Ostrich {Struthio Camelus}

The ostrich is a large, flightless bird - the largest living bird on earth. When fully grown it weighs over 120kg pounds. The male ostrich has soft black feathers on its back with white primary feathers on its wings and tail, making him easy to spot. Females and young ostriches have brown feathers instead of black to camouflage them. Both males and females have bare necks and thighs. This skin is blue or pink in males and pinkish grey in females. Ostrich have long necks, small heads, large eyes, long, powerful legs, and two toes on each foot.

Quick Facts

Name: Struthoi Camelus
Habitat: Low rainfall areas.
Distribution: Africa, See » Oudtshoorn Attractions
Diet: Shoots, leaves, flowers and seeds.

Socialisation: Ostriches are not very social birds. Most live alone, and those that do travel in packs are not very cohesive.

Reproduction: Ostriches nest in the dry season. The male will make several shallow scrapes in his territory. The lead female then lays up to 12 eggs over the next 3 weeks. Other females may lay eggs in this same nest, but only the male and lead female will guard and incubate the eggs. The incubation period is six weeks.

Despite the constant watch of the male and female, less than 10 percent of the eggs will hatch. Those that do are fully developed when hatched. Hatchlings are fawn in colour with dark brown spots and a 'cape' of down on the back. By the time they are a year old ostriches will reach their full height.

Life expectancy: Ostriches can live to be 40 years old or more.

Predators: Ostrich chicks have many predators including vulture, hyena and jackal.

Only 15 percent of chicks make it to their first birthday, despite having protection from their parents.

Distinguishing features: Ostriches have great vision and because of their strong legs can run at 70 km per hour.