ExploreBird

American Flamingo

Phoenicopterus ruber

The American Flamingo is known for its bright pink feathers and long legs. They are social birds that like to hang out together.

Habitat: Coastal areas and wetlands

Appearance

The American Flamingo is a large, vibrant pink or reddish bird with remarkably long legs and an S-shaped neck. It has a distinctive large, downward-curved beak with a black tip, making it easily recognizable from other wading birds.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPhoenicopteriformesFamilyPhoenicopteridaeGenusPhoenicopterus

American Flamingo

Interesting facts

A group of flamingos is called a "flamboyance," which describes them perfectly!

Flamingo chicks are born with dull gray feathers and gradually turn pink as they grow up!

They build tall, cone-shaped nests from mud to keep their precious egg safe and dry.

What looks like a flamingo's backward-bending knee is actually its ankle joint!

Special abilities

American Flamingo can filter food with its head completely upside-down, using its specialized beak like a scoop.

American Flamingo has bright pink feathers that come from pigments in its diet, showing how healthy it is.

American Flamingo can stand perfectly still on one leg for hours, helping it conserve energy and body heat.

Measurements & details

Length: 120-145 cm
Wingspan: 140-165 cm
Weight: 2.2-2.8 kg
Lifespan: 40-50 years
Top Speed: 56 km/h
Clutch Size: 1
Incubation: 28-32 days
Migration Distance: 3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These filter-feeders use their unique beaks to strain tiny plants and animals from the water.

Age differences: Chicks are fed 'crop milk' by parents, then transition to filter-feeding as they mature.

Primary Foods

brine shrimp
diatoms
algae
insect larvae
small insects

Foraging Method

Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eats

Brine Shrimp

Artemia salina

A primary food source

eats

Dunaliella Algae

Dunaliella salina

Filters this microalga

symbiotic with

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

Nests near for protection

eaten by

Feral Dog

Canis familiaris

Can prey on eggs/chicks

depends on

Humans

Homo sapiens

Habitat relies on conservation

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Aerial

Discover amazing creatures that spend much of their lives soaring high above the ground, often using wings to fly! They might hunt, travel, or even sleep up in the sky.

Filter Feeder

Discover amazing animals that filter their food right from the water! They have special ways to strain tiny bits of plants or other creatures to eat.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.

Migratory

Follow incredible journeys across the world! These animals travel far and wide at different times of the year, often to find better food or warmer places.