Flamingos



Flamingos are uniquely designed birds. Their lengthy legs allow them to easily wade in muddy or sandy lakes and lagoons. The bend in the middle of the leg, which most would assume is the knee, is actually the ankle. Knees are much closer to the body. Flamingos frequently stand on one leg to keep the tucked foot warm and conserve body heat.

Coloration
Flamingos are not born with their vivid pink coloration. Newly hatched chicks are covered with gray or white down feathers and acquire their pink adult plumage after about three years. The algae and various invertebrates that make up a flamingo’s diet are rich in the pigments that contribute to their coloration.

Size
Flamingos are usually 42 inches long from the tip of the head to the tip of the tail, and are as tall as five feet. They weigh five to six pounds, and have a wingspan of 55 inches. .