Why do flamingos stand on one leg?
Scientists think flamingos stand on one leg to keep warm and save energy.
Pip’s answer
- Scientists think flamingos stand on one leg to keep warm and save energy.
- Tucking one leg into their feathers keeps it toasty, like a sock in a blanket!
- Their body can balance on one leg without much work at all.
- Wow-ee, buddy, flamingos can even nap standing on one leg!
For grown-ups
Scientists think standing on one leg helps flamingos save body heat, since less of their body is in cold water. Research also suggests it takes very little muscle effort: their body structure lets them balance on one leg almost automatically, even while dozing.
Ask your child: How long can you balance on one leg?
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