Are you a backpacker who loves to roam around salt flats, lagoons, lakes, and swamps around the world?If yes, we are sure that you might come across the species of a large colorful feathered group of birds called flamingos. It is a feast for the eyes watching these pink birds standing in groups.Flamingos are species of wading birds in pink or scarlet red color with highlighted long necks and legs. These tall, lovely creatures have a heavy bent bill held upside down that helps in filter-feeding on tiny organisms. Have you ever wondered where the pink color on their feathers comes from? Well, they are what they eat. Their color comes from the food they take. These birds primarily feed on algae, and brine shrimp, the organic chemical betacarotene in these food items, turns their feathers pink. Though the chicklets aren’t born pink in the initial stages, eventually change their color as they grow into adults.Flamingo is a beautiful creature with grace and elegance which teaches valuable lessons in our life. The famous and inspiring habit of this bird is standing on a single leg rather than two. It even sleeps on a single leg that depicts how we can balance things in our lives. Their mouth acts as a filter that takes the food in and splits the water out. This habit helps them to save energy and keep their body warm in extreme temperatures.There are six different flamingo species worldwide named as Caribbean, Chilean, Andean, James, greater and lesser flamingos. Greater flamingos are the tallest and most notable species found in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Andean, Chilean, and James’s flamingos are found only in South America.If our content engages you, check out our other related articles about why flamingos stand on one leg, and can flamingos fly.Why do flamingos live in a group?The group of pigeons is called band, flight or kit. The group of hummingbirds is called a bouquet, hover, tune, charm, and the group of hyenas is known as clan or cackle. The collective noun for flamingos is a flock, colony, stand, or pat. So, why do these longest-surviving species live in groups?Well, greater flamingos are an intelligent wading bird species related to the Phoenicopteridae family. These birds feel safe when flocking in large numbers. This habit helps to protect them from natural predators such as coyotes, foxes. This habit helps to use the nesting sites efficiently. Another reason for wading them in large groups is that this helps in the mating and breeding process.Why is a group of flamingos called a flamboyance?Did you ever get a chance to have a closer view of these migratory and vibrant birds? You will be delighted and amused to have a closer look at these water birds. The pink color adds elegance to its beauty.The scientific name of flamingos is Phoenicopterus, meaning the color red or pink. A group of flamingos is collectively known as a flamboyance of flamingos which is ideally suited to their looks. The words flamingo and flamboyance generally describe the word fire. Flamingo is a Spanish word meaning implies flame-colored. Flamboyance is a French word that implies ’to flame’ or ‘flair.’ So, when you see these long-necked birds in a thousand flocks, you will feel like it is a pink-colored fire burning in the distance.Difference Between A Group Of Flamingos And PloversAs we learned, the flamingos group is known as flamboyance. Have you come across the bird named plover? Plover is a short-billed shorebird usually found next to the water resources, but you may also get a chance to view them near grasslands. A group of plovers is called a congregation.However, there is some visible difference between the grouping of these wading birds. Though both forms in groups, the flamingos are all-time socializing birds who cannot bear isolated life, whereas, plovers forms in groups during winters and then disperse off into pairs during their nesting period.How friendly are flamingos?We all know that humans cannot survive in isolation for a long time. Similarly, flamingos are social animals who, every time, like to mingle in groups.We can quote the flamingo as the best example of as a socializing creature. These birds do everything together. They eat together, sleep together, flock together, and even mating happens at the same time. They believe in a long-lasting relationship. Just like humans, they like to make close friends and try to avoid the animals they dislike. Studies reveal that flamingos with bright colors are aggressive.You will be excited to watch the unique dance of these famous pink birds in flocks before mating occurs.What is a group of baby flamingos called?The chicklet flamingo is known by a beautiful name, flaminglet, very apt to its appearance. Though the baby flaminglet spends the initial one or two weeks under the parent’s surveillance, within three weeks, these chicklets slowly start exploring the surroundings by joining small groups.Small groups of baby flamingoes are known as creches. While in these groups, they slowly start finding their own food. The notable character is they turn their head upside down while catching the prey. The parent flamingos produce milk in its crop part, the throat part, which it eventually brings through its mouth and feeds its chick until it is old enough to be independent. This crop milk is rich in proteins and fats.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for what is a group of flamingos called, then why not take a look at what is a group of rabbits called, or flamingo facts?
Are you a backpacker who loves to roam around salt flats, lagoons, lakes, and swamps around the world?
