The ostrich (Struthio camelus) holds the record for laying the largest egg of any living bird species. An ostrich egg typically weighs between 1.1 and 1.5 kilograms (2.5 to 3.3 pounds) and is about 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. In terms of volume, one ostrich egg is roughly equivalent to 24 chicken eggs.
Despite their massive size, ostrich eggs are actually the smallest relative to the adult bird's body size. The female ostrich, which is smaller than the male, can lay up to 60 eggs per year in the wild. The eggs have a thick, glossy shell that is cream to white in color and can support the weight of an adult human without breaking.
Ostriches are native to Africa and are farmed in many parts of the world for their meat, leather, and feathers. Ostrich eggs are also consumed by humans; one boiled ostrich egg can take up to 90 minutes to cook. The eggs are rich in protein and contain about 2,000 calories.
