Idea #536 – Observing the Ostriches of the Namibian Bush of Etosha
The Ostrich of Africa (Struthio camelus) is a species of flightless birds of the family of Struthionidae. The populations of wild ostriches are nowadays endemic of the African continent, but their territory extended formerly to Syria. The Ostrich of Africa frequents the desert or semi-desert sandy regions with scattered vegetation, the savannas or the more or less dense dry forests.
The ostrich possesses a massive body, supported by long and strong legs, and topped with a long neck which ends by a head proportionally very small. With its 2,50 m of top and its 130 kg on average the male ostrich is the biggest and the heaviest current birds. The head, the two thirds of the neck and legs are naked. The bare skin color varies according to subspecies.
The ostrich presents a sexual dimorphisme: the male has a black plumage, but the extremities of wings and tail wear white feathers. There is so a little white on the border between the naked part and the fledged part on the neck; the female possesses a grey-brown plumage and the clear bottom, of beige to white.
The ostriches are unfit of the flight, but are excellent in running. Their speed on the ground is remarkable: they can reach up to 70 kph, but are probably faster in the starting up.
Where is it?
Etosha National Park, Namibie
