דברים, פרק י״ד, פסוק ט״ו

The list of forbidden birds includes unique species identified by both their physical traits and their natural behavior. The first of these is the ostrich, a massive desert bird equipped with wings but unable to fly, moving instead by walking and running [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Its very name reflects a harsh nature, as it is known to be cruel and merciless toward its own young. This lack of compassion explains why it is grouped alongside the raven, another bird recognized for its cruelty toward its offspring [קיצור בעל הטורים].

An interesting detail arises regarding the specific prohibition of the young ostrich, referred to as the daughter of the ostrich, rather than the adult bird. The primary approach among commentators is that this addresses the practical reality of human consumption. The meat of an adult ostrich is tough as wood and heavily sinewed, making it completely unfit to eat. Only a young ostrich is tender enough for a person to consume, which is why it must be explicitly forbidden. Others offer a different perspective, suggesting that the term daughter actually refers to the ostrich egg. This detail establishes a broader rule that the eggs of forbidden birds are also prohibited to eat [אדרת אליהו, בכור שור].

Following the ostrich is the gull, generally identified as a water bird [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The list then moves to the hawk, which sparks a debate regarding its true identity. Some align it with the small birds of prey we know today by the same name [ביאור שטיינזלץ], while others connect it to an ancient bird mentioned in the Talmud [אדרת אליהו]. However, this identification with modern birds of prey is strongly rejected by others. They argue that traditional sources describe the biblical hawk as possessing three physical signs of purity. Furthermore, it does not grasp food with its claws or eat live birds. Because the modern hawk is a distinct bird of prey, it cannot be the creature referenced here [דעת זקנים].