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The American flamingo, known scientifically as Phoenicopterus ruber, is a strikingly vibrant wading bird with a profusion of reddish-pink plumage. This species, the only flamingo naturally inhabiting North America, is recognized by its long, lean stature, standing 120 to 145 cm tall. The males, slightly heavier, average 2.8 kg, while females tip the scales at around 2.2 kg. The bird's plumage transitions from a paler hue during youth to the iconic pink of adults, a result of their specialized diet. The wings are adorned with red coverts and contrasting black flight feathers, while the bill is a mosaic of pink, white, and a pronounced black tip. Completing the portrait are the entirely pink legs, a feature that adds to the bird's elegance.
When identifying the American flamingo, look for the following key characteristics: a large bird with predominantly pink plumage, red wing coverts, black primary and secondary flight feathers, and a distinctive bill that is pink and white with a black tip. The legs are also pink, and the bird's overall stature is tall and slender. The call of the American flamingo is a resonant, goose-like honking.
The American flamingo favors saline lagoons, mudflats, and shallow brackish coastal or inland lakes. These environments provide the ideal conditions for the flamingo's feeding and breeding habits.
This species is native to the West Indies, northern South America, including the Galápagos Islands, and the Yucatan Peninsula. Historically, it was also found in southern Florida, where it is now an uncommon visitor with potential small resident populations.
