the ostrich, in ornithology, a genus belonging to the order of gallinaceous birds. The bill is somewhat conical; the nostrils are oval; the wings are short, and not fit for flying; and the feet are of the running kind. There are three species: The camelus, or common ostrich, is a native of Syria, Arabia, Lybia, and Africa. This is the largest of all birds; it runs swifter than any animal; it lays about 50 eggs in the sand, and sits upon them only during the night, the heat of the sun being sufficient during the day.