Ostriches' running is aided by having just two toes on each foot (most birds have four), with the large nail on the larger, inner toe resembling a hoof.

Ostriches' wings reach a span of about 2 metres and are used in mating displays, to shade chicks, to cover the naked skin of the upper legs and flanks to conserve heat, and as "rudders" to help them change direction while running.

Ostriches normally spend the winter months in pairs or alone and during breeding season and sometimes during extreme rainless periods they live in nomadic herds of five to 50 birds led by a top hen, that often travel together with other grazing animals, such as zebras or antelopes.