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School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences

How ostriches mate

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How Ostriches Do It

Live Science talks to Professor Evans about the ostrich during mating season. He explains that the bird does not sport “flashy new feathers” during this time as some other species do, but the males' necks and legs become flushed with blood and look redder. When mating is complete, the male digs a shallow hole and all of the females lay their eggs in the communal nest, with the dominant female's eggs in the centre. "The dominant female will incubate all of the eggs, and the rest of the females shove off," Professor Evans says. "They leave to go and start another breeding attempt with another male."

 

 

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