Flamingos

The Flamingo, a large wading bird, lives in big, shallow lakes, lagoons, mangrove swamps, tidal flats, and on sandy islands above the low tide mark. They are found in Africa, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, and Europe. Flamingos can live in hot volcanic lakes and in icy lakes in the Andean mountains.

Adult flamingos range from 3.3 to 4.6 feet tall There are 6 species of flamingo.

Their pink or reddish color comes from the algae, diatoms, and small crustaceans the birds eat. They also eat aquatic insects. Flamingos eat with their head upside down in the water, so they can suck water and food in with the front of their bill. Flamingos hold their breath when feeding.

Flamingos run to gather speed when taking off. They flap their wings almost continuously in flight. They fly when startled or to migrate. The speed of a flock can reach 31 to 37 miles per hour. They can fly 300 miles to reach a new habitat.