Tama Zoo The flamingo house at Greater Flamingo is currently home to 107 flamingos. As I write this article at the end of the year, we humans have entered the cold season, when we don't like to move much. However, unlike humans, flamingos are rather active.

The flamingos in Tama are entering the breeding season, and their courtship "display" (the behavior in which animals show off their bodies and movements for courtship or intimidation) is in full swing. In this article, we will introduce three different patterns of courtship displays by flamingos.

The first is a movement called "flag-waving," where they vigorously shake their heads from side to side. Although they shake their heads even outside of the breeding season, during the breeding season they form flocks of several to dozens of birds and shake their heads in unison with lively calls. The shaking is faster than usual, and it looks as if they are vigorously waving a flag. Also, their necks are normally in an S-shape, but when they flag-wave, they straighten their necks as if to say, "Look at me!", making them appear even taller (please see the following video).


Greater Flamingo courtship display: "Flag waving" and "Salute"
The second is the "salute." This involves the birds, in a flock, rapidly spreading their wings and then quickly closing them. They also frequently perform a bowing motion, lowering their heads while rapidly spreading their wings and then quickly closing them. This is always followed immediately by the birds bending their necks and preening their feathers (please see the video of the flag-waving and salute above).

The third is the "marching," where the flock of birds starts walking in unison at a fast pace. The marching ends in various ways; sometimes they gather again and start waving flags, while other times they gently disperse and walk separately. Although less frequent, sometimes another marching group will join a marching flock, forming an even larger group. The sight of more than 50 birds marching is impressive and very beautiful.


Greater Flamingo courtship display: "The March"
Generally, when we think of courtship displays, we imagine males attracting females, like peacocks. However, interestingly, in the case of flamingos, both males and females participate in this group behavior together. This kind of behavior is rarely observed in other birds, making it a unique characteristic of flamingos. During this behavior, the males and females confirm their compatibility, form pairs, and begin nesting. This behavior is limited to the cold season, so when you visit Tama Zoo, why not stop and observe the flamingos closely?

[Tama Zoo, Tama Zoological Park]

(January 2, 2021)