A portrait of a Ostrich taken at a Ostrich Farm in Slovang,California The ostrich (struthio camelus) is a member of a group of birds known as ratites, that is they are flightless birds without a keel to their breastbone. They are the Largest (tallest and heaviest) living bird. Most wild ostriches are found in fragmented groups in West, East and South Africa with the majority living in protected game reserves on the east of the continent. They are well adapted to living in dry conditions and are able to survive dehydration of up to 25%. Ostriches have been succesfully domesticated and are now farmed throughout the world, particularly in South Africa, for meat, feathers and leather. The leather goes through a tanning process and is then manufactured into fashion accessories such as boots and bags. Up until the mid 20th century, ostriches occurred naturally in southwestern Asia the Arabian peninsula, and Africa. They have since been hunted to extinction except in sub-Saharan Africa. Ostriches do well in captivity and may live up to 50 years both in and out of the wild. Their powerful legs are their main defense against natural enemies. They can achieve speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, and if cornered they can deliver a powerful blow with their legs.
15 Comments
Ted Schmittel 20 Dec 2005
Very cool photo! This one keeps going and going! Nice!Emily Reed 23 Sep 2005
What a character. Love how the neck is piped up to the top.lerat andree 25 Jul 2005
Cool shot Gary. And what a funny title.Juan Gomez 25 Jul 2005
Cool image Gary..Pat Abbott 24 Jul 2005
Wonderful capture, Gary. And thanks for all the interesting info as well.sher richardson 24 Jul 2005
hahah! oh i just simply love it Gar...! wonderful detail and hes adorable! : )Loredana 24 Jul 2005
Excellent photo Gary Love this well done :)georgia brown 24 Jul 2005
This is a great shot!!Reba McDonald 24 Jul 2005
That's quite high up! Beautiful shot Gary.Nancy Woolweber 24 Jul 2005
They have such big innocent eyes!Lawrence Hickman 24 Jul 2005
very good compostion well donecraig moline 24 Jul 2005
Great shot Gary. You've been posting some really nice shots! With the added info as a bonus.joan warburton 24 Jul 2005
Wonderful photo and information!Joke Schotting 24 Jul 2005
WOW,GREAT AND BEAUTIFUL GARY !!!!eileen martin 24 Jul 2005
great shot, and he is all neck:)