Do ostriches really stick their head in the sand when they are scared? The answer is no! Ostriches do not stick their head in the sand but they do lie down on the ground and cover their head and neck with their wing if they are alarmed. This behaviour is called “wingpreening” and is done to help the ostrich blend in with its surroundings.
The myth that ostriches stick their head in the sand probably originates from Pliny the Elder a Roman naturalist who lived in the first century AD. Pliny wrote that ostriches “imagine when they have thrust their head and neck into a bush that the whole of their body is concealed.”
Other naturalists and explorers who observed ostriches in the wild also noted this behaviour. In 1809 the French naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc Comte de Buffon wrote that ostriches “frequently shelter themselves in this way and so well conceal themselves that at a short distance it is difficult to see them.”
The British explorer and naturalist David Livingstone wrote about seeing ostriches “lying down with only their head and neck visible when alarmed.”
So it seems that the idea that ostriches stick their head in the sand is a centuries-old myth. But why do ostriches lie down on the ground and cover their head and neck with their wing?
One theory is that it is a form of camouflage. By lying down on the ground the ostrich blends in with the sandy landscape. The bird’s long neck and legs are hidden and only its head and neck are visible. This makes it look like a small mound of sand.
Another theory is that the ostrich is trying to hide from predators. By lying down on the ground and covering its head and neck the ostrich makes itself less visible to predators.
Whatever the reason it is clear that ostriches do not stick their head in the sand!
Do ostriches stick their heads in the sand?
No they do not.
The myth likely originates from the fact that when ostriches are threatened they will sometimes lie low to the ground and put their heads down in an attempt to blend in with the surroundings.
If ostriches don’t stick their heads in the sand what do they do when they are threatened?
When they are threatened ostriches will sometimes lie low to the ground and put their heads down in an attempt to blend in with the surroundings.
Where did the myth that ostriches stick their heads in the sand come from?
The myth likely originates from the fact that when ostriches are threatened they will sometimes lie low to the ground and put their heads down in an attempt to blend in with the surroundings.
What does it mean when an ostrich puts its head down?
When an ostrich puts its head down it is trying to blend in with the surroundings.
Do ostriches dig holes to hide their heads in?
No they do not.
How big are ostrich eggs?
Ostrich eggs are about the size of a cantaloupe.
How many eggs does an ostrich lay at a time?
Ostriches typically lay between 2 and 8 eggs at a time.
How often do ostriches lay eggs?
Ostriches typically lay eggs every 2 to 4 weeks.
What is the incubation period for ostrich eggs?
The incubation period for ostrich eggs is about 42 days.
Do ostriches sit on their eggs to incubate them?
No the female ostrich will incubate her eggs by turning them regularly.
How long do ostriches live?
Ostriches typically live between 20 and 30 years.
What do ostriches eat?
Ostriches are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of plants and fruit but they will also eat insects.
How big are ostrich chicks when they hatch?
Ostrich chicks are about the size of a chicken when they hatch.
How much does an adult ostrich weigh?
Adult ostriches typically weigh between 150 and 350 pounds.
What is the top speed of an ostrich?
The top speed of an ostrich is about 45 mph.
