Dance of the Ostrich

Image credit: Matt Burke on Unsplash

In the scorching heat of a savannah, a bird wades through a yellow sea of tall, dry grass. An ostrich, also known as Struthio camelus. Its scientific name originates from ancient Greeks believing that it was simply a large sparrow (Struthio) with a long, camel-like neck (Camelus).  

 The bird’s huge feathers form large, matte brown plumes that flare out furiously and indicate that it is a female ostrich. Its tall, stilt-like legs stand firmly on the ground and disappear into her round body. Her two clawed toes spread out on the ground and assert dominance on the ground they step on. A long neck softens in places to allow her head to bend to the ground. Very soon it will be time to feed. 

 Her senses sharpen and draw attention to a snake darting aimlessly, its glistening skin betraying it by reflecting too obviously. The chase begins.  

Her legs immediately bolt into action. They carry her in a zig zag motion, kicking up clouds of dust on the way. Although her wings flap occasionally, her weight drags down towards the ground. She cannot not fly. It does not matter because she can run. It is apparent that she can go faster, much faster. Her legs could spring off the ground and carry her at up to 70 km/h, but that is not necessary here. 

The snake is too easily caught and frantically flails in her beak, but it is of no use. She instinctively gobbles up some pebbles to compensate for her lack of teeth. They grind inside her, helping the meal move down her gullet with the ease of a leaf floating lazily down a river. Finding comfort in her catch, she ambles over to some vegetation and bites nonchalantly into the leaves.  

Suddenly, a hollow booming sound fills the air. In the distance, she catches a glimpse of fluttering and scurries off to join her peers. Upon venturing closer, she finds a male bird with pitch black feathers lined by a glossy white outer border towering over her. The black bird opens its beak and another roar-like sound emanates from it.  

After its thunderous mating call has attracted as many female hens as possible, the male begins slowly moving one wing after the other and soon becomes immersed in the throes of a mating dance. It is not a proposal for any particular female bird as ostriches are polygamous by nature and find community in flocks. Eventually, the male ostrich will carefully choose its dominant hen. She will have the first choice in mating grounds and have the privilege of laying her precious eggs first. For now, the large male ostrich bows as if in reverence, and then something enchanting begins to happen.  

The male’s beak slowly washes over with a bold red, as does its shins. The bright colour serves as a bold indication of the bird’s preparation for mating. The surrounding females have a mating sign of their own. Their feathers transform into a lustrous silver. The light reflects off the feathers radiantly as a beacon of wonder for all to see. 

In a little over a month, in a dark crevice in the ground, subtle sounds of cracking will be heard. The round, glossy, cream-coloured eggs laid there will erupt with new life. Once more, a bird will be seen in the heated expanse of a savannah. It will feed, run and mate in a vibrant display of new life.  

Image credit: Catherine Merline on Unsplash