. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. NEORNITHES RATITAE to avoid detection is of course devoid of foundation, this species is timid and wild in its native haunts, and being keen-sighted as well as wary, gives an impression of great restlessness. From the fact that a single stride is said to cover twenty-five feet or more, it will readily be under- stood that the speed is very great, exceeding that of a galloping horse ; but, owing to its habit of running in a curve, it is generally possible to intercept the bird's patli at a distance from the point where it started. In motion the head is
. The Cambridge natural history. Zoology. NEORNITHES RATITAE to avoid detection is of course devoid of foundation, this species is timid and wild in its native haunts, and being keen-sighted as well as wary, gives an impression of great restlessness. From the fact that a single stride is said to cover twenty-five feet or more, it will readily be under- stood that the speed is very great, exceeding that of a galloping horse ; but, owing to its habit of running in a curve, it is generally possible to intercept the bird's patli at a distance from the point where it started. In motion the head is held forward, and the wings are out- spread, while both beak and feet are used as weapons of defence when capture is immi- nent, the latter delivering strong sideways kicks, which make close quarters very dangerous. ]'orty or fifty indi- ^'iduals may at times be seen in company : the usual parties, however, consist of five or six at most, especially during the breed- ing season, when the polygamous cock escorts a flock of several hens, obtained by battle or allured by courting performances earlier in the season. A liking for the companionship of zebras, hartebeests and other antelopes, has been noticed by various observers. The cry is said to be hoarse and mournful, resembling the roar of a lion or. FiQ. 8.—Ostrich. Stnithio camel us. i I. Please note that these images are extracted from scanned page images that may have been digitally enhanced for readability - coloration and appearance of these illustrations may not perfectly resemble the original Harmer, S. F. (Sidney Frederic), Sir, 1862-; Shipley, A. E. (Arthur Everett), Sir, 1861-1927. London : Macmillan and Co. ; New York : The Macmillan Company
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Keywords: ., bookauthorsh, bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, booksubjectzoology
