Ostrich

Struthio camelus

Description:

Ostrich eyes are said to be the largest of any land vertebrate – 50 mm (2.0 in) in diameter; they can therefore perceive predators at a great distance. Their eyes are shaded from sunlight falling from above. As you can see, they can be greatly bothered by flies, which may be why this bird was closing his eyes periodically (you can see the white nictitating membrane).

Habitat:

Seen at the Nairobi National Park

1 Species ID Suggestions

Azura Firdaus W 11 years ago

Ostrich

Struthio camelus

6 Comments

EvaH 11 years ago

Nice portrait.

Maria dB 11 years ago

Jolly, I think that is their usual expression! :>)

Jolly Ibañez 11 years ago

Angry bird?

Maria dB 11 years ago

Thanks, Heather. I don't know if the flies bother it anymore than they would bother people or other animals. But at least we humans can try to swat them away!

HeatherMiller 11 years ago

Neat picture. Why do the flies bother it so much?

Maria dB 11 years ago

Thanks, Azura. I already had the scientific name in the spotting, so it is not necessary to suggest an ID (unless someone thought I got it wrong). We use the ID suggestion box to offer suggestions to people who have not (yet) found the correct scientific ID; for example, when a posting says "Unknown". I appreciate your taking the time to look this up!