Does an Ostrich Really Bury Its Head in the Sand?

The ostrich is rather a strange bird, and there are many interesting and peculiar things about it, but it does not hide its head in the sand! What may have given people this idea is that when an ostrich is frightened, it will sometimes drop to the ground, stretch out its neck, and lie still and watch intently. But when the danger comes closer, the ostrich does just what other animald do—it takes off and runs. When the ostrich is exhausted and cannot run any further, or if it must defend its nest, it kicks with its powerful legs.

Flightless Bird

Although the ostrich cannot fly, it makes up for this by its ability to run at high speed. It runs faster than any other bird in the world, and can travel as fast as 50 miles an hour, maintaining this speed for at least half a mile.