Ostrich

INTERESTING FACTS

Ostriches are large, flightless birds with long legs, long necks, and light airy feathers. They are simply massive birds, both in height and in weight. To make up for their inability to fly, ostriches are capable of running and kicking with their powerful legs.

They are also the fastest birds on land, able to run at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. Ostriches have long legs and a small head, making them appear much taller than they are. They have poor eyesight, but have keen senses of hearing and smell. Ostriches also have a unique way of coping with high temperatures - they use their large wings to create shade for themselves or their offspring. They are also known to be able to survive without water for long periods of time by utilizing metabolic water and moisture from the plants they eat. Ostriches are omnivores and they eat a variety of plants, fruits and insects.

CONSERVATION MESSAGE

The conservation status of the ostrich is considered "least concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), however, populations of wild ostriches have been declining due to habitat loss and hunting for their feathers and meat.