The
Ostrich or Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) is one of two species of flightless birds native to Africa. It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs, and can run at up to about 70 km/h (19 m/s; 43 mph), the fastest land speed of any bird. The
Ostrich is the largest living species of bird and lays the largest eggs of any living bird.
There are four subspecies of
Ostrich.
The
North African Ostrich also called the Red-necked Ostrich or Barbary Ostrich
The
South African Ostrich also named the Black-necked Ostrich or Southern Ostrich.
The
Masai Ostrich is also known as the Pink-necked Ostrich or Eastern Africa Ostrich.
The
Arabian Ostrich has also been called the Syrian Ostrich or Middle Eastern Ostrich.
In 2014 molecular testing revealed that the
Somali Ostrich (Struthio molybdophanes) was, in fact, a distinct species. It can be distinguished because the neck and thighs are grey-blue rather than pinkish-red. In mating season the male becomes a bright blue.
I regularly take small groups on private safaris to Africa, and we always see the ubiquitous
Ostrich. If you would like more information about my safaris, check out my website,
www.wildlifeworkshops.com
