1. Size:
- Ostriches are by far the largest living bird species in the world.
- Adults typically reach heights ranging from 6.5 to 9 feet (2 to 2.7 meters) when measured from the top of their head to the ground.
2. Weight:
- Male ostriches can weigh between 230 and 345 pounds (104 and 157 kilograms), while female ostriches are slightly smaller and weigh between 165 and 220 pounds (75 and 100 kilograms).
3. Feathers:
- Their plumage is mostly brownish-black in color, with long and soft barbless feathers that create a fluffy and loose appearance.
- The females and younger ostriches exhibit duller coloration, primarily brownish or gray.
4. Head and Neck:
- Ostriches have small heads relative to their large body size.
- Their necks are long, mostly featherless, and slightly reddish-pinkish in color.
5. Beak:
- The beak is flat and broad in shape, specialized for pecking.
- The upper beak is slightly curved and slightly overlaps the lower beak.
- The color of the beak can range from grayish to reddish or yellowish hues.
6. Eyes:
- Ostriches have large and protruding eyes, allowing them to have excellent eyesight and a wide field of vision.
7. Wings:
- Despite being flightless, ostriches have wings.
- These wings are relatively short and have long feathers that they mainly use for balance and courtship displays.
8. Legs and Feet:
- Ostriches have long and robust legs, well-adapted for running at incredible speeds.
- Each foot has two large and functional toes, each equipped with sharp claws.
- The longer of these toes has a prominent, hoof-like claw.
9. Communication and Display:
- Ostriches are known for their territorial and courtship displays.
- They communicate using sounds, body language, and specific postures.
- During courtship season, males engage in flamboyant feather displays and booming calls.
It's important to note that there are two main species of ostriches: Struthio camelus, the common ostrich, and Struthio molybdophanes, the Somali ostrich. While they share similar characteristics, the Somali ostrich has a distinct bluish neck and legs, as well as slightly different plumage.