Social Organizationįlamingos are highly gregarious birds living in large flocks that may number in the thousands. What Eats It?Ī variety of predators such as birds of prey and gulls may prey on flamingos or their eggs. In the wild: Crustaceans, mollusks, insects, algae and diatoms containing carotenoid pigments.Ī t the zoo: Bird of prey diet, fish, soaked avian chow and flamingo pellets containing carotenoid pigments to maintain their bright pink feather color.
They weigh five to six pounds (2.3-2.7 kg).American flamingos are up to five feet tall (1.5 m).(Carotene is a common substance in orange foods like carrots.) Without adequate amounts of beta-carotene in their diet, flamingo feathers gradually lose their brilliant color. The small crustaceans and algae that flamingoes eat contain a substance called beta-carotene that is deposited in the feathers. The flamingo’s brilliant pink or reddish feather color comes from its diet. Their long neck allows them to put their downward curving bill into the water and as they sweep their bill from side to side, water and food are collected in the bill. As they walk along in the water, their feet stir up mud and water containing crustaceans, algae, and diatoms. Filter Feedersįlamingos have a unique feeding technique called filter feeding. While this position looks awkward and unstable, it helps to conserve body heat. When resting, flamingos tend to stand on one leg, drawing the other leg close to the body and tucking their head under a wing.
Their webbed feet allow them to swim well and provide support for walking in soft mud. Flamingos use their long legs to wade into water much deeper than other wading birds.
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