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Ostrich

                        OSTRICH, common name for a large, flightless bird, Struthio camelus, 
                        the only member of the family Struthionidae and the order 
                        Struthioniformes. It is now found only in Africa, but was formerly 
                        in the Middle East, where it is probably extinct. Ostriches are the
                        largest and strongest of living birds, attaining a height from crown 
                        to foot of about 2.4 m (about 8 ft) and a weight of up to 
                        136 kg (300 lb). They have long necks and small heads, with 
                        large eyes and short, broad beaks. They spread their small wings
                        when running and have long, powerful legs that are used
                        for defense. The feet have only two toes. Male ostriches are
                        black, with white wings and tail. The white feathers of the male,
                        which are large and soft, are the ostrich plumes of commercial
                        value. The female is a dull grayish brown.