Breeding male © Marco Valentini eBird S64996954 Macaulay Library ML 204565301
Female/immature © Olivier Langrand
Nonbreeding male © Holger Teichmann
Chick © Michael McCloy
Female/immature © Holger Teichmann
+ 3
Breeding male © Kevin Vande Vusse
Female/immature © Robbin Mallett

Common Ostrich Struthio camelus

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Identification

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Massive, conspicuous, flightless bird with long neck and robust legs. Mature males have black-and-white plumage, with pinkish skin, flushed in breeding plumage. Females and immatures are duller gray-brown. Small groups roam open and lightly-wooded country; can walk up to several kilometers a day. The stubby wings are used for spectacular breeding displays and dust-bathing. Deep booming calls can be heard from long distances. Similar Somali Ostrich (no range overlap) has slaty-colored skin and pale eyes, unlike the pink-skinned Common Ostrich.

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