When it comes to love and relationships different animal species have different proclivities. For example while some animals mate for life others are more polygamous engaging in multiple relationships at once. As for ostriches it appears that they mate for life.
Ostriches are interesting creatures. They’re the largest bird in the world and can live for up to 70 years. They’re also fast runners reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. When it comes to their mating habits it seems that they’re pretty faithful to their partner.
One study found that out of 32 ostrich pairs that were studied none of the birds strayed from their mate. The study also found that the pairs were pretty evenly matched when it came to size which suggests that the birds choose their partners based on physical compatibility.
So why do ostriches mate for life? It’s likely because it benefits them in some way. For one it means that they don’t have to waste time and energy finding a new mate every mating season. It also allows them to form a strong bond with their partner which can help them to better protect their offspring.
Interestingly while ostriches do mate for life they don’t generally form long-term bonds with their mates outside of the breeding season. This means that they’re not always together and don’t share the same social life. However when they are together they do form a close bond.
If you’re wondering whether other animals mate for life there are a few that do including swans albatrosses and some species of penguins. However there are also many animals that are polygamous meaning that they have multiple mates. This includes animals like lions tigers and bears.
So do ostriches mate for life? It appears that they do. While we don’t know exactly why it’s likely because it benefits them in some way. Regardless of the reason it’s interesting to think about the different mating habits of different animals.
