Fairmount Park in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Caribbean flamingo
Phoenicopterus ruber
Diet: Algae, crustaceans and tiny mollusks.
Flight speed: 31-37 mph.
Predators: Jaguars, large birds of prey.
Threats: Habitat loss, lead poisoning from lead shot.
Habitat: Prefers saline water, shallow lakes and lagoons.
Range: Caribbean islands, northern coast of South America, Yucatan Peninsula.
Threat Status: Not in Danger
Why do flamingos stand on one leg?
There are many theories. Dr. Matthew Anderson and his students from St. Joseph's University have been studying Philadelphia Zoo's Caribbean flamingos since 2007. Among the possibilities: reducing leg fatigue, balancing in wind, enabling quick getaways.
Anderson's research supports conserving body heat. According to observations, resting birds stood on one leg more often when in water than on land. Water draws away more heat than air. As the weather got hotter, fewer birds stood on one leg. While there may be other benefits to this behavior, Anderson's work strongly supports thermoregulation as a primary benefit.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Education • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 2007.
Location. 39° 58.333′ N, 75° 11.702′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Plastic-free Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); The Solitude (within shouting distance of this marker); Sebastopol goose (within shouting distance of this marker); The Walter Gray Family Gardens at The Solitude (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Solitude (within shouting distance of this marker); Trumpeter swan (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Giraffe (about 500 feet away); Diversity Makes All the Difference (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 448 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 26, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
