Unlike most birds’ feathers, ostrich feathers are soft, smooth, and loose. Although their population is unknown, it is believed that they are rapidly declining. Somali ostriches are reported as endangered. Most maximum ostrich subspecies are not considered endangered, though their populations are decreasing. But, because they have been killed so extensively, wild ostriches’ range has been decreased to sub-Saharan Africa, as stated by the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. They previously traveled all around Asia, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. However, You can see ostriches in captivity all over the world. Wild ostriches exist in the dry, tropical savannas and woodlands of Africa. Sometimes, they also consume pebbles and sand to help grind up their food inside their gizzard. They also eat snakes, lizards, locusts, and rodents. Although they like eating plants more, mainly roots, leaves, and seeds. Ostriches are omnivores, depending on both veg and meat. Ostriches can sprint up to 43 miles/hour (70 km/hour) in short bursts, and they can maintain a uniform speed of 31 miles/hour (50 km/hour). Its thick, large, and strong legs can cover long distances effortlessly, and its feet have only two toes for rapid speed.

As its species name, camelus hints, the ostrich was earlier known as the “camel bird” owing to its long neck, big eyes, and extensive eyelashes, as well as its jolting walk.Īlso, similar to camels, the ostrich can withstand high temperatures and go without water for long periods.Īs they are so heavy, this flightless species can never get to the skies rather, they prefer to run. The Ostrich is the heaviest and largest living bird.

Alula feather