Measuring the world’s tallest animals is a complex task that depends heavily on the chosen point of reference. Height is conventionally defined as the vertical distance from the ground to the highest point of the animal while standing in its natural posture. The third position often involves comparison between animals measured to the shoulder versus those measured to the top of the head. This disparity in measurement makes the ranking of some large terrestrial species a point of debate.
Identifying the Third Tallest Animal
The third tallest animal in the world is the Ostrich (Struthio camelus), which is also the tallest and heaviest living bird species. A fully grown male Ostrich can reach up to 9 feet (2.75 meters) when measured from the ground to the highest point of its head. This measurement standard secures its placement over other large mammals whose height is typically assessed only at the shoulder.
Contextualizing the World’s Tallest Species
The Ostrich follows two massive mammals that dominate the height rankings. The undisputed tallest animal is the Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), which can stand between 14 and 19 feet (4.3 to 5.8 meters) tall, with much of this height coming from its long neck. The second spot belongs to the African Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana), the largest land animal by mass, which reaches a shoulder height of up to 13 feet (4 meters).
The difference in measurement is particularly noteworthy when comparing the elephant and the ostrich. The African Bush Elephant’s height is measured only to its shoulder, a standard applied to most four-legged mammals. If the elephant’s trunk and head were fully extended, it might exceed the Ostrich’s height. However, the bird’s height-to-the-head measurement allows it to consistently claim the third spot. This ranking structure shows the Ostrich is significantly shorter than the Giraffe.
Size and Unique Features of the Third Tallest
The Ostrich’s height is linked to its evolutionary success on the African grasslands and savannas. Standing up to nine feet tall, its vantage point allows it to spot predators from great distances, providing an early warning system. This height is supported by a robust body that can weigh between 220 and 340 pounds (100 to 154 kilograms), making it the heaviest bird alive.
Its powerful, unfeathered legs are built for speed and defense, as the Ostrich is flightless. These long legs enable the bird to run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h) and cover 10 to 16 feet in a single stride. The foot is unique among birds, possessing only two toes. The larger, inner toe features a nail that functions almost like a hoof, which is crucial for maintaining traction and propulsion.
The Ostrich also holds the record for the largest eyes of any land animal, with each eye measuring nearly two inches across. These large, prominent eyes enhance the bird’s ability to survey its environment from its great height. This combination of height, speed, and vision confirms its specialization as a dominant occupant of its open habitat.