Natural Habitat for Flamingos

Natural Habitat for Flamingos
••• flamingo image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com

Flamingos are large birds that inhabit many different tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In the United States, the birds are rare, casual visitors to the coastal regions of the southeastern states. They are usually found in large colonies near a body of water. They wade through the water of their habitats, and often stand on only one of their long legs.

Geography

There are different color variations and species of flamingos.
••• flamingo image by Svetlana Kashkina from Fotolia.com

Greater flamingos are residents of the Galapagos Islands, the Yucatan, Bahamas and West Indies. They are the only species found in the United States, albeit rarely. Other species, such as the Chilean, James' and lesser flamingos are found in South America and Africa.

Habitat

Flamingos prefer shallow water.
••• Flamingo image by Rosi Mitterberger from Fotolia.com

Flamingos of all species prefer shallow waters in which they can easily feed off of algae, small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and small fish. The greater flamingo is known to reside in mudflats and shallow lagoons. Other habitats include mangrove swamps, tidal flats and sand-rich islands. Flamingos typically prefer saline or alkaline bodies of water.

Habitat Features

Most of the bodies of water inhabited by Chilean and greater flamingos have low fish populations. This helps to ensure that the birds are not competing with fish for food. Most species also prefer water with low vegetation. Lesser flamingo are among the only species that can eat in and inhabit volcanic lakes with pH levels up to 10.5. They do, however, need to drink and rinse with fresh water, forcing them to sometimes leave their habitat to find it.

Migratory Habits

Flamingos may migrate depending on different occurrences within their habitats, such as climate changes or water levels. In Africa, the lesser flamingos often migrate to find new bodies of water due to their water source drying up, taking their food with it. Flamingo species that inhabit higher elevation lakes may also migrate in the winter months due to the water freezing.

Fun Facts

A flamingo's habitat provides the backdrop to showcase their interesting method of eating. The shallow water allows the flamingo to turn its head upside down and sweep its beak side to side to allow for food collection and filtering. Flamingos filter their food with their tongues, up to 20 mouthfuls per second. The flamingos' food also gives them their unusual color: the algae in the water that they consume provides the pink pigment in their feathers.

Related Articles

Are There Pink Flamingos in Hawaii?
What Eats Snapper Fish?
Brine Vs. Conductivity
What Eats a Snake in the Rainforest?
Snakes Found in Northern Illinois
What Is the Different Between Freshwater Vs Saltwater...
Black Snakes with Yellow Rings in Georgia
Different Types of Wild Blue Jay Birds
What Are Some Birds Found in Michigan?
Information on the Cardinal Bird
What Do Sturgeon Fish Eat?
Types of Aquatic Plants and Animals in the Mississippi...
Kinds of Snakes in North Carolina
List of Herbivores in the Ocean
Great Blue Heron Mating Habits
Why Is Salt Water Heavier Than Tap Water?
Snake Species Found in Northeast Tennessee
Is the Great Blue Heron an Endangered Species?
What Type of Fish Are in the Choptank River?
Where Are Bogs Located?

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!