For centuries, a popular myth has depicted ostriches burying their heads in the sand when faced with danger. This belief suggests the birds hide from threats by making themselves unseen. However, this common misconception does not reflect the actual behavior of ostriches in the wild. Ostriches do not bury their heads to escape or ignore predators.
Busting the Myth: What Ostriches Don’t Do
The myth of ostriches burying their heads in the sand is a misunderstanding, likely originating from observations by early naturalists like Pliny the Elder 2,000 years ago. This idea suggests a naive attempt to hide from danger by making itself invisible. An ostrich attempting such a strategy would not only be exposed to predators but also unable to breathe. Despite its widespread use as a metaphor for avoiding problems, this behavior is not part of an ostrich’s survival strategy.
Observers might misinterpret natural behaviors as head-burying due to optical illusions, especially from a distance. The bird’s small head and long neck can create the impression that its head has disappeared underground. This misinterpretation contributed to the persistence of the myth over time. When an ostrich lowers its head, it is engaging in activities more complex and purposeful than hiding.
What Ostriches Actually Do
Ostriches exhibit behaviors that inadvertently fueled the “head in the sand” myth. One activity involves their nesting habits. Male ostriches scrape shallow depressions in the sand, typically 30 to 60 centimeters deep and up to 3 meters wide, to create communal nests for their eggs. These hollows provide a secure place for multiple females to lay their eggs.
During incubation, both male and female ostriches periodically turn eggs within the nest. This action ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for development. From a distance, an ostrich with its head lowered into the nest to rotate eggs can appear as if it is burying its head. This parental duty is mistaken for an attempt to conceal itself.
Another behavior contributing to the misconception is foraging. Ostriches are omnivores, primarily consuming plants, seeds, and fruits, but they also eat insects and small reptiles. To aid in digestion, they swallow pebbles, known as gastroliths, which help grind food in their gizzard, as they lack teeth. When pecking at the ground for food or ingesting these necessary stones, an ostrich’s head is often low to the ground, once again creating the illusion of being buried.
Ostrich Defense Mechanisms
When faced with a threat, ostriches rely on well-adapted survival strategies rather than hiding their heads. Their primary defense mechanism is their exceptional speed. Ostriches are the fastest land birds, capable of reaching sprint speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour (43-45 miles per hour) and maintaining speeds of 48-60 km/h (30-37 mph) for extended periods. Their long, powerful legs allow them to cover 3 to 5 meters in a single stride, enabling them to outrun many predators.
If running is not an option or they are cornered, ostriches possess a formidable defensive kick. Their powerful legs can deliver a forward and downward kick with immense force, estimated to be up to 2,000 pounds per square inch. This blow, delivered with their two-toed feet, which include a sharp, four-inch claw on the larger toe, is strong enough to cause severe injury or even kill large predators like lions. Ostriches will also spread their wings for balance and hiss as a warning before attacking.
Another defense strategy involves camouflage, especially when fleeing is not possible. Ostriches may drop to the ground and stretch their long necks flat against the terrain. Their plumage, which often blends with the sandy and arid environments they inhabit, helps them appear like a mound or part of the landscape from a distance. This behavior minimizes their profile, making them less conspicuous to predators.