Struthionidae

views updated

Struthionidae (ostrich; class Aves, order Struthioniformes) A monospecific family (Struthio camelus) which is the largest living bird. Males are black with white wing and tail plumes, females are brownish-grey. Ostriches have long necks, small heads, and short, flat bills. Their legs are long with bare thighs, and their feet have only two toes. They are flightless and gregarious, running very swiftly. They feed on plants, berries, and seeds, and nest on the ground. They are farmed for their meat and decorative plume feathers. They are confined to Africa.