Somali ostrich: subspecies description, reproduction and diet

The Somali African ostrich, known in its homeland as gorayo, is distinguished by its large size and bright plumage. Under natural conditions, hunters endanger the population. Consumer interest is not only poultry meat, which often weighs more than 150 kilograms, but also eggs. This subspecies easily adapts to captivity, and becomes a common inhabitant of farms.

Appearance

Gorayo is rightfully considered the tallest and most massive representative of birds. The ostrich reaches 2.5 meters in height, and the average weight ranges from 130 to 155 kilograms, sometimes reaching a record 175 kilograms. Females are heavier and larger than males.

Long neck and thighs, devoid of plumage, gray. The dark plumage of the body contrasts spectacularly with the greyish-white tail and wings. The body of females is covered with brown feathers. African ostriches do not have goiter and keel, the neck is plastic, the muscular frame of the chest is poorly developed.

The head of the Somali is small, with large eyes and a flat beak. At the crown, sparse hairs are visible, forming a characteristic bald patch.

Ostriches can't fly. Undeveloped wings pass into two fingers with claws or spurs at the ends. Long, strong legs allow you to reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour.

Character, behavior and lifestyle

Ostriches live in families, which during the dormant period include a male and a group of 4-5 females. During the mating season, the male accepts other females in the territory he controls, entering into a fight with competitors.

In nature, ostrich families easily change their place of residence, moving together with zebras and antelopes. Growth allows the bird to notice an approaching predator at a great distance, signaling danger with a characteristic call.

Peak of physical activity falls on twilight hours. At night and midday heat, the birds rest. Short periods of deep sleep are performed in the supine position with the neck stretched out. Most of the rest is a period of drowsiness, when the bird sits with its head up, eyes closed.

Natural habitats

The habitat of ostriches is steadily shrinking. The Somali subspecies is distributed in Somalia, in southern Ethiopia, northeast Kenya. Somalis are found in savannahs, deserts, but, if possible, ostrich families choose flat areas richer in vegetation. Moving to new territories for living, birds settle near water bodies.

Natural enemies of ostriches

Adults differ in speed, strength and are capable of showing aggression in case of danger. Lions, cheetahs, leopards become a threat to the ostrich family. A he althy mature ostrich is rarely attacked by predators. With one blow, the legs of the birds can lay on the shoulder blades of a lion. Ostrich eggs and newly hatched offspring are more often prey. Jackals, hyenas, vultures hunt for eggs.

During the breeding season, birds are especially vulnerable and are ready to protect the clutch and chicks by any means. If the ostrich senses a danger to the brood, it will attack without hesitation.

What do they eat

The basis of the diet of Somali ostriches is plant and animal food. In their natural habitat, birds eat:

• green parts, fruits, rhizomes of trees, shrubs, plants;
• insects;
• lizards and small rodents;
• leftovers from carnivores.

Each inhabitant of an ostrich farm will need about 3.5 kilograms of feed daily. Somali ostriches have no teeth, so gravel, small pebbles become an integral part of the diet.

Birds need water. Natural endurance allows ostriches to survive for a long time without drinking in the presence of plant food. Drinkers are placed in the aviary for birds.

Reproduction and offspring

Ostriches reach sexual maturity by the age of three. The male controls the territory, an area of several kilometers, to which he does not let other males, but welcomes the females.In the presence of a competitor, the ostrich makes a characteristic sound resembling a deep growl, after which it attacks the opponent. The winner holds the territory and mates with the females present on it, forming a pair with one. Females lay their eggs in a common nest, which they equip in a deepening of the ground. Males take part in incubation, replacing the female on the nest at night.

Ostrich eggs are up to 21 centimeters long and 13 centimeters wide. The weight of such an egg is 1.5-2 kilograms. After 45-50 days, from 10 to 12 chicks hatch, pushing off with their limbs and hitting the shell with the back of their head. In newborn ostriches, whose average weight is 1-1.2 kilograms, you can see a hematoma on the head, formed as a result of a blow.

Population and species status

Cultivation of Somali ostriches in artificial conditions allows you to save the population, the number of which in nature continues to decrease.

In addition to the purpose of subspecies conservation, farmers breed birds to obtain:

• meat;
• eggs;
• skin;
• pen.

Ostriches are classified as centenarians. In a favorable environment, some individuals live up to 80 years. Birds are known for their endurance and good he alth.

Ostrich farms are ubiquitous today. Birds are able to adapt to the cool climate of temperate latitudes. Artificial breeding of ostriches minimizes the risk of extinction of the population.

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