Ostrich

The Ostrich, Struthio camelus, is a large flightless bird native to Africa (and formerly the Middle East). It is the only living species of its family, Struthionidae and its genus, Struthio. Ostriches share the order Struthioniformes with the Emu, kiwis, and other ratiles. It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at maximum speeds of about 45mph (72km/h, the top land speed of any bird). The Ostrich is the largest living species of bird and lays the largest egg of any bird.

The diet of the Ostrich mainly consists of plant matter, though it also eats insects. It lives in nomadic groups which contain between five and fifty birds. When threatened, the Ostrich will either hide itself by lying flat against the ground, or will run away. If cornered, it can attack with a kick from its powerful legs. Mating patterns differ by geographical region, but territorial males fight for a harem of two to seven females.

The Ostrich is farmed around the world, particularly for its feathers, which are decorative and are also used for feather dusters. Its skin is used for leather and its meat marketed commercially.