The ostrich 's neck accounts for nearly half its great height. The powerful legs are long and featherless. There are two toes, with the main toe developed almost as a hoof. The central portion of an ostrich 's body is covered with feathers, some of which are beautiful. The male is mostly black, but with white in the wings and tail.
Females are primarily brown.
Ostriches have been hunted and raised on farms for their plumage, used to decorate military dress helmets and women's garments. Ostrich hide makes a supple leather. Ostriches live in flocks of 5 to 50 with other grazing animals. They chiefly eat plant matter. Ostriches sometimes lie on the ground with neck outstretched when enemies are near.