| Scientific
Name: |
Struthio camelus |
| Range: |
Northeastern and Southern
Africa |
| Habitat: |
Open savannah, wide plains |
| Natural
Diet: |
Fruits, seeds, leaves, green
plants and small vertebrates |
| Zoo Diet: |
Ratite diet |
Physical
Characteristics: |
Ostriches are
the largest of living birds. Some males reach a height of 9 feet and
weigh 300 to 350 pounds. Females are 5 to 6 feet tall and weight about
200 lbs. Feathers are not designed for flight, the surface resists
airflow. The male is glossy black with long white plumes on the
wings and tail. The female is grayish brown. |
| Behavior: |
The ostrich kicks when angry
and can inflict serious injury. They are capable of running at
speeds of 45 mph with 12 foot strides. |
|
Reproduction: |
Polygamous. The male
scoops out a hollow for the eggs which weigh nearly 3 pounds each. One
of the females incubates the 10 to 12 eggs during the day and the male
takes over at night. Lifespan is 20 to 40 years.
|
| Notes: |
The innermost toe of the
ostrich is larger and bears most of he bird's weight. |
