Struthionidae

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Avestruz de cuello azul (Struthio camelus australis), cabo de Buena Esparanza, Sudáfrica, 2018-07-23, DD 87

Ostrich Ngorongoro 02

Somali ostrich

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Στρουθοκαμήλου στην Bucaramanga της Κολομβίας

Struthionidae is a family of flightless birds that includes the ostriches, which are native to Africa. This family is part of the order Struthioniformes, which also includes other large flightless birds such as emus, cassowaries, rheas, and kiwis, although these are in different families. The Struthionidae family is characterized by its members' large size, long legs, and ability to run at high speeds, making them the fastest land birds. Ostriches are the only living members of this family, making Struthionidae a monotypic family.

Description

Ostriches are the largest living birds, with adult males standing up to 2.8 meters (9 feet) tall and weighing over 156 kilograms (344 pounds). They have a distinctive appearance with a long neck and legs, which allows them to cover great distances at a fast pace. Their feathers are loose and soft, lacking the barbules that interlock the feathers of flying birds. Ostriches have two toes on each foot, unlike most birds which have three or four, with the large nail on the main toe resembling a hoof. This adaptation helps them in running and provides greater speed.

Habitat and Distribution

Struthionidae members, specifically ostriches, inhabit a variety of environments, from savannas to deserts across Africa. They are versatile in their habitat preferences but require areas with open land where they can utilize their speed to escape from predators. Historically, ostriches were also found in the Middle East, but hunting and habitat destruction have limited their range primarily to sub-Saharan Africa.

Behavior

Ostriches are social birds that live in groups, which can vary from a few birds to over fifty individuals, depending on the habitat and time of year. They are nomadic, moving within their large home ranges in search of food. Ostriches are omnivores, feeding on a mix of vegetation, insects, and other small creatures. They are known for their ability to run at speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph), making them the fastest birds on land. Ostriches do not fly; instead, they rely on their strong legs for movement and defense.

Reproduction

The breeding season for ostriches varies depending on the geographic location, but generally occurs during the dry season. Males establish territories and attract females with elaborate displays, including puffing out their feathers and making booming calls. Ostriches are polygamous, with a dominant male mating with multiple females. The females lay their eggs in a communal nest, which is a simple pit in the ground. The dominant female's eggs are placed in the center of the nest, where they receive the most attention from the parents. Ostrich eggs are the largest of any living bird, weighing about 1.4 kilograms (3 pounds).

Conservation

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the ostrich as Least Concern, but their populations are decreasing due to habitat loss, hunting for their feathers, skin, and meat, and competition with livestock for resources. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat protection and management, as well as establishing ostrich farms to meet the demand for ostrich products in a sustainable manner.