Flamingos

Appearance: Flamingoes are large wading birds known for their striking appearance. They have long legs, a long neck, and a distinctive downward-curving bill. Their plumage can range from pale pink to vivid red, depending on their diet and age. Flamingoes have webbed feet, which help them wade in water and muddy areas. Read in Spanish

Habitat: Flamingoes are typically found in shallow coastal lagoons, mudflats, salt pans, and alkaline lakes. They prefer habitats where they can feed on brine shrimp and blue-green algae, which contain the pigments that give flamingoes their characteristic pink color. Flamingoes can be spotted in certain coastal areas, such as the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta.

Behavior: Flamingoes are social birds that often gather in large flocks. They use their bills to filter out food from the water, sifting through mud and water to capture small invertebrates and algae. Flamingoes are known for their synchronized movements during group displays and flights.

Breeding: Flamingoes typically breed in large colonies, constructing mud nest mounds to lay their eggs. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks. Young flamingoes are born with gray plumage and gradually acquire their pink coloration from their diet over time.

Conservation Status: The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is the species of flamingo most commonly observed. This species is listed as "Near Threatened" on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance of nesting sites.