![]() ![]() The bend halfway down the flamingo’s leg is actually its ankle, not its knee! This means their diet is slightly different from the others as they can slurp up insects, invertebrates, and small fish. Greater, Chilean and American flamingos have what we call shallow-keeled bills. The Lesser, James’ and Andean flamingos have a beak referred to as a deep-keeled bill.ĭue to their shape, these flamingos mostly only eat algae. Different species of flamingo have different beaks. ![]() Having flexibility means they can reach down to water and food sources and reach far back to their feathers for cleaning. Having 19 bones creates a lot of flexibility which is needed for survival. This is the main reason for their ability to move their necks so much. There are 19 vertebrae found within a flamingo’s neck. Tucking the other leg close to their bodies reduces heat loss and allows them to conserve energy. So as a way to keep warm, they only stand on one leg. It is common for some birds to stand on one leg, but for flamingos, it’s a must!įlamingos lose heat through their feet and legs due to living in wetlands. ![]() Flamingos are known for spending most of their time standing on one leg. These are usually absorbed by fats in the liver but also for flamingos, and they are deposited into the skin and feathers – giving them that red or pink hue. When digested by flamingos, enzymes break down the carotenoids into pigments. These all contain high levels of beta carotene, which contains a red/orange pigment. Wild flamingos are pink because they consume vast quantities of algae and insects.įlamingos are usually found in wetland areas rich in algae, larvae, insects, and sometimes shrimp. They have obtained their names either due to their looks or their global positioning. The six species are the greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, Chilean flamingo, Andean flamingo, James’ (or puna) flamingo, and American (or Caribbean) flamingo. Flamingos are a fascinating species with their famously long necks and pink-colored feathers.īut how do they get such vibrant pink feathers, and why are they so flexible?Ĭheck out these top 15 fabulous facts about flamingos! There are only six species of flamingo.Īlthough it might be difficult to tell them apart, there are six different species of flamingos. ![]()
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