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Common Ostrich
Plumaceous body contour feather or wing plume

Common Ostrich

Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Aves, Order Struthioniformes, Family Struthionidae, Genus Struthio, Species Struthio camelus

Family: Struthionidae (Ostriches)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with loose, hair-like, flowing barbs and a rounded tip
Size
Large feather, estimated at 10 to 14 inches in length, typical of large ostrich body or wing plumes
Rarity
Very Common due to widespread commercial farming
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Description

The ostrich is the world's largest living bird, flightless, possessing powerful legs built for incredible running speeds. Its feathers lack the tightly locked vane structure of flying birds, resulting in soft, decorative plumes instead.

Colour & Pattern

Off-white to creamy beige with subtle brownish tones, uniformly colored without distinct banding or patterns

Barb Structure

Plumaceous, extremely loose and hair-like structure lacking functional interlocking barbicels, giving it a fluffy appearance without an afterfeather

Texture & Surface

Very soft, silky, fluffy, and flexible to the touch with a matte appearance

Key Features

Extraordinarily loose, hair-like barbs along a sturdy central shaft with no interlocked pennaceous section, soft creamy-white coloration

Habitat

Open arid and semi-arid plains, savannas, and deserts

Geographic Range

Native to open country and savannahs of Africa, with farmed populations globally

Ecological Role

Acts as an important seed disperser and herbivore in its native African savannah ecosystems

Similar Species

Greater Rhea and Emu feathers, distinguished by subtle differences in color, rachis thickness, and barb texture

Interesting Facts

Ostriches produce the largest eggs of any living bird and can run at speeds up to 43 mph, making them the fastest running birds on land

Condition Notes

Good condition, clean with flexible barbs and intact rachis