Ostrich

Ostriches were a species of large flightless birds.

Description
Ostriches were among the largest avians found on Toril. They had a small head with a flat beak, a long featherless neck, and a large body covered in feathers. They had wings but were unable to fly. Females had brown or grey feathers, while males had black feathers with white feathers on their wings and tail.

Abilities
Ostriches were exceptional runners, capable of reaching speeds of. To maintain stability while running, an ostrich extended its wings.

Combat
Ostriches defended themselves from predators with kicks from their powerful legs.

Sub-Species

 * Clubnek: A mutated variety of ostrich that displayed green feathers.

Ecology
Ostriches were herbivores and lived in flocks. A male ostrich had up to four mates at a time. A female laid her large eggs in a nest, where she incubated them until hatching, with the male protecting the nest from predators.

Habitats
Ostriches were known to commonly be found around oases in Anauroch.

Relationships
In Kara-Tur, the sohei of the Lo Chi Monastery had domesticated ostriches that they used for transportation.

Usages
The white feathers from the males were in high demand for their use in clothing and hat decorations. Ostriches were commonly farmed. Aurora's Emporium sold ostrich feathers at five sp each. In Zakhara, ostriches sold at markets for up to 45 gp.

Ostriches were a delicacy served during royal balls and events in Sumbria of the Blade Kingdoms. The birds were roasted whole and served with the heads still on the birds. Ostrich plumes were decorating the striking helmets of the Blade Captains, the military and civil governors of the Blade Kingdoms.

Trivia
An ostrich could be summoned by the conjure animals spell.

Appearances

 * Novels
 * The Council of Blades
 * Adventures
 * Dungeon #8, "The Flowers of Flame"