Struthio molybdophanes

(Reichenow, 1883)

Vernacular names

English : Somali ostrich
French : Autruche de Somalie

Classification

Class : Aves
Order : Struthioniformes
Family : Struthionidae
Notes : No subspecies known

Identification

Biggest and heaviest existent bird species with a height of 2.75 m for a weight of 156 kg. Male has black plumage with white remiges and tail, female is grey-brown. Male has neck, legs and head strongly bluish-grey, female is grey-beige.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in eastern Africa, from south Ethiopia, Djibouti and Somalia to north and east Kenya. Found in arid and semi arid grasslands and open woodlands.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is still locally common but has disappeared in many areas because of hunting (for feathers and eggs), persecution and loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation
Al Bustan Zoological Centre (UAE), Oklahoma City Zoo (USA)