Phoenicopterus ruber- American Flamingo
Range map for American Flamingo is not available.
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- The American Flamingo, is a large (46") long legged pink wading bird.
- The American Flamingo breeds in Northern South America, and is rarely seen in southern Florida, where many sightings are of escaped birds.
- Flamingos are filter feeders. Using their specially adapted bill they filter crustaceans, mollusks, tiny fish and algae from the water.
- A gregarious species, American flamingos breed in large colonies in saline lagoons and salt pans, where they perform ritualized displays, often in large groups.
- The pair build their nest of heaped mud. The female lays one egg which the pair will incubate for about 30 days.
- The chick is cared for in the nest for between 5-8 days during which time it is fed a secretion from the parent's crop. Older chicks form large creches where they are attended by adults.
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