Today I learned that ostriches do NOT bury their heads in the sand. (People are said to bury their heads in the sand when they refuse to confront or acknowledge a problem.)
OSTRICHES BURY THEIR HEADS IN THE SAND
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.
The photo at the top of this page was set-up by placing food in a hole.
Ostriches bury their heads in the sand
What did you learn recently?
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Original posting by Braincrave Second Life staff on May 10, 2011 at http://www.braincrave.com/viewblog.php?id=550
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