Re: Why do flamingos and other birds stand on one leg?

Hi there.

I'm no ornithologist, but I have done a reasonably comprehensive journal 
and web search on this topic for you.

I haven't found anything about swan leg raising, and I don't know enough 
about swan behaviour to make a call on this one. Try searching some of the 
respected bird journals and see if swan thermoregulatory behaviour has 
been well documented.

The Flamingo was a little easier to find info on!

Both these websites have similar information on flamingo thermoregulation:


www.naturezoo.com/birds/greaterflamingo.html
www.seaworld.org/flamingos/fadapt.html

> "Curling one leg under their body helps keep the foot warm and conserves 
body heat. They will stand on one leg in both cool and warm environments."

There you go! Apparently leg curling is typical flamingo behaviour!