ML602617651
Contributor
Joseph Morlan Media from this contributor Profile
Date
Location
Walvis Bay--Nearshore Waters
Erongo, Namibia
Media from this location Illustrated Checklist- Age
- Not specified
- Sex
- Not specified
Observation details
Flamingos have the longest legs of any birds in the world. They are filter feeders using the fine lamellae along the inside of their bill to filter small shrimp while pumping water through their bill using their thick fleshy tongue. The ones with gray heads and necks are immature birds. South African populations have suffered a near 40% decline and the species is considered "near threatened." Attempts to encourage breeding by building artificial islands have not been successful. Two subspecies were formerly recognized, but most authorities now split the more brightly colored, New World "P. r. ruber" as a separate species, American Flamingo.
Technical information
- Camera
- Microphone
- Accessories
- Original file size
- 62.06 MB