© Johann Du Toit
© Johann Du Toit
Male is black with white parts whilst the female is brownish grey with white parts. Chicks are striped buff and black on the head and neck, black and white on body. Once they reach one month old they can reach adult speeds of 50-60 kms/h.
The adults are gregarious. In fact the males are polygamous and average 3 females in dry years but then revert to monogamy. Their sexual maturity can be recognized by reddening of their legs as well as their aggression. Each female will deposit 3-8 eggs in a scrape on the ground after which the dominant female will then incubate (39-53 days) mainly in the day, whilst the male incubates at night.
On hot days, the adults can be seen dissipating heat by opening their bills and by moving hot air away from pockets under their wings by flapping up and down their backs. The Ostrich has a surprisingly large booming call that has been sometimes confused for lions roaring!
