In order to investigate Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) behavior, it is useful to study and compare flamingoes both in wild and captive settings. Captive zoo flamingoes are not just for marveling at and pondering how they can stand on one leg for so long, but they are also very useful for controlled experiments that lead to a better understanding of their biology, physiology, and behavior in both captive and wild settings.

[Photo by Nick Chudeau and caption by Maggie Creamer]

Reference

Bildstein, K. L., Golden, C. B., McCraith, B. J., & Bohmke, B. W. (1993). Feeding behavior, aggression, and the conservation biology of flamingos: integrating studies of captive and free-ranging birds. American Zoologist, 33(2), 117-125.