Fleeting love

For my bird breading project within the conservation area, I have been very lucky to make interesting observations. Today in particular at Musalaba Mkubwa around 8:30 am, we were lucky enough to witness the mating routine of the world’s largest flightless bird: the ostrich. For several minutes the male rhythmically waved its magnificent wings and twisted its pink neck in large circles, as if engaged in a Spanish lullaby dance. The female, obviously impressed with his amorous display, lowered her head towards the ground and downwardly outstretched her wings. The female eventually went to the ground and the male seized the moment. He quickly ran to her and jumped on top of her. He continued with his elaborate dance for about 30 seconds more, and then both ostriches stood up and walked off in opposite directions, as if they had never met.

Posted: Ngorongoro Crater by Erick Nyamohanga, Date: 17 August 2010