Do Ostriches Actually Bury Their Heads?
Okay, we’ve all see those silly cartoons where the ostriches bury their heads in the sand, but in real life that simply doesn’t happen. Ostriches never stick their head in the sand, or for that matter, the ground. And there’s no way that they could force their head into the ground even if it was just sand.
Ostrich Myth
Think about it. The only way it could be done is if they dug a hole, put their head in it, then covered it with dirt. Despite what some people may think, ostriches are not stupid enough to think that if they can’t see an attacker, an attacker can’t see them. Ostriches will do what any smart person or other critter would do if it was attacked, run like heck!
Ostriches In Danger
When ostriches find themselves in danger and cannot run away (which is rare), they will flop to the ground and remain very still with their head and neck extended flat on the ground in front of them. Because their heads and necks are lightly colored, they blend in with the color of the soil. So, from a distance it may look like the ostrich buried its head because only the body is visible.
The Bird In The Bush Myth
It’s thought that this myth may have come from Roman writer, Pliny the Elder, who suggested that ostriches hid their heads in bushes. Ostriches, which often grow to stand between seven and nine feet tall, are not silly enough to hide their head in bushes either!
So, the answer to the question “Is it true or false that ostriches bury their heads when in danger?” is that it’s FALSE
Unusual Facts About Ostriches:
Fast Runners:
Ostriches are the fastest-running birds on land. They can sprint at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour) and maintain a steady speed of around 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour) for extended distances.
Large Eggs:
Ostriches lay the largest eggs of any bird species. An ostrich egg is roughly equivalent in volume to 24 chicken eggs. They have extremely thick shells to withstand the weight of an adult ostrich.
Powerful Kicks:
Ostriches have incredibly strong legs with powerful kicks. They can deliver a kick with enough force to kill a lion or other predators. These kicks are a primary defense mechanism for ostriches.
Nocturnal Eyes:
Ostriches have some unique adaptations in their eyes. They have the largest eyes of any land animal, measuring about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter. Their large eyes are adapted for good vision, even in low-light conditions, which is important since ostriches are primarily active during the day.
Two Toes:
Unlike most birds, which have three or four toes, ostriches have just two toes. This adaptation helps them run at high speeds and maintain balance.
Incredible Memory:
Ostriches have impressive memories. They can remember sources of water and locations of food even after long migrations.
Tribal Dancing:
During mating displays, male ostriches perform a “tribal dance.” They sway their heads and necks from side to side in a rhythmic manner to attract females.
Social Birds:
Ostriches are social birds and often live in groups called flocks. These flocks can consist of both males and females, with the dominant male leading the group.
Rain Seekers:
Ostriches are known to drink water when it’s available, but they can survive for extended periods without it. They can obtain much of their moisture from the plants they eat, and they are adapted to seek out rainwater by raising their heads and feathers during rainfall.
Tiny Brains:
Despite their size and strength, ostriches have relatively small brains compared to their body size. They are not known for their problem-solving abilities.
Long Necks:
Ostriches have long necks, which they use for reaching vegetation, keeping an eye on their surroundings, and even as a form of communication. Their vocalizations are often associated with neck movements.
Distinctive Plumage:
Ostrich feathers are unique in that they have a distinct pattern, with white feathers on the male and gray feathers on the female. This distinctive feather pattern helps to differentiate between the sexes.
These unusual facts make ostriches some of the most intriguing and enigmatic birds in the animal kingdom.
