The idea of balance in one’s life might seem like an elusive state. What is clear is that flamingos exemplify a state of seemingly effortless grace and balance.Īs symbols of balance, flamingos remind us to seek balance in our own lives. Biologists have a variety of theories about why flamingos stand on one leg, from preserving body heat to saving energy. Balanceįlamingos are well-known for their effortless balance as they stand on one leg at a time. They remind us to honor the beauty in nature and in life in every exquisite detail. So, it’s fitting that flamingos are symbols of beauty. Their vibrant beauty has captivated artists, photographers, and all of us who wonder at the beauty of nature. Flamingo Symbolism in Mythology and Folkloreĭetailed Flamingo Symbols and Meanings Beautyįlamingos are the long-stemmed pink roses of birds.ConservationĬaribbean flamingos are stable as a species and increasing in overall population. Between 9 and 13 weeks, flamingo chicks fledge (i.e. About one week after hatching, flamingo chicks leave their nests and gather in large crèches (sort of the equivalent of flamingo daycare or playgroup), which are overseen by a few adults. The parent birds start to recognize the call of their offspring even before it arrives in the world, and they will continue to recognize and care for their chick until it fledges. A few days before hatching, the chick begins to vocalize. The female typically lays only one egg, and both male and female take turns incubating the egg for 27 to 31 days. The nest must be tall enough to protect it from flooding. A flamingo nest is a small, circular mound, about 12 inches high, with a depression in the center to hold an egg. Raising YoungĪ flamingo pair cooperates in building its mud-cone nest a safe pecking distance away from neighboring pairs.
Development, human disturbance, and habitat loss are the main threats to Caribbean flamingos. “What threatens me”įlamingos have few natural predators and little competition for the same feeding niche. Males and females look very similar, although males are typically a bit larger. Flamingo chicks are born with grey feathers and do not take on their characteristic coloration until about 2 years of age. Carotenoid pigments – which occur naturally in many plants and animals and which make carrots orange, for example – produce shades of pink and red in a flamingo when broken down during digestion. “Making my mark”įlamingo feathers turn those beautiful shades of pink, red, and orange from carotenoids in the foods that the birds eat. Large flocks form large, curving, pink lines in flight. They feed on a range of small aquatic plants and animals sifted from the water.Ĭaribbean flamingos are considered non-migratory, but they are nomadic and will travel great distances (hundreds of miles if necessary) in search of food. With heads submerged upside-down, they open their bills slightly and filter water through comb-like plates on either side. Because of their size and very long legs, they are able to wade into relatively deep water to feed. In flight, they honk like geese.Ĭaribbean flamingos feed in freshwater and saline habitat that might include lagoons, estuaries, mudflats, and coastal or inland lakes. When feeding, they emit soft, low “gabbling” noises. Caribbean flamingos cackle, trumpet, and grunt. In addition to body language, flamingos seem to be vocalizing to each other all the time. They engage in group courtship displays that prepare the entire colony to breed at once. They gather in large colonies ranging from a few dozen to hundreds of thousands during breeding season.
“How I live there”Ĭaribbean flamingos are highly social birds that communicate vocally and through display behaviors. You can see the Flamingos in the African Journey, near the Penguin Coast exhibit. A small, isolated population also inhabits the Galapagos Islands.
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