THE OSTRICH

Friday, February 25, 2011

The ostrich is a large African bird. It has long neck and high legs but a small head. They are mostly found in deserts. They cannot fly but run fast. They are the largest living birds with wing and tail feathers valued as ornaments. They swallow hard substances to assist working of gizzard or second stomach. They are reputed to bury their heads in sand when pushed in the belief that it cannot be seen.

There are ostrich farms to breed them for feathers. The bunched feathers of these birds are called ostrich plume. They live in dry sandy wastes or country converged with low bushes. They feed on grass, leaves, seeds and berries. They are hunted for the sake of their which is very costly. Ladies in Western countries buy them for their hats. It is a swift running flightless African and formerly Arabian bird.