The African ostrich is the largest modern bird. Despite the huge size, ostriches can not fly, they are flightless birds. Their wings are quite large, but they are not suitable for flight, but their legs are very powerful and long.

Social behavior

Outside of the breeding season, ostriches are kept in small groups or families. The family usually consists of a male, several females, and chicks.

Reproduction

To build a nest, the male makes a shallow hole in the ground, where all the females of his harem lay their eggs. As a result, there are 15 to 25 eggs in the nest. The dominant female incubates together with the male (the male incubates at night, the female-during the day). After a month and a half of incubation, the chicks begin to hatch. Chicks are born sighted, covered with brownish stiff bristles. The head and neck are decorated with camouflage stripes.

Species and people

Ostriches are strong birds, and you can even ride them. In some countries, ostrich races are organized for the entertainment of the public. The essence is as follows: the rider sits astride an ostrich, and the birds run along a kind of corridor fenced with bars. But since ostriches are aggressive birds and almost untrained, such entertainment is not widespread.

Interesting Facts

Ostriches can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h. Even chicks at the age of 1 month can run at a speed of 50 km/h.

The chicks are led by a male who takes care of them. If there are two large fathers and the broods are mixed, then the males fight for this large brood. The winner takes care of all the chicks.