Zoos Use Mirrors To Make Birds Think There Are More Of Them Because They Don't Breed Well In Small Flocks

"Birds are so kinky they don’t just want someone to watch, they want EVERYONE to watch"

Ayoub

• Published in Interesting
• November 27, 2022

Mirrors have been used by Colchester Zoo keepers to encourage flamingos to breed. They are tricked through their own reflections into thinking their flock is more populated than it actually is. 

This method helps the birds nest so that they can eventually lay eggs. Nest building has begun for 15 Chilean flamingos at the zoo.

"Even if we don't get eggs this year, it's taken us a step in the right direction," the zoo's curator Sarah Forsythe told BBC Essex. Birds generally, and flamingos specifically, do not breed well in small flocks. 

Giving them the illusion that their flock is larger than it actually is could mean that the zoo gets to host flamingo chicks for the first time. The zoo staff was surprised at how efficient the mirrors ended up being, as the birds started behaving appropriately and building nests within a week. 

Similar zoos have tried this idea, but it was never as effective as in Colchester. A Redditor who later deleted their account made a post on the r/todayilearned subReddit with the following title "TIL that many birds do not breed very well in small flocks and that Zoos use mirrors to help increase reproduction." 

Scroll down to check out the full Reddit post!

Here's the original post by a Reddit user who later deleted their account:

Here's how the Reddit community reacted to the user's post:

They probably have a million excuses for what they do.

When the boys are watching your back, you can do your thing in peace.

Their obsession with mirrors is for a reason.

Seeing yourself in action might not be the best idea.

Some angles are just not that flattering.

They flock with each other while staring at their reflection.

That's how birds basically view it. They can only do it under specific conditions.

They only need their own reflections to get in the mood.

I know what this is missing... MORE OF US!! BRING MORE OF US!!

They might look alike, but it doesn't mean they're related.

The complete opposite of what most humans usually have to deal with.

Birds need some confidence too. They get nervous.

If the flock's numbers are reduced, it will get even smaller with time.

Maybe they need as much encouragement as they can get.

They even put mirrors in their cages; for private sessions.

What makes flamingos want that? Those conditions are quite specific.

If the flock is too small, you're more likely to smash a relative.

Birds know how to party, and they are very specific about it.

An odd gift indeed. Not something to be proud of, though.

Who knew birds were so specific about their mating conditions? Some humans usually like more privacy and intimacy, but birds prefer the company of others.

Birds are very fascinating creatures that will never fail to surprise us. If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to check out similar content on our platform.

Ayoub