Spidee Scoop

It’s time for some fun feathery facts all about flamingos! These pink birds are some of the coolest animals out there! Find out cool facts all about flamingos, including why they’re pink, how tall they get, and what the word flamingo means

1. Flamingos aren’t actually pink

Well, at least not naturally! They’re actually white! Their pink coloring comes from their food – the microscopic algae that the shrimp they eat feed on! If they don’t get enough of these algae, they lose their coloring!

2. They are found all over the world

Flamingos are found in North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe – that’s almost every continent! Flamingo populations are currently pretty healthy, and because of that they aren’t endangered – hooray!

3. They Make Nests Out of Mud

Flamingos are water birds – they live and feed by the water, and they make their nests there too. So it’s only natural that they make them out of the most abundant substance found by water – mud! They’re muddy nests are home to one egg per year, which both parents take it in turns to look after.

4. They Can Sleep Standing On One Leg

Nobody knows why flamingos do this, but they’re famous for it! Scientists think there might be a number of reasons why they do this – to preserve energy, staying warm or just because its easier! It’s a mystery!

5. Their Knees Are Actually Their Ankles

You might wonder why flamingos have legs that ‘bend backwards’ – actually they don’t! What might look like a flamingos knee is actually its ankle – yes, they have super long feet!