Examining the impact of the ‘visitor effect’ and weather variables on the behavior of Chilean flamingos ( Phoenicopterus chilensis ) via webcam

Abstract

A publicly available online webcam hosted by Reid Park Zoo (Tucson, AZ, USA) was utilized to study the ‘visitor effect’ in Chilean flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) to eliminate any potential influence that the presence of a researcher may have had on the behavior of the birds. Flamingos were found to be closer to one another in the webcam image on days when more humans were observed in the vicinity of the exhibit, successfully evidencing a ‘visitor effect.’ Higher temperatures, lower barometric pressures, and lower wind speeds were all found to be associated with increased flamingo activity. Higher temperatures and UV index, and lower humidity and wind speed were all associated with increased numbers of visitors seen near the flamingo exhibit.