AVITOPIA - Ostriches

Ostriches are found in large parts of Africa, meanwhile they are extinct in Syria. They are the largest and heaviest birds living. Males can reach a height of 2.4 m and a weight of 156 kg. It is no surprise that their eggs are also the heaviest of the birds living today, weighing up to 1.5 kg. Also, ostriches can run fastest, at speeds above 70 km/h, but are flightless. Their feet have only one toe pointing forward. Their habitat are semi-deserts and savannas. Ostriches are mainly vegetarians who live on leaves and roots. A group of ostriches usually consists of a male, a high-ranking female, and up to six subordinate females, who often lay their eggs in the same nest as the leading female laid hers. The male incubates about 25 eggs and is replaced by a female while searching for food. It takes 12 months for the young birds to become adults.