The largest bird in the world is the ostrich. Native to Africa, ostriches can weigh over 300 pounds and stand up to 9 feet tall, making them significantly larger than any other bird species. They are flightless, possessing powerful legs adapted for running at remarkable speeds, sometimes exceeding 45 miles per hour. Their long necks and large eyes give them excellent vision, enabling them to spot predators from a distance. Ostriches are social animals, often found in groups, and they are known for their distinctive plummage and unique behaviors, like their elaborate mating dances.