Flamingos are those gorgeous pink birds with long necks and even longer legs that are often seen on nature videos. We're all likely to be familiar with them in appearance but how much do you really know about this stunning and vibrant creature found all over the world? There is far more to the flamingo than their neon pink hue and stick-like legs. There is a myriad of seemingly minute attributes that make this long-legged fowl a unique member of the animal kingdom, from their strange self-filtering beaks to their incredible balance. These are just a few of the fascinating facts about what keeps flamingos flying.
Flamingos don’t have teeth. They have hairlike structures in their beak that filter prey and silt scooped from the waters they feed in.
The flight feathers (which are the feathers found under the wings) of flamingos are black and can only be seen while flying.
Both the male and female partners participate in building the nest and sitting on the egg during incubation.
Flamingos generally travel in flocks consisting of several hundreds of birds.
There are only 6 species of flamingos. They are so similar, they can usually only be distinguished by experts.
The Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) is the smallest of the six species and is the species with the largest population.
Flamingos eat upside down. They have curved beaks designed to strain animals out of the mud and water they scoop, so they can eat.
Pigments in their prey, which is mostly shrimp and plankton, are what give flamingos their pink color.
Because they travel in large flocks, most of their mating dances, like the Flamingo Flamenco, are performed together.
Flamingos are extremely tall, and grow upwards of 4 to 5 feet, yet they weigh only 4 to 8 pounds.
Ancient Romans used to eat flamingo tongues, considering it a culinary delicacy.
Young flamingos are born gray and white, with straight beaks that curve over a number of years.
The yolks of flamingo eggs have been known to sometimes take on a pinkish hue.
Though there are many theories, the actual reason why flamingos stand on one foot is not yet known.
Flamingos tend to form strong pair bonds which can be lifelong. There have even been reports of same-sex pairs.
Flamingos protect their nests not only from predators but also other flamingos in the flock, as many find it easier to steal already built nests.
Flamingo chicks congregate in large numbers called “creches” to stay safe from predators.
Andean Miners were known to hunt flamingos, believing their fat could cure tuberculosis.
After hatching, both parents feed the chick “crop milk”, a special liquid baby food produced in their throats.
Flamingos are the national bird of the Bahamas.
If you enjoyed this article share it with another nature lover!
How Do Wild Animals Survive Winter Without Shelter?
Learn all the genius biological mechanisms animals use to survive winter in the wild - without central heating or warm socks.
How It's Made: Merino Wool
Long before we invented moisture-wicking synthetic fibers, this type of wool did it naturally for centuries. Here's how it's produced.
These Intricate Designs Turn Wood into Beautiful Art
This talented artist turns salvaged wood into beautiful art pieces.
Fascinating! These Cool Comparisons Are Truly Eye-Opening!
So many different things on Earth and the stars beyond are too incredible to be understood without these photos to compare with
These Awesome Aquariums Were Designed to Blow Your Mind
Aquariums aren't just beautiful homes for fishes, they are opportunities to innovate and design, with these 25 being the most unique ones.
Mind-Blowing Images From the 2019 Astronomy Photo Contest
Held by the Royal Observatory Greenwich, these are the winners of the 2019 Insight Investment Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition
Incredible Undersea Photography: 16 Award-Winning Pics
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023 contest.
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
These Rare Mushrooms Can Glow In the Dark
Only about 70 mushroom species out of 14,000 have this beautiful and rare ability.
13 Incredible & Intricate Homes of Animal Architects
The amazing homes animals build for themselves are both mesmerizing and brilliant. Behold nature’s most amazing architects.
This Photographer Captures Crystals with Indelible Beauty!
Behold 17 gorgeous crystals by the talented photographer László Kupi.
16 Majestic Bird Photos That Should Be Framed
The winners of the Bird Photographer of the Year 2022 were recently announced. Let’s check out the best winning images.
This Is How Mother Birds Care for Their Sweet Chicks
Motherhood is a wonderful thing. It binds not only humans together, but birds too. These photos are simply amazing.
These Dogs Have the Best Hair Day, Every Day.
I have never seen dogs that look so amazing before. They all have such beautiful coats of hair!
Hummingbirds Come in the Most Beautiful Rainbow Colors!
There are hundreds of gorgeous species of hummingbirds. Have you spotted any of these near you?
14 Incredible Sights from the Mighty Andes
We have curated a stunning collection of photos that showcase one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth.
Iceland May Be Cold, But its Beauty Is Other-Worldy
Winter makes much of the world beautiful, but no where is a match for Iceland!
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
These Stunning Trees Are Unlike Anything I've Ever Seen
There are many variety of trees that grow on our planet, but some stand out from the rest. The following trees grow in all forms of shapes and colors. They will surely take your breath away.
The Best Photos of the Milky Way Taken From Perfect Places
Take a look at the vivid colors of the Milky Way from the most remote and gorgeous locations in the world in this collection of photographs
30 Animals With More Hair Than They Know What to Do With
It's hard to imagine how any of these animals can see clearly with all that hair. Enjoy these 30 cute and furry animals in desperate need of a haircut.
Discover the Life of the Ocean's Most Cunning Creature
Discover the fascinating world of the octopus, and see for yourself exactly why scientists consider them to be one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth.
14 Signs Your Cat Sees You as Their Real Parent
Watch for these behaviors to understand just how much you mean to your cat, less an owner and more as a parent.
The Reddest Reds In Nature Are Incredibly Beautiful
Red is arguably the most vibrant color of all, but have you ever spared a thought about the reddest reds in nature? Here are the top 10!
14 Plants in the Most Artful, Unique, and Quirky Pots
These perfectly-paired pots and plants will light up any garden.
When Animals Love, We Get Wonderful Moments Like These
18 gorgeous moments of animals showing affection and love to each other in wonderful photography by Goran Anastasovski, see how they kiss, hug and show love.
These Serpents are Stunning, but Have a Deadly Bite...
In all the fear, there is always beauty, especially for these 20 species of venomous snakes, that add both venom and color to the world.
8 Curious Facts About Cheetahs You Probably Didn’t Know
There’s so much more to the cheetah than its speed. Learn some little-known facts about the animal.
The Story of the World's Most Poisonous Creature
This frog is the most poisonous creature in the world!
2022 World Nature Photography Awards: 15 Winning Images
Check out the spectacular winnings images from the 2022 World Nature Photography Awards.
The Wonders of the Maasai Mara in 10 Award-Winning Photos
Prepare for the wildlife adventure of a lifetime!
In Pictures: Bird Photographer of the Year 2023 Winners
Check out the stunning winners of the 2023 Bird Photographer of the Year contest.
This Incredible Bird Can Make Any Sound it Likes!
This classic Attenborough scene is of the most amazing bird in the world. Just listen to the sound(s) it makes! Cover image by Vern / flickr
The Most Frightening and Bizarre Creatures of the Ocean
Terrifying and alien creatures of the dark depths of the ocean
These 20 Animal Facts will Blow Your Mind
Did you know that squirrels plant trees or that oysters can change their gender? These little-known animal facts will blow your mind! I was especially impressed with no.6!
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Our Feathered Friends
From your friendly neighborhood crow to some of the rarest bird species in the world, here are 15 fantastic facts about birds.
Meet the Giant Cassowary – The Modern-Day Dinosaur
Meet the most dangerous bird on Earth, the giant cassowary, that is also regarded as a modern-day dinosaur.
Life in the Treetops: A Look at Tree-Dwelling Animals!
Let’s take a deep dive into the secret lives of arboreal animals and the challenges they face in their natural habitat.
Nature inFocus Photography Awards: 17 Incredible Winners
Check out the incredible winners of the 2023 Nature inFocus Photography Awards.
These Pictures Perfectly Capture the Magic of Fall
Enjoy this beautiful collection of fall pictures.
18 Breathtaking Photos Depict Nature as Heaven on Earth
These photos enable us to appreciate the beauty in mother nature and all that she has to offer.
16 EERIE Close-Ups of Bugs Under a Microscope
Take a look at these terrifying close-ups of insect faces.
In Pictures – Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022
Check out the breathtaking winners of the Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022.
How and Why Did Dolphins and Whales Return to the Ocean?
Like all mammals, whales were once a terrestrial animal with four legs. How and why did they become marine animals?
Unbelievable Photos from World Nature Photography Awards
Marvel at the incredible photos from the World Nature Photography Awards 2024.
15 Pictures Depicting the Rare Wonders of Nature
In this article, we display 15 unique photos of various natural phenomena - from rare eye colors to beautiful rock formations, and even albino plants.