Common Ostrich

The Common Ostrich is a striking bird. Males boast black body feathers contrasted by white wing and tail plumes. Their long, bare necks and legs are pinkish-grey, and their heads are relatively small with large, expressive eyes.

Females are slightly smaller and have duller, brown-grey plumage. Juveniles resemble females but have streaked necks and legs. Both sexes have two-toed feet, which is unique among birds.

• Look for ostriches in open grasslands and savannas
• Observe from a safe distance, as they can be aggressive if approached too closely
• Watch for their distinctive gait and tall profile on the horizon
• Visit wildlife reserves in East or Southern Africa for the best viewing opportunities

Ostriches breed during the dry season. Males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. A dominant male may mate with several females, forming a harem.

Nests are simple scrapes in the ground, often in communal nesting areas. The dominant female lays 7-10 cream-coloured eggs, with subordinate females adding their eggs to the clutch, totalling up to 60 eggs per nest.

Incubation lasts about 42 days, with the male primarily incubating at night and the female during the day. Chicks are precocial, able to run within hours of hatching, and remain with their parents for up to a year.

Ostriches are highly social, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. They are known for their impressive speed, using their powerful legs to outrun predators.

When threatened, they may also lie flat on the ground to blend in with their surroundings, contrary to the myth of burying their heads in sand.