Knowra Ostrich Ostrich The ostrich is a large flightless bird native to Africa and the largest living bird by height and mass. It is distinguished by long legs, a long neck, and powerful running ability.
Ratites : A traditional group of mostly flightless birds, including ostriches, emus, and kiwis. Ostriches are often grouped with these flightless birds, though their evolutionary relationships are more complex.
Ostrich running : The fast, long-striding terrestrial gait of an ostrich. Its long legs and two-toed feet make running the bird’s primary means of escape.
Struthionidae : The bird family containing the living ostrich species. Ostriches are the sole living members of this family.
Ostrich farming : The commercial raising of ostriches for products such as meat, leather, feathers, and eggs. Domestication and captive breeding turn the bird’s size and varied products into agricultural resources.
Ostrich effect : The tendency to avoid information about a problem, especially when it may cause emotional discomfort. The name draws on the false popular belief that ostriches bury their heads in sand.
Bird flight : The aerodynamic form of locomotion used by most birds, powered by wings and flight muscles. Ostriches retain wings but cannot fly; their bodies are adapted instead for running.
Ostrich foot : The ostrich’s powerful two-toed foot, adapted for running and capable of forceful kicks. The large inner toe bears a prominent claw and delivers the strongest kicks.
Struthio : The genus of living ostriches, native to Africa. The modern ostrich belongs to this genus.
Ostrich feather : A large, soft feather from an ostrich, historically used for decoration and practical cleaning. Ostrich feathers became valuable trade goods and remain associated with ornamental dress.
Ostrich algorithm : A strategy in computing that ignores a problem because it is considered unlikely to occur. Its name uses the ostrich image as a metaphor for ignoring a potential failure.
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