Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...

Somali Ostrich

Struthio molybdophanes

The Somali ostrich, known scientifically as Struthio molybdophanes and colloquially as the blue-necked ostrich, is a grand flightless bird that graces the Horn of Africa with its presence. It stands as one of the two extant species of ostriches, the other being its relative, the common ostrich. This species was recognized as distinct from the common ostrich in 2014, having previously been considered a subspecies.

Identification Tips

The Somali ostrich can be distinguished by the unique coloration of its skin; the neck and thighs exhibit a blue hue, which intensifies to a vivid blue in males during the breeding season. Unlike its relatives, the Somali ostrich's neck is devoid of the broad white ring typically seen in other ostrich species. The males, larger in stature than the females, also boast white tail feathers.

Habitat

This species predominantly inhabits the Horn of Africa, with its range extending across the varied landscapes of north-eastern Ethiopia, southern Djibouti, much of Kenya, and the vast majority of Somalia.

Distribution

The Somali ostrich is native to the Horn of Africa, where it roams the arid and semi-arid regions. Its distribution is primarily within the aforementioned countries, where it has adapted to the local environments.

Behaviour

Ecologically distinct from the common ostrich, the Somali ostrich shows a preference for bushier and more densely vegetated areas. It is primarily a browser rather than a grazer, which contrasts with the common ostrich's inclination towards open savanna grazing. There have been reports suggesting that the two species experience difficulties when interbreeding.

Status and Conservation

As of the last assessment, the Somali ostrich is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was common in central and southern Somalia, but following political instability and the absence of effective wildlife conservation measures, its numbers have dwindled. Uncontrolled hunting for meat, medicinal products, and eggs has led to a reduction in its range and population, with the species facing potential eradication in the Horn of Africa. In Kenya, however, the Somali ostrich is farmed, which may offer a more sustainable approach to utilizing its resources.

Diet and Feeding

The Somali ostrich's diet consists largely of plant matter, as it browses the more thickly vegetated areas within its habitat. This diet differentiates it from the common ostrich, which is more of a grazer.

Breeding

During the mating season, the male Somali ostrich's neck turns a striking bright blue, signaling its readiness to breed.

Similar Species

The Somali ostrich is often compared to the common ostrich, from which it was once thought to be a subspecies. The common ostrich typically has pinkish skin on its neck and thighs and a white ring around its neck, which the Somali ostrich lacks.

Conservation Status

The Somali ostrich is currently listed as Vulnerable, indicating that it faces a high risk of endangerment in the wild. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species, particularly in regions where it has been heavily affected by human activities.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Somali Ostriches on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Ostriches

A photo of a Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) , male

Common Ostrich

Struthio camelus
Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Alice J
Awesome Birding Community
I absolutely love the community aspect of this app. The app is so user friendly and has fun interactive challenges to get you out birding. I’ve tried others but since I’ve started using Birda I’ve not gone back!
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter πŸ˜ƒ
Hip An
Fantastic
Really enjoying Birda where I live i have a lot of Red kites really hard to photograph but I can video are you planning some place on the app where us Birda can post vidsπŸ¦‰πŸ¦…
Abi.M
Awesome App
I really enjoy using this app! It is such a friendly community of bird-lovers who are happy to help if I need ID advice. It’s been great motivation to get outdoors and go birding more! 10/10 😍😍
Marlster24
Very Wholesome App
Joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter πŸ˜„
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
EandB17
Terrific App for Birders
Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
Jake W
Great app
I use this app all the time as it’s quick and easy to log individual sightings or whole birding sessions. It’s an excellent way to meet new people and the forum is full of really friendly people. The challenges are a great way to get involved and learn more about birds. Cannot recommend it enough!
Dunners12345
Great App
Great app to use for logging and communicating with others who are interested in birds
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright Β© 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.