Flamingos are known for their unique adaptations and behaviors that enable filter feeding. However, it remains unclear whether their beak, neck, and feet influence hydrodynamics to enhance prey capture. In this paper, we combine fluid dynamic experiments with real flamingos (Phoenicopterus chilensis) from the Nashville Zoo, robophysical models, and 3D-CFD simulations to reveal that these enigmatic birds actively generate directional flows and vortical traps to capture agile prey using unique adaptations such as their L-shape beak chattering, head retraction, foot stomping, and skimming behavior. Here we included datasets, scripts, images, and 3D reconstructions. All other data are available within the article and/or its supplementary materials.

Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.q573n5tvd

Authors:

Victor M. Ortega-Jimenez

Tien Yee

Pankaj Rohilla

Benjamin R. Seleb

Jake Belair

Saad Bhamla

For correspondence relating to the data and code in this repository, please contact:

vortex@berkeley.edu

Description of the data and file structure

I) Live Brine Shrimp Capture Using a Mechanical Beak and a Water Pump

ChatteringandPump_Brineshrimp.csv

This file includes data of cumulative Brine shrimp (Column 2) captured over time (Column 1) in seconds, when both the water pump and chattering mechanical mandibles are active.

OnlyPump_Brineshrimp.csv

This file includes data on cumulative Brine shrimp (Column 2) captured over time (Column 1) when only the pump is active.

brineshrimpfiltering.m

Matlab script plots that plot the cumulative brine shrimp captured over time for both treatments and compute linear fits for comparison.

II) Particulate Collection Experiment Using Graphite Dust

Paperfilter_graphite_original.jpg

Image of the paper filter showing dust accumulation: top (pump only), bottom (pump + and chattering mandibles).

ChatteringandPum_paperfilter_graphite.bmp

Binary image showing dust retained on the paper filter when both pump and chattering mandibles are active.

pumponly_paperfilter_graphite.bmp

Binary image of dust retained by a paper filter when only the pump is active.

Graphitefiltering.m

Matlab script that analyzes binary images to estimate the number of particles collected in the filter for each treatment, based on the count of black pixels.

II) Oscillatory Motion During Feeding (Mandibles, Gular Region, head)

RawData_mandible_gular_headoscillations.csv

Digitized x-y coordinate data (in mm) from a video of a flamingo feeding underwater recorded at the Nashville Zoo.

Columns:

Time: Time in seconds
P1(x1,y1) tip of the lower mandible
P2 (x2,y2) tip of the upper mandible
P3 (x3,y3) gular expansion region
P4(x4,y4) gular base region
P5(x5,y5) eye.

III) Oscillatory motion including Head, Mandibles, Gular Region, and Legs.

RawData_Feet_head_tongue_oscillations.csv

Digitized x-y coordinate data (in pixels) from video footage of a flamingo feeding in the mud at the Nashville Zoo.

Columns:

Time: Time in seconds
P1(x1,y1) Left foot
P2 (x2,y2) Right foot
P3 (x3,y3) Eye
P4(x4,y4) Gular region
P5(x5,y5) Lower mandible
P6(x6,y6) Upper mandible
P7(x7,y7) Ground reference point

IV) 3D reconstruction of flamingo

3DFlamingohead.obj

3D model of a flamingo's head

3Dreconstruction_FlamingoFoot.obj

3D model of a flamingo's foot

Reconstruction software:

"Meshroom software (https://alicevision.org/#meshroom) for 3D reconstruction using photogrammetry"

"MeshMixer (http://www.meshmixer.com/download.html) for mesh editing and solid modeling"

Data from: Flamingos use their L-shaped beak and morphing feet to induce vortical traps for prey capture

Data files

Abstract

Authors:

Description of the data and file structure

Data from: Flamingos use their L-shaped beak and morphing feet to induce vortical traps for prey capture

Data files

Abstract

README: Data from: Flamingos use their L-shaped beak and morphing feet to induce vortical traps for prey capture

Authors:

Description of the data and file structure