Flamingoes. Those beautiful birds with long, graceful legs. Perhaps, you have seen one in real life, or the closest contact you have had with one was through your television screen.
Whatever the case, have you ever wondered why flamingoes tend to stand on only one leg at times? And if you haven’t, this article will tell you why nonetheless.
Although they are not the only birds to balance daintily on a single limb, flamingoes are probably the best known for this yoga-like pose.
Researchers have been scratching their heads trying to figure out the reason behind this stance, and now they think they have an answer. Thermoregulation!
What they found is that flamingoes tend to do a lot more one-legged lounging when they are standing in water and when temperatures are colder. This makes sense if the birds are trying to maintain their body temperature, right?
Read More: 10 Amazing Bird Facts (Flamingo)
They explain that a long naked leg exposes lots of skin to cool temperature and water, which suck away heat faster than air. But, if flamingoes tuck that same leg up into their feathered body, it stays toasty warm. It’s similar to the way you tuck your hands in your pocket when the temperature gets low, or you are feeling especially cold.
It’s likely the behaviour also reduces the birds’ exposure to things like fungus and parasites in the water.
And there goes the mystery of the beautiful, long-legged flamingo!
Source: teenkidnews.com
