Chicks, both male and female, have brown feathers. Ostriches have a long very flexible neck with which they can reach the ground for grazing as well as leaves of trees. When keeping their head up they can see danger from afar. Ostriches are essentially grazers, and live on grasses, bushes, shrubs, tree leaves, but also small insects and rodents. Since they are used to living in dry areas they are very draught resistant.
Good hearing is provided by two large external ear canals at the back of the head.
With their long powerful two-toed legs they can, in case of danger run at speeds of up to 40 m.p.h. When in a fight, they raise their leg high and kick downward with their large toenail inflicting a ripping wound. Especially during breeding season males can be aggressive and dangerous. Ostriches can reach the respectable age of 60 to 70 years. Females will be commercially productive for 25-30 years, males even longer.