The ostrich is the largest living bird on earth. He is flightless and characterized by soft, drooping feathers. He has only two toes, a very long neck and very long legs. His neck and head are covered with fine bristles, while his legs are bare. Males are black in colour, accented with white on the wings and tail. The female is predominantly grey. Eggs are laid on the ground and parental care is the duty of both sexes. Because of his black colour, the male takes his turn at night.

The Ostrich inhabits the bush-veld, as well as the more arid desert areas, and occurs in flocks of 30 to 40 individuals when not breeding. Very large concentrations have been sighted at water holes in the desert regions. Males perform elaborate courtship ‘dances’ when breeding. The ostrich tends to dine on grass, berries and seeds, newly sprouted plants, small reptiles and insects. Hunting ostrich is pursued largely for the hide and meat. The hide of the ostrich is widely used as exotic leather, very popular in western boots and belts. The meat of the ostrich is taken mostly from the upper legs and the neck and is considered extremely delicious by some. When hunting ostrich, you need not be concerned with calibre or bullet selection.

The trophy is often a shoulder mount, with wings spread. The back skin can be tanned and made into a number of very attractive leather goods. Most often the male is sought as a trophy, being a bit more colourful than the female. Aim point when hunting ostrich is dead centre on the body.