The Asian ostrich is commonly found in Central Asia. In China, ostriches became extinct around the end of the last ice age. Evidence of ostrich existence has been found in China on prehistoric excavations. Research indicates that the Asian ostrich may have existed around the same time that human beings first reached China, and the Asian ostrich is thought to be one of the origins of the Chinese phoenix.

The Asian ostrich is believed to have probably behaved more or less like the present day Ostrich. This Asian ostrich is also believed to have become extinct because of factors related to climate change, which in turn forced them to change their habitat, and also as a result of exploitation of their original habitat by human beings. The Arabian Ostriches in the near and Middle East are believed to have been hunted to extinction by the middle of the 20th century. Having said that, the present day Ostrich is a large flightless bird which is native to Africa. It is the only living species of its family and its genus. Ostriches share an order (in scientific classification) with the Emus, Kiwis, and other ratites. The ostrich is distinctive in appearance, with a long neck and long legs, and it has the capability of running at a top speed of about 45 miles per hour, the highest known terrestrial speed of any bird. It is the largest living species of bird and lays the largest egg of any known living bird.

The diet of an Ostrich mostly consists of plants, but it also feeds on insects. It lives in wandering groups which have between five and fifty birds. When they feel threatened, the Ostrich either hide themselves by lying flat on the ground, or running away. If cornered, they attack their adversary with kicks from their potent legs. Copulation schedules differ by region, but generally, protective males struggle amongst themselves for a group of two to seven females.

The Ostrich is domesticated all around the world, particularly for its beautiful feathers, which are striking and are also used for making rags. Their skin is popular for producing leather, and ostrich meat is a favorite commercial product.

Ostriches formerly occupied the north and south of the Sahara, East Africa south of the rain forest, and Asia. Presently, Ostriches prefer open land and are native to the savannas of Africa, and the northern and southern of the equatorial forest. In Southern West Africa, the Ostriches inhabit the semi desert or desert areas.

Ostriches are normally known to spend the winter months in pairs or alone. During breeding season and sometimes during rainless periods, Ostriches live in nomadic groups of five to fifty birds with a leader, usually a hen. The group often travels together with other grazing animals, such as zebras or antelopes.

Ostriches are known to be largely diurnal, but they may also be active at night, especially when there is moonlight. Ostriches are most active very early and late in the day.