Until the early 20th century, ostriches inhabited Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and southwest Asia.To date, these flightless birds living not only in parts of Africa, but also extend to the whole continent.Despite the commercial breeding of ostriches in warm countries like ostrich farm can be found all over the world.It is not known exactly how many individuals are now living on the earth.
historical fact
is noteworthy that in the 18-19 centuries, these flightless birds were pretty rare animals, as they were almost completely wiped out because of its beautiful plumage.In those days, their feathers are extensively used for the dresses, and so the birds gradually disappeared.Despite the fact that the running speed of an ostrich in an emergency strikes, these birds were fairly easy prey when caught by hunters.In 1838, their population has increased again due to the farmers.
lifestyle and diet
mainly African ostrich lives in semi-open.Normally the birds are held in schools or small families.In each group, there is an adult male, 4-5 females and chicks.These amazing winged have excellent eyesight and can see the danger at a distance of many kilometers.In the case of aliens on the territory of the nest, the bird prefers to flee.Run Speed ostrich in case of danger is more than 70 km / h.Every step of the way is three meters.Also amazing ability ostriches - it is an opportunity to change the direction of its run, without compromising speed.
feed on birds, plants, flowers, seeds and fruits.Sometimes the ostriches eat even small animals.For example, insects or locusts, sometimes it may even be a small rodent or some remnants of prey predator.Adult individuals a day to about 3.5 kilograms of food.As well as the usual domestic chicken to grind food ostriches forced to swallow small stones and other solid objects indigestible, it is because they have no teeth.Like many animals in Africa, they can safely manage for a long time without water content obtained from plant moisture.
marriage between
During breeding males try to attract females peculiar dance.They kneel and beat their wings on the ground, with the head thrown back his head so that the back of his head to touch his own back.During this time, the neck and legs of male acquire a bright color.For the attention of females compete more males that sort of battle suit.Although the running ostrich is its special hallmark, in courtship they show other qualities.In order to show their superiority, one of the rivals gaining a full crop of air force and pushes it through the esophagus.
This is a loud dull roar.He whose sound was louder is the winner and gets the female, the loser leaves the opponent.The strongest male covers several companions.
noteworthy that male ostriches in the same way as females hatch chicks.In the world of ostrich eggs are considered to be the largest, and, of course, they are the object of the hunt for predators.
Vyluplyayas chicks weigh a little more than a kilogram, and in the 4 months has already reached their weight 18-19 kg.The very next day after the chick hatched, he goes in search of food with his father.
Amazing Runner
As mentioned earlier, the ostrich does not fly, but it is completely compensates for this little nuance opportunity to run fast.
speed running ostrich in an emergency develops up to 70 km / h.Birds can travel long distances without tiring.Thus, these winged predators literally exhausting not only for its speed and maneuverability, but what can run in this rhythm for a long time.
Interesting facts about ostriches
speed running ostrich - is not the only feature of these amazing birds.
In addition, there are a few interesting facts that distinguish them from other fauna:
1. kick ostrich can kill the lion.
2. Despite the fact that most people tend to believe that the danger in the event of an ostrich hiding its head in the sand, is to dispel this rumor.In fact, if a predator threatens its socket, it can only go down to the ground and put his head in the sand, so merging with the terrain.If the you are at a sufficient distance from the bird, it looks like she stuck her head in the sand.Running ostrich in danger is his basic maneuvers.Despite their seemingly aggressive behavior, these birds are pretty sneaky.
3. Weight ostrich egg can be up to 1.5 kg, and a maximum width is about 15 cm. One such egg in proportion to the two dozen eggs.
4. Ostrich - is the only bird that has no cancer, repels water, so when it rains it gets wet plumage much.
5. In the event of danger "winged pedestrian" can produce sounds similar to a lion's roar.
6. Ostrich eye is considered the largest of all known terrestrial beings, and is a diameter greater than 5 cm.
7. It is the only bird that can withstand the weight of a person.As you know, in some regions even arranged ostrich races, where the rider performs the role of a person.This is logical, given the incredible speed of running ostrich in times of danger.
8. When the chicks hatch, the female breaks the rest of the spoiled eggs, so they flock flies that become food for small birds.
By their nature, these birds are pretty aggressive, so do not approach them for a reason, and even more so to provoke them to attack.
Emu
Unlike their cousins, the representative of the flightless birds distinguished friendliness and curiosity.It is this quality often turn against itself feathered giant.For example, in 1930, farmers in Australia suffer from attacks of these birds, as the vast creation literally trampled wheat fields.Given the speed of running ostrich in case of danger or at rest, it is not difficult to imagine that from fertile crops could do nothing.As a consequence the government decided to equip this expedition with the participation of military and declare war feathered enemies.
In conclusion
Thanks to the many farms to date ostriches are not at risk of extinction.A widely used in the world of their eggs and flesh.Nevertheless, should take good care of any living creature, and to closely monitor the population of the species.
