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The partner of one Caribbean flamingo helps it out in an argument with another pair. Photo Credit Paul Rose |
Flamingos form cliques of like-minded individuals within their flocks, new research shows.
Scientists analyzed the personalities and social behavior of Caribbean and Chilean flamingos.
Birds of both species tended to spend time with others whose personality was similar to their own.
The study, by the University of Exeter and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), reveals the complex nature of flamingo societies and could help in the management of captive flocks.
“Our previous research has shown that individual flamingos have particular ‘friends’ within the flock,” said Dr Paul Rose, from WWT and Exeter’s Centre for Research in Animal Behavior.
“In this study, we wanted to find out whether individual character traits explain why these friendships form.
“The answer is yes – birds of a feather flock together.