The flamingo belongs to the order Phoenicopteriformes and
the family Phoenicopteridae. There are six species of flamingo: American,
Andean, Chilean, Greater, James and the Lesser flamingo. There are two main
types of flamingo: old world and new world. Flamingoes can be found in Africa
and Asia (old world) as well as parts of South
America (new world). They prefer warmer climates.
Distinctive features of the flamingo include their long
necks and pink plumage. The pink coloring is due to a chemical found in the
fish and plant plankton consumed by the birds. They have a curved beak that is
perfect for scooping fish out of the water and separating mud and loose shale. Flamingoes
have very long skinny legs and often stand on one foot in the shallow water of
the river.
Flamingoes are dying in large numbers in Africa
from unknown causes. The destruction of river habitats and human encroachment
all threaten the future of the flamingo.