The ostrich, which, with its long strides and small wings, traverses the
sandy deserts of Africa at a rapid rate, lifting its head on the
look-out for danger, is generally spoken of as a stupid bird.
Notwithstanding this character, it displays great affection for its
young, and some sense in other matters. Sometimes a pair may be seen
with a troop of twelve or more young ones, watching all their movements,
and ready to call them away should a foe appear. Sometimes the young
are not much larger than Guinea-fowls; and as their parents are aware
that the little birds cannot run so fast as they themselves can, they
endeavour, when an enemy comes near, to draw him away from their
charges. The female generally undertakes this office, while the cock
bird leads the brood in an opposite direction. Now the hen ostrich
flies off before the horseman, spreading out or drooping her wings. Now
she will throw herself on the ground before the foe, as if wounded,
again to rise when he gets too near; and then, wheeling about, she tries
to induce him to follow her. Thus she will proceed, trying similar
devices, till she fancies that she has led her pursuer to a safe
distance from the brood, when, abandoning her former tactics, she will
dash off across the plain, fleet as the wind.