Ostrich
Zoological name: The zoological name of ostrich is 5truthio camelus.
There are five subspecies. The Masai ostrich (5. c. massaicus) of
southern Kenya and Tanzania, the Somali ostrich (5. c. molybdophanes)
are well known. All can be distinguished partly by the colour of
bare skins on heads, necks and thighs.
Distribution: Wild ostriches are now restricted to Africa.
Habitat: The largest living birds, ostriches are found in open and
arid country.
Physical feature: An adult ostrich stands 6-8 ft tall and weighs more than 160 kg.
The male is somewhat larger than the female. The male is black with white shades
on wings and tails. The females and young, however, have pale brown bodies.
Legs, feet and bills are horn coloured. Ostriches have large brown eyes with
thick black eye lashes. Legs, neck and head are naked. It has only two toes.