Flamingo Facts
The flamingo is known for its bright-pink color and long legs. The birds have large beaks that they use to gather food items from the water, and they have yellow eyes. There are five separate species of flamingo worldwide.
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Reason for Being Pink
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The flamingo's pink coloration is caused by its diet. All varieties of flamingo consume a diet that is high in alpha- and beta-carotene, and these nutrients cause flamingos' feathers to turn pink. If a flamingo doesn't eat any of these nutrients, its feathers will gradually turn gray.
Food Gathering
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Flamingos use their beaks to filter water and gather edible material. They eat a varied mix of plant matter like algae, along with tiny mollusks and various crustaceans. Sometimes they will slam their feet into the water bottom to stir up dirt and any nutrients that may be lying there.
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Habitat
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Flamingos like to live in swampy areas and lakes. They use their long legs to wade in shallow pools while keeping most of their body above water. They prefer areas where the water is shallow, and stay near the shore.
Lifestyle
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Flamingos are social animals, spending their time in very large groups called colonies. A typical colony will have several thousand flamingos.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit flamingo image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
