Common Ostrich
Struthio camelus
[Alt: Ostrich]
Uncommon as singles,occasionally in small groups in drier, bushed and wooded grassland, mainly below 2000m. In NE Africa, the nominate race occurs in Er, Dj and N&WEt. Ostriches have a complex breeding system with one major and 5–6 minor hens laying an average of 25 eggs in the same nest (which are incubated by the major hen during the day, and by the male at night). Chicks hatch after around 6 weeks and leave nest after 4 days. They join other young birds to form crèches which can number more than a hundred. Ostriches mature at 3–4 years, but males are unlikely to achieve mating status until 6–7 years. Eggs attract the unique tool-using Egyptian Vulture which uses stones to break them open, as well as other predators like hyaenas.

photo by HenuPhotography
Abijatta-shalla national park
Ethiopia
Jan.
2024

Ethiopian Birds & Bird photography

Common Ostrich
Struthio camelus
[Alt: Ostrich]
Uncommon as singles,occasionally in small groups in drier, bushed and wooded grassland, mainly below 2000m. In NE Africa, the nominate race occurs in Er, Dj and N&WEt. Ostriches have a complex breeding system with one major and 5–6 minor hens laying an average of 25 eggs in the same nest (which are incubated by the major hen during the day, and by the male at night). Chicks hatch after around 6 weeks and leave nest after 4 days. They join other young birds to form crèches which can number more than a hundred. Ostriches mature at 3–4 years, but males are unlikely to achieve mating status until 6–7 years. Eggs attract the unique tool-using Egyptian Vulture which uses stones to break them open, as well as other predators like hyaenas.

photo by HenuPhotography
Abijatta-shalla national park
Ethiopia
Jan.
2024

hottg.com/Ethiobirding/1427

353 viewsHenu, Feb 17 at 09:38