Ostriches Do Not Actually Bury Their Heads in Sand

The enduring image of an ostrich with its head buried in the sand is a metaphor for willful ignorance, but it stems from a misunderstanding of the bird's actual behaviors. This myth is believed to have originated with the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, who observed ostriches and their nesting habits. Rather than building elaborate nests, ostriches dig shallow holes in the sand or dirt to lay their eggs. Both male and female parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs, and they use their beaks to carefully turn them several times a day. From a distance, this act of tending to their underground eggs can create the illusion that the ostrich has its head buried in the sand.

Another behavior that has likely contributed to this long-standing myth is the ostrich's defensive strategy. When faced with a potential threat, an ostrich's first instinct is often to flee, and they are remarkably fast runners. However, if they feel they cannot outrun a predator (Review), they will sometimes lie flat on the ground, stretching their long necks out in front of them. This posture helps them to blend in with their surroundings, making them appear like a mound of earth from a distance. The combination of their relatively small head and this camouflage technique can easily give the impression that their head has disappeared into the ground.

Contrary to the myth's implication of cowardice, ostriches are formidable animals. Their powerful legs can deliver a kick strong enough to be fatal to a lion. When they can't run or hide, they are more than capable of defending themselves and their nests. The misconception about burying their heads in the sand does a great disservice to these resilient and well-adapted birds, overlooking their clever survival tactics and dedicated parenting.