File:Three ostriches walking in grass - DPLA - d15692c9a34315978febd6ee01d4ff10.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Aves; Order: Stuthioniformes; Family: Struthionidae; Genus: Struthio; Genus species: Struthio camelus. Animal characteristics: Height: 1.8-2.7 m; Weight: 114 kg; Identification: The male ostrich has soft, curling black feathers with white primaries on the wings and tail. The females are brown, and both sexes have bare necks and legs; Habitat: Arid grassland; Diet: Herbivore: shoots, leaves, flowers, seeds; Reproduction: Nesting takes place during the dry season. The male makes scrapes in the ground. A lead female lays up to 12 eggs in the male's nest, followed by other females who also lay eggs in the nest. The male and lead female guard and incubate all of the eggs. Ostriches can live up to 40 years; Social Structure: These nomadic birds live in small groups; Behavior: Despite common belief, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand; Status: No special status, most existing populations are in game parks; Interesting Facts: Ostriches are the largest bird species. They cannot fly but can run as fast as 44 mph.