RM
Southern ostrich threat display
Male and female Southern ostriches (Struthio camelus australis) and their chicks in the dry Auob riverbed, during the hot dry season. The chicks chose to gather under their parents, in the shade created by the adult's shadow, in an effort to regulate their temperature. When a raptor flew past the parents became protective and performed a threat display. By spreading their wings wide, birds can increase their perceived size and therefore present a more intimidating appearance to drive off predators and threats to their territory. This subspecies of ostrich is found throughout much of southern Africa. Female ostriches are mainly brown, while the males are black. Photographed in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Southern Africa., by TONY CAMACHO/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
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