Gender Equality in Birds

Gender Equality in Birds

Have you have seen the largest bird of the world? It has wings but can't fly but can run run at up to 70 km/h, the fastest speed of any bird. A species of ratite family lay the largest egg weighing 900 gm. Like lion, it's weigh upto 145 kg and can attack with it's powerful claw (legs kick) that can kill a person. Generally they hide flat against the ground or run away, when frightened.

I think you got it. The Ostrich, the bird of native Africa.

Like human, the females mature earlier than males. The cock uses the wings to attract the hen for mating.  The males are black and the females are browny black. Do you know why? The eggs are incubated by the females by day and by the males by night. This uses the colouration of the two sexes to escape detection of the nest, as the drab female blends in with the sand, while the black male is nearly undetectable in the night. In zoo, where the risk is minimal, they share the time of incubation equally, and don't follow the day-night schedule of incubation. When female incubates, the male go for water and food. And when he comes back the female is relieved for her food and water. But they follow the principle of equality in incubating and protecting the eggs. Like other species, they fiercely fight with the predators to defend the chicks and can kill a lion in such confrontations.

Humans use their feathers for decoration and leather for products. It is used for racing and riding. Omnivores human use them in cooking too.

If not visiting Africa, you can see them in a zoo. A beautiful bird following gender equality.

Punamchand
10 April 2016