the flamingo

the flamingo

The flamingo’s characteristic pink colouring is caused by the Beta carotene in their diet. The source of this varies by species, but shrimp and blue-green algae are common sources. (This is why I do not eat shrimp, but I do eat algae in small doses.) hehe Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they eat, and are uniquely used upside-down. The filtering of food items is assisted by hairy structures called lamellae which line the mandibles, and the large rough-surfaced tongue. (me too) Flamingos often stand on one leg. The reason for this behavior is not fully known. A leg is tucked beneath the body, because the flamingo like some other animals has the ability to have half of its body go into a state of sleep, and when one side is rested, the flamingo will swap leg and then let the other half sleep. (I tried this at work, but kept falling over)

This flamingo was shot in the Jacksonville Zoo in FL

the flamingo belongs to the following groups:

All Around Florida , Florida the Sunshine State , Live, Love, Dream: and Zoophoria (2 per day, approval required) Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints and Framed Prints