As every schoolchild knows, the ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the world's biggest bird. It's also the fastest bird
(on the ground), and has been clocked running at speeds over 30 miles per hour. Adult ostriches are big and
mean enough to be immune from the attentions of most predators. Chicks or old birds may fall prey to lions
and other big cats, but the eggs are virtually invulnerable. These birds are quite numerous today, having
recovered well from near-disaster in the early part of the twentieth century when many were killed for their
feathers which were used in hats. |
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