What is an ostrich?

Ostriches (_Struthio camelus_) are the largest extant birds, native to Africa. They have long necks, long legs, and a distinctive body shape. Ostriches are well-known for their speed, and they are capable of running at speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph). They are also known for their large, powerful beaks, which they use to defend themselves and to eat vegetation. Ostriches are primarily herbivorous, and their diet consists of leaves, fruits, seeds, and insects. They are also known to swallow sand and stones to help them digest their food.

Ostriches are social birds and live in groups called "herds" or "flocks". Herds typically consist of several females and one dominant male. Ostriches are territorial and defend their territories aggressively against other ostriches and predators. They are also known to use their long legs to kick predators and defend their young.

Ostriches are notable for their distinctive courtship rituals. During courtship, male ostriches display their feathers and make booming sounds to attract females. Females lay their eggs in a communal nest, and both males and females participate in incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.

Ostriches are important to African ecosystems as they help to disperse seeds and control populations of insects. Unfortunately, ostriches are threatened by habitat loss and hunting, and their populations are declining in some areas.