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Ostrich – Struthio camelus
Dad taking junior for a stroll on the H1-6 main road, next to Bowkerskop pan. Earlier the morning we departed from the idyllic Letaba rest camp, where we stayed overnight in a Safari tent. Gradually we were making our way towards the scenic Shingwedzi. We turned off at Mopani to stock up on some biltong and a fresh supply of fluids. Shortly after we rejoined the main road, ever stretching north in this fast expand of seemingly never-ending nature reserve, we met these ostriches.
Actually it was a family group consisting of a male, a hen, and 3 chicks. This was interesting since ostrich males normally have a harem of 2-5 hens, although he would form a pair bond with only one, the dominant or "alpha" female. The fact that there were only 3 chicks filled me with a bit of sadness though. Normally ostriches may lay 15-20 eggs at a time (a communal nest could even contain up to 60 eggs) which means that this group must have lost a considerable portion of their family, presumably to predators. Adults have very keen eyesight and hearing therefore they can sense predators from far away and they would simply run away from most dangers, but if need be they can also defend themselves with a kick from a clawed toe that could even kill a lion or a human. However, the youngsters are very vulnerable and at risk to fall prey to various prowlers such as jackals, hunting dogs, cheetahs, and even lions.
Some cool facts about Ostriches.
Born to run
The ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird. It is flightless and can never take to the skies, so instead it's built for running. Its long, thick, and powerful legs can cover great distances without much effort, and its feet have only two toes for greater speed. They can sprint in short bursts up to 70km/h. Just one of their strides can be 3-5m long.
What are the wings for?
They hold their wings out to help them balance when they run, especially if they suddenly change direction although their main use is for displays and courtship, along with the tail feathers. To show dominance, an ostrich holds its head up high and lifts its wings and tail feathers; to show submission, the head, wings, and tail droop down.
Birds of a feather
Unlike many birds, their feathers are loose, soft, and smooth. They don’t hook together the way feathers of other birds do, giving ostriches that "shaggy" look. They do not have the special gland many birds have to waterproof their feathers while preening so; it can get soaked in the rain.
Extracted from San Diego Zoo.Com
Kruger is absolutely tops and I can hardly wait to go back there again, as soon as possible. (This last sentence was really intended for Anna’s eyes, otherwise known as Shorty (thanks Aaltjie) or also affectionately recognised as Miss. Piggy.) I never underestimate the power of suggestion.
Ostrich – Struthio camelus
Dad taking junior for a stroll on the H1-6 main road, next to Bowkerskop pan. Earlier the morning we departed from the idyllic Letaba rest camp, where we stayed overnight in a Safari tent. Gradually we were making our way towards the scenic Shingwedzi. We turned off at Mopani to stock up on some biltong and a fresh supply of fluids. Shortly after we rejoined the main road, ever stretching north in this fast expand of seemingly never-ending nature reserve, we met these ostriches.
Actually it was a family group consisting of a male, a hen, and 3 chicks. This was interesting since ostrich males normally have a harem of 2-5 hens, although he would form a pair bond with only one, the dominant or "alpha" female. The fact that there were only 3 chicks filled me with a bit of sadness though. Normally ostriches may lay 15-20 eggs at a time (a communal nest could even contain up to 60 eggs) which means that this group must have lost a considerable portion of their family, presumably to predators. Adults have very keen eyesight and hearing therefore they can sense predators from far away and they would simply run away from most dangers, but if need be they can also defend themselves with a kick from a clawed toe that could even kill a lion or a human. However, the youngsters are very vulnerable and at risk to fall prey to various prowlers such as jackals, hunting dogs, cheetahs, and even lions.
Some cool facts about Ostriches.
Born to run
The ostrich is the largest and heaviest living bird. It is flightless and can never take to the skies, so instead it's built for running. Its long, thick, and powerful legs can cover great distances without much effort, and its feet have only two toes for greater speed. They can sprint in short bursts up to 70km/h. Just one of their strides can be 3-5m long.
What are the wings for?
They hold their wings out to help them balance when they run, especially if they suddenly change direction although their main use is for displays and courtship, along with the tail feathers. To show dominance, an ostrich holds its head up high and lifts its wings and tail feathers; to show submission, the head, wings, and tail droop down.
Birds of a feather
Unlike many birds, their feathers are loose, soft, and smooth. They don’t hook together the way feathers of other birds do, giving ostriches that "shaggy" look. They do not have the special gland many birds have to waterproof their feathers while preening so; it can get soaked in the rain.
Extracted from San Diego Zoo.Com
Kruger is absolutely tops and I can hardly wait to go back there again, as soon as possible. (This last sentence was really intended for Anna’s eyes, otherwise known as Shorty (thanks Aaltjie) or also affectionately recognised as Miss. Piggy.) I never underestimate the power of suggestion.
Added:
2 years ago
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