fastest running bird. An ostrich can sprint at speeds over 70 km/h (43 mph), with its maximum speed topping out at about 97 km/h (60 mph). That’s faster than champion racing horses, which gallop at around 48 km/h (30 mph).
Ostriches have many adaptations that allow them to run so quickly:
- Powerful legs – Their legs are thicker and more muscular than other birds.
- Long strides – Their long, bare legs take strides of up to 5m.
- High stamina – They have excellent cardiovascular systems.
- Energy efficiency – Their running style utilizes elastic energy storage in tendons.
- Streamlined bodies – Their bodies are shaped to cut through the air while running.
Ostriches use their speed to escape from predators in the African savanna. They can outrun all of their natural predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Ostrich Running Speed Records
The top recorded speed for an ostrich is 97.24 km/h (60.55 mph). This record was set in Pretoria, South Africa in 1998 by a trained ostrich named “Ginger.”
There have been various accounts of ostrich speeds exceeding 100 km/h, but these have not been officially verified. Even at just under 100 km/h, ostriches hold the land speed record for any bird.
Horse Running Speeds
Horses are excellent runners and known for their speed and endurance. But even elite racehorses don’t come close to matching the running speed of ostriches.
Here are some average speed statistics for horses:
| Horse Type | Top Speed |
|---|---|
| Average horse gallop | 48 km/h (30 mph) |
| Thoroughbred racehorse | 64 km/h (40 mph) |
| Quarter horse (sprint specialist) | 88 km/h (55 mph) |
The fastest recorded speed for a horse was 70.76 km/h (43.97 mph) by a Quarter horse named Winning Brew in 2008. Even this fastest horse cannot outrun an ostrich.
Why Horses Can’t Run as Fast as Ostriches
There are a few key reasons why ostriches can run significantly faster than horses:
- Leg and body design – Ostriches have lighter bodies, longer legs, and greater stride length.
- Energy efficiency – Ostriches use tendons and ligaments to store and release energy efficiently.
- No rider weight – Horses have to carry a jockey while ostriches run freely.
- Muscle composition – Ostriches have more white muscle fibers for sprinting speed.
- Evolution – Ostriches evolved as predators, horses as prey animals.
Horses are not built for extreme speed over short distances. The ostrich’s body is specially adapted for running fast, giving them a significant advantage.
Direct Races Between Ostriches and Horses
There have been some races arranged between ostriches and horses to directly test their speed. These unique races confirm that ostriches easily outpace horses over short distances.
Ostrich vs. Racehorse in England
In 1822 in London, a race took place between a thoroughbred racehorse and an ostrich over 440 yards (402 meters). The ostrich won by at least 10 lengths, confirming its much greater speed.
Man vs. Ostrich vs. Horse in Nevada
More recently, in 2017 an impromptu race took place between a human sprinter, an ostrich, and a horse at Animal Ranch in Nevada. Over 50 meters, the ostrich trounced both man and horse:
| Competitor | 50 Meter Time |
|---|---|
| Ostrich | 5.95s |
| Racehorse | 6.15s |
| Human sprinter | 5.99s |
This showed an ostrich’s explosive speed over short distances, easily beating a fit racehorse.
Why Ostriches Developed Exceptional Running Speed
So why did ostriches evolve the ability to run so fast, much faster than any horse or other animal?
There are a few key evolutionary drivers that led to the ostrich’s sprinting abilities:
Escape from African Predators
Ostriches evolved in Africa alongside large predators like lions, leopards, hyenas, and hunting dogs. Their speed helped them escape being hunted in the open savannas.
Dominance Displays
Male ostriches establish dominance through displays where they sprint, spread their wings, and kick their legs. Faster running assisted their mating success.
Migration
Ostriches migrate long distances across Africa. Their running speed helped cover large migratory ranges rapidly.
Foraging Ability
Ostriches graze on vegetation across wide areas. Quick running let them forage efficiently over a large territory.
These evolutionary pressures resulted in the ostriches’ long, muscular legs and specialized running adaptations which make them the speediest of all birds.
Conclusion
The fastest running bird in the world, the ostrich, can sprint at speeds over 70 km/h. This is considerably faster than even champion racing horses, which max out around 64 km/h. Special adaptations like powerful legs, long strides, cardiovascular endurance and an energy-efficient running style allow ostriches to reach blazing speeds.
Races between ostriches and horses confirm the ostrich’s dominance in sprinting speed. Over short distances of 50 meters or less, an ostrich can beat the fastest racehorse with ease. So when it comes to racing at top speeds on land, ostriches are simply in a league of their own.
