An Avian Dinosaur, Weighty and Dangerous.

Greetings. Struthio camelus. First described by modern science in 1758, the common ostrich is the heaviest avian dinosaur in existence on the planet. 

Native to the continent of Africa, common ostriches have a widespread population range. Once thought to be related to emus, kiwis, rheas, and cassowaries, recent genetic research has determined that the species is more closely related to the moa of New Zealand and the elephant bird of Madagascar, flightless species recently driven into extinction by humans. Omnivorous and opportunistic, common ostriches feed on plant matter, small reptiles, and invertebrates. Nomadic by nature, common ostriches gather in groups of up to 50 individuals, meandering across their particular habitats in search of food and shelter from predators. 

A highly mobile species, common ostriches can run at speeds up to 55 kilometers per hour, with short bursts of 70 kilometers per hour having been observed on occasion. Males are slightly larger than females, standing up to 2.75 meters tall, with females being up to 1.9 meters in height. Adult males can weigh up to 130 kilograms, whereas adult females can weigh up to 120 kilograms. The largest eggs of any extant avian species belong to the common ostrich, a distinction that only befell the species once the moa and elephant bird, who laid larger eggs, went extinct. 

Dangerous and unpredictable, up to four human deaths a year are attributed to attacks from common ostriches, a result of carelessness on the part of humans. Possessing acute eyesight and hearing, the species is highly attuned to its environment and all potential threats, natural and otherwise. Likely due to its observational capabilities, common ostriches are a long lived species, known to live up to 60 years in the wild, perhaps longer. Like most other Mesozoic Era dinosaurs, common ostriches are endothermic, or warm-blooded, making them capable of adjusting to a wide range of temperature variations and environmental challenges. 

The species first appears in the fossil record during the Early Miocene, approximately 15.3 million years ago, making it a tough and successful survivor. Didactyl, having only two toes on each foot, common ostriches are somewhat of an oddity, with most other living birds possessing four toes in each foot. The species is fully capable of successfully defending itself against predation, using powerful kicks to thwart attacks from the many animals that prey on the species; lions, cheetahs, leopards, and spotted hyenas. 

Struthio camelus. A modern dinosaur, roaming the savannas of Africa. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.