General Info
The ostrich is the world’s largest bird. It cannot fly but can run up to 70 kilometres (43 miles) an hour. Although the ostrich is native to Africa it is successfully farmed in other parts of the world.
Contrary to popular belief ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. It is true however that they have a very small brain in relation to the rest of their bodies. The ostrich eye (about the size of a billiard ball) is in fact larger than its brain.
An ostrich’s best defence against danger is its sharp two toed foot. An ostrich kicks forward and can indeed deliver a deadly blow to an attacker (or a farm vehicle!). If charged by an ostrich the best line of defence is lying flat on the ground as they will be unable to use their forward kicking force.

The average life span of an ostrich living in the wild is 30-40 years. A fully grown ostrich may weigh up to 160 kilograms and stand 2 meters tall.
Chicks are born with small black and brown feathers which are later replaced by grey plumage. While females maintain their grey appearance a male as he matures will develop distinct black and white feathers.