Is it true that ostriches bury their heads in the sand?

Question

Is it true that ostriches bury their heads in the sand when there is a sandstorm?

Answer 1

No it's a myth. It just looks like it as they are picking up food.

Answer 2

yup... i think

Answer 3

not true. they lay their eggs in a depression in the sand and let the sun hatch them but they occasionally turn the eggs with their beaks to keep them from getting too hot on one side and at a distance with their heads in the depression with the eggs it seemed to early explorers that their heads were buried in the sand

Answer 4

No. It is not true.

Answer 5

Fiction! Ostriches do NOT bury their heads in the sand.

This tale originates from the fact that the male ostrich will dig a large hole (up to 6 to 8 feet wide and 2 to 3 feet deep) in the sand for the nest / eggs. Predators cannot see the eggs across the countryside which gives the nest a bit of protection. The hen as well as the rooster takes turns setting on the eggs and because of the indention in the ground, usually just blend into the horizon. All birds turn their eggs (with their beak) several times a day during the incubation period. From a distance it appears as though the bird has his/her head in the sand.

An ostrich's first response to fear is to run. Not only do they not stay to protect the eggs, they attempt to detract a predator to follow them. Due to the fact that they can run sustained speeds of about forty miles per hour, most predators are quickly lost and the eggs are safe.

Answer 6

no

Answer 7

when they are scared it looks like they put their heads in the sand.

However, when you investigate, it is aparrent that they place their heads (chin down) on the floor (or sand), they then think that they are very small and are hiding,,,, just like a small child will do when they cover their eyes.

Answer 8

They do that.

Answer 9

No.

we ussually believe so because of what we grew up with watching cartoons. They are politically wrong.

Answer 10

No, it's apocryphal. If the did, they'd suffocate.