It’s a common belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when they’re scared or trying to hide. But this isn’t actually true! Ostriches only appear to bury their heads because they put them on the ground to sleep. When they’re awake they keep their heads up to keep watch for predators.
The myth about ostriches burying their heads in the sand probably comes from Pliny the Elder. He was a Roman writer who lived in the first century AD. In his book Natural History he wrote that ostriches ” bury their heads in a hollow whenever they are alarmed.”
Since then the idea that ostriches bury their heads has been repeated over and over again. It’s even become a saying that we use to describe people who avoid facing the truth. But there’s no need to worry about ostriches. They can take care of themselves just fine!
Why do ostriches bury their heads?
Some people believe that ostriches bury their heads to hide from predators but this is not the case.
Ostriches only sink their heads into the sand to look for food.
Where do ostriches live?
Ostriches live in Africa
What do ostriches eat?
Ostriches are omnivores and will eat pollen flowers insects lizards and other small animals
How big are ostriches?
Male ostriches can grow up to 9 feet tall and weigh between 130-270 pounds.
Females are usually smaller growing to be about 7 feet tall and weighing between 90-200 pounds
How long do ostriches live?
In the wild ostriches can live up to 40-50 years.
In captivity they can live even longer
How fast can ostriches run?
Ostriches are the fastest land bird and can run up to 43 miles per hour
Do ostriches fly?
No ostriches cannot fly
How many eggs do ostriches lay?
Ostriches usually lay between 3-5 eggs
Do ostriches hatch their own eggs?
Ostriches do not hatch their own eggs.
While the male ostrich will incubate the eggs during the day at night he leaves them to be incubated by the female
How long does it take for ostrich eggs to hatch?
Ostriches eggs take approximately 42 days to hatch
How much does an ostrich egg weigh?
An ostrich egg can weigh up to 3 pounds
Are ostrich eggs edible?
Yes ostrich eggs are edible.
They are often used in baking or made into omelets
What is the tallest bird in the world?
The ostrich is the tallest bird in the world
What is the heaviest bird in the world?
The ostrich is also the heaviest bird in the world
What is the largest egg in the world?
The ostrich lays the largest eggs of any bird in the world
