How to identify common ostrich
- Very long bare neck and legs
- Two toes on each foot
- Adult males are mostly black with white wing and tail feathers
Do not identify from one clue alone.
Distance, age, sex, season and light can change an animal’s appearance. Combine several visible features and keep “not sure” as a valid answer.
Behaviour and habitat
What you may notice
Walks and runs on open ground
What you may notice
May occur alone, in pairs or groups
What you may notice
Feeds on plants and small animals
Where it fits
Open grassland, semi-arid plains and savanna.
What can it be confused with?
No other local bird combines this size, bare neck and two-toed running feet.
View it responsibly
Do not force a bird to run beside a vehicle. Slow down early and let it leave the road in its own time.