28 



NEORNITHES RATITAE 



CHAP. 



to avoid detection is of course devoid of foundation, this species is 

 timid and wild in its native haunts, and being keen-sighted as 

 well as wary, gives an impression of great restlessness. From 

 the fact that a single stride is said to cover 



^^r^v-jw. 



twenty-five feet or more, it will readily be under- 

 stood that the speed is very great, exceeding that 

 of a galloping horse ; but, owing to its habit of 

 running in a curve, it is generally possible to 

 intercept the bird's path at a distance from the 

 point where it started. In motion the head is 



held forward, and 

 the wings are out- 

 spread, while both 

 beak and feet are 

 used as weapons 

 of defence when 

 capture is immi- 

 nent, the latter 

 delivering strong 

 sideways kicks, 

 which make close 

 Cjuarters very 

 dangerous. Forty 

 or fifty indi- 

 viduals may at 

 times be seen in 

 company ; the 

 usual parties, 

 however, consist 

 of five or six at 

 most, especially 

 during the breed- 



ing season, when 

 the polygamous 

 cock escorts a 

 flock of several 

 hens, obtained by battle or allured l)y courting performances earlier 

 in the season. A liking for the companionship of zebras, hartebeests 

 and other antelopes, has been noticed by various observers. The cry 

 is said to be hoarse and mournful, resembling the roar of a, lion or 



Fig. 8. Ostrich. Stnithio cainelus 



1 



TIT- 



