Struthio camelus
Least Concern
The Common Ostrich, with its towering stature and swift legs, is a magnificent spectacle of the African savannas. As the world's largest bird, it cannot take to the skies, but its long, powerful strides make it a master of the land. Sporting a bold contrast of black and white feathers, the males are a striking sight, while the more subdued females blend seamlessly with the arid landscapes they roam. Despite their size, these gentle giants lead a life of simple pleasures, grazing and basking under the warm sun, a symbol of the wild's grandeur and grace.
Black
Brown
Brown
White
Grey, White
Grey
Black
Brown
Brown
Flat and broad
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Grey
Males have bold black and white plumage, females and young are more drab
Less pronounced than males
Camouflaged with environment
Short and stumpy
Short and less contrasting
Short and stumpy
200cm to 275cm
Length
200cm to 250cm
Wingspan
63kg to 145kg
Weight
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Booming, hissing, and whistling
Loud booming noises can be heard up to several kilometers away
Hissing when threatened
Diurnal, spending the day foraging, resting and dust-bathing
Gregarious, forming flocks with complex social structures
Territorial during breeding season, with males defending their territories
Nomadic movements in response to environmental conditions
Generally peaceful but can be aggressive during breeding season
Plants, Insects, Lizards, Small rodents
Herbivorous and omnivorous, grazing on plants and occasionally consuming small animals
Mainly in the cooler morning and evening hours
Pecking and grabbing with their beak
Depends on seasonal availability of food
Requires grit and pebbles to aid digestion
Open ground
Shallow depression in earth, sometimes lined with grass and leaves
Varies with location, usually during the dry season
Up to three, sometimes more
Glossy cream-colored with thick shells
15cm long and 13cm wide
5-11 eggs, communal nests may have more
35-45 days
3-4 months
Females and males take turns incubating; males defend the nest
Sub-Saharan Africa
Savannas, grasslands, semi-deserts
Up to 3000 meters
Nomadic movements in response to environmental conditions
Grassland, Savanna
Subtropical, Tropical
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.