Ostrich

The Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is characterized by its long neck and legs, and its ability to run at speeds reaching 45 mph.

Size: Up to nine feet and 345 pounds

Life Span: The ostrich can live for 40 years in captivity.

Color: Black and white

Continent: Africa

Range: Central and South Africa

Habitat: The ostrich inhabits open country, desert areas, and dry savannah.

Food: The ostrich eats plant matter, including fruits, seeds and shoots, as well as some insects.

Reproduction: Female ostriches reach sexual maturity in three or four years and give birth to one or two young after an incubation period of 40 days.

Fun Facts: The ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird. It is unable to fly and does not possess a breastbone common to most birds.