When a male ostrich found a couple of trespassers, he didn’t hesitate to show them they were not welcome. Consequently, we’re treated to a comical display that could have deadly consequences.
Nick Kleer submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. He filmed the action on a game drive in South Africa.
Breeding-phase male ostrich
As Nick’s video begins, we see a male ostrich strutting across an open grassland. We can tell it is a male by its black-and-white plumage, compared to the drab grey-brown plumage of females.
On closer inspection, we note that his legs and neck are pink, signalling that he is in a breeding phase.
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Territorially aggressive
During this period, males become aggressively territorial, defending an area against any rivals or trespassers. Consequently, we note a distinct change in his posture when he spots an intruder.
Ostriches have very powerful legs, capable of propelling them to speeds of up to 70 km/h. And they have lethal claws. Combined, they are capable of bludgeoning a hyena to death.
Target acquired
Locking his attention on the intruder, the enraged male charges towards it, flaring his wings to make himself look more intimidating. As he does, we see a spotted hyena come into the frame.
Predictably, when the hyena sees the big bird rushing at it, it turns tail and runs. As a predator, it is probably not used to being the one chased. Or, it knows better than to tangle with an angry ostrich.
The chase is on
In just a few strides, the ostrich is up to full speed and rapidly closes in on the hyena. With a top speed of 60 km/h, the hyena is at risk of being trampled.
As the predator runs off, a second hyena comes into view. Sensibly, it veers out of the bird’s path, leaving it to chase his friend.
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Evasive tactics
With the ostrich closing in, the hyena must use any advantage he can come up with. And this is where its smaller size and intelligence come into play.
Being shorter means he has a lower centre of gravity. And that means he can make tighter turns than the ostrich, thereby gaining distance from its pursuer.
However, when it straightens out again, the ostrich starts gaining on the hyena again.
Meanwhile, the second hyena stands by and watches the unfolding drama.
A cunning plan
And that, it seems, gives the pursued hyena inspiration for a cunning plan. Continuing to run in tight arcs, he turns towards his clanmate.
As he does, the ostrich spots the other, stationary, hyena. In mid-stride, he seems to realise that he might have a better chance of catching the motionless bystander.
Consequently, when it realises it is now the target, the second hyena sets off. Now, we’ve all heard that hyena’s laugh. But did you know they have a sense of humour too?