Facts About Pink Flamingos

Pink flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruper) are exotic waterbirds indigenous to tropical regions. Flamingos are social birds with an omnivorous diet. They are known for their vibrant colors and abnormal shape and stature. These famous birds have been used as trademarks for vacation or recreational companies all over the world.

  1. Features

    • Pink flamingos have a distinct stature. Along with long necks and downward bent bills, pink flamingos average about 4 feet tall and weigh up to 9 pounds. Pink flamingos have rounded wings that span up to 50 inches across. They have long legs and webbed feet. The flamingo's recognizable bright pink color is due to a diet full of crustaceans and algae. Flamingos also have accent colors, including red, orange, yellow, white and black.

    Geography

    • Flamingos are native to the southern United States, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Africa. They live in warm climates around saltwater beaches. Their habitats may be located directly near large bodies of water, as well as inland connected to the sea. A flamingo's nest is usually located near tide or shallow waters, and the nest is only a small mud pile measuring about a foot high.

    Breeding

    • Flamingos generally breed in groups. Their nest is built by both the male and female above ground to protect the egg from water or intense ground heat. A flamingo will only lay one egg at a time, and both parents will take turns incubating it. After birth, baby flamingos will stay in the nest for up to 12 days and are fed a milky substance from the upper digestive system of both parents.

    Mannerisms

    • Flamingos live in groups referred to as colonies. Colonies range from only a few birds to thousands of pairs. While in groups, flamingos use body language to communicate with each other. Displays such as marching, twist-preening, wing saluting and head-flagging are used as warnings or to capture the attention of a mate. Flamingos often stand on one leg. This display is not a communication device, but it is simply the most comfortable position for the bird.

    Other Types of Flamingos

    • Other flamingos similar to pink flamingos exist, such as the Andean flamingo with yellow legs. The Andean, Puna and lesser flamingos have much bigger bills and stiffer lamellae or plate-like structures that serve as a filter for feeding. Caribbean and Chilean flamingos are much larger and have a slightly different diet than pink flamingos. Caribbean and Chilean flamingos generally eat mollusks, shrimp and brine flies by wading in the water or by burying their heads in the water.