Name: Ostrich
Scientific Name: Struthio Camelus

Description

Unmistakeable. Huge (stands 2 m tall), terrestrial bird. Males are black and white, females gray brown. It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at speeds of about 65 km/h (40 mph), the top land speed of any bird. The Ostrich is the largest living species of bird and lays the largest egg of any bird species.

Habitat

Ostriches are currently restricted to drier and sandy regions of central and southern Africa.

Distribution

Up until the mid 20th century, ostriches occurred naturally in southwestern Asia, the Arabian peninsula, and Africa. They have since been hunted to extinction except in sub-Saharan Africa.

Size

Ostriches can be between 1.8 and 2.7 m (6 and 9 ft) in height, while female Ostriches range from 1.7 to 2 m (5.5 to 6.5 ft).

Weight

Ostriches usually weigh from 93 to 130 kg (200 to 285 lb).

Lifespan

An Ostrich can live up to 75 years.