Flamingo (American)

More about American flamingos...

The American flamingo is the only species of flamingo native to North America, however now it is mainly found in South America, the Caribbean and the Galapagos. The population in the Galapagos slightly differ genetically and are significantly smaller, have differences in body shape and lay smaller eggs.

They are very social birds, living in colonies that can number thousands but will often break up into smaller groups before mating. Colonies need shallow waters to perform synchronised courtship dances. Females then lay a single egg in a cone-shaped nest, which is then incubated by both parents for around 30 days.

They are tropical wading birds with long legs, backward-bending knees and long curvy necks. Flamingos feed by stirring up mud with their feet, reaching down and scooping up a beak full of mud and water.