Шапка статейной странички (английский)

Why don't ostriches fly?

Ostriches are birds in the ostrich family. They live in the semi-deserts, deserts and savannahs of Africa and South Asia.
The ostrich is the largest bird on planet Earth (some individuals weigh up to 150 kilograms) and the fastest in running (capable of speeds up to 70 kilometers per hour).
Ostriches have strong legs with large claws that they use for self-defense. They have strong stomachs that allow them to eat very hard foods. They are also able to survive long periods without food or water.
These birds are social and live in groups of 10-30 individuals. Ostriches are much smaller than males, but have more colorful and beautiful plumage.

Features of the life of ostriches:

• Character.
They are quite aggressive and may attack humans, especially if they feel threatened by them. However, in most cases they prefer to run away rather than attack.

• Nutrition.
They feed mainly on plant food (green grass, succulent leaves), but also eat insects, small rodents and eggs of other birds. They can easily survive without water for several days thanks to the liquid reserves in their fat cells.

• Motion.
When running, they can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour and leap up to two meters in height, making them one of the fastest and strongest birds.

• Propagation.
They are polygamous birds (usually the male has several females). He builds the nest and attracts the ostriches with his dancing and sounds. One female can lay up to 50 eggs at a time, which she will incubate for 42 days.

Do people eat ostrich eggs?

Ostriches are famous for their large eggs, which are widely used in cooking, as well as in the manufacture of various cosmetics. However, it should be noted that their eggs are not eaten by all peoples and not in all countries.
Ostrich eggs differ from chicken eggs not only in size, but also in nutritional properties. They are rich in protein, fats, vitamins and minerals (iron, calcium, phosphorus). They have quite dense shells, which are used for making various jewelry and even musical instruments.
In the United States, Europe, Africa and some Asian countries, these eggs have long been a popular product that can be seen on the menus of expensive restaurants and bought in supermarkets. They are also used in dietary and sports nutrition.
However, there are some nations that do not eat ostrich eggs. For example, in India, ostriches are considered sacred birds, so their eggs are not eaten.
In some regions of Africa these eggs are used only for ritual purposes, as they are considered to be objects that bring bad luck.

Can ostriches fly?

Ostriches cannot fly, due to their anatomy - they lack the so-called "keel" - a bony protrusion on the breastbone that serves as the attachment point for the wings.
They have very powerful legs that help them defend themselves against predators and move on the ground at high speed while stalking their prey. But these legs, combined with their heavy weight, make these birds unable to fly.

Does the ostrich hide its head in the sand in times of danger?

Many people have heard the myth that ostriches hide their heads in the sand when they feel threatened. However, this is not true.
They can actually tilt their head down when they sense danger to get a better look at what is going on around them.
They may also lie down on the ground and stretch their necks to be less visible. This happens, for example, when they are resting.