Ostrich legs

Ostrich leg

Testo © DrSc Giuliano Russini – Biologo Zoologo L’ordine degli Struzioniformi (Struthioniformes), che comprendeva…

Struthio camelus, Common Ostrich. Massive, conspicuous, flightless bird with long neck and robust legs from subsaharan Africa. Small groups roam open and lightly-wooded country; can walk up to several kilometers a day. The stubby wings are used for spectacular breeding displays and dust-bathing. They mainly feed on seeds, shrubs, grass, fruit, and flowers; occasionally they also eat insects such as locusts and small reptiles such as lizards. Deep booming calls can be heard from long…

Land animal, can spot trouble 2 miles away. Their massive thigh muscles, elastic tendons, and long lean legs can power an escape at up to 40 miles an hour

Quite amazing that a bird with such elegant eyelashes and feathers has such astoundingly prehistoric feet! Nature is full of contrasts.

- Ostrich - With their acute eyesight and hearing, ostriches can sense predators such as lions from far away. When being pursued by a predator, ostriches have been known to reach speeds in excess of 65 km per hour (40 miles per hour), and can maintain a steady speed of 50 km/h (30 mph). When lying down and hiding from predators, the birds lay their head and neck flat on the ground, making them appear as a mound of earth from a distance. This even works for the males, as they hold their wings…