Ostrich

The ostrich (also called goroyo; Struthio camelus) is a flightless bird that inhabits grasslands and savannas in Africa. It is the largest living bird in the world by height and weight. It belongs to the ratite group (ratite), a category of birds whose skeletal structure prevents them from flying.

Ostriches stand on long, powerful legs and walk on only two toes per foot—a feature that distinguishes them from most other birds. The speed at which they can run ranks among the highest of any land animal, and running is their primary defence against predators.

Appearance and anatomy

Males have black feathers covering the body and white feathers on the wings and tail; females are brownish-grey, closer to the colour of the ground. The neck and legs bear little feathering or none, which aids in regulating body heat. The eyes are notably large in proportion to head size, enabling them to see movement from a distance.

Behaviour and diet

Ostriches eat a varied diet of leaves, seeds, fruits, and occasionally small insects and rodents. Like other birds, they swallow small stones that collect in the gizzard to help grind food. They can survive long periods without drinking water, obtaining moisture from the plants they eat, but they drink heavily when water is available.

Reproduction

Ostriches live in groups, typically led by one male and several females. Ostrich eggs are the largest of any living bird. They are laid in holes dug in the ground; the female sits on them during the day and the male at night—the colour variation aids in camouflage during different times of day.

Relationship with humans

Ostriches are farmed commercially in southern Africa and elsewhere for meat, leather, and feathers. In many parts of Africa, eggshells are used as water containers or ornaments. Wild populations in parts of northeastern Africa have declined due to hunting and habitat change.