Flamingos are one of the most ancient species of birds alive today.
There are six different species of flamingos, all of which are immediately identifiable by their body shape and pink feathers, which range from pale to deep pink. All species of flamingos have long necks and long legs. Flamingos thrive in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world. They inhabit shallow salt lakes or lagoons where they feed on a variety of aquatic species such as shrimp, brine flies, diatoms, copepods and algae. Flamingos are social animals that live in colonies and form bond pairs. They are monogamous and mate for life.
Chilean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus chilensis
The Chilean flamingo is a large species of flamingo that is closely related to the Caribbean and greater flamingo. It is commonly found in central Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia and southern Brazil. They have even been reported as far away as the Falkland Islands and Ecuador. Distribution relies on climate, as they will migrate to warmer climates when winter sets in.
Greater Flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber roseus
The greater flamingo is the most widespread of the flamingo species, with some members reaching 5 feet in height. the largest species of flamingo, with an average height of between 43 and It is found in all parts of Africa, southern Asia along coastal regions of Pakistan and India and in southern Europe. In Europe it is found in Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and the Camargue region of France.
Caribbean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber ruber
The Caribbean flamingo is sometimes also known as the American flamingo. It is slightly smaller than the greater flamingo. It is also the only flamingo that inhabits North America. It breeds in the Galapagos Islands, along the coast of Columbia, in Venezuela and its nearby islands. The Caribbean flamingo can also be found in the Guyanas and Cape Orange in Brazil. Other breeding grounds include the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the northern Caribbean islands of the Bahamas, Hispaniola, Cuba and the Turks and Caicos. Some Caribbean flamingos have been spotted as far north as the Florida everglades.
Lesser Flamingo, Phoenicopterus minor
The lesser flamingo is the smallest of the flamingo species, rarely reaching over 3 feet in height. It is also the most numerous. The lesser flamingo is found in Africa, mainly in the Great Rift Valley, and also in southern Asia. Lesser flamingos commonly breed in Lake Natronin northern Tanzania, as well as at Etosha Pan in Namibia, Sua Pan in Botswana, and Kamfers Dam in South Africa. Breeding grounds in India are usually in the northwestern region in the Zinzuwadia and Purabcheria salt pans.
Andean Flamingo, Phoenicopterus andinus
The Andean flamingo inhabits salt and alkaline lakes at an altitude between 2,300 and 4,500 meters in the high Andes in Southern Peru, Bolivia, northern Chile and northwestern Argentina. Its habitat is threatened due to mining activities and drought. It is the only species of flamingo that has yellow legs and feet.
James' Flamingo, Phoenicopterus jamesi
The Jame's flamingo is also known as the Puna flamingo. Along with the Andean flamingo, to which it is closely related, it inhabits the high altitudes of the Andean plateaus. It can be found in Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. The Chilean, Andean and James' Flamingo are all sympatric, meaning they will live as a colony and even share nesting areas. Like the Andean Flamingo, the James' flamingo is under threat due to loss of habitat.
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