The Ostrich

The Ostrich is the world's largest bird. It stands up to a massive 8 feet and weighs as much as 350 pounds.

This flightless bird has a long, bare neck, sturdy legs, and a bulky body covered with feathers. Males and females have different coloured feathers - males sport black plumage with a white tail, and females are mostly brown.

The bird's strong legs are super effective when it comes to self defence. If an ostrich is cornered by a hungry predator, it will kick with a force powerfull enough to kill. Each two-toed foot is armed with a ten centimeter sharp claw.

With their tall height and excellent eyesight they can spot potential predators from far away. If danger gets too close for comfort, the ostrich will often lie low to hide, stretching its neck along the ground, Its coloured feathers help blend in with the sandy soil where it lives.

Ostriches live in groups, called herds, generally made up of around 12 individuals. During the breeding season, the alpha male makes a nest in the ground and attempts to attract females by dancing. His impressive moves include dropping to the ground, shaking his wings and tail, and swaying his head ans neck from side to side. After mating the hens lay the eggs inn the nest. But these are no ordinary eggs -they're the largest eggs in the world- averaging 5 inches long and weighing up to 3 pounds.

After about 40 days, the new chicks hatch, all feathered and ready to walk.

By the time ostrichs are 18 months old,, they are fully grown.

source: natgeokids