Flamingos are known for their one-legged perch, but researchers think they’ve finally figured out how and why they do it.
The balancing act requires less muscular effort and allows the birds to sway less, according to a report published in The Royal Society’s Biology Letters. The flamingos could even sleep while on one leg. The researchers said this is likely due to the posture engaging a central point of force, which allows for less muscle activity.
For the study, scientists also compared cadaver birds and live ones. They found that cadavers could not support themselves on two legs, but could remain upright on one.
More Must-Read Stories From TIME
- The Fall of Roe and the Failure of the Feminist Industrial Complex
- The Ocean Is Climate Change’s First Victim and Last Resort
- Column: 6 Proven Ways to Reduce Gun Violence
- Ads Are Officially Coming to Netflix. Here's What That Means for You
- Jenny Slate on the Unifying Power of a Well-Heeled Shell Named Marcel
- Column: The FDA's Juul Ban May Not be a Pure Public Health Triumph
- What the Supreme Court’s Abortion Decision Means for Your State
Read More From TIME