Terrestrial Birds
Terrestrial birds, also called ground/land birds, are birds that usually spend most of their life on the ground, in bushes, or low in the shrubbery. Most of these birds are flightless and if they can fly would remain close to the ground. They are identified by small, often round heads, blunt, round wings, heavily camouflaged plumage, strong, powerful long legs, and preference for dust baths or sunbathing. Most are herbivorous and stay in a large family or groups besides being non-migratory. They may include game birds and chicken breeds. Many are a good source of food for carnivores and omnivores. However, they are defenseless to habitat loss.
Terrestrial and marine birds are different as marine birds can make a home anywhere and live in the open ocean as they have no attachment to the land. Terrestrial birds in contrast are attached to the land they live on. Terrestrial birds also forage the ground for food while marine birds look for food during their flights.
The terrestrial bird species that has the largest geographic range is the common ostrich as it Is the largest terrestrial bird. The common ostrich can run for an extended period of time at 34 mph (55 km/h) and can spring at 40 mph (70 km/h).
Terrestrial birds are naturally flightless, but there are some species that can fly, but not long distances. The terrestrial birds that can fly, stay low above the ground or close to any cover while flying. They also fly in short distances rather than longer distances.
