Common ostrich

Ostriches (Struthio camelus) are large (up to about 3 meters in height) flightless birds in a relatively primitive group known as ratites (Palaeognaths). Other members of the group include rheas, emus, and cassowaries. They have very long necks and legs and are capable of running very fast (over 40 mph). Their feathers do not function as airfoils, but some of them used to be very popular as ornaments in ladies' hats and such. Ostriches are large enough for a small human to ride them and have been used in some areas of northern Africa and Arabia as racing mounts.

Ostriches occur naturally on the savannas of Africa, but they are bred for meat in climates as cold as Sweden's. Ostrich meat tastes like lean beef.

In popular mythology, the ostrich is famous for hiding its head in the sand at the first sign of danger. There have been no recorded observations of this behaviour, although the birds are known to lay their head and neck on the ground to appear less conspicuous when predators are near. When threatened, ostriches can seriously injure with kicks from their powerful legs.

Ostriches are noted for communal nesting, where a number of females will lay their eggs in a single nest.