How many Species are there?
I have not been able to ascertain whether the question as to the number of species of Ostrich has yet been settled. Some writers maintain there are two species; others that there are three. Professor Newton (article "Ostrich," 'Encyclopædia Britannica'[1]), after briefly reviewing the evidence, says the question "has been for some years agitated without leading to a satisfactory solution."
The reasons given for classifying the Ostrich into three species are:—
That in the North African bird, Struthio camelus, the skin of the unfeathered parts is flesh-coloured; in the South African, S. australis, bluish, except at the angle of the gape, which is flesh-coloured; and in the birds of the Somali country, S. mybdophanes, leaden coloured.
It is further maintained that the eggs of the northern Ostrich are larger than those of the southern, and have a perfectly smooth surface, while those of the southern are punctured or pitted; also that the northern bird is the smaller, and the cock not so jet-black. Mr. Bartlett adds, as another distinguishing character, that in the southern Ostrich the scales of the tarsi and toes, unlike the skin of the other unfeathered parts, are flesh-coloured.
If the question has not been settled, a short description of the South African Ostrich may help towards its solution; if it is decided, the description may nevertheless convey some useful information to such as are interested in it.
Colour of the Plumage.
Chicks when first hatched, and for some weeks after, have the wings and upper part of the body covered with a mottled dark-and-white coat of small feathers, ending in solid spiked points, almost like miniature porcupine quills; the lower part with a soft yellow down. The neck is marked longitudinal with wide dark stripes on a lighter ground, and the head with spots of the same colour. Some broods are much darker than others. They soon acquire a plumage varying from ash-colour to brown, the feathers retaining their spiked points for some time. At an age, generally from about twelve to eighteen months,
