Did you know?
The specialised curved bill of the flamingo acts like a fine filter enabling the uptake of the smallest of life forms. Up to 20 litres of water are pumped through the bill on a daily basis for the purpose of food uptake, whereby the particles remain on the microscopic lamellae and are then swallowed. The pink colouring comes from the carotene that is concentrated in the shells of small shrimps.
Characteristics
| Classification | Order: flamingos, family: flamingos |
|---|---|
| Diet | Primarily benthic diatoms and blue-green algae, occasionally also small shrimps |
| Habitat | Undisturbed saline lakes and lagoons |
| Reproduction | Brooding: 28–31 days, one egg; fledge the nest after a week; independent at 10 weeks; maximum life span: ca. 50 years |
Status according to Red List
More information you will get on the web page of the IUCN Red List.
