American Flamingo
American Flamingo
Phoenicopterus ruber
At a Glance
Until about 1900, American Flamingo flocks from the the Bahamas regularly migrated to the Florida Bay, in what is now Everglades National Park. Today, most American Flamingos are seen on the loose in North America and are considered suspect, as possible escapees from aviaries or zoos. However, recently, following Hurricane Idalia in the fall of 2023, a flock of American Flamingos were blown into the United States while in their migration. Some of these birds where scattered far and wide across much of the United States. Many others arrived in locations where populations have now reestablished and may continue to thrive if the right conditions remain intact.
All bird guide text and rangemaps adapted from Lives of North American Birds by Kenn Kaufman© 1996, used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Category
Flamingos, Long-legged Waders
IUCN Status
Least Concern
Habitat
Coasts and Shorelines, Saltwater Wetlands
Region
Florida, Southeast, Texas
Behavior
Direct Flight, Rapid Wingbeats
Population
180.000
Range & Identification
Description
Sexes similar; male slightly larger — Length: 3 ft 11 in-4 ft 9 in (1.2-1.5 m); wingspan: 4 ft 7 in-5 ft (1.4-1.5 m); weight: 4 lb 14 oz-8 lb 13 oz (2.2-4 kg). The American Flamingo is tall and thin with a much longer neck and legs than a Roseate Spoonbill, as well as a strikingly different bill shape. Adults are bright pink all over, bill with pink base and black tip. Immatures are paler and grayer. Note: other species of flamingos, escaped from zoos, are sometimes seen.
Size
About the size of a Heron
Color
Black, Pink, Tan
Wing Shape
Pointed, Tapered
Tail Shape
Short
Songs and Calls
Goose-like honking and cackling notes.
Call Pattern
Falling, Undulating
Call Type
Croak/Quack
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