154 THE OSTRICH. 



OSTRICH. 



How large is the Ostrich ? 



The Ostrich is the largest of all birds, his head being 

 from seven to nine feet high, and his back about four 

 feet from the ground. 



What is the shape of the Ostrich ? 



His shape is similar to that of the crane. His legs 

 and neck are very long, his body short, and his head 

 small. 



What is the colour of the Ostrich ? 



The colour of this bird, on the back and breast is 

 perfectly black; the long feathers of the tail and wings 

 are white ; the legs and neck are yellowish white ; 

 the neck is covered with thin hair ; the legs are en- 

 tirely naked of feathers, and covered with scales. 



How many toes has this bird ? 



The Ostrich has only two toes on each foot ; of 

 these, the inside one is much the longest, being seven 

 inches in length, and ending in a claw, or nail. The 

 other is four inches long, and without a nail. 



Is this a rapacious bird ? 



This bird, though so large, and powerful, does not 

 prey upon other animals, but is perfectly harmless, 

 when not pursued, or insulted. 



On what kind of food does this bird live ? 



His food is chiefly of the vegetable kind, such as 

 nuts, herbs, and grass ; but he is exceedingly voracious 

 in his appetite, and will swallow leather, buttons, to- 

 bacco, stones, bullets, or any thing else that is thrown 

 to him. 



Where does this bird live ? 



This bird is found in the hot and barren deserts of 

 Africa and Asia. 



