However, the move isn't to allow the birds to admire their reflection but is part of an attempt to encourage them to breed.

Flamingos are often reluctant to build nests and lay eggs if they are in groups of less than 30 to 40 birds.

With no extra Chilean flamingos able to be brought to Colchester to boost the existing flock keepers had to turn to a more unusual solution.

Mirrors have been placed throughout the enclosure in the hope that the multiple reflections will fool the flamingos into thinking there are more of them in their group than there actually are.

The method has worked well at other zoos and, just to give their reluctant birds an even greater helping hand, Colchester keepers have also created some mud nests within the enclosure.

Curator Sarah Forsyth said: "The flamingos have reacted very well to the mirrors and are exhibiting positive breeding behaviour with some birds beginning to sit on the nests.

"We very much hope that this will lead to eggs being laid within the next month which would lead to Colchester Zoo breeding flamingos for the first time."

MUST CREDIT PHOTOS BY: Jeremy Durkin / Rex Features