OSTRICH

The common ostrich belong to the order struthioniformes. Struthioniformespreviusly, containened all the ratites, such as the kiws, emus, rheas, and cassowaries. However, recent genetic analysis has found that the group is not monophyletic, as is is paraphylesic with respect to the tinamous, so the ostriches are now classified as the sister group to all other members of paleaaeognathae and thus the flighted tinamousare the sister group to the extincts moa.

The common ostrich diet consists maily of plant matter, though it also eats ivertebrates. It lives in nomadic groups 5 to 50 birds. When theatened, the ostrich will either hide itself by lying flat against the ground, or run away. if cornered, it can attack with a kick of its poweful legs. Mating patterns differ by geographical region, but territorria males fight for a harem of two to seven females.

WHERE WILL YOU FIND THEM?

You will find ostrich in the west side of the zoo.