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Animal taxa named by Carl LinnaeusBirds described in 1758Birds of AfricaBirds of Sub-Saharan Africa

Common ostrich

Adapted from Wikipedia · Explorer experience

A male common ostrich running in Damaraland, Namibia.

Common Ostrich

The common ostrich is a very tall bird that lives in parts of Africa. It is the biggest bird in the world! Ostriches cannot fly, but they can run very fast—up to 70 kilometers per hour. That’s faster than most people can run!

Ostriches have long necks and legs. They use their strong legs to run and can even kick very hard to scare away danger. Their feathers are mostly black and white. Male ostriches have a white tail, while females are a bit lighter in color.

These birds live in groups called flocks. They eat plants, seeds, grass, and sometimes small bugs or reptiles. Ostriches are very good at seeing far away, which helps them spot danger early.

People often farm ostriches for their meat, skin, and beautiful feathers. Ostrich meat is tasty and low in fat, like lean beef. Their skin is used to make leather, and their feathers are used for decorations.

Even though ostriches are large and strong, they are gentle when not threatened. In some places, people can even ride them, just like a pony! The common ostrich is a fascinating bird that has lived in Africa for thousands of years.

Images

A close-up of an ostrich's head, showcasing its large beak, open nostrils, and protective eyelashes. Ostriches have excellent vision, with very large eyes adapted for detecting movement.
A curious ostrich opening its beak, showing its natural behavior.
A close-up of an ostrich's foot, showing its unique shape and texture.
An ostrich skull on display at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, showcasing the anatomy of this large bird.
An ostrich wing, showing the structure and feathers of this large bird.
A detailed museum display of an ostrich skeleton, showcasing the large bird's bones and structure.
An ostrich in a farm in Israel.
A male ostrich in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
A large ostrich standing in its natural habitat in Tanzania.
A Somali ostrich standing in its natural habitat in Kenya.
Two ostriches flapping their wings in a zoo setting.
A flock of ostriches gathered in Nairobi National Park, Kenya.

This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Common ostrich, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Images from Wikimedia Commons. Tap any image to view credits and license.