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Flamingos are one of the vital fascinating fowl classifications on the earth. Some would even argue that flamingos are among the many most attention-grabbing animals on the whole.
As a pictures fanatic, I may also state that the flamingo is among the many most photogenic creatures in nature. It’s virtually inconceivable to get a nasty photograph of those brilliant, majestic birds.
However what’s a flamingo? The place do they dwell? What do they eat?
Under, we’ll discover this distinctive species in nice element. First, nevertheless, we’ll check out the biology behind the fowl. You could be stunned to search out that there are literally a number of species of flamingos throughout the identical household!
Flamingos: A Fast Biology Lesson
The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is maybe probably the most acquainted to animal fanatics. With its lengthy neck, pronounced beak, and vibrant, pink hues, that is in all probability the species that involves thoughts most often when hear “flamingo.”
That mentioned, beneath the household Phoenicopteridae, there are literally six present, acknowledged, dwelling species of flamingo:
- Lesser Flamingo: Phoeniconaias minor (Africa, India)
- Higher Flamingo: Phoenicopterus roseus (Africa, Europe, Asia)
- Chilean Flamingo: Phoenicopterus chilensis (South America)
- James’ Flamingo: Phoenicopterus chilensis (South America – Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile)
- Andean Flamingo: Phoenicoparrus andinus (South America – Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile)
- American Flamingo: Phoenicopterus ruber (Belize, Columbia, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, U.S./Florida, Caribbean, Galapagos Island)
There are additionally believed to be at the least a dozen now-extinct species of flamingo.
Enjoyable truth: All listed species of flamingo are additionally family of the grebe household.
Historical past of Flamingos
Forensic proof of flamingos’ existence date again over 30 million years. Fossils means that these colourful birds have been as soon as widespread throughout many elements of the globe, together with Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Over time, their habitats shifted, and as we speak, flamingos are generally present in areas with heat, shallow waters, reminiscent of salt lakes, lagoons, and coastal areas.
Simply as many do as we speak, historical cultures additionally held a deep fascination for flamingos. The traditional Egyptians revered these birds, associating them with the solar god Ra.
Flamingos have been additionally depicted within the artwork and mythology of the traditional Greeks and Romans. The seafaring Phoenicians even traded in flamingo feathers. Unsurprisingly, the feathers have been thought-about prized possessions.
Location and Inhabitants
Flamingos are generally present in areas with heat, shallow waters, together with salt lakes, lagoons, estuaries, and coastal areas. They’re native to numerous elements of the world, however their distribution is primarily decided by habitat availability and appropriate situations for feeding and breeding.
At this time, the varied species of flamingo are sometimes discovered throughout elements of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Whereas that covers many of the globe, see the part “Flamingos: A Transient Biology Lesson” for specifics.
Flamingos’ populations have confronted numerous challenges all through historical past. Habitat destruction, air pollution, and human disturbances have all contributed to their decline in some areas. Nevertheless, concerted conservation efforts have helped shield and restore flamingo habitats in lots of areas. A number of worldwide organizations, such because the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are working in direction of guaranteeing the long-term survival of those iconic birds.
In keeping with IUCN information, there are roughly 3-4 million flamingos alive as we speak. The vast majority of these, nevertheless, are lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) with roughly 2.2-3.2 million, the vast majority of that are positioned in East Africa. The Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) has probably the most sparse inhabitants with roughly 30,000.
The favored American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), nevertheless, has an estimated inhabitants of between 150,000-200,000.
Age and Eating regimen
Flamingos take pleasure in comparatively lengthy lifespans, each within the wild and in captivity.
Within the wild, many flamingos can dwell between 20-30 years. When in captivity, nevertheless, with correct care, eating regimen, and medical consideration as wanted, the lifespan can develop to roughly 40 years.
In early 2014, information unfold as “Higher,” an 83-year-old flamingo who arrived to the Adeliade Zoo in Australia, handed away. Specialists counsel the fowl might have really been older, nevertheless.
As for eating regimen, flamingos eat numerous aquatic organisms, together with algae, small crustaceans, mollusks, and bugs. Flamingos are filter feeders, which means they receive their meals by filtering water and extracting small organisms from it.
Enjoyable truth: The pink or reddish coloration of flamingos is a results of their eating regimen.
Relationship with People
Enjoyable truth: A gaggle of flamingos is sometimes called a “flamboyance.”
Flamingos usually are not sometimes hostile in direction of people. They’re usually peaceable and non-aggressive birds. In reality, flamingos are identified for his or her calm and stylish demeanor. They have an inclination to exhibit pure curiosity and should strategy people if they don’t seem to be disturbed or threatened.
When encountering wild flamingos, it’s best to watch them quietly, recognize their magnificence from a distance, and chorus from any actions which will trigger them misery or hurt.
That mentioned, most people will solely encounter flamingos in captivity. Many zoos and aviaries have flamingos in enclosures that aren’t simply accessible.
Can You Preserve Flamingos as Pets?
Protecting a flamingo as a pet is mostly not really useful or possible for most people.
Regardless of their slender look, flamingos are literally moderately massive and powerful. These birds additionally require particular socioenvironmental necessities. Except you’ve gotten enough assets (together with land, finances, and schooling/coaching) it might be higher to admire these birds from a distance.
