Neighbourhood arguments.
The sunshine that we have all been craving has arrived with an intensity this week and the flamingos have certainly been spurred on by the mini heatwave. The Chilean flamingos have been squabbling and arguing with each other with renewed vigour, and this tension within the flock could potentially result in pairs forming and the flock to commence breeding. Flamingo arguments are generally quite easy to spot. They normally occur between pairs of birds; one trying to drive away the other, or between individuals that might have invaded each other's space. Squabbling can also be seen around nest building and chick rearing times, when birds are being protective of their nests, eggs and chicks.
Birds that are trying to intimidate their rivals will perform a "chrysanthemuming" display whereby they raise the long scapular feathers (that normally droop over their wings) to make themselves appear larger and more impressive. This behaviour is very visual and easy for an observer (even a novice one) to pick out. It also happens to make the flamingos look very photogenic!
