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Nigel Key American Flamingo
(Slimbridge August 2011)
Adult American Flamingos, also known as Caribbean Flamingos, are smaller on average than Greater Flamingos but are the largest flamingos in the Americas.
Most of the American Flamingos plumage is pink which gave rise to its earlier name of Rosy Flamingo and also helps to identify adults from the much paler Greater Flamingo.
The American Flamingo has a life expectancy of 40 years, which is one of the longest for birds. Their call is a goose-like honking.
| Hear the American Flamingo's Call:- |
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Conservation Status
Size
1200mm to 1540mm (47" to 57")
Appearance - Male
Most of the American Flamingos plumage is deep Pink with the wing coverts Red, and the primary and secondary flight feathers Black. The bill is Pink and White with a Black tip and the legs are entirely Pink.
Appearance - Female
The female is similar to the male but slightly smaller.
Habitat
Its preferred habitats are saline Lagoons, Mudflats, and shallow Brackish Coastal or Inland Lakes.
Diet
Algae, Diatoms, Insects, Crustaceans and Shrimp.
Breeding Time
May to August
Nest
The American Flamingo lays a single egg on a mud mound with an incubation period of 28 to 32 days. Both parents brood the young for a period of up to 6 years until they reach sexual maturity.
Eggs
Quantity: 1
Average size: 85mm x 52mm
Colour: Chalky White.
