Flamingo

The classification of flamingos has puzzled taxonomists for years. The pelvis and ribs of a flamingo are similar to those of storks. The composition of egg-white proteins in flamingo eggs are similar to that of the herons. Behavior patterns, especially those of chicks, link them closely to geese (Order Anseriformes). Flamingos also have webbed feet and waterproof plumage like geese. More recently, taxonomists have grouped flamingos in their own Order - Order Phoenicopteriformes.

There are five species of flamingos divided into three genera:

- Caribbean flamingo
- Greater flamingo - the largest of the flamingos and their wings are a deep pink.
- Chilean flamingo. Chilean flamingos are slightly smaller than Caribbean flamingos and have gray legs with pink bands at the joints.
- Lesser flamingo. This species is the smallest of all flamingos. The color of the lesser flamingo is brighter than the greater flamingo.
- James' flamingo. This species is characterized by having all black flight feathers, including the secondary flight feathers, which are red in other species.
Andean flamingo. This is the only species of flamingo that has yellow legs and feet. It also has a red spot between the nostrils.

DISTRIBUTION

1. All flamingos are found in tropical and subtropical areas.

2. Populations of Chilean flamingos are found in central Peru, both coasts of southern South America (mainly in the winter), Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, and southern Brazil. Some have been reported on the Falkland Islands and Ecuador.

3. The lesser flamingo is primarily an African species. Populations are found in eastern, southwestern, and western Africa. In addition, a sizable population nests in India. Some can be found as far north as southern Spain.

4. The James' flamingo has the smallest range of all flamingo species. They are found in southern Peru, northeastern Chile, western Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina.

5. Andean flamingos are found in southern Peru, north-central Chile, western Bolivia, and northwestern Argentina.

6. The Caribbean flamingo is found throughout the Caribbean (Cuba, the Bahamas, the Yucatan, Turks and Caicos), the Galapagos Islands, and the northern part of coastal South America.

7. The greater flamingo is the most widespread of all flamingo species. Populations are found in northwest India, the Middle East, the western Mediterranean, and Africa. Limited numbers of this species can be found over much of northern Europe and eastward to Siberia.

SIZE
The greater flamingo is the tallest flamingo, standing 120 to 150 cm (47-59 in.) and weighing up to 3.5 kg (7.7 lb.)

The lesser flamingo is the smallest flamingo, standing 80 cm (31.5 in.) and weighing only 2.5 kg (5.5 lb.).

Males reach full size between one-and-a-half and two years.

Male flamingos are slightly larger than females, weighing more and having longer wingspans; however, visual sex determination of flamingos is unreliable.

The wingspan of flamingos ranges from 95 to 100 cm (37-39 in.) for the lesser flamingo to 140 to 165 cm (55-65 in.) for the greater flamingo. The Caribbean flamingo has a wingspan of 150 cm (59 in.)

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR

1. Flamingos devote considerable time to collective displays before, during, and after breeding.

2. Several hundred to several thousand flamingos are all involved simultaneously with ritualized postures and movements to synchronize breeding.

3. Sometimes only one display is performed, but more often, a predictable sequence of displays are carried out. Not all flamingo species perform all of the described displays, and some perform the displays slightly different than described. Flamingo displays include the following:

• "Head-flag" involves stretching the neck and head up as high as possible, with the bill pointing upwards, and then rhythmically turning the head from one side to the other.
• "Wing-salute" is performed by spreading the wings for a few seconds, showing their striking contrasted colors, while the tail is cocked and neck outstretched.
• In the "inverted wing-salute", the flamingo angles its head down, cocks its tail, and orients its body so that the tail is higher than the chest. The wings are then held partially open above the back with the black flight feathers pointing up and the bend in the wing pointing down.
• "Twist-preen" entails the bird twisting its neck back and appearing to preen quickly, with its bill behind a partly open wing.
• "Wing-leg stretch" involves the leg and wing on the same side stretched out and to the rear.
• "Marching" is performed by a large group of flamingos that cluster together, stand erect, and then move in quick, synchronized steps in first one direction and then another.

FLAMINGO FACTS
The majority of lakes where flamingos live have extremely high concentrations of salt. The only source of fresh water for some of these birds comes from boiling geysers. They are capable of drinking water at temperatures that approach the boiling point.

Flamingos excrete salt through salt glands in the nostrils.

When flamingos are resting, they may sit down with their legs tucked beneath them or rest standing on one leg.

While resting, flamingos face into the wind. This stops wind and rain from penetrating their feathers. When resting on one leg, flamingos can be seen swaying back and forth in the wind.

Flamingos frequently stand on one leg. Curling a leg under the body keeps the foot warm and conserves body heat. Flamingos stand on one leg in both cool and warm environments.

To take off, a flamingo runs several steps, begins flapping its wings, and lifts into the air. When landing, the procedure is reversed: the bird touches down and then runs several paces.

Flight speed of a flock of flamingos can reach 50 to 60 kph (31-37 mph).

Flamingos have been known to fly 500 to 600 km (311-373 mi.) each night between habitats.