The Ostrich
By: Emma Powers
Ostriches are really cool animals!
Appearance & Classification
Ostrich are gigantic birds! An ostrich weighs 220 to 350 lbs. Ostrichs are 7 to 9 ft tall. It's the only bird that has 2 toes on each foot. The toes have thick nails that can be used as weapons. The ostrich is the biggest bird in the world. You can tell the difference between a male and a female because a male ostrich has black feathers but a female has brown. The ostrich has almost no feathers on their legs, upper neck, and small heads.
Habitat
I would like to visit an ostrich habitat. Ostrich live on the plains and deserts of Africa. The climate in Africa is very hot. Ostriches live in open areas in Africa.
Predator & Prey
Ostrich have many enemies! Some of them are hyenas, lions, and cheetahs. Ostrich protect themselves because they run very fast. They can run from their attackers. They can also use their nails as weapons. Ostriches have many favorite foods. The ostrich eats grass, roots, seeds, and flowers. An ostrich is a herbivore, a plane eater. They can live for long periods of time without drinking if they eat moist. plants. An ostrich will put his head into the ground and get the bugs in the soil.
Fascinating facts
I learned many interesting facts. Did you know an ostrich's life span is 50-70 years? Also their eggs are 10 times bigger than chicken eggs, wow! An ostrich can run 50 mph! That's like driving on the highway!
An ostrich is an amazing animal & I hope you think so too.
Sources
Websites:
http://enchantedlearning.com/subjects/birds/printsounts/osrtichcoloring.shtml
http://a-z animals.com/animals/ostrich/
www.kids world book.com
Magazines:
Zoobook: Ostriches and other Ratites By: Ann Elwood Copyright: 2009 Pages 6-7