| Range: |
Africa |
| Habitat: |
Savannah, scrubland |
| Conservation Status: |
Common |
| Scientific Name: |
Struthio camelus |
Ostriches are the largest living birds. The boldly-colored males can
grow up to 9 feet tall and weigh as much as 350 pounds. Females are
smaller and are drab-colored to blend in with their surroundings. Since
they can't fly, ostriches are forced to nest on the ground, which
leaves their eggs more vulnerable to predators. To better protect the
eggs, females often combine their eggs into a single large nest, which
is cared for by the dominant female and her mate. If there are more
eggs than the female can cover, she will roll away ones that aren't
hers - - an amazing behavior since the eggs all look alike to us! Ostriches use their powerful legs to kick attacking predators, or to run away at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
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