Ostriches were almost completely eliminated from the face of the earth in the 18th century, particularly as a result of hunting, primarily for their feathers. By mid 19th century, the practice of farming ostriches started to spread. This allowed for ostriches to be kept and the feathers harvested, instead of being sought after and eliminated. Presently, the claim for their feathers has decreased substantially, and ostriches seem to have a relatively secure population.

The diet of the Ostrich mainly consists of plants. However, it is also known to feed on insects. It lives in roaming groups which contain between five and fifty ostriches. When they sense a threat, Ostriches normally hide by lying on the ground, or they simply run away. If threatened or under attack, an ostrich can attack with kicks from its strong legs. Ostriches are the largest living birds, and they are known to thrive in domestication. They are known to live up to even fifty years. Their powerful legs are their main defense against potential enemies.

Ostriches form bisexual groups with an intricate structure. The usually territorial males compete for flocks of between three to five hens. The males often use spectacular displays, including hisses and other noises to intimidate each other and win over the females. Once divided into mating groups, ostriches in some areas share common nests to hold eggs, ranging from fifteen to sixty in number. The nest is a hole carved out of the ground. An average ostrich egg is shiny and whitish in color. The eggs take approximately a month and ten days to hatch. The males and females both look after the eggs. While the males watch over the eggs at night, the diverse hens of the mating group alternate to watch over the eggs at daytime. Ostriches are known to live in flocks of between five up to fifty, and they are commonly found in the company of grazing animals like zebras. Ostrich flocks occupy territories of two to fifteen square kilometers during the breeding season. The breeding season lasts around five months. Smaller and looser groups of two to five ostriches can also be formed, but these are common when it is not during the season of breeding.

Another unique characteristic of ostriches is that they like to meddle in water. They frequently take baths if and when they get the opportunity. Sometimes, ostriches may lie on the ground with their necks outstretched, usually to escape detection. This peculiar behavior was the probable source of the saying that ostriches ‘bury their heads in the ground’. Further, ostriches feed on plants. They by and large feed on plant matter, but they sometimes also feed on animal carcasses left over by animal eating hunters. They are very choosy feeders, eating selected grasses and certain seeds and flowers. In addition, ostriches occasionally feed on locusts. Ordinarily, an ostrich requires about three and a half kilograms of food daily, and they are able to survive without water for long periods of time.