  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.
Name: Struthoi Camelus
Habitat: Low rainfall areas.
Distribution: Africa See » Oudtshoorn
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.
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