Why do ostriches stick their heads in the sand?

Question

seriously though...

Answer 1

They don't. It's just something silly that somebody made up. I only know this because my 6 year old was just reading me a book about birds that he got from the school library.

Answer 2

Ostriches live in nomadic groups of 5 to 50 birds that often travel together with other grazing animals, such as zebras or antelopes. They mainly feed on seeds and other plant matter; occasionally they also eat insects such as locusts. Lacking teeth, they swallow pebbles that help as gastroliths to grind the swallowed foodstuff in the gizzard. An adult ostrich typically carries about 1 kg of stones in its stomach. Ostriches can go without water for a long time, exclusively living off the moisture in the ingested plants. However, they enjoy water and frequently take baths.

With their acute eyesight and hearing, they can sense predators such as lions from far away.

In popular mythology, the ostrich is famous for hiding its head in the sand at the first sign of danger. There have been no recorded observations of this behavior. A common counter-argument is that a species that displayed this behavior would not likely survive very long. The myth may have resulted from the fact that, from a distance, when ostriches feed they appear to be burying their head in the sand because they deliberately swallow sand and pebbles to help grind up their food. Burying their heads in sand will in fact suffocate the ostrich.

When lying down and hiding from predators, the birds are known to lay their head and neck flat on the ground, making them appear as a mound of earth from a distance. This even works for the males, as they hold their wings and tail low so that the heat haze of the hot, dry air that often occurs in their habitat aids in making them appear as a nondescript dark lump. When threatened, ostriches run away, but they can also seriously injure with kicks from their powerful legs.

Answer 3

Somebody had the time to observe them for 60 years, and never once saw one stick its head in the sand. The person who says they put their head down may be right, I don't know. I'm thinking someone thought their head was in the sand when the ostriches were actually looking in the sand for grubs.

Answer 4

hi. i'm no longer effective about that both. will be very exciting to work out what answer's each you may arise with. I to,change into informed about them putting there heads in sand at the same time as they're scared. quickly will locate out,huh. Sharon

Answer 5

This is a myth. Aesop wrote it I believe. Ostrich does not hide it's head - ever.

Answer 6

It is not just made up. They stick their heads in the sand when they are scared. They hide their "face" under the sand so they can not see whatever is scaring them.

Answer 7

Because they're scared of rhinos charging into their faces. Their butts are the strongest part of their bodies so they would rather have a rhino mark on their butts.
~ole`~

Answer 8

Band mom is right. Have a nice holiday.