Somali Ostrich
Struthio molybdophanes
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Somali Ostrich is a massive, flightless bird with a long neck and powerful legs. Males have predominantly black plumage with white wing and tail feathers and a grey-blue neck and thighs. Their head and neck are nearly bare, with sparse downy feathers.
Females are smaller and have dull brown feathers. Both sexes have long eyelashes, large eyes, and a sharp beak. Juveniles resemble females but are slightly smaller and have streaked necks.
Size
Length
210cm to 275cm
Wingspan
200cm to 250cm
Weight
90kg to 130kg
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Somali Ostriches inhabit arid and semi-arid savannahs, grasslands, and scrublands across the Horn of Africa. Their range includes parts of Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and possibly Djibouti.
They prefer open areas with scattered vegetation and avoid dense forests or heavily wooded regions. During dry seasons, they may congregate near water sources or areas with more abundant vegetation.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,000 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Somali Ostrich. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Somali Ostrich displays remarkable agility for its size, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph). Its powerful legs and streamlined body make it an exceptionally swift runner, adept at navigating open savannas and grasslands.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
With its massive size (up to 275 cm tall and weighing up to 130 kg) and powerful legs, the Somali Ostrich possesses formidable strength. Its ability to deliver potent kicks as a defence mechanism further demonstrates its muscular prowess.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Whilst specialised for arid and semi-arid environments, the Somali Ostrich shows good adaptability. It can survive without water for extended periods by obtaining moisture from food, and its diet flexibly includes both plant matter and small animals.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally not overly aggressive, Somali Ostriches can become territorial during breeding season. Males may display aggressive behaviour during courtship and when defending nests. Their powerful kicks serve as a formidable defence when cornered.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Somali Ostrich exhibits impressive endurance, adapted to survive in harsh, arid environments. Its ability to go without water for extended periods and cover vast distances in search of food and water demonstrates remarkable stamina.
Diet
Somali Ostriches are omnivorous, primarily feeding on plant matter such as seeds, leaves, and fruits. They also consume insects, small reptiles, and rodents when available.
Their diet varies seasonally, and they can survive without water for extended periods by obtaining moisture from their food.
Behaviour
Somali Ostriches are diurnal and highly social, often forming small groups or larger flocks outside the breeding season.
They are excellent runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph). When threatened, they may flee or, if cornered, defend themselves with powerful kicks.
Vocalisation
Somali Ostriches are generally quiet but can produce a variety of sounds. Males emit a deep, booming call during courtship or territorial disputes, often described as a 'boom-boom' sound.
When alarmed, they may hiss or produce a loud, snorting noise. Chicks emit soft chirps to communicate with adults.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding occurs during the dry season, typically between September and March. Males perform elaborate courtship displays, including wing-flapping and rhythmic movements, to attract females.
The dominant male creates a shallow nest scrape in the ground, where multiple females lay their eggs. A clutch can contain 15-60 cream-coloured eggs, each weighing about 1.5 kg.
The male incubates the eggs for 42-46 days, with occasional help from the dominant female. Chicks are precocial and can run shortly after hatching, staying with their father for up to a year.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Somali Ostrich is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and egg collection.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting their remaining habitats and reducing human-wildlife conflict. Sustainable eco-tourism initiatives are being developed to support local communities and ostrich conservation.
Population Data
Global Population Estimate
Unknown
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Somali Ostriches in open savanna and grassland areas
- Observe from a safe distance, as they can be territorial during the breeding season
- Use binoculars to spot their distinctive long necks above tall grass
- Visit protected areas in Somalia, Ethiopia, or Kenya for the best chances of sighting
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Adult Somali Ostriches have few natural predators due to their size, but chicks and eggs are vulnerable to large carnivores such as lions, leopards, and hyenas.
Did You Know?
- Somali Ostriches have the largest eyes of any land animal, measuring up to 5 cm in diameter.
- They can survive without drinking water for several days by metabolising their food efficiently.
- A single ostrich egg is equivalent in volume to about 24 chicken eggs.
Similar Birds
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2022. Struthio molybdophanes. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T22732795A208237218.
View source - 2
report: Mutiga et al. 2016, Ripple et al. 2019
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.