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All
in the family
The
five species of flamingos are classified thus-
Phoenicopterus
ruber
or the greater flamingo is divided into two distinct and
geographically separated subspecies: Phoenicopterus ruber and Phoenicopterus
roseus. Phoenicopterus
ruber, better known as the Caribbean flamingo, is slightly
smaller than the greater flamingo. Phoenicopterus roseus, the greater flamingo, is the largest of the flamingos
and has deep pink wings. Phoenicopterus
chilensis, the Chilean flamingo is slightly smaller than the
Caribbean flamingo. This variety has characteristic grey legs with
pink bands at the joints. Phoeniconaias
minor or the lesser flamingo is the smallest and most brightly
colored of all flamingos. Phoenicoparrus
jamesi or the James' flamingo is characterized by having all
black feathers. Phoenicoparrus
andinu or the Andean flamingo is the only species of flamingo
that has yellow legs and feet. Another notable feature is a red
spot between the nostrils. |
Caribbean flamingo |
Chow
time
One should see a flamingo feeding to be able to appreciate nature’s
complexities. While feeding, a flamingo dips its head underwater and scoops
backward with its head upside down. A flamingo’s upper bill bends in the
middle and fits into the lower bill securely, thus firmly trapping
whatever has found its way inside.
To
make this job more efficient, nature has fitted small plates called
lamellae along the edges of the bill. Excess water (and unwanted solid
matter if any) is strained out through these lamellae with the help of a
large fleshy tongue. What remains inside the bill is a meal with
blue green and red algae, diatoms, larval and adult forms of small
insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small fishes featuring in the menu.
Beta carotenoid pigments from algae and certain insects are the main
reason for the pink and red coloring of the flamingos. They are a bit
choosy about the water that they drink, preferring only fresh water for
the purpose.
Strange
fancies of the human race
Flamingo
eggs featured as a part of the diet in many ancient cultures. Even today
it is considered a delicacy in many places and flamingo eggs are hunted
for the purpose. Early Romans used to feast on pickled flamingo tongues.
Flamingo birds used to be consumed under the mistaken impression that it
was a sure cure for tuberculosis.
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