Red-Necked or Desert Ostrich
Struthio camelus
WILD STATUS
Endangered
Endangered
DISTRIBUTION
North Africa
SIZE
Ostriches are the tallest bird at a height from 1.8-2.5m (6'-8') tall. Weight varies from 68-150kg (150-330 lbs.)
HABITAT
Ostrich are found in the savannah and desert enviroment.
REPRODUCTION
Eggs are laid by the female and sat on by the male for 40-43 days. With his feet, he gathers all the eggs he can see up into a pile and sits on them.
Eggs are laid by the female and sat on by the male for 40-43 days. With his feet, he gathers all the eggs he can see up into a pile and sits on them.
DIET
Occasionally leftover carrion, selectively eat grass, seed heads, flowers, seeds, and sometimes locusts.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Their eggs weigh 3-4 lbs. and are the equivalent of 2 dozen hens eggs.
- They can run faster than any other 2 legged creature. Reaching speeds of up to 45 mph (70 kph) for up to half an hour, they can outrun a horse.
- Ostrich feathers are loose and fluffy and don’t lock together as do flying bird feathers. They are designed for air to flow through.
- Ostrich often travel with groups of antelope, oryx and zebra.
- This is a co-operative arrangement; the tall ostrich keeps an eye out for trouble, while the grazing animals stir up insects, small rodents and small reptiles for the ostrich to eat.
- Ostriches eyes are nearly as big as tennis balls, allowing them to see predators from far away. Their brain is smaller than their eyes.
- Ostriches will eat almost anything shiny. They have been known to eat watches, bottle caps, locks, bicycle valves, even alarm clocks.
- Ostriches have been hunted to extinction in some areas, for their feathers, skin (fine leather), meat and eggs. Currently, they are raised on farms in and out of Africa and the wild population seems secure.
HABITAT RANGE
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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