Usually breed in period from May through August. Does not begin sitting until 5-9 eggs are laid. Clutch exceeds 20 eggs in good season, numbers 4-5 in poor season. During 8 weeks incubation period, male does not drink, rarely eats, and loses 10-20 pounds. Eggs are dark green, almost black.
Chicks are cream in color with brown longitudinal stripes and dark dots on head.
Leave nest after 2-3 days. Male guards the chicks for up to 18 months. Chicks hatched away from father do not know how or what to eat. Life span is 5-10 years in the wild, longer in captivity. Fast runner, can reach speeds of up to 40 mph for short bursts.