Ostrich Afrikaans name : Volstruis Scientific name : (Struthiocamelus) - family Struthionidae - order Struthioniformes. flightless birds which form a group called Ratites. Region : South African Ostrich - commonly called the Blueneck - is the original native wild ostrich of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, found mostly in South Western Africa where the populations are very fragmented. Ostriches in South Africa now are often introduced birds (mostly of the pink-necked sub-Saharan nominate race or feral individuals of unknown race). Description : The largest living bird on earth.  Habitat : Dry open plains. Weight : max. 180 kg. Height : 3 m Speed : up to 70 km/h Food : Omnivores, strong digestive systems. Habits : They travel in small bands and eat plant and animal items from the ground. The males give a "lion-like" roar that can be heard across the plains of Africa where they live.  Young :Hens lay every 2nd day, from March to September,  8-12 eggs in a clutch, with short rests between clutches. Both parents incubate the eggs. Incubation period lasts 42 -43 days. Predators : Leopards, Hyena, Lion, Caracal, Jackal. To defend itself, it can kick violently, using the single long toe-nail on each foot as a weapon. Evidence suggests that early bushmen in South Africa also hunted the large birds for meat, and used Ostrich eggshells for water containers and to make decorative beads.  Longevity : Ostriches live up to 70 - 80 years in the wild.