Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Flamingo
Let us venture into the world of wetland birds which is aesthetic but also controls the algae growth by feeding on it.
Common Name-The Flamingo’s name is because of the ‘flame-coloured body from reddish-orange to pink.
Scientific name- Pheonicopteridae
Size- 42 inches
Type- Aves
Habitat and Distribution –
There are 6 species of Flamingo found in Tropical and Subtropical regions.
The habitats like Wetlands, mudflats, saline or even alkaline water, Estuaries, etc invite Flamingos.
Appearance and Diet-
Flamingo has long-necked, webbed feet, and a hooked curved bill which has filtering properties because the beak consists of ‘lamellae’ which are the pointed projections on the inner edge, that filter the unnecessary debris that comes with food.
The food consumed by Flamingo is Insect larvae, Flies, Fishes, and Molluscs.
The Spirulina Blue-green & red algae are consumed by Flamingo which gives them Pink colour plumage.
Courtship –
Flamingo attains sexual maturity at 3-4 years of age.
Usually, the breeding season of Flamingos is in Spring or summer, but it varies according to different regions.
Flamingos are social and live in colonies of 1000 individuals.
Courtship is a ritual among 100 Flamingos that perform the wing display and movements of head back and forth.
They also Preen themselves as a courtship display called ‘Twist Preen’ where they place their head into wings. A female will walk away if she is ready to mate.
Breeding –
Flamingos are monogamous, maintain or partner for life.
They built the nest which is a mound of mud with a hole that consists of 1 egg.
Females take turns to incubate and they incubate for 27-31 days.
The chicks have grey and white plumage.
Crop milk of Flamingos –
Flamingo feeds the ‘Crop milk’ to the young chick. Crop milk is the regurgitated protein milk that is stored in an alimentary canal organ called ‘crop’ where partially digested food is stored.
The lifespan of a Flamingo is 20-30 years.
Also See ⇒ European Goldfinch