What are the main characteristics of an ostrich ?

The ostrich is the largest of all birds and weighs about 150 kg. It also has a record of laying the largest eggs which are about 120 cm. long and 15 cm. in diametre. The ostrich is a flightless bird. However, it is the fastest bird on legs with a speed of 80 kmph. It has a peculiar habit of running round in circles.

The ostrich is a native of Africa. The male has a height of about 2.5 m. The female is comparitively smaller. The legs, which are two-toed, are long and strong and its large body seems precariously balanced on them. Its neck is lengthy and at the end of it is a small head with a short beak. Its eyes are large with long eyelashes.

The brain of the ostrich is smaller than its eyes but that does not mean it is a stupid bird. In fact, it is quite intelligent. Scientists no longer believe in the myth that the Ostrich and its eggs ostrich buries its head in the sand in times of danger. Instead it sits and stretches its neck along the sand. The predator passes by thinking it is just a mound of dry leaves. The ostrich uses the same method when guarding its eggs.

The female ostrich is dull brown in colour while the male is black. They use this colour difference very effectively as they take turns in guarding their eggs. The female sits over the eggs during the day time so that its feathers blend into the surrounding environment. At night, the black male guards the eggs.
The ostrich is herbivorous and lives on grass, leaves and fruit. Like several other birds, it eats small stones and pebbles to help in digestion. Ostriches have been known to eat shiny objects like glass pieces and metallic objects like jewellery and watches.
Ostriches are being farmed for their meat and beautiful feathers. Even their hide is used to make good quality leather. In some places they are also trained to pull carts. However domesticating the ostrich is very difficult as it is a very aggressive bird. It attacks with a very powerful kick which can easily break one's bones. So farmers have to be very careful when approaching it.
The ostrich lives in a family group of one cock and several hens. Each of the hens lays about 14 eggs.