The history of birds follows next, the very largest of which, and indeed almost approaching to the nature of quadrupeds, is the ostrich¹ of Africa or ?thiopia. This bird exceeds in height a man sitting on horseback, and can surpass him in swiftness, as wings have been given to aid it in running; in other respects ostriches² cannot be considered as birds, and do not raise themselves from the earth. They have cloven talons³, very similar to the hoof⁴ of the stag; with these they fight, and they also employ them in seizing stones for the purpose of throwing at those who pursue them.[164] They have the marvellous property of being able to digest every substance without distinction, but their stupidity is no less remarkable⁵; for although the rest of their body is so large, they imagine, when they have thrust their head and neck into a bush, that the whole of the body is concealed⁶. Their eggs are prized on account of their large size, and are employed as 181 vessels⁷ for certain purposes, while the feathers of the wing and tail are used as ornaments⁸ for the crest⁹ and helmet of the warrior¹⁰.
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