Why do ostriches bury their heads under the sand?

The most common myth concerning ostriches is that these birds bury their heads under the sand whenever danger is on the prowl. In reality, this isn’t true, because ostriches do not bury their heads underground when threatened; instead, they will readily defend themselves and protect their chicks.

Sure enough, the world’s biggest and fastest bird can become aggressive if threatened. For that matter, it has long, dagger-like claws at the end of its long feet – as such, one kick can inflict a serious amount of damage. This is why it’s always advisable never to try provoking an ostrich.

However, the myth does come from a true fact: when nesting, a female ostrich will dig shallow holes in the ground, so as to use them as nests for her eggs. In the process, she uses her beak to turn her eggs several times each day.

In fact, from a distance, an ostrich leaning into a hole could easily look like it’s burying its head in the sand! And that is what probably led to the common myth.

But still, despite their comical appearance, ostriches are not cowards; they are dangerous birds that will never relent towards anything that threatens their lives or that of their young. It’s always wise never to mess with ostriches.

 

Credit : Quora

Picture Credit : Google