The post These Flamingos Belong on America’s Got Talent appeared first on A-Z Animals.
There’s no denying that flamingos are beautiful birds. Their long legs, pink feathers, and graceful movements draw the attention of every animal lover. This clip by @NBC from The Americas shows how breathtaking that beauty is up close. In the animal kingdom, these flamingos are masters of the dance — but are also masters of their mating rituals. Let’s find out how these ballroom-style moves earn each flamingo a partner.
The Dance of the Flamingo
As described in this video, what we see here is really a series of dancing. However, the purpose of this dancing is not to entertain. Flamingos dance to mate, which is seen commonly among many species. They’re not quite as beautiful as this, where every animal moves synchronicity with its potential mates. It’s estimated that flamingos have up to 136 unique moves in their courtship ritual, and it’s stunning to witness in person. In this video, the flamingos are marching, a routine requiring them to move in unison. From an aerial vantage point, you can see the coordination and time it takes to move in such a way that mimics a choreographed routine. However, this is only one aspect of the courtship ritual.
Flamingos can live in colonies of thousands, but only a few hundred might occur in any courtship ritual. This specialized dance is typically started by vocal calls and head flagging when flamingos shake their heads in a nodding motion. From this point on, the dance becomes more complex. Flamingos show off their feathers, shake their wings, and point their tail feathers up, creating an array of moving colors. Younger flamingoes show more intricate moves, whereas aging birds have simpler dances. When it’s all over, flamingos choose one partner with whom they remain monogamous.
The Meaning Behind the Courtship Dance
Another unique aspect of the flamingo’s courtship ritual is its rotation. Whereas males are commonly the ones to initiate mating, female flamingos often jump into this intricate dance. Female flamingos have equally impressive displays, moving in tandem with males and other females who jump into the march. This diversity is seen in movements and color, as every flamingo has unique coloring. It makes the act all the more fascinating with its hypnotic rhythm.
Even more fascinating is that experts still don’t know how flamingos choose their mates. The act is a mystery, and there are seemingly no clear guidelines for pairing. One theory is that they opt for partners with vibrantly-colored feathers. Choosing a mate based on appearance is common in the animal kingdom, although it’s not confirmed amongst flamingos. Given their complex movements, females may also choose a mate based on who is the better dancer.
The post These Flamingos Belong on America’s Got Talent appeared first on A-Z Animals.