One of the most striking and recognizable birds in the world, the American flamingo is known for its brilliant pink plumage, long legs, and distinctively shaped beak. This fascinating and iconic species showcases its adaptability by being found in diverse habitats such as the Caribbean, the Yucatán Peninsula, the Galápagos Islands, and along the northern coast of South America.
Adult American flamingos are large birds with long, slender legs adapted for wading in shallow waters and a long, flexible neck that allows them to reach down into the water to feed. Their plumage is predominantly pink, a coloration that comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet, which consists mainly of algae, crustaceans, and other small aquatic organisms. These pigments are broken down in the liver and deposited in the feathers, skin, and beak, giving the flamingos their characteristic color.
The beak of the American flamingo is uniquely adapted for filter-feeding. It is large, curved, and has specialized lamellae (comb-like structures) along its edges. When feeding, flamingos invert their heads and use their beaks to scoop up water and mud, then close their beaks and use their tongues to pump water out, trapping small food particles in the process. This efficient feeding mechanism allows them to extract a significant amount of food from their aquatic habitats.
The vibrant pink color and graceful appearance of the American flamingo have made it a symbol of beauty and elegance. However, these birds also play a crucial role in their ecosystems. As filter feeders, they help maintain the health of their aquatic habitats by controlling algae and small invertebrate populations. Additionally, their nesting activities can contribute to creating and maintaining mudflats and other wetland habitats.
Distribution
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Official estimate
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Bonaire Sint Eustatius And Saba
Brazil
British Virgin Is.
Canada
Cayman Islands
Colombia
Cuba
Curaçao
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
French Guiana
Guadeloupe
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Puerto Rico
Saint Lucia
St. Kitts & Nevis
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos
US Virgin Islands
United States
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
