The Ostrich
The Ostrich
The ostrich is an unusual bird. It is the largest bird in the world, yet it cannot fly. It makes up for this shortcoming by being a very fast runner. The ostrich has long, strong legs and can run over 40 miles per hour! An ostrich uses its large wings to balance itself and to control its direction when running.
Another special feature of the ostrich is its feet. All other birds have three or four toes. But an ostrich has only two toes. Each toe has a sharp pointy claw at the tip. The ostrich can use its powerful legs for self-defense. If it feels threatened, an ostrich can kick its predator with deadly force. However, most of the time, it relies on its speed to escape danger. Some animals that hunt ostriches are cheetahs, lions, and leopards.
Ostriches live in the deserts and savannas of Africa. They are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. Ostriches eat the roots, leaves, fruits, nuts, and seeds of plants. They also eat insects, lizards, frogs, and worms. In addition to plants and animals, they also swallow sand and pebbles. This helps them to digest their food. Ostriches get water wherever they find drinking holes, but they can go for many days without water. Their bodies can survive on the moisture they get from the foods they eat.
A group of ostriches is called a flock. Most flocks have about ten members, but a flock can contain as many as 100 ostriches. A female ostrich lays an egg that can weigh up to three pounds. Ostrich eggs are the largest in the world! Once a chick hatches, it is usually the size of a full-grown chicken. The chicks can walk without difficulty. The life span of an ostrich is about 40 years.
Many people believe that an ostrich will bury its head in the sand when it is trying to hide, but that is not true. An ostrich may lie with its head close to the ground when it senses danger. Its head and neck blend with the sandy soil of the land, so it looks as if its head is in the ground. The ostrich is trying to blend in with its surroundings. This is a form of defense.
Questions
1. 1. From the context clues, you can tell that a predator is_____
2. 2. What is the main idea of this text?
3. 3. Complete the chart with information from the selection. Cause: "An ostrich has long legs" leads to what Effect? And what Cause leads to the Effect "It has good balance and control when running."? Write your answers in complete sentences.
4. 4. Which of these would be another good title for this passage?
5. 5. Look back at the text. What does omnivore mean?
6. 6. How does an ostrich save itself from cheetahs, lions, and leopards?