Update: Zoo's Flamingos Were Likely Mating

REMEMBER THOSE FRISKY FREEZING FLAMINGOS we wrote about on Monday? Well, apparently when we stumbled upon and photographed the flock early Saturday morning, they were most likely involved in a noisy mating ritual.

After seeing our post, Sarah Taylor, a public affairs specialist at the National Zoo, let us know that this is the time of year when the flock starts its courtship display:

They'll puff up their feathers, hold their heads high and slowly strut together (kind of like a chorus line). At some point, they all begin squawking and extending their wings before burying their heads underneath. The behavior serves to synchronize the flock so the birds all come into breeding behavior at the same time, assuring the chicks will hatch when food supply is optimal.

We feel sort of bad that we walked in on the flamingos when they were eager to procreate. But then again, they let the ducks watch.

» "Around Town: Rise and Shine With Cold Flamingos" [Free Ride/Express]

Photo by Michael Grass/Express

Posted By Michael Grass at 3:01 PM on January 30, 2008 Tagged in Around Town , Arts & Events , Free Ride , Out & About , The District , Top Stories , Woodley Park

Comments (12) | Archive