The flightless [P 022 / ostrich] is the largest bird in the world and is native to Africa. Standing eight feet tall and having keen vision, it is the sentinel of the plains. It makes loud hissing and booing sounds when threatened, alerting other [G 45 / ungulates] to danger. Its speed, ability to swerve quickly and excellent vision are its best defenses against predators. Adults can weigh over 300 pounds and are capable of running up to 40 miles per hour for a considerable distance. Its diet consists primarily of grass, insects, seeds and small vertebrates. The ostrich is unique in that it uses stones in its mouth to grind food. There are about 2,000 ostriches in the Serengeti.
