Ostrich by Steve Murdock

Ostrich

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Description

The largest living bird, male ostrich plumage tends to be jet black with white feathers on the wings, and bright red or blue bare skin on the legs, neck, and head. Females are fairly uniform in color, with earthy gray-brown plumage and skin color. The feet are designed for running with only two toes on each foot, and a large nail for protection.

Classification

Class
Aves
Order
Struthioniformes
Family
Struthionidae
Genus
Struthio
Species
S. camelus
Conservation Status
Least Concern

Key Facts

Height
5.7-9 ft (~170-270 cm)
Weight
198-287 lb (~90-130 kg)

The IUCN Red List describes Struthio camelus as a species of Least Concern. Although their overall populations does appear to be declining, they can still be found with relative ease throughout a very large range. While hunting and pressures from the plumage trade do impact the species, the ostrich is currently most threatened by habitat loss.

 

Social Life
Ostriches live in flocks with one male and two to six females.
Habitat and Range
In open country, deserts, and dry savanna of the wild in East Africa.
Diet
The bulk of their food is vegetation, fruit, seeds, leaves, shoots, shrubs, succulent plants, invertebrates, and occasionally lizards and other small vertebrates. Stones are ingested to aid in digestion.
Lifespan
Around 30-70 years in managed situations.
Reproduction
Sexual Maturity:  3-4 years.
Mating season:    Typically March through September.
Birth Season:       Dry season.
Incubation:          Around 40 days.
No. of young:       Between 12-15 eggs, one laid every other day after mating. If eggs are taken immediately from the nest, the female may lay up to 80 eggs.
Information

Description

The largest living bird, male ostrich plumage tends to be jet black with white feathers on the wings, and bright red or blue bare skin on the legs, neck, and head. Females are fairly uniform in color, with earthy gray-brown plumage and skin color. The feet are designed for running with only two toes on each foot, and a large nail for protection.

Classification

Class
Aves
Order
Struthioniformes
Family
Struthionidae
Genus
Struthio
Species
S. camelus
Conservation Status
Least Concern

Key Facts

Height
5.7-9 ft (~170-270 cm)
Weight
198-287 lb (~90-130 kg)

The IUCN Red List describes Struthio camelus as a species of Least Concern. Although their overall populations does appear to be declining, they can still be found with relative ease throughout a very large range. While hunting and pressures from the plumage trade do impact the species, the ostrich is currently most threatened by habitat loss.

 

Social Life
Ostriches live in flocks with one male and two to six females.
Habitat and Range
In open country, deserts, and dry savanna of the wild in East Africa.
Diet
The bulk of their food is vegetation, fruit, seeds, leaves, shoots, shrubs, succulent plants, invertebrates, and occasionally lizards and other small vertebrates. Stones are ingested to aid in digestion.
Lifespan
Around 30-70 years in managed situations.
Reproduction
Sexual Maturity:  3-4 years.
Mating season:    Typically March through September.
Birth Season:       Dry season.
Incubation:          Around 40 days.
No. of young:       Between 12-15 eggs, one laid every other day after mating. If eggs are taken immediately from the nest, the female may lay up to 80 eggs.