Ostriches are the largest living birds on Earth. These birds cannot fly, but they are excellent runners.

Ostriches have long, powerful legs, long necks, large eyes, and strong feet with only two toes on each foot. They can run at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72.4 km/h), making them the fastest-running birds.

Ostriches live in open grasslands, savannas, and deserts of Africa. They usually feed on seeds, grasses, leaves, flowers, fruits, and occasionally insects and small animals. Their long necks help them spot predators from a great distance.

Young ostriches hatch covered with downy feathers and can walk soon after hatching. Adult ostriches often live in groups and work together to watch for danger. There are two species of ostrich, the Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) and the Somali Ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes).

FAMILIES

Struthionidae