10 Unbelievable Animal Myths People Still Believe

Myth 3 - The Ostrich's Head in the Sand

The idea that ostriches bury their heads in the sand to avoid danger is a pervasive myth that suggests a comically ineffective survival strategy. This myth likely arose from the bird's habit of lying low and pressing its head to the ground to avoid predator detection. Ostriches also dig holes in the sand to create nests for their eggs, and from a distance, this can appear as if they are burying their heads. In reality, ostriches are well-adapted to their environments, capable of running at high speeds to escape threats. The myth may persist because it serves as a convenient metaphor for avoidance and denial, concepts that resonate with human behavior.