All About Flamingos

Written by: Paige Leal

Flamingos are spectacular creatures from their webbed feet to their bright pink feathers. Read to learn more about these wading birds!

Habitats

Flamingos belong to the bird family known as Phoenicopteridae, having 6 different species of flamingos around the world. They are found in different regions, from tropical ones like the Caribbean to subtropical regions such as Africa and more. They are found in shallow muddy waters, with their habitats being alkaline lakes, lagoons, swamps and tidal flats. 

Features

The most recognizable feature to a flamingo is their pink feathers and long legs. Surprisingly, flamingos are not born this way, their feathers turn pink due to their diet, such as shrimp, algae, and other things containing pigments called carotenoids. This pigment causes the feathers to turn to its pink/reddish color, giving flamingos the famous look we all know. 

Their long legs and webbed feet is how they are able to wade into the deep water. These webbed feet also allow them to stir up mud and provide them with stability on the ground. Flamingos' unique bills is how they are able to feed with their heads upside down and catch prey.

 Social Life

Flamingos are very social birds, they live in large colonies making it extremely rare to spot a flamingo alone. Their colonies number up to a thousand, staying in a big group protects them from predators while they feed. To raise a flamingo it is not just the job of one parent, but both parents, they take turns at the nest to feed the chick.

Fun Facts & Closing Idea

• A group of flamingos is known as a flamboyance

• Flamingos often rest standing on one leg

• Flamingo knees do not bend backwards, their legs are similar to human ones. 

• Flamingo nests are large mounds of mud usually near water

Flamingos are more than just bright pretty birds. Their habitat, color and actions tell the story of how a flamingo is how it is through its evolution, adaptation and survival. Although flamingo species are stable, some are vulnerable because of the loss of habitat, pollution and changes in water conditions. Because they live in extreme habitats, such as the shallow mud flats, the flamingos help us by being a warning to all the other species in the environment. So the flamingos keep track of the health of the ecosystem for many species. Let’s work to keep flamingos and their vibrant habitats safe, so their beauty can continue to brighten our world.