Description
- Typically, flamingo stand on one leg with the other tucked under the body. It is unclear why this conduct is occurring.
- Given that they spend a lot of time wading in chilly water, one idea holds that the birds can retain more body heat by standing on one leg.
- The activity, however, also occurs in warm water and has been noted in birds that don’t generally stand in water.
- Another explanation is that using one leg to balance, and stand minimizes the energy required to produce that muscular exertion.
- While living flamingos exhibit far reduced body sway in a one-legged position, a study on cadavers revealed that the one-legged configuration may be maintained without any muscle activity.