Whether it’s the giraffe’s necking or the humpback whale’s singing, these strange behaviors remind us that animals are not so different from us after all.
10 Strange Animal Behaviors Explained
Animals are known for their fascinating and often odd behaviors. From the way they hunt and gather food to the way they communicate with one another, animals are constantly surprising us. Here are 10 strange animal behaviors explained.
1. Giraffe Necking
Giraffes are known for their long necks, but did you know that they use them for combat as well? During a behavior known as necking, male giraffes swing their necks and heads at each other, sometimes making loud cracking sounds. They do this to establish dominance and win the attention of female mates. The winner of a necking contest will typically be the tallest and strongest male in the group.
2. Dancing for Rain: Blue-Footed Boobies
Blue-footed boobies are known for their bright blue feet, but did you know that they also have a unique way of attracting a mate? During mating season, male boobies will perform a dance that involves lifting and showing off their blue feet while whistling and honking. This behavior is thought to signal to potential mates that the male is healthy and strong.
3. Playful Otters
Otters are known for their playful behavior, often seen sliding down muddy banks and playing games with each other. This behavior may look like pure fun, but it actually serves a purpose. Playing helps otters to develop their coordination and hunting skills, making them better-equipped to survive in the wild.
4. The Aardvark’s Tongue
Aardvarks have a long, sticky tongue that they use to hunt termites and other insects. However, their tongue is also useful for detecting prey. Aardvarks will often stick their tongue into a termite mound and wait for an insect to crawl onto it, at which point the aardvark will quickly pull it back into its mouth.
5. Sloth Self-Defense
Sloths are known for their slow, lazy demeanor, but they also have an interesting way of defending themselves. If threatened, a sloth will use its sharp claws and teeth to defend itself, but it will also emit a loud, terrifying scream. This behavior is thought to warn potential predators that the sloth is not an easy target.
6. The Electric Eel’s Shocking Behavior
Electric eels have the ability to generate electric shocks of up to 600 volts, and they use this ability in a variety of ways. Electric eels will use their electric shocks to stun or kill prey, to communicate with other electric eels, or to defend themselves from predators. In fact, some electric eels have been known to shock alligators or other large predators that pose a threat.
7. Mantis Shrimp’s Powerful Punch
Mantis shrimp have a unique way of hunting their prey – they use a powerful punch to stun or kill them. This punch is so strong that it can break through glass or crack a crab’s shell. Mantis shrimp use this behavior to hunt for crustaceans, small fish, and even octopuses.
8. Cuckoo Bird’s Sneaky Reproduction
Cuckoo birds have a sneaky way of reproducing – instead of building their own nests, they will lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. Cuckoo bird eggs often hatch before those of the host species, so the cuckoo chicks will receive more attention and resources from the host parents. This behavior is thought to have evolved in order to increase the cuckoo’s chances of survival.
9. The Tarsier’s Huge Eyes
Tarsiers are known for their gigantic eyes, which take up most of their head. These eyes are so large that they cannot move within their sockets, so the tarsier must turn its head to see. This behavior allows the tarsier to have a wide field of vision, making it easier to spot insects and other prey in the dark.
10. Humpback Whales’ Singing Skills
Male humpback whales are known for their beautiful and complex songs, which they use to attract mates and communicate with other whales. These songs can last for up to 20 minutes and can include a variety of sounds, such as clicks, whistles, and moans. The lyrics of their songs are thought to change over time, possibly reflecting changes in the humpback whale population.
In conclusion, animals have developed unique and fascinating behaviors that have helped them survive and thrive in their respective environments. From defending themselves to attracting mates, animals are constantly surprising us with their actions.