About Ostriches

Overview

The ostriches (Struthioniformes) are a small order of large, flightless birds represented today by a single family, the Struthionidae, and two living species confined to Africa. They are the heaviest and tallest of all living birds, with long, powerful legs built for running at high speed and a long, mostly bare neck. Ostriches are omnivorous grazers and browsers of open savanna and arid scrub, and the females lay the largest eggs of any living vertebrate. Although flightless, they are among the most economically important ratites, farmed for meat, leather and feathers.

Classification

The order Ostriches (Latin: STRUTHIONIFORMES) comprises 1 families and roughly 2 living species. It is one of 44 orders that make up the class Aves.

Diversity & Distribution

The ostriches (Struthioniformes) are a small order of large, flightless birds represented today by a single family, the Struthionidae, and two living species confined to Africa.

Notable Families

Ostriches and others.