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A greater flamingo wades into shallow water on its long legs. Holding its head upside-down in the water, the flamingo swings its head side to side. It pumps water through the strainer-like edges of its unique beak to trap microscopic algae and small animals.

greater flamingo feeding a chick

Did You Know?

Got Milk? Flamingos feed their chicks a type of milk, called crop milk, that comes from the parent's digestive tract.

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Phoenicopterus roseus

Range:
Africa, Southwest Europe, and Asia

Habitat:
Wetlands

Lifespan:
35 yrs

Zoo Location:
Rhino Reserve

Diet:
Seeds, algae, and small invertebrates