The ostrich is a member of the ratite family of birds all of which have a flat breastbone that lacks the sternum or keel to which wing muscles attach (see flightless bird). This group also includes the rheas kiwis and cassowaries. The order Struthioniformes to which the ostrich belongs also includes the extinct moas and elephant birds. Ostriches first appeared during the Late Cretaceous period between 145 and 100 million years ago (mya). Ostriches are classified in the family Struthionidae. This family also includes several other extant ratites and the extinct moa and elephant birds. The number of extant species is disputed but most systematists consider there to be two extant species the common ostrich and the Somali ostrich. The Somali ostrich is distinctive in appearance with pinkish legs and neck and bare blue skin around its eyes. The common ostrich is greyish-brown with white plumage.
The ostrich is the largest living bird. The ostrich’s eye is almost as large as its brain and is the largest of any land vertebrate. The neck is long and heavily muscled enabling the bird to sustain its fast running speed. Ostriches can run at a speed of 70 km/h (43 mph) and can cover 3 m (9.8 ft) in a single stride. They are largely diurnal but may be active on moonlit nights. They are preyed upon by lions cheetahs leopards and African wild dogs. Ostriches probing for food can accidentally swallow small pebbles which work their way through the gizzard and help grind up the ostrich’s prey.
Ostriches usually live in small herds of 5–50 birds. For much of the day they feed on various plants seeds insects and lizards. At dusk they often gather at a watering hole to drink. Ostriches are generally considered to be nomadic but studies have shown that some populations are sedentary. Ostriches are polygamous with one male mating with several females. The male incubates the eggs during the day while the females take turns at night. Ostriches usually lay their eggs in a scrape in the ground but some nests have been found in trees and bushes. The eggs hatch after about 40 days. The chicks are precocial and can run almost immediately after hatching.
Ostriches are native to Africa and the only extant member of the genus Struthio. Ostriches are widely farmed for their feathers which are used as feather dusters as well as for their skin which is used for leather products. The meat is also marketed. Ostriches are farmed in many countries particularly in Africa. The common ostrich is the largest and heaviest bird in the world and lays the largest eggs of any living bird.
The ostrich is distantly related to other ratites such as the emu rhea and kiwi. The similarities between ostriches and emus are the result of convergent evolution while the similarities between ostriches and other ratites are the result of shared ancestry.
What is the scientific name for the emu?
The scientific name for the emu is Dromaius novaehollandiae.
What is the scientific name for the ostrich?
The scientific name for the ostrich is Struthio camelus.
What order do emus and ostriches belong to?
Emus and ostriches both belong to the order Struthioniformes.
To which family do emus belong?
Emus belong to the family Dromaiidae.
To which family do ostriches belong?
Ostriches belong to the family Struthionidae.
What kind of birds are emus and ostriches?
Emus and ostriches are both ratites which means that they are flightless birds.
Where do emus and ostriches live?
Emus are found in Australia while ostriches are found in Africa.
What do emus and ostriches look like?
Emus are dark brown birds with long necks and legs.
Ostriches are also long-necked but they are much larger than emus and have black feathers.
How big are emus?
Emus are about 1.
9-2.
1 meters tall.
How big are ostriches?
Ostriches are about 2.
1-2.
8 meters tall.
What do emus eat?
Emus eat plants and insects.
What do ostriches eat?
Ostriches are omnivores so they eat both plants and animals.
How do emus reproduce?
Emus form pairs during the breeding season and the female lays eggs in a nest.
How do ostriches reproduce?
Ostriches also form pairs during the breeding season and the female lays eggs in a nest.
However unlike emus ostriches incubate their eggs with their feet.
What is the difference between emus and ostriches?
The main difference between emus and ostriches is their size with ostriches being much larger.
