Courtship behaviour of ostriches ( Struthio camelus ) towards humans under farming conditions in Britain

1. The courtship behaviour of adult male and female ostriches was observed in the presence and absence of human beings. 2. Courtship behaviours in both males and females were more prevalent in the presence of humans. 3. Exposure to a human for a short period did not stimulate courtship behaviour in the period immediately after the human had withdrawn. 4. Courtship behaviour towards humans may be important in the reproductive success of ostriches in a farming environment.