Greater flamingo

Description

It is well known for its large size and its long legs and long neck as it is the largest flamingo there is. Its body, neck and head are whitish with pink tones, whilst the feathers on the wings are crimson pink and black. The beak, which curves downward at half its length at an almost 90º angle, is also pink, except the tip, which is black. 

Ethology

They are gregarious and form monogamous couples during the mating season. The nests are cone-shaped and made of mud, with a shallow trench often dug around them. Both parents incubate 1 egg for 30 days and defend the nest if necessary, although they are generally not very territorial. Once the chicks can walk, they join in large groups under the supervision of a small number of adults, although they continue to be fed by their parents. 

Interesting facts

When feeding they place the head between their legs, which may be partly or totally underwater, and use them to stir up the bed so that the suspended organic materials enter the beak, whilst the water is removed with the tongue. The small organisms are filtered thanks to the hairy structures called lamellae, which line the edges of the beak, similar to combs.