Flamingo
Zoological name: There are four living species of flamingos: the
greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), the lesser flamingo
(Phoeniconaias minor), the Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
and James's flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamessi).
Distribution: Flamingos are distributed in the Old World (except ,
Australia), North and South Americas and some oceanic islands. Habitat: The habitat of flamingos is restricted to the saline and alkaline lakes and
lagoons of dry regions.
Physical feature: Flamingos are characterized by slender bodies, large wings,
long legs, short tails, and long and thick necks. The legs and necks are
proportionately longer as compared to their bodies. There are three front toes
with fully webbed. The bill is sharply bent at the middle. The bill is uniquely
adapted for filter feeding. The tongue serves as a pump to suck and eject the semi
liquid while straining food. Flamingos have mainly pink plumages tinged with
light vermilion.