Alice White
Ostriches are amazing and unique in many ways. Living only in rather hot countries, they are not very similar to all other birds. Once upon a time, among other things, much larger flightless birds, moreover, carnivores, existed on earth – judging by the finds of archaeologists, several tens of thousands of years ago they caused a lot of trouble for primitive people. Ostriches, fortunately, are much more peaceful creatures.
- In one step while running, an ostrich can overcome from three to five meters.
- Ostriches are the largest birds in the world.
- The growth of this creature can exceed two and a half meters, and the weight is one hundred and fifty kilograms.
- Contrary to popular stereotypes, ostriches do not hide their heads in the sand in case of danger. They either run away or, being cornered, fight back with their powerful, muscular legs. A kick from an ostrich leg may well kill an unlucky predator.
- Most land runners, such as cheetahs and hares, are only able to maintain a high speed over a short distance. The ostrich is able to run at speeds up to 50 km / h for quite a long time.
- These birds are by no means vegetarians. They willingly include various small animals and insects in their diet.
- Ostriches sometimes ingest stones and sand, which, once in their rough gizzard, help them better digest the swallowed food.
- These creatures live up to forty to fifty years.
- An ostrich egg can weigh 1.2-1.3 kilograms.
- Unlike other birds, ostriches get wet in the rain – their feathers do not have a water-repellent coating, since these creatures do not have an iron that produces the necessary substance.
- An ostrich’s eye is larger than an elephant’s eye.
- Among all the two-legged land creatures on earth, it is the ostriches that are the fastest. They are capable of speeds up to 97 km / h.
- Ostriches roll around in the dust to get rid of skin parasites.
- Defending its territory, an ostrich can easily attack a person.
- Ostriches are the only birds with only two toes on their feet.
- The ostrich’s eye, which reaches five centimeters in diameter, is larger than the brain of this bird.
- Wings are used by ostriches only during mating games.
