Specie Name :       Ostrich               

Scientific Name :   Struthio camelus

Many people as why we would ever hunt these birds - make no mistake - it is an excellent hunt. When breeding (which is the only time to really collect one because of the fantastic plumage during the rut) the male birds are extremely aggressive. And extremely dangerous!!
Ostriches are the largest living species of bird and are farmed in many areas all over the world. The scientific name for the Ostrich is from the Greek]] for " camel sparrow" in allusion to its long neck.

Description

Ostriches usually weigh from 90 to 130 kg (200 to 285 pounds), although some male Ostriches have been recorded with weights of up to 155 kg (340 pounds). The feathers of adult males are mostly black, with some white on the wings and tail. Their eyes are larger than their brains.

Females and young males are greyish-brown and white. The small wings are used by males in mating displays. They can also provide shade for chicks. The feathers  are soft and serve as insulation, and are quite different from the stiff   feathers of flying birds. There are claws on two of the wings' fingers.  

The strong legs of the Ostrich lack feathers. The bird stands on two toes, with the bigger one resembling a hoof. This is an adaptation unique to Ostriches that appears to aid in running. 

At sexual maturity (two to four years old), male Ostriches can be between 1.8 m and 2.7 m (6 feet and 9 feet) in height, while female Ostriches range from 1.7 m to 2 m (5.5 ft to 6.5 ft). During the first year of life, chicks grow about 25 cm (10 inches) per month. At one year, ostriches weigh around 45 kg (100 pounds). An Ostrich can live up to 75 years.

Systematics and distribution

The ostrich   belong to the Struthioniformes order of ratites). Other members of this group include rheas, emus, cassowaries and the largest bird ever, the now-extinct Elephant Bird.

Ostriches are native to the savannas and the Sahel of Africa, both north and south of the equatorial forest zone.