There are 6 different species of flamingo. They are the greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, Chilean flamingo, Andean flamingo, James’ flamingo, or puna flamingo, and the American, or Caribbean, flamingo.
They’re known for living between 20 and 30 years in the wild. In captivity, some are known to live up to 40 years due to a lack of predators.
Males are larger than females. They weigh more and have longer wingspans, however, it’s very difficult to tell by looking at them. The average flamingo has a wingspan between 1 and 1.6 meters, or 3.3 and 5 feet.
Flamingos are known as social birds. They live in relatively large groups that can sometimes number from the thousands to tens of thousands. They communicate in a range of visual displays and vocalizations. They use these display to try and warn others members of the group about potential dangers.
When they’re taking off, flamingos will run several steps, begin flapping its wings, and then lift off into the air. When they’re landing, the procedure is reversed; they will touch down and then run several steps.
