American Flamingo
Phoenicopterus ruber · Bird, Vertebrate, Warm-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Phoenicopteridae, order Phoenicopteriformes, class Aves
Animal Category
Waterfowl / Tropical Bird
Breed / Variety
American Flamingo (also known as the Caribbean Flamingo); closely related to the Greater Flamingo but with much deeper reddish-pink plumage
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern; but locally threatened by habitat loss, sea-level rise, and disturbance of nesting sites
About This Creature
A large wading bird reaching 120-145 cm in height and weighing 2-4 kg. It features striking bright pink to reddish-orange plumage, contrasting black primary flight feathers, and extremely long, thin pink legs with webbed feet
Physical Characteristics
Oval body, long 'S' shaped neck, and a distinctive downward-curving bill that is pinkish-white with a black tip. It has small yellow eyes and specialized lamellae in the bill for filter feeding
Behavior & Temperament
Highly social; lives in large colonies (flocks) containing thousands of individuals. It is diurnal, communicates through goose-like honking, and performs synchronized group courtship displays. Usually sleeps standing on one leg
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
The Caribbean, Central America, northern South America, and the Galápagos Islands; occasionally southern Florida in the United States
Habitat
Saltwater lagoons, mudflats, and shallow brackish coastal lakes; semi-aquatic and wading
Diet & Nutrition
Omnivore; primarily feeds on brine shrimp, algae, insects, and small mollusks. It uses 'filter feeding' by holding its head upside down underwater and pumping water through its beak
Lifespan & Health
Typically 20-30 years in the wild, but can exceed 50 years in captivity. Major predators include jaguars, crocodiles, and large birds of prey for chicks/eggs
Special Characteristics
Its pink color comes from carotenoid pigments in the organisms they eat. Culturally significant as a symbol of the tropics and the Bahamas (national bird). Features unique salt-excreting glands
Ecological Information
Acts as an ecosystem engineer by stirring up organic matter in mudflats; serves as a consumer in the food chain controlling algae and invertebrate populations