Many widely held beliefs about animals are not entirely accurate, leading to misconceptions about the natural world. These popular ideas often spread through generations, shaping our understanding of animal behaviors. Unraveling the truth behind such notions reveals surprising scientific realities and offers a deeper appreciation for the diverse strategies animals employ.
The Enduring Myth
No animal actually buries its head in the sand to avoid danger. This popular notion, often associated with ostriches, is a misconception. The myth suggests an ostrich foolishly hides its head when threatened, believing that if it cannot see predators, they cannot see it. This portrayal implies a lack of intelligence, suggesting the bird ignores threats by denying their existence. The phrase “burying one’s head in the sand” has become a common idiom, signifying someone who ignores problems rather than confronting them directly.
The Ostrich’s Reality
Ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand for concealment; doing so would lead to suffocation. These large, flightless birds, standing up to nine feet tall and weighing as much as 350 pounds, are well-equipped to handle threats. Their true behaviors, however, can be misinterpreted, contributing to the persistent myth. Ostriches dig shallow holes, typically 12 to 24 inches deep and up to 9.8 feet wide, to serve as communal nests for their eggs.
During incubation, both male and female ostriches take turns tending to the eggs, rotating them several times daily for even heating. When an ostrich lowers its head into the nest to turn eggs, or while foraging for plants and insects close to the ground, it can appear from a distance as if its head is buried. When sensing danger and unable to flee, an ostrich may lie flat with its neck outstretched, attempting to blend with the terrain and appear inconspicuous. Ostriches have strong defense mechanisms, including running up to 45 miles per hour, making escape their primary strategy. If cornered, their powerful legs, equipped with sharp claws, can deliver a kick strong enough to injure or even kill a lion.
Why the Myth Persists
The widespread belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder contributed to this idea, writing about ostriches thrusting their heads into bushes, believing they were hidden. Over time, this account evolved, with “bushes” transforming into “sand,” solidifying the image in popular culture. This visual misinterpretation, combined with the symbolic appeal of the behavior, has allowed the myth to endure.
The idiom “burying your head in the sand” symbolizes avoidance or denial, making the misconception relatable and memorable. Media, including cartoons and other portrayals, have further cemented this inaccurate depiction of ostrich behavior. Once an idea becomes deeply ingrained culturally, it can be challenging to correct, even when scientific evidence disproves it.