The flamingo has one of the most unique anatomies of all bird species, but the anatomy works together for the bird to thrive in a multitude of geographic locations. Flamingos are often recognized for being tall, some species reach maximum heights upwards of 5 ft. They are also known for their bright pink color.
Get To Know The Flamingo
Flamingos are also famous for their one-leg stance. Some scientists suggest that standing on one leg allows the flamingo to conserve body heat. This makes sense for birds that spend a long period of time wading in water that is sometimes cold. There are six species of flamingos found in the world, but they generally share the same physical description, although the shades of pink and the exact size vary from species to species. The diet also makes a significant difference in flaming color.
Their Color
The pink color of the flamingo is caused by bacteria and beta carotene found in the flamingo’s diet. Usually, the brighter the color of the flamingo’s feathers, the healthier the flamingo is and the higher likelihood that is will attract a mate. Pale or whitish flamingos are lacking nutrients in their diet. Although, in certain species of flamingo, babies don’t turn to their full color until they are several years of age.
How Do They Get Around
A lot of people are under the false impression that the flamingo is not capable of flight. Even though flamingos can weigh up to 8 lbs, they are still flying birds. Some flamingo species, like the Andean Flamingo, are able to migrate upwards of 700 miles in a single day. Many flamingos fly at night and that may be a contributing factor to the false conception that they can’t fly.
When the bird flies or lies down, its legs are stretched out straight. Most birds have short feet that can be tucked away before flight, but the flamingo uses its long legs to its advantage. They don’t get in the way when they are stretched out straight and even give the bird an aerodynamic ease.
A flamingo’s wings have a unique design made up of layers delicate feathers that allow it to swim, fly or keep warm while wading in cold water. Feathers can range from the usual pink color to yellow to red to white and even black. A flamingo’s wingspan can reach 3 ft. Part of the flamingo’s mating rituals involves spreading their wings in rapid a back and forth motion
A flamingo’s neck hosts 19 vertebrae. Its neck can bend backwards or downwards to allow the birds to clean their feathers and search for food. Its neck is vital to the process of filtering food from water; a flamingo often needs to turn their head upside down in the process. Flamingos also partake in a mating ritual that requires males to move their neck around rapidly in a flailing motion.
Interesting Facts
The bill of a flamingo is also designed specifically so that it opens and closes tightly and fits together snuggly so that the birds can easily scoop potential food from the bottom of a lagoon or mudflat. All flamingos share the same yellow-colored eyes. Another interesting fact is that the flamingo’s brain is smaller than its eyeball.
The tall birds require webbed feet in order to stand up for long amounts of time in the muddy water. Its webbed feet also allow for an ease in swimming as the web creates a sort of flipper for the bird.
A lot of people are not aware that flamingos have knees. They not only have knees, but knees and ankles. Sometimes the knees are hidden under feathers, but a species, the Chilean Flamingo, has pink joints that stand out in the crowd.
