There are three types of ostriches found in South Africa, namely the South African Black (Struthio camelus domesticus), Kenyan Red (Struthio camelus massaicus) and Zimbabwean Blue (Struthio camelus australis). These three breeds have different characteristics, different temperaments and while the females are indistinguishable for the most part, with grey-brown plumage and feathering, the males have different colouring. Here’s how you can tell them apart:

South African Black

• The South African Black ostrich is also known as the Cape ostrich, Southern ostrich or Black-necked ostrich.
• As the name suggests, it has a black neck.
• It has the highest quality plumage.
• This subspecies has the best meat quality.
• The females have a high fertility rate.
• This subspecies has the best temperament and is more docile than the Kenyan Red and the Zimbabwe Blue.

Kenyan Red

• The Kenyan Red is also known as the Masai, or East African ostrich.
• The males have pink skin on the neck and legs which turn dark red during the mating season.
• It is a large bird and can reach up to 2.3 m in height.
• Of all the subspecies it has the largest body size, and can weigh up to 160 kg.
• It has the fastest growth rate.
• The Kenyan Red also has the most aggressive temperament and this makes the meat quality undesirable, as it has a high acid component.

Zimbabwean Blue

• The Zimbabwe Blue is also known as the Somali ostrich.
• The upper legs and neck is blueish grey, and becomes bright blue during the mating season.
• Of all three subspecies it is the tallest and may reach 2.7 m in height.
• It has a smaller body frame than the Kenyan Red and may reach a body mass of 140 kg.
• Females are slightly larger than males.
• The Zimbabwe Blue also has a poor feather quality.
• Due to its aggressive nature, the Zimbabwe Blue also has an undesirable meat quality, as it is too acidic.