Ostrich Coloring Sheet

---

---

Learning about ostriches is made possible by: Sherwood Kids an audio app for kids with a rich and fun library of over 5,000 audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts, and read-along books that share everything lovely, good, and true. Grab your copy of Wonders of Creation and see all of Master Books‘ amazing nature and science books for kids, including books about dinosaurs and the Genesis flood!  Subscribe to Parenting with Ginger Hubbard wherever you listen to podcasts for practical encouragement that’s rooted in God’s Word. 

---

Do Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand?

Ostriches are some of the funniest, most fascinating birds God made. They are the tallest and heaviest birds on earth, with males reaching about 9 feet tall and weighing 200–300 pounds. With a body that big, it makes sense they do not fly. God designed them without a keel bone, which is the strong ridge many flying birds use to anchor powerful flight muscles. Instead of soaring in the sky, ostriches were built to thrive on land.

The Truth: Do Ostriches Bury Their Heads in the Sand?

No, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. That is a myth.

So why do people say it? Sometimes ostriches lay low and stretch their long necks flat against the ground to blend in with brush. Other times they lower their heads to tend their eggs in a nest on the ground, turning them and keeping them evenly warmed. From a distance, that can look like head-burying, but it is not.

When danger comes, ostriches usually do what they were designed to do best: run. They can cruise around 30–37 mph and sprint up to about 45 mph. That is faster than most galloping horses.

How Do Ostriches Keep Sand Out of Their Eyes?

Even though they do not bury their heads, ostriches run through dusty, sandy places. God designed their eyes with built-in protection:

• Big, feathery eyelashes that help keep sand and debris from flying into their eyes.
• A nictitating membrane, a “third eyelid” that slides sideways across the eye like a tiny windshield wiper. It helps protect and clean the eye while still letting the ostrich see.

What Can Ostriches Teach Us About Fear?

Sometimes we are tempted to hide from hard things. But God invites us to face fears with Him.

“So don’t worry, because I am with you… I will make you strong and will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Like an ostrich that does not freeze in fear, we can lift our eyes, remember God is near, and take the next brave step.

Learn more about ostriches on our podcast for kids and families: