The feathers used to create an ostrich fringe are wonderfully wild-looking and incredibly fluffy; of all the birds, this flightless giant has a great mix of plumes including soft down complemented by long plumes with feathery tips that are perfect for fringes.
London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/05/2012 -- A feather in your cap
Ostrich plumes because of their size and fluffiness are ideal for making a statement on stage; showgirls in Las Vegas wear ostrich plumes in their headwear, they hide themselves behind large ostrich fans and wrap themselves in massive feather boas.
On TV, in shows such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, feather fringes from a variety of birds are used to amazing effect. What makes the ostrich fringe so appealing is that it is incredibly soft and uneven in shape so that when the dancer moves the ostrich plumes float on the air.
The ostrich cannot fly but it is still an amazing bird. Residing in the continent of Africa, the ostrich has long legs and a very long neck enabling its beady eyes to see great distances. The phenomenal plumage keeps the ostrich warm during cold nights but is light and fluffy during the days, screening out the hot sun.
There is no doubt that the ostrich is rich in game meat but because its head is so small, it is hard for hunters with guns to shoot. Lions also find the ostrich a difficult prey to hunt because the bird can run at forty miles an hour for several miles. When sprinting, the ostrich has been recorded running as fast as sixty miles an hour. The cheetah is fast enough to catch an ostrich but not big enough. Although the cheetah is known for hunting alone, there are times when three cheetahs will team up and set out to catch the world’s biggest bird. Even the fleet of foot ostrich cannot outrun a cheetah and the combined effort usually brings down the ostrich which is big enough to feed all three cats.
Luxury leather
Apart from its incredible plumage, the ostrich is also in demand with producers in Italy of luxury leather goods. The skin of the bird makes for beautiful, soft leather that stands out owing to the dark circles where the plumage once grew. Not everyone likes the dark circles on the leather but the feel of quality ostrich leather is pure luxury.
Ostrich meat
The meat from the ostrich is red and is low in fat and tastes excellent especially if your palate enjoys game. More like beef than poultry, the best cuts of meat come from the back, leg and thigh. Unlike a chicken, there is no meat on the turkey breast but on the thigh, leg and back the meat is very lean and ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a low cholesterol diet.
If you are looking to make a statement, in the kitchen, on the stage or in fashion design, the ostrich is a bird that never disappoints.