Ostriches are interesting creatures – they are the largest living bird in the world and they can’t fly. But one of the most curious things about them is that they have feathers – even though they can’t fly!
So why do ostriches have feathers? Well there are a few reasons. For one feathers are great for insulation. They help keep the ostrich warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. Additionally feathers are pretty good at repelling water so they help keep the ostrich dry. Finally feathers can be used for communication. Ostriches use their feathers to communicate with other ostriches – they can make different feather displays to convey different messages.
All of these reasons are good reasons for why ostriches have feathers. But there is one more reason that is particularly fascinating. It turns out that ostriches use their feathers to attract mates!
That’s right – male ostriches use their feathers to try to impress female ostriches. They will make special feather displays to try to catch a female’s attention. If a female ostrich is impressed she will mate with the male.
So there you have it! That’s why ostriches have feathers. They use them for insulation communication and to attract mates.
How many toes does an ostrich have on each foot?
Two
What is the primary use for an ostrich’s tail?
To balance the ostrich while it is running
What is the smallest type of ostrich?
The Somali ostrich
How much can an ostrich run in an hour?
30 miles per hour
At what age do ostriches reach sexual maturity?
Between 2 to 4 years old
How many eggs can a female ostrich lay in one season?
10 to 12
How long does it take for an ostrich egg to hatch?
Approximately 42 days
What are the three main ostrich subspecies?
The African Black ostrich the Asian ostrich and the Blue-necked ostrich
What are the two colors of an ostrich’s eggs?
White and blue-green
What is the primary color of an ostrich’s feathers?
Black
What is the average weight of an ostrich?
Females: 90-140 pounds; Males: 150-280 pounds
What is the average height of an ostrich?
Females: 6-9 feet; Males: 7-9 feet
What is the lifespan of an ostrich in the wild?
20-30 years
What is the lifespan of an ostrich in captivity?
40-50 years
What are the primary predators of ostriches?
Lions leopards cheetahs and hyenas
