The
Ostrich (Struthio camelus, Greek "sparrow camel")
is the largest living bird, reaching a height of up to
2.5 metres (8 feet). It has a long neck and legs, is flightless,
and is capable of running at about 65 km/h (40 mph). Living
in the wild in Africa, it is farmed all over the world.
Male ostriches weigh up to 155 kg and are larger than
females. The feathers of adult males are mostly black,
with some white at the wings and tail. Females and young
males are greyish-brown, with a bit of white. The small
vestigial wings are used by males in mating displays.
They can also provide shadow to the chicks. The feathers
are soft and quite different from the stiff airfoil feathers
of flying birds. They serve as insulation. There are claws
on two of the wings fingers. The strong legs don't have
feathers. |
