Why ostriches stick their head in the sand

Scientists have a few ideas. The first thing to consider is that ostriches have small heads relative to the size of their body. So, when they bring their heads close to the ground to nibble at the grass, they may look like they are disappearing entirely. Instead, they dig holes in the sand to keep their eggs. While the eggs are incubating, both male and female ostriches will take turns using their beaks to rotate them, thus possibly creating the illusion that they are burying their heads in the sand.

When they do sense danger, their first response is to remove themselves from the situation—at a quick clip. An ostrich can sprint at up to 70 kilometres an hour on their long, powerful legs. So where did the myth that they bury their heads in the sand originate? Call it good parenting. When it's time to start a family, the ostrich digs a massive hole measuring between 6 and 8 feet wide and 2 to 3 feet deep. They bury the eggs safely in the ground, then mom and dad take turns sitting on the eggs to protect them until they're ready to hatch.

A few times a day, the ostrich parents dip their heads below the ground to gently turn the eggs using their beaks [source: American Ostrich Association ]. This relatively brief head-duck -- which lasts only as long as it takes the ostrich to inspect and arrange the eggs to its satisfaction -- may have given rise to the head-burying myth.

The legend could also be attributed to the fact that a nesting ostrich who senses danger may flop down with his head and neck flat against the ground in hopes that potential predators won't spot him. In this position, he can potentially blend into the terrain, though his head never actually goes underground [source: San Diego Zoo ]. Of course, even flopping to the ground and hoping trouble passes by isn't the bird's first instinct; he only takes this path if he can't outrun the trouble or fight it off.

When he has eggs to protect, instinct tells the ostrich to run, spurring predators to pursue him [source: American Ostrich Association]. Thanks to their superior speed, ostriches are likely to easily outrun any animals that dares to chase them, leaving their eggs and themselves free from harm. Sign up for our Newsletter! A Bird Friendly Garden Create a haven for wild birds. Click here. More questions answered.

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