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Flamingos (genus Phoenicopterus
monotypic in family Phoenicopteridae) are gregarious wading birds,
usually 3–5 feet in height, found in both the western and
eastern hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter, but
there are four species in the Americas against two in the Old
World. Flamingos live in large flocks in aquatic areas. The larger
species breed and feed in saline or brackish habitats. Nests are
made of compacted mud and are in the form of a mound with a concave
top, into which the single white egg is laid. Flamingos filter-feed
on shellfish and algae. Their diet is what contributes to their
pink appearance. Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted
to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely
used upside-down. The filtering of food items is assisted by hairy
structures called lamellae which line the mandibles, and the large
rough-surfaced tongue.
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The young hatch
with white plumage, but the feathers of a flamingo in adulthood
range from light pink to bright red, due to carotenoids obtained
from their food supply. All flamingos have 12 black flight feathers
in each wing. Flamingos produce a “milk” like pigeon
milk (see Columbidae). It contains more fat and less protein than
the latter does, and it is produced in glands lining the whole
of the upper digestive tract, not just the crop. Young flamingos
feed on this milk for about two months until their bills are developed
enough to filter feed. The milk also contains red and white blood
cells.
Images One Through Three From US Fish & Wildlife Service
Images Four Through Six Are From Schmode.net
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