Struthio camelus massaicus

(Neumann, 1898)

Vernacular names
English : Masai ostrich
French : Autruche masaï

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Struthioniformes
Family : Struthionidae
Notes : 3 other 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 dark brown. Male from this subspecies has pink-red neck and tiny white bristle-like feathers on top of head (whereas nominate subspecies barely has any bristles on head). White neck-ring thinner than for nominate subspecies.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs from south Kenya to Tanzania. The species is also found in southern and northern Africa. Lives in semi-arid plains from deserts to savanna and woodlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is now protected and remains fairly common. This subspecies is still common in protected area but its conservation status is poorly known at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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