The Order Struthioniformes consists of large, flightless birds commonly known as ostriches and their relatives. These birds are characterized by strong, long legs adapted for running at high speeds, small wings relative to body size, and large bodies with long necks and small heads. Native primarily to Africa and parts of the Middle East, they are adapted to open habitats like savannas and deserts. Struthioniformes are omnivorous, feeding on plants, seeds, and small animals, and they rely on speed rather than flight to escape predators. As some of the largest living birds, they play significant ecological roles as seed dispersers and are also important economically for their meat, feathers, and leather.