Why do some birds, like flamingos for instance, sometimes stand on one leg? What's the basic reason behind that?

Midget40

There is no known scientiic answer for this question. Flamingos exhibit this behavior both in the wild and in captivity, suggesting that it is entirely natural, rather than the result of stress due to confinement. One of the more widely accepted theories is that flamingos standstandstand on one leg to conserve body heat and energy. Some ornithologists have suggested that flamingos may sleep on one leg, essentially turning half of the brain off to rest, and balancing on the leg which is connected to the part of the brain that is awake. . Many scientists have agreed with the circulation theory. The long legs of flamingos require extra work from the heart to circulate blood fully throughout the body. Especially when flamingos are standing in cool water, the heart is forced to circulate more blood to keep both legs warm. By tucking one leg closer to the body, flamingos may reduce the load on their hearts. http://www.wisegeek.com/why-do-flamingos-stand-on-one-leg.htm Mar 08 09, 6:44 AM

madkeen4

I have no link to support my answer, however, I keep a number of birds, including parrots, budgerigars and pigeons, as well as two chickens. All of these at one time or another stand on one leg, especially the chickens. May I suggest that just as humans do, they get tired and simply shift weight from one leg to another? They merely find it more comfortable to 'tuck' the other leg up, many ibis, cranes and other similar birds do the same thing. Mar 09 09, 4:58 AM