Happy Friday!! Remember when Mama went to the ABQ Zoo in March? Well, she forgot to show you her favorite exhibit....
the Flamingos!
As we look her pictures, I am going to include some
Flamingo Fun Facts!
"Flamingo" comes from the Latin and Spanish word "Flamenco," which means flaming or fire, referring to the Flamingo's reddish, pinkish feathers. But don't be fooled, not all flamingos have such dark feathers. Their feathers can range from very light pink to dark orange-y red!
The flamingo's pink, orange or red feathers are a result of their diet, and how much Carotene they eat. Carotene can be found in the shrimp, plankton and other crustaceans they eat. Carotene is also the same substance that makes tomatoes red and carrots orange!!
I wonder....
If I ate enough carrots, would I turn pink???
Flamingos range from between three feet and five feet tall...but they only weigh three to six pounds!
A group of Flamingos is called a flamboyance
(they may also be called a stand, colony or regiment).
Lastly, but very coo,l is the fact that Flamingos are monogamous! They have one mate and only lay one egg a year.
We hope you enjoyed today's look at flamingos! As you might have guessed, they are one of Mama's favorite birds.
Thanks for joining us and we hope all our friends get out to see some nature this weekend!
Show
us your nature! It can be flowers, your current weather, a scene out of
your window, or maybe a picture from a vacation, walk or other journey!
Any kind of nature picture will do! If you don't see a link below,
click HERE to go to our Hoppity Page.
