ostrich
1. Bird Name: Ostrich (Common English Name), Struthio camelus (Scientific Latin Name)
2. Appearance: Ostriches are distinctively recognizable thanks to their long, thin necks topped with a small head, large bodies, and long, sturdy legs. Possessing large eyes, which are said to be the largest of all land vertebrates, they have a slightly bent bill and exhibit an absence of teeth. The males sport plumage of striking black and white feathers, while females and young ostriches have dull, grayish-brown feathers, aiding their camouflage abilities when nesting.
3. Size: Known as the world’s largest bird, ostriches can reach up to 275cm (9 feet) in height and weigh between 63kg (138 lbs) to 145kg (320 lbs) on average. Although they are incapable of flight, their wings reach a span of approximately two meters, serving various functions from balancing to courtship displays.
4. Habitat & Distribution: Ostriches are natives to the arid and semi-arid regions of Africa, spreading across more than 25 countries in the region, particularly situated in savannahs, desert, and open woodlands. They are notably absent in rainforests and overly arid desert areas.
5. Interesting Facts: Ostriches have exceptional running capabilities, reaching speeds of up to 60km/h (37 mph), making them the fastest-running bird in the world. Contrary to popular myth, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger but rather lay their heads low against the ground; from a distance, this can create the illusion of a buried head.
6. Diet: Predominantly herbivores, ostriches consume plants, seeds, fruits, and flowers, occasionally eating insects and small vertebrates. They have a fantastic ability of eating without drinking water for long periods, extracting needed moisture from food. However, they’ll drink whenever water is available.
7. Behavior & Sounds: Ostriches exhibit a practice of communal nesting, where a dominant female’s eggs are placed in the center of the nest and enjoy priority incubation. Interestingly, female ostriches incubate the eggs during daylight hours, and males take over the night shift. The ostrich’s call, often called a “booming,” consists of a variety of roars and hisses.
8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, Ostriches are of “least concern” with regard to endangerment, primarily due to their wide distribution, although localized mortality rates or declines have been observed.
9. Lifespan: Ostriches typically live between 40–45 years in the wild, yet captivity conditions can see this increased to 50–60 years.
10. Additional Notes: In Arabic, ostrich is known as “na’amah”. Human interactions vary from ostrich farming for feathers, skin, and meat, to ostrich rides, and even ostrich racing—a popular tourist attraction. Ecologically, the ostrich’s foraging assists in seed dispersal, and their communal nests often act as a rest spot or incubator for other smaller bird species. Their eggs are the largest of any living bird species and historically, their shells have been valued by cultures as containers and decorative artifacts.
