The Somali ostrich is one of the “Samburu Special Five” along with the Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk and reticulated giraffe — five unique species that live in northern Kenya but are absent from the Masai Mara in the south. It’s why we add both parks to our Kenyan itineraries to get the greatest variety. Last year we didn’t have much luck with the Somali ostrich, but this year they were definitely out and about and performing all their ritualistic behaviors, including a rather spirited mating dance. In this short video we see two males on the march followed by one of the males preening his fine feathers before the dance. In the last clip, a female, clearly impressed with the dance, joins the male as they strut across the scrubland savanna of Samburu. Nikon Z8 with Nikon 500mm PF lens and Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, 4K at 120 fps.
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Amazing footage of amazing birds, Sean! Thanks for bringing us a glimpse of Africa’s creatures!
Thanks Sue. This is my fourth time back to Samburu. Usually we get a quick glimpse of one of these ostriches. This time they were performing for us.
Wow Sean!! Your choice of music on this video is perfect! Fascinating to watch them twirl in circles. Their feathers look so fluffy.
Thanks Mom. Always fun trying to match the personality of the video with the soundtrack.
Saturday Night Fever of the ostrich world. Thanks for sharing.
Ha, no doubt Donna, that’s the vibe I was going for.
That girl sure has some moves! Great video:)
Sure does. That’s the male though. Female is the brown one at the end.
How different the female looks – an amazing video! Thank you for sharing
Yes, like many birds. The males need the flashy colors (or dance moves) to attract the female.
So FUN! Thanks for the smile today! Studio 54 on the savanna.
Ha, thanks Laura. We were fascinated when that guy started spinning around.
Absolutely loved this!! Thank you 🙂
Thanks Karen. Always nice when I can capture some behavior.
Ivy just screamed “A dancing Ostrich!!”
Loving these videos.