Strike a Pose
Sony A1, FE 200-600mm, F5.6-6.3 G OSS, FL: 200mm, S: 1/1000, A: F5.6, ISO: 500.
Strutting up, she turned bumping and waving her wing in warning.
The blaring honks resonated across the early morning estuary. The flamingos had moved down river and a small shoal of fish had appeared in a deeper channel opposite, creating excitement for the seagulls and attracting the hungry cormorants nearby. As they flocked and dived in ordered chaos after them, a pair of flamingos broke away from their flamboyance close by and made their way towards the quieter shallows on the opposite bank. Entering the open space they strolled slowly across the muddy flats, which were covered by a thin veneer of water, swishing their heads under the glassy surface from side to side in search of their meal.
Reaching a muddy fall-off, they paused quietly looking around, undecided where to go next. The larger flamingo turned forward, and started to head in the direction they had come, but the smaller flamingo remained undecided. Watching him move away, she suddenly ran after him honking for him to halt. As she reached him, they bumped into each other, her wings aflutter in a display seemingly indicating that there was another place to go before they would return to the others. A few moments later, they settled, and both headed off in her chosen direction.
The Fascinating Social Behaviour of Flamingos
Flamingos are renowned for their striking appearance and unique behaviours, particularly their collective displays, which they devote significant time to before, during, and after breeding. These synchronised activities are not just a spectacle but play a crucial role in their breeding process.
Collective Displays and Synchronisation
Flamingos engage in large group displays involving several hundred to several thousand birds. These ritualised postures and movements help synchronise breeding among the flock. Sometimes a single display is enough, but more often, flamingos perform a sequence of predictable displays, each with its own purpose and style. Each species may have slight variations in how these displays are performed.
Key Flamingo Displays
Head-flag: This display involves flamingos stretching their necks and heads upwards as high as possible, with their bills pointing up. They then rhythmically turn their heads from side to side. Picture a sea of flamingos, necks stretched to their maximum height, heads pointed skyward. They turn their heads rhythmically from side to side, almost as if they are signalling to each other. This display serves to attract attention and signal readiness for mating.
Wing-salute: In this striking display, flamingos spread their wings for a few seconds, showcasing their vibrant colours. Simultaneously, they cock their tails and stretch their necks out. This bold show of colours and movement is designed to impress potential mates and assert dominance within the group.
Inverted Wing-salute: Here, flamingos angle their heads down, cock their tails, and position their bodies so that their tails are higher than their chests. They then hold their wings partially open above their backs, with black flight feathers pointing up and the bends in their wings pointing down. This display highlights their agility and the distinct coloration of their feathers, making them more attractive to mates.
Twist-preen: This involves the flamingo twisting its neck back and appearing to preen quickly, with its bill positioned behind a partially open wing. This behaviour not only keeps their feathers in top condition but also showcases their flexibility and the subtle beauty of their plumage to potential partners.
Wing-leg Stretch: In this display, the flamingo stretches both the leg and the wing on the same side out to the rear. It’s understood to present a graceful and balanced pose that demonstrates their physical fitness and readiness to mate.
Marching: Perhaps the most impressive display, large groups of flamingos cluster together, stand erect, and move in quick, synchronised steps first in one direction and then another. This coordinated marching serves to strengthen social bonds within the flock and signal their collective readiness for the breeding season.
Feathered Friends Collection
Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.
Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe, and their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.
