Ostrich predators skin#

Ostrich predators skin#

For example, they use them to cover the bare skin of their extremities and flanks, to conserve heat or leave them uncovered to release it.

Although this bird does not fly, the wings serve several functions. This extension of the chest bone is what provides the area for the flight muscles to anchor in the case of flying birds. The ostrich has a flat sternum, lacking a keel. In addition, they have thick black eyelashes. Their eyes are brown and large, with a diameter of 50 millimeters. It has a wide and short bill, measuring between 12 and 14.3 centimeters. The head of the Struthio camelus It is small and is 2.8 meters above the ground. Due to this, they are fluffy and soft and fulfill the function of thermal insulation. The feathers do not have the hooks that attach the outer feathers of flying birds. The limbs are not covered with feathers, so the skin tone stands out. As for the head and most of the neck they are almost naked, being covered by a fine down. The female and the young are grayish brown. The male generally has a black coat, with white feathers on the tail and wings. Ostrich skin can range from shades of gray to deep pink. Once it reaches sexual maturity, between 2 and 4 years, the male measures between 2.1 and 2.8 meters, while the length of the female ranges between 1.7 and 2 meters. Thus, when they are one year old, the ostrich weighs around 45 kilograms. As for the female, it is usually smaller than the male.ĭuring the first year, the young grow about 25 centimeters per month. The adult male could be 2.75 meters tall and weigh more than 150 kilograms. The Struthio camelus it is the largest living bird.

These morphometric and morphological characteristics are the response to the achievement and maintenance of high aerobic capacities and long gasps, without the ostrich experiencing respiratory alkalosis. In addition, the size of the bronchi could be the reason for the organ's insensitivity to blood acid-base imbalance during sustained panting in a situation of heat stress. As for the bronchial system, its large size could explain the changes in airflow in the respiratory tract, which occur from rest to wheezing. These peculiarities are typical of small flying birds.Īlso, the neopulm is underdeveloped, as in flying ratites. For example, this African bird lacks interparabronchial septa, has morphometric refinement, and its atria are shallow. The ostrich lung has characteristics that are present in other groups of birds. In this way, it helps to maintain the stability of the animal and in the protection of the plantar tissue. The researchers argue that, based on biomechanical characteristics, these structures absorb energy and reduce vibration. This is why the toe pad has characteristics that promote shock absorption. Thus, from afar they can look like a mountain of sand. Both youngsters and adults, to avoid being spotted by the threatening animal, they throw themselves on the ground, with their face and neck stretched out. The ostrich has a very particular behavior when faced with the threat of a predator. It is a herbivorous animal, which also usually consumes some animals, such as locusts and rodents, and carrion. This bird is native to the African continent, where it lives in open areas and in sandy and arid habitats. Another variation, in terms of color, is presented by the skin. As for the females, they are usually brown or gray tones. Males are generally black, with white tail and wingtips. The coloration of their plumage varies according to sex. This species is the largest living bird, the male reaching 2.75 meters in height and reaching a weight of 150 kilograms. The ostrich ( Struthio camelus) is a flightless bird that belongs to the Struthionidae family. - North African Ostriches Recovery Project.Video: This Ostrich is Different | Here’s Why Content