Daily Zoo Animal: #17, Ostrich.
Ostrich Struthio camelus
Once the elephant bird and the giant moa died off, the ostrich became the world's biggest bird. Ostriches roam the arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, often in the company of herding mammals. These birds have been hunted for their meat and feathers for centuries, but only recently have been commercially farmed. In South Africa thousands of ostriches are processed annually, but an effort to start a major ostrich farming industry in the United States has so far been largely unsuccessful.
This female ostrich is on exhibit with the zebras at Franklin Park Zoo.
One etymological interpretation of their scientific name is "Camel Sparrow." I think I'll call my ranch in Texas "Camel Sparrow Acres."
On this day in 365 Urban Species: Rabbitsfoot clover.