Nature's Most Graceful Show-Off: All Hail the Flamingo

Scientists haven't quite succeeded in providing an explanation as to why flamingos stand on one leg in the water. Some say this allows their body to retain more heat, others argue that it enables them to remain in the same position for longer due to the lesser reliance on using muscles. But this is far from the only peculiar phenomenon about these creatures: they consume brine shrimp and blue algae through a special filtering system inside of their beaks known as lamellae. They live in large colonies, some of which rise into the millions. Flamingos choose a pair for a life, and choosing a member of the same sex is not unusual. And, of course, they're show-offs - big, bright, beautiful show-offs. Flamingoes, we salute you.