The Ostrich is the largest extant bird in the world, with males measuring up to 2.8 m tall. He is also extremely heavy - weighing an average of 115 kg. During the winter months he lives in a pair, but when spring comes, females begin to gather together. If there is a drought, also, Ostrich will gather into large flocks of up to 100 individuals, lead by a dominant hen. These groups are nomadic, and will often join other groups of animals in the quest for water. During spring, the male begins courting as many females as he can, but only forms a romantic bond with one hen. Eggs are laid in a communual nest, and the dominant hen lays first. She can recognise her own eggs. Excess eggs will be discarded. The females alternate incubating during the day, the male at night. When the chicks hatch, it is the male who teaches them how to find food.
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