About the Somali Ostrich
The Somali ostrich, also known as the blue-necked ostrich, is a large flightless bird native to the Horn of Africa. It is one of two living species of ostriches, the other being the common ostrich. It was also previously considered a subspecies of the common ostrich, but was identified as a distinct species in 2014. For a long time, Somalis partially domesticated some of these ostriches.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
Though generally similar to other ostriches, the skin of the neck and thighs of the Somali ostrich is blue-tinged grey (rather than pinkish), becoming brighter blue on the male during the mating season. The neck lacks any broad white ring. The wing primary and tail feathers are white in males, and brown in females. The males are larger than the females. The Somali ostrich is similar in size to other ostriches so far as is known, perhaps averaging marginally smaller in body mass than some subspecies of common ostrich (at least the nominate race, S. c. camelus).
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Somalia.
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
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