This children’s article, Why do flamingos stand on one leg?, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It will help you practise reading and comprehension while discovering why flamingos balance on one leg, where they live and what makes these remarkable birds so unusual. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, an experienced teacher and writer.
Why do flamingos stand on one leg?
Hundreds of bright pink flamingos stand quietly beside a lake. Some are splashing in the water, while others are searching for food. Then you notice something surprising. Many of them are standing on just one leg.
It looks as though they might fall over, but they very rarely do.
Scientists have wondered about this unusual behaviour for many years. Although they are still learning more, they now think they have some good answers.
Keeping warm
One reason flamingos stand on one leg is to help keep warm.
Flamingos spend a lot of time standing in cool water. If both legs stay in the water, they lose more body heat. By tucking one leg up into their feathers, they keep it warm and may save energy.
You might pull your hands into your sleeves on a cold day. A flamingo does something similar with one of its legs.
A clever way to rest
Standing on one leg might look difficult, but for a flamingo it is surprisingly easy.
Scientists have discovered that flamingos can balance using very little effort. Their legs and joints lock into place, allowing them to stay balanced without using much energy. This means they can even sleep while standing on one leg without toppling over.
That is good news for a bird that spends many hours standing in shallow water.
Why are flamingos pink?
Flamingos are not born pink.
Baby flamingos have soft grey or white feathers. As they grow, they eat tiny shrimp, algae and other small creatures that contain natural pigments called carotenoids. These pigments slowly turn their feathers pink.
A flamingo that does not eat enough food containing carotenoids may become much paler.
Flamingos are amazing birds
Flamingos live in parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. They often gather in huge groups called flocks, sometimes with thousands of birds standing together.
The next time you see a flamingo balancing on one leg, you will know it is not showing off. It is simply using a clever trick to stay comfortable and save energy.
You can learn lots more about flamingos at BirdLife International.
Article vocabulary list
- Scientist: A person who studies the world to discover new facts.
- Body heat: The warmth produced by a living body.
- Energy: The strength needed to move, grow and stay alive.
- Joint: A place where two bones meet and allow movement.
- Shallow: Not very deep.
- Pigment: A natural substance that gives something its colour.
- Carotenoids: Natural pigments found in some plants and animals that can make flamingos pink.
- Flock: A group of birds living or travelling together.
Comprehension questions
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1. What unusual thing do many flamingos do?
a) They sleep in trees.
b) They stand on one leg.
c) They swim underwater.
Answer: b) They stand on one leg.
2. Why do scientists think flamingos stand on one leg?
a) To keep warm and save energy.
b) To scare away other birds.
c) To make themselves look taller.
Answer: a) To keep warm and save energy.
3. What colour are baby flamingos?
a) Bright pink
b) Blue
c) Grey or white
Answer: c) Grey or white.
4. What makes adult flamingos turn pink?
a) Sunshine
b) Natural pigments in their food
c) Mud from the lake
Answer: b) Natural pigments in their food.
5. What is a group of flamingos called?
a) A herd
b) A flock
c) A pack
Answer: b) A flock.
6. Which sentence is true?
a) Scientists know absolutely everything about flamingos.
b) Flamingos stand on one leg only to impress other birds.
c) Scientists are still learning about flamingos, but they have good ideas about why they stand on one leg.
Answer: c) Scientists are still learning about flamingos, but they have good ideas about why they stand on one leg.
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
