The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is a large African bird that
cannot fly. Its nearest relatives include emus and kiwis. With a maximum speed
of 45 miles per hour, the ostrich is the fastest land bound bird on the planet.
This large bird lays the largest bird eggs of any living bird species.
Distinctive features of the ostrich include very long legs
and a long neck. Ostriches can weigh anywhere from 140 to 300 pounds. Most
stand between six and nine feet high. Their legs are scaled and their torsos are
covered in black and white feathers. They have shaded eyelids to protect them
from the sun and lack both a gallbladder and no keel. The keel is essential
anatomy for birds that fly.
Ostriches eat seeds, grass and shrubs but will occasionally
ingest small insects and flowers. They spend their time on Africa's
grasslands and savannahs traveling in groups of between five and 50 birds.
During the colder months, the ostrich gather into pairs to stay warm. They have
amazing hearing and eyesight which keeps them safe from predators such as lions
and cheetahs.
The ostrich is farmed in many
areas of the world for both its meat and its eggs. Some cultures utilize the
ostrich for traveling or racing.