TABLE 9-1.
Morphologic and Reproductive Aspects of Ratites
| Ostrich | Emu | Rhea | Cassowary | Kiwi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size (m) | 2.5–3.0 | 1.5–1.8 | 1.5–1.7 (Common> Darwin's) | 1.7–2.0 | 0.3–0.6 |
| Max. weight (kilogram [kg]) | 120–160 | 38–55 | 25 | 60–85 | 1–4 |
| Gender size | M > F | F > M | M > F | F > M | F > M |
| Breeding strategy | Polygamous | Paired for breeding | Polygamous | Paired for breeding | Paired for life |
| Eggs No/female/year | <100 | 7–20 | 10–15 | 3–6 | 1–3 |
| Color | cream | dark green granular | yellow- greenish | light, bright green | white |
| Weight | 1–2 kg | 500–700 grams (g) | 400–600 g | 600–700 g | 400–500 g |
| Incubation (days) | 39–44 | 56–61 | 39–42 | 60 | 71–78 (–92) |
| Incubating partner | M (night), F (day) | M | M | M | M |
| Parental care | M (+F), 1 year | M | M, 4–6 months | M | M (+ F) |
M, Male, F, female.
From Del Hoyo J, Andrew E, Sargatal J: Order Struthioniformes. In Del Hoyo J, Elliott A, Sargatal J (eds): Handbook of the birds of the world, Volume 1, Barcelona, Spain, 1992, Lynx Editions.