Since Roman times, ostriches have held the unfair reputation of being so dumb and spineless that when danger comes calling, the first thing they do is bury their head in the sand to pretend itÂ’s not happening. Hence the popular phrase about being ignorant to reality.

But really, ostriches don't perform this silly task. Instead they run from danger, or when theyÂ’re afraid, at speeds of up to 40mph. They do, however, temporarily swoop down to swallow sand and pebbles to aid their digestion.