Ostrich

The Ostrich, (Struthio camelus), is a large flightless bird native to Africa. Ostriches have a long neck and legs and the ability to run at maximum speeds about 97.5 kilometers per hour (60.6 mph), the top land speed of any bird. The Ostrich is the largest living species of bird and lays the largest egg of any living bird. 


The ostrich lays the biggest egg in the world, ostrich eggs are 4.5 x 7 inches (11 x 18 cm) across and weigh 1400 gram. One ostrich egg is equivalent in volume to two dozen chicken eggs.



The diet of the Ostrich mainly consists of plant matter, though it also eats invertebrates. 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. 


Ostriches become sexually mature when they are 2 to 4 years old, females mature about six months earlier than males. The mating season beginning in March or April and ending sometime before September. 


The mating process differs in different geographical regions. Territorial males typically hiss and use other sounds to claim victory over a harem of two to seven hens. The successful male will then be allowed to breed with all the females in an area, but will only form a pair bond with the dominant female.