North African Ostrich
Struthio camelus camelus
The ostrich is the largest living bird, and the North African Ostrich is the largest of the four subspecies. Males are black and white with a striking red neck and legs and females are grey and white with pale neck and legs.
They mainly feed on plant matter but will also occasionally eat invertebrates and small lizards.
Conservation
A century ago, the North African Ostrich inhabited a wide range in both the north and south of the Sahara. Today, that range has been reduced significantly. This decline is due to hunting for feathers and food, egg collection and habitat loss.
- Species
- North African Ostrich
- Height
- 270 cm
- Weight
- 150 kg
- Eggs
- 7-10 eggs
- Range
- West and southern Sahara and the Sahel.
- Conservation status
- Critically Endangered
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