Chile has established a national flamingo reserve to protect the Andean flamingo, and is spreading this protection to other habitats as well. Luckily, steps have been taken to prevent any further population decline for many different flamingo species. In 1989, the consumption of lead shot bullets caused the deaths of over 100 flamingos in Mexico, leading to legislation prohibiting lead ammunition in that area. These birds have even been threatened with lead poisoning, just like the California Condor. The most prevalent threats to flamingo species now are habitat loss due to development, road construction, and farming. Humans have utilized flamingos for centuries, both as food and medicine. The birds take in mouthfuls of water, filter food out through hair-like lamellae (very similar to baleen in whales) and eat the prey left behind. While the mechanics differ slightly from species to species, all of these interesting birds feed with their heads upside down. Other species filter larger prey, like shrimp, mollusks, insects, and larvae. Some species, like the puna, Andean, and lesser flamingos, use filter feeding to eat algae and plankton. Diet of the Flamingoĭifferent species of flamingos have different feeding behaviors. Greater flamingos live in Africa, Europe, and Asia, while lesser flamingos live only in Africa. American flamingos, also known as Caribbean flamingos, are found in Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Chilean flamingos, Andean flamingos, and puna flamingos are native to South America.
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Distribution of the Flamingoįour species of flamingos are found in Central and South America, and two species are found in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Not only do they have an endless feast, but they have virtually no one to compete with. Though they have no neighbors (including neighbors who may want to eat them), flamingos find these deserted waters teeming with algae and small crustaceans. Many species actually choose to live in areas where the water is too salty, or acidic, for other animals to survive. They prefer shallow water, as they wade in search of food, and their prey thrives in shallow water conditions. Regardless of the region, flamingos flock to shallow lakes and lagoons. There are six different species of flamingos spread across various parts of the globe. This dedication means double the food and protection for the chick. This is, of course, because they haven’t eaten any shrimp or plankton yet.! Luckily for our “ugly duckling” chick, both parents will be alternating nest duties. When the chick hatches, it is white or grey in color instead of a vibrant pink. Gray-t Parents – Flamingo chicks look nothing like their parents.This is also true for different species of flamingos living in various regions, which may have access to less carotene-rich food.
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If a flamingo in a zoo is not as brightly colored as it’s wild counterparts, it may simply be eating a different species of shrimp. Some species of shrimp and plankton contain higher levels of carotenoids. When in zoos, coloration has nothing to do with health. Other Birds Pale in Comparison – In the wild, the brightest flamingos are the ones that feed the most, and thus are the healthiest birds.Carotenoids are the pigment that colors carrots! When flamingos feed on shrimp and other small crustaceans, they consume high amounts of carotenoids. Flamingos’ bright pink feathers are actually a result of their diet. Fabulous Feathers – The most obvious, and magnetic, trait of flamingos is their bright coloration.That is a lot of time spent walking on your tippy toes! This is not just because they are so long and dainty, but also because their knees bend backwards! Or do they? Flamingos’ “knees” are actually their ankles! The joint you see midway up the leg is actually the ankle, and the knee is up underneath the feathers. Long Legs – One of the more unique features of flamingos is their long legs.Lots of the points in “Description of the Flamingo” require additional facts, because flamingos are actually unbelievably interesting creatures! They are honestly really odd creatures, and have a number of traits unique among birds.