Flamingo breeding: The role of group displays

Abstract

AbstractGroup displays in flamingos have been presumed to play a role in stimulating synchronous nesting and in facilitating pair formation. This study compares the group displays and breeding success of a captive flock of Caribbean flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) at the National Zoological Park between 2 years: the frequency and synchrony of group displays were measured for a flock of 17 in 1988 and then again in 1989 after flock size was increased to 21. In 1989 the rate of occurrence of display activity increased 48%, the synchrony of group displays increased 100%, the frequency of mounts and copulations almost doubled, and for the first time in the flock's history two fertile eggs were produced. The use of sprinklers to simulate rain had no effect on the group displays. The amount of naturally occurring rainfall in 1989 was almost twice that in 1988. The increased frequency and synchrony of group displays could be attributed to increased flock size, change in sex ratio, addition of strange individuals, or increased rainfall. This study, however, provides evidence for a relationship between behavioral stimulation from group displays and components of breeding success in flamingos.