The worlds six flamingo species are among the most beautiful and iconic animals on Earth. Indeed, the much beloved flamingo is a popular attraction at zoos around the globe, and has become a cultural phenomenon as well, being displayed proudly on the lawns of many suburban homes as well as being featured prominently in works of literature and art. While their physical characteristics have likely led to their iconic status, when one takes a moment to look beyond their long neck and legs and beautiful plumage, they will soon discover that the flamingos behavioral patterns are equally as impressive and as fascinating as their appearance. Indeed, whether it be their highly gregarious and colonial nature, filter-feeding habits, ritualised group displays, the crèches of flamingo chicks, the construction of mud nests, or the answer to the age-old question, Why do flamingos stand on one leg?, flamingo behavior/biology is thoroughly interesting, and at times peculiar. Moreover, our unique relationship with and fascination for the charismatic flamingos are an interesting phenomena in their own rights. This edited volume is devoted to flamingo behavior, biology and their relationships with humans. By thoroughly exploring and considering each of these topics together in one volume, this work is designed to encourage in the reader a greater understanding of and appreciation for these fascinating and iconic birds.
Matthew J Anderson, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychology and is currently serving as Associate Dean of Social Sciences at Saint Joseph's University (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Dr. Anderson's research focuses on avian behavior, with a particular interest in flamingos and budgerigars. He studies the captive flock of Caribbean flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) at the Philadelphia Zoo, and has also employed web cams trained on flamingo flocks around the globe in order to better understand the behavior of these highly social, iconic birds, and to perhaps gain some insight into the evolution and workings of general behavioral processes. His research on Caribbean flamingo resting behavior and efforts to answer the age-old question, "Why do flamingos stand on one leg?" have received substantial media attention. He is the author of over thirty scholarly articles and book chapters, has edited a book titled, Tasks and Techniques: A Sampling of Methodologies for the Investigation of Animal Learning, Behavior, and Cognition (Nova Science Publishers, ISBN 1-60021-126-7), and has written and illustrated a children's picture book titled, Pink Flamingos All Around (Speckled Egg Press, ISBN 978-1-62006-314-9, ISBN 978-1-62006-547-1). He is a member of the IUCN SSC Flamingo Specialist Group.
