Order Phoenicopteriformes

Flamingos

There are six species of large wading birds in this order. Flamingos are 3-5 feet tall and have long legs, long necks, and long, bent bills. Most species are pink, white, or red and are found in tropical fresh and salt water lagoons and lakes. One species, the Andean Flamingo, lives in the Andes Mountains.

Flamingos often stand on one leg while they are resting! Flamingos are filter feeders and are uniquely adapted to feed on algae and small shellfish.

Flamingos have two rows of lamallae or comb-like bristles that line the inside of their bills. They also have bristles on their tongues that help filter food out of the water. Flamingos live in large flocks that can includes thousands of birds!