Ostrich

Species

There are 2 species of ostrich. The Somali ostrich was recognised as a separate species in 2016.

Struthio camelus
Struthio molybdophanes

Common ostrich
Somali ostrich

Population

Ostriches were once found in Asia and the Arabian peninsula but now only found in sub-Saharan Africa. The Common ostrich is listed but the IUCN as least concern, however, the Somali ostrich was assessed in 2016 as being vulnerable.
Ostriches were once hunted for their hides (skin to make leather) and feathers. They were almost wiped out in the 18th century but in 1838, farming of ostriches meant they could be plucked for their feathers instead of being killed.

Size

At 2 metres tall, the flightless ostrich is the largest bird in the world. They can weigh between 90 and 130 kg.

Habitat & distribution

Ostriches are found in drier, sandy regions of central and southern Africa.
(The Somali Ostrich is only found in Somalia, Kenya and parts of Ethiopia. They range does overlap with the common ostrich).

The special egg

At 15 cm long and weighing 1.5kg, an ostrich egg can hold the equivalent of two dozen chicken eggs - a great meal for a hungry predator.
However humans also prize the shiny, white eggs. They are used as ornaments, as water containers (or used to bathe with) and used as symbols or protective devices in churches.

Diet

Ostriches are omnivores. Seed heads of grasses and certain flowers and seeds make up most of their diet. But they also eat locusts, rodents and small reptiles. They require about 3.5 kg of food per day and can survive without water for long periods of time.

Interesting facts

The diameter of an ostrich eye is 5cm.
Their large, powerful legs are an ostriches best defence against predators. They are also good runners and reach speeds of 64kmh.

Group

A flock of ostriches can number between 5 and 50. They are often found with grazing animals, such as antelope and zebra. In the breeding season, they are territorial. Often the flock will have a head female and she may drive away other females from the communal nest. Outside the breeding season, they for smaller, looser groups of 2-5 birds.

Breeding & lifespan

As mentioned above, ostriches often use a communal nest (a hole scraped in the ground) which can hold 15-60 eggs. Males and females take turns incubating the eggs (males usually during the night and females during the day) which take about 40 days to hatch. Newly hatched chicks can be as big as a chicken and after only 4 months, are almost fully grown!
Ostriches do well in captivity and can live to 50 years.

Predators & threats

Cheetahs, lions, leopards, hunting dogs and spotted hyena prey on ostriches. The eggs are also targeted.