The ostrich vs. hummingbird size comparison is the easiest because these two birds have significant differences in size. Ostriches are among the most giant birds in the world, whereas hummingbirds are among the smallest.
In this blog post, you will learn about ostrich vs. hummingbird size, how size matters, and how big or small they are. Let’s go to their size overview:
Ostrich Vs Hummingbird Size Overview
Ostrich vs Hummingbird Size: The Ostrich is 9 feet tall, 340 pounds, and has 7 feet of wingspan. Hummingbirds are 2 to 5 inches tall, 0.2 punches, and 4 to 5 inches in wingspan.
| Feature | Ostrich | Hummingbird |
| Height | Up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) | 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) |
| Weight | Up to 300 – 340 pounds (136 – 154 kg) | Less than 0.2 ounces (5.7 grams) |
| Wingspan | Around 7 feet (2.1 meters) | 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) |
| Egg Size | Largest egg (about 6 inches long) | Smallest egg (about 0.5 inches) |
| Flight | Flightless | Capable of flying and hovering |
Ostrich
Let’s explore the ostrich vs hummingbird size characteristics in more detail:
In the ostrich vs hummingbird size comparison, the ostrich stands out first. The ostrich is one of the largest birds in the world. It can grow up to 9 feet tall, approximately 2.7 meters.
It weighs over 300 pounds or about 136 kilograms. Ostrich eggs are nearly 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms), an incredible size. We can easily say ostrich eggs are the largest bird eggs.
- Height: Up to 9 feet (approximately 2.7 meters)
- Weight: Can weigh over 300 pounds (about 136 kilograms)
- Egg Size: Around 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms)
For more detailed information about ostriches, visit the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.
Hummingbird
On the other end of the ostrich vs hummingbird size spectrum, hummingbirds are among the smallest birds in the world. They can grow up to 2.2 to 3 or 5 inches tall. Their weight is approximately 1.95 grams (0.07 ounces). Hummingbird eggs are very tiny, like a coffee bean. Its egg size is nearly 0.01 ounces (0.28 grams).
- Height: The bee hummingbird, the smallest bird, measures about 2.2 inches (5.5 cm) in length.
- Weight: Weighs approximately 1.95 grams (0.07 ounces).
- Egg Size: Hummingbird eggs are tiny, roughly the size of a coffee bean, weighing about 0.01 ounces (0.28 grams).
For more fascinating facts about hummingbirds, check out the Audubon Society’s guide to hummingbirds.
Speed and Behavior
The ostrich vs hummingbird size comparison extends to their speed and behavior:
Ostrich Speed: Ostriches are incredibly fast but flightless. They can reach up to 43 miles per hour (about 70 km/h) and sustain a pace of 30 miles per hour (48 km/h) for longer distances.
Hummingbird Speed: Hummingbirds also have an impressive speed. These birds have incredible wing speed. Some species of hummingbirds can dive at speeds of 90 feet per second. Its wings can reach up to 80 times per second speed.
You can refer to this Cornell Lab of Ornithology article for more information on bird flight speeds.
Unique Adaptations
The ostrich vs hummingbird size difference has unique adaptations:
| Feature | Ostrich | Hummingbird |
| Legs | Strong legs, can hurt lions | Small legs, used for sitting |
| Eyes | Great eyesight, can see very far | Good vision for finding flowers |
| Flying | Can’t fly, but runs fast (up to 60 mph) | Can fly in all directions, even backward |
| Food | Eats plants, seeds, and insects | Drinks nectar and eats tiny insects |
| Energy | Doesn’t need a lot of energy | Needs lots of energy to fly |
Ostrich Adaptations: Ostriches have long and powerful legs, strong enough to kill a lion. They also have excellent eyesight, which allows them to see for miles, which helps them spot predators.
Hummingbird Adaptations: Hummingbirds, on the other hand, have incredible flying abilities. These birds can fly backward. Their high metabolism requires them to consume large amounts of nectar and insects.
The National Park Service provides an excellent resource for more on bird adaptations.
Why Ostrich vs Hummingbird Size Matters in Their Survival
The ostrich vs hummingbird size plays a crucial role in their survival strategies:
Size helps the birds in many ways. Ostriches are giants, which protect them from other predators. These birds have enough strength to kill a lion.
On the other hand, hummingbirds are tiny, which helps them drink nectar from flowers.
Conclusion
The ostrich and the hummingbird are the two gems of avian life. Ostriches are big and strong, whereas hummingbirds have high wing speed and metabolism. These characteristics highlight these two birds and make them unique. These two birds are the best in their position. The difference between the size of the ostrich and the size of the hummingbird fascinates us and demonstrates nature’s ability.
For more information on bird diversity and conservation, visit the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) bird page.
