The ostrich is an interesting bird. In going through my collection it turns out I have several pictures of these dinosaurs. Here are also some interesting facts I discovered about these birds.
In the 18th century, ostriches were nearly extinct because their feathers were used in women's fashion. The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians raised, groomed, and traded ostriches for feathers. Ostrich plumes have long been an accessory for royalty and the wealthy. They finally fell out of fashion with the invention of the car because there was no headspace for feathers. Ostriches are now farmed for their feathers, meat, skin, fat, and eggs
Ostriches are the largest and heaviest living birds but also the fastest on land. They can sprint up to 43 mph, and can run at a steady pace at 31 mph. Ostrich chicks can run at 35 mph when they are just a month old. Ostriches can cover over 10 feet in a single stride.
Adult ostriches weigh between 250 and 300 pounds, and they can be up to 9 feet tall.
In captivity, ostriches can live up to 70 years. In the wild, they usually live about 30–40 years.
They are native to Africa and can be found in the savanna and desert regions.
They are omnivores with intestines that reach 46 feet long. They eat what is available.
Ostriches do not put their head in the sand. If they sense danger and can't run away or attack, they will lie very still on the ground.
And while most birds have four toes, ostriches only have two. Go figure.
Ostrich eyes are about the size of a billiard ball, and they blink about once a minute.
The ostrich egg is the largest single cell found on Earth. Only dinosaurs laid larger eggs. Newly hatched ostrich chicks are about the size of an adult chicken, but they grow at a rate of about 1 foot per month. By six months old, ostrich chicks are about as large as an adult. One ostrich egg is roughly equal to 24 chicken eggs. One ostrich egg contains about 2,000 calories!
Who knew??
Ostrich nests are communal. Several ostriches lay their eggs in the same nest. One male and female pair takes turns sitting on the eggs. One nest could contain as many 60 eggs.
Ostriches usually avoid humans in the wild, but if threatened, they can attack. They are capable of disemboweling or killing a person with a single blow. Yikes!
Ostriches lack the special oil that waterproofs other birds' feathers, which gives them that "shaggy" look, especially in the rain.
Ostriches don't have teeth; they swallow sand and pebbles to help break down food in their gizzard.
The scientific name for ostrich, Struthio camelus, reflects that they were once known as the "camel bird." Like camels, they have long necks, large eyelashes, and a jolting walk, and they can tolerate high temperatures and little water for long periods of time.
And check out those FEET! If you ever wondered the connection between birds and dinosaurs these pictures should clear that up.
No, I did not go to Africa. These birds were all either photographed at Rooster Cogburn's Ostrich Farm on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson or at the World Wildlife Zoo in the west Phoenix area. I hope you learned something, I certainly did!
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2,000 calories! Definitely not worth the calories! 😆 Really interesting! Thanks—
Once again, I learned a lot from your photos and obvious research - thanx for doing that as I learn from your efforts. Ostriches may be my second favorite bird to the Roadrunner.
This was very interesting! Thanks for the learning experience.
Fascinating! Just amazing shots too.
🤍