BIRDS 



279 



(approximately) known species of North American birds 

 represent seventeen orders. Certain recognized orders, for 

 example, the ostriches, are not represented naturally in 

 North America at all. 



Ostriches. The old order Ratitas (now divided into several 

 smaller orders) or birds without keeled breastbone, as the 



FIG. 128. Ostriches on ostrich farm at Pasadena, California. 



ostriches, cassowaries, rheas, etc., is not represented naturally 

 in this country, but in California, Arizona, Florida, and a 

 few other states, the African ostrich, Struthio camelus, is being 

 bred and reared on "ostrich farms" for the sake of its plumes. 

 This is the largest living kind of bird, specimens attaining 

 the height of eight feet and the weight of 300 pounds. The 



