The Biggest Bird
Rhett A. Butler / mongabay.com
The Biggest Bird: Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
The Common ostrich is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at maximum speeds of about 43 mph, the fastest land speed of any bird. The ostrich is the biggest bird and lays the biggest egg of any living bird. The diet of ostriches mainly consists of plant matter, and 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. The ostrich is farmed around the world for its feathers and its leather products and meat is marketed commercially. However, it is under Least Concerned by the IUCN.
Birds / Bird
By Jordanna Dulaney
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