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Scientific Name: |
Struthio camelus
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Range: |
Northeastern and Southern Africa
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Habitat: |
Open savannah, wide plains
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Natural Diet: |
Fruits, seeds, leaves, green plants and small vertebrates
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Zoo Diet: |
Ratite diet
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Physical
Characteristics:
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Ostriches are the largest of living birds. Some males reach a height of 9 feet and weigh 300 to 350 pounds. Females are 5 to 6 feet tall and weight about 200 lbs. Feathers are not designed for flight, the surface resists airflow. The male is glossy black with long white plumes on the wings and tail. The female is grayish brown.
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Behavior: |
The ostrich kicks when angry and can inflict serious injury. They are capable of running at speeds of 45 mph with 12 foot strides.
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Reproduction: |
Polygamous. The male scoops out a hollow for the eggs which weigh nearly 3 pounds each. One of the females incubates the 10 to 12 eggs during the day and the male takes over at night. Lifespan is 20 to 40 years.
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Notes:
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The innermost toe of the ostrich is larger and bears most of the bird's weight.
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