Ratite

General Information

Ratites are general family of birds that are united by one characteristic. All ratites are flightless birds of Gondwanan origin. Currently, many of the particular species of ratites are extinct. The most commonly known and fabled species of these birds is the Ostrich.

Ratites are divided into:
1) Tinamous
2) Ostriches
3) Rheas
4) Cassowaries
5) Emu
6) Kiwis

Recognizable Characteristics

These birds are often very big. In fact, the biggest species by sheer size, which is the Aftican Ostrich, can grow in height to about 3 meters. Just picture a bird that tall. If an average NBA player is just over 2 meters tall, imagine what a frightening encounter it would be to run into this bird in the wild.

Add to that, their large bills, long legs, and the ability to run extremely fast, and you have yourself one large and impressive bird.

Most of the ratites found in pop culture tend to refer to the species known as the Australian Emu. The Australian Emu is approximately two meters in height.

But don't just accept that their size marks their most recognizable characteristic. There are many species of Ratites throughout the world. They live on almost each continent and in different places that are very different in height in size. In fact, only a few species of these birds are so strikingly enormous. If ordered by size, the species quickly decrease in size, with most being smaller than an average person in height, and much smaller in weight. Some of the smallest species of ratites are about the size of an average chicken.

Migration Pattern

Since these birds do not fly, they also can not migrate in the same manner as other birds that are able to fly. Instead of flying to a more preferable environment, these birds simply had to find ways to adapt to the climates of their year-round of their habitats.

Beak or Bill

Wings

The wings of these birds tend to be underdeveloped and not suitable for flight. The wings are not the only reason these birds can not fly.

These birds lack a properly developed sternum and keel. So even if the wings were properly developed, ratites still would not be able to fly.

Flight

These birds do not fly. Some of the species have strong legs and can push off for a jump of an impressive distance, but unfortunately for these birds, that is it. Not being able to fly is a large part of the reason they are grouped into the same taxonomical family.

Feet

Ratites are known to have extremely sharp and dangerous talons. Their legs and feet are very strong, and are made for running, and attacking.

An interesting fact about these birds is that some of the species have three large claws (or talons) on their feet, while some of the species just have two claws.

Colors

Reproduction

The Ratite family reproductions tends to differ from birds that can fly due to the different environmental adaptations this bird family has had to go through in their particular habitats. Ratite egg shells are much thicker in proportion to many of the other types of birds, and when the chicks hatch, they are at a further developmental stage than the chicks of other bird families.

A very interesting and unique part of their reproduction is that many of the species of this bird family has adapted to what is known as communal incubation where many eggs from different birds are placed into one egg, and are incubated under a closer watch.

Difference in Males and Females

Other Information

Other than their size, and the inability to fly, here are some of the other physical characteristics common to these birds:
1) Underdeveloped chest (sternum) muscles.
2) They have almost no wishbones.
3) Their anatomy, and especially wing structure is much simpler than many of the other families of birds due to a lack of the wings need to evolve, since these birds are able to survive without flying.
4) Ratite have very long legs and very sharp talons.
5) Some of the species have two large claws on their feet, and some have developed three sharp claws.

Songs and Calls

Diet

Habitat

Ratite Photo