The ostrich flock bunched together on the lookout. With these long necks peeking above the lovely flowers and their heads are all turned in multiple directions. Ostriches can grow up to 2.7 meters tall! Being the world’s most giant bird, it also can weigh up to 159 kilograms.
Ostriches – The Flightless Birds
This flightless bird has long legs, a long neck, and a sizeable feathered body. Their legs’ most excellent use is for protecting them against predators. If a hungry lion, hyena, cheetah, or leopard comes near them, they will use the full force of their sturdy legs to kick them. The power of their kicks we know can to even kill the predator. Not only that, but their two-toed feet contain ten-centimeter claws. So predators beware! The males and females we differentiate by their feathers. The females are mostly brown and, unfortunately, have a nickname, the “ugly ones”. Compared to the males who have brilliant black feathers with a little whitetail. Ostriches also have incredibly long lashes, which long eyelashes protect. Interestingly, their eyes are more significant than their brains! That results in having incredible eyesight.
An ostrich flock can contain 100 members. However, most herds have around ten members.
The ostrich, Struthio camelus, is in the category least concern on the IUCN red list.
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Andrea –
Such a fun picture, showing off these curious large birds.
Anette Mossbacher –
Indeed, ostriches are quite some fun birds. Thanks so much, Andrea.