From tough guys to caring ladies: The surprising life of ostriches

Mannelijke struisvogel

They are the giants of the bird world, with their long necks that overlook the savannahs and their powerful legs that allow them to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h in the blink of an eye. We are of course talking about the ostriches! But behind this impressive appearance lies a fascinating family life, with clear roles for Mr. and Mrs. Ostrich.

Man vs. Woman: A Matter of Color and Charisma

Wie past er niet in het plaatje?

It is not difficult to tell a male from a female ostrich. The males are real showmen (see photo)! They show off a striking black plumage, often with white accents on the wings and tail. Their necks and legs can get a pink or red glow during the breeding season - a clear signal that they are ready to impress the ladies.

The females (see video) on the other hand choose a more modest look. Their feathers are predominantly grey-brown, which helps them to blend in perfectly with their surroundings, especially when they are brooding the eggs. Practical and efficient, that's what the ladies are!

A Joint Effort: Nest Building and the Big Brood

When spring is in the air (or the dry season in their natural habitat), courtship begins. Males perform impressive courtship dances , spreading their wings, bowing and rhythmically stamping their feet. If a female is impressed, the foundation for a new ostrich family has been laid.

As for the nest, no complicated constructions here!

Ostriches are practical creatures. They scrape a simple hole in the ground, often in a sandy spot with good visibility all around. This becomes the shared nursery. And then the big laying begins! A dominant female usually lays the most eggs in the nest – sometimes as many as 7 to 10 !

Brood care is a teamwork effort.

During the day, the female takes on the task of brooding, with her camouflage colours helping her to remain inconspicuous. At night, the black-coloured male takes over. His dark feathers are less visible in the dark, which means the eggs are better protected from nocturnal predators.

After about 42 days of hard brooding, the small, fluffy ostrich chicks hatch from their large, cream-colored eggs. It is a wonder to watch these fragile creatures quickly stand on their long legs and follow their parents.

More than just big birds

Ostriches are not only impressive creatures, but also devoted parents who work together to raise their offspring. The clear division of roles between the flashy male and the practical female, and their joint care for the nest and the chicks, make these giants of the bird world all the more fascinating!

Have you ever seen an ostrich in real life? Share your experiences in the comments below!