The ostrich is the largest bird that lives today. It reaches a height of over two meters and a weight of 130-150kg. The anatomy of the ostrich has certain specific features, mainly due to the length of the neck.
The nostrils of the ostrich are located on the beak, very in front and not at its base as it is found in other birds. The trachea is large and located at the bottom of the mouth. The esophagus is above the opening of the trachea and continues down the right side, next to the jugular vein.
The respiratory system of the ostrich like any other bird consists of the lungs and a system of air sacs that are found in the intercostal spaces. The ostrich uses these bags to regulate its body temperature. The normal rate of respiration is 7-12 breaths / minute.
Like any other duck, ostriches, although they have wings, do not fly. The ostrich has a strong chest that covers the rib cage protecting the heart and liver. A characteristic fact of the ostrich and the family it belongs to (ducks) is that these birds do not have muscles on the sternum, muscles that could allow them to fly.
The heart, liver and lungs are in the thoracic cavity.
The digestive system has important features and differences from that of a poultry, a turkey or any other larger bird.
They have no gall, but have a glandular stomach called the proventricculus. This stomach empties into a muscular stomach called the ventricculus. Because the intestine is abnormally long, the time it takes for food to pass through it is proportional, reaching up to 36 hours.
Its legs are very long and present the danger of fracture, especially on slippery or frozen surfaces.
Its muscular structure is created in such a way as to give the bird a very high agility, as well as a very high speed of movement, which makes it, after the cheetah, the fastest creature in life on earth. It can reach and maintain a speed of 65 km / h for tens of minutes, sometimes even surpassing the speed of the cheetah.
The foot ends with two toes, one of which has a claw. Its main role is in defense, the blows performed by an adult ostrich can lead to very serious injuries.
That is why it is recommended to approach these birds with great care, especially males during the mating season.