Abstract
Fertility of captive flamingos varies between flocks, species and seasons. Individuating infertile eggs could be helpful to facilitate important decisions. Wild animals could be encouraged to abandon the nest or not, whereas in captivity removing non-viable egg would lead birds to lay a new one. The aim of this study was to investigate the parental behaviour of a pair of greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) in the presence of a fertile and an infertile egg. Data on the posture and behaviours of the pair on the nest were collected over two different periods: first period—an infertile egg was laid; second period—a fertile egg was laid. For each period, 28 ten-minute sessions per flamingo partner were run. Results revealed that female flamingo spent significantly more time standing on the nest in the first than in the second period (P = 0.010). Moreover, when standing on the nest, the female performed significantly more egg-care behaviour (attention to the egg, egg rotation/moving) in the first than in the second period (P = 0.010). No significant differences between periods emerged in the male flamingo posture on the nest and behaviours. Findings from this study suggest that female flamingos stand on the nest longer if the egg is infertile, paying more attention and examining it deeply. This study provides new insights into greater flamingo parent-embryo communication. Future research is needed to improve our knowledge on this topic, as well as on the husbandry of this species in the controlled environment.
Highlights
Results revealed that female flamingo spent significantly more time standing on the nest in the first than in the second period (P = 0.010)
The female flamingo spent 63% of the total observation time sitting on the nest, 1% standing on the nest and 36% out of the nest (Figure 1)
The behaviour of the female flamingo varied significantly between the two periods and this variability might occur based on egg fertility
Summary
Fertility of captive flamingos varies between flocks, species and seasons. Individuating infertile eggs could be helpful when decisions on whether or not to abandon the nest are needed [1]. Pairs that laid an infertile first egg will often produce fertile second eggs [2]. Bird species, such as ostriches, are able to recognize infertile eggs and remove them from the clutch [3]. Egg odour might be involved in fertility determination, mediating parental behaviour [1]. Egg odours have been found to solicit the behaviour of the incubating bird, improving the quality of parental care [1] [4]. The literature on parent and developing embryo communication in birds is lacking and studies are needed [1]
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