Common Ostrich

Struthio camelus

Bushveld and arid lands. Unmistakable. Tail buff, grey or white.

Ostriches

Not Endemic

Description

Common resident. Well-known, enormous, flightless bird. Immature is like a small, scruffy female and is usually accompanied by adults. Male utters a lion-like roar. The tail colour of adult males varies according to region, from whitish to grey or cinnamon-brown. Wild ostriches occur in isolated pockets throughout southern Africa, especially in the large nature reserves, but interbreeding with domestic stock makes their genetic purity doubtful. Usually found in pairs or groups, sometimes with many young birds present. Inhabits woodland and wooded grassland in the east and thornveld or grassland in the more arid western regions.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

The largest living bird in the world and the only remaining member of the ancient group of birds: genus *Struthio*. Characterised by a long neck, long legs, and two toes on each foot, ostriches are excellent runners; when threatened they will deliver a powerful, often deadly kick. Males are larger than females and have darker, black plumage`. Females are brownish in colour. Diet consists of mainly vegetation, sometimes insects. To aid digestion the birds will swallow small pebbles to grind food in their gizzards. When breeding a male will form a harem of several females.