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Animal Database
Ostrich
Ostrich
Information
Range Africa
Scientific Classification
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Struthioniformes
Family Struthionidae
Genus Struthio
Species Struthio camelus
Conservation Status
LCSpecies
Least Concern

The Ostrich is the last living species from the Struthio genus. The word 'ostrich" comes from Middle English ostrich which was borrowed from Anglo-Norman ostrige which is from Old French ostruce which was descended from the Vulgar Latin form of Latin strūthiō which was borrowed from Ancient Greek στρουθίων strouthíōn which was the shortened form of Ancient Greek στρουθιοκάμηλος strouthiokámēlos which is a compound of στρουθός (sparrow) + κάμηλος (camel). They are native to Africa.

Appearance[]

Ostriches are the biggest birds in the world. They are easily recognizable with its long, bare neck, large body, covered by feathers, and long, sturdy legs. Despite its relatively small head, it is also notable for having the largest eyes of any land animal, measuring an impressive five centimetres in diameter, and protected by long black lashes.The adult male ostrich has black plumage, with a white tail and primary feathers, and a bright pinkish or blue neck in the breeding season. The female is smaller and is grey-brown in colour, while immature birds resemble the female, but are slightly darker.

Behavior[]

Ostriches usually live in groups that do not live in one specific place, but they travel around and don't stay in one place. They live in groups that may have five to fifty ostriches. When an ostrich feels threatened, they lay flat on the ground or they will run away. They are able to run surprisingly fast for a bird due to their long legs. Another advantage of their long legs is that they make a formidable weapon. They only kick when they are cornered and it can knock back its predators.

Diet[]

Ostriches mainly eat plants but they will also eat small insects. Because they are birds and birds have no teeth, they swallow smaller pebbles to grind up their food in their stomach.

Lifespan[]

An Ostrich can live up to 30 to 70 years.

Gallery[]

Facts[]

  • Ostriches lay the largest eggs of existing birds. The giant moas and elephant birds, which are now extinct, did lay larger eggs though.
  • Ostriches are raised on farms all over the world for their feathers which can be used as decorations or for feather dusters.
  • They are the largest birds in the world

Video[]

I'm_an_Ostrich

I'm an Ostrich

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