In colonies that sometimes count thousands of pairs, how does a greater flamingo find its own partner? The answer may lie in a call, but one question remains open.
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The contact call of the greater flamingo carries a voice signature unique to each bird. According to a 1996 study, certain acoustic features, such as the frequencies of the harmonics and how the sound's energy is spread across the spectrum, differ from one individual to another and could serve as markers of identity.
This call already has very specific jobs: parents use it to recognise their chicks in crèches. It also features in courtship displays and during group flights.
However, no study found so far has tested whether a flamingo recognises its partner after months, or even years, apart. Lasting bonds do form between adults, but pairings can also change, so the question remains a lead worth exploring.
