The Animal Kingdom’s 8 Most Impressive Dancers

It’s well known that humans have been dancing for thousands of years. Cave paintings from central India, dating back at least 10,000 years, depict people dancing. However, while young people enjoy showcasing their dance moves at nightclubs on Saturday nights, this activity is not exclusive to humanity. Indeed, there are numerous insects, birds, and water-dwellers that perform highly complex dance routines in order to attract mates, communicate, and even warn members of their species of pending dangers. Here are 10 fascinating dance moves that animals use to navigate their world.

The Synchronized Choreography of the Flamingo

Although flamingos are perhaps best known for their long legs and pink color, their most impressive feature is their dancing ability. When it’s time to attract a mate, thousands of flamingos assemble in huge colonies, march in tight formation, and engage in a dance routine that involves neck stretching, head-whipping, and wing-flapping in remarkable synchronization. This ritual sends a message to all the lady flamingos that they’re healthy enough to engage in some baby-making.