Summary
In this episode of "Stuff You Should Know," the hosts delve into the world of flamingos. They discuss the physical appearance, behavior, and distribution of the five different species of flamingos, with the greater flamingo being the largest and most widely distributed. Flamingos are known for their ability to live in saline or alkaline lakes and mud flats where few other animals can survive, and get their distinctive pink color from the beta-carotene found in their diet. The hosts also talk about a video artist who created a video of flamingos responding to hand gestures and a gunshot sound, adding to the interesting and unusual facts about these birds.
The conversation then shifts to the hosts' live shows and their upcoming show in Nashville, but quickly returns to flamingos and their fascinating behaviors. The hosts discuss how flamingos stand on one leg to conserve heat, their complex social relationships within their flamboyances, and their unique mating ritual that involves dancing. Flamingos are peaceful animals, and both male and female flamingos help nurture their egg during the short incubation period.
The hosts also touch on the history of flamingos being hunted for their feathers, and how some zoos have used mirrors to help increase the flamingo population in captivity. They briefly mention the taste of flamingo tongue and meat, with one host suggesting that the distinct taste may come from their high levels of Omega-3 due to their diet. The conversation then shifts to listener mail, where a listener solves a mystery about a silverback cat's coat and the hosts encourage listeners to send in their own mysteries to be solved.
Overall, this episode provides a wealth of information about flamingos, from their physical appearance and behavior to their history and unique characteristics. The hosts' friendly tone and interesting anecdotes make for an engaging and informative listen.
