Flamingo with egg

Description:

"With their bright feathers and strongly hooked bills, flamingos are among the most easily recognized waterbirds. Their pink or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments (like the pigments of carrots) in the algae and small crustaceans that the birds eat. The Caribbean flamingos Phoenicopterus ruber ruber are the brightest, showing their true colors of red, pink, or orange on their legs, bills, and faces."

Habitat:

Range: Africa, Asia, North America, Central America, South America, and Europe Habitat: large, shallow lakes or lagoons. Lakes may be far inland or near the sea or even connected to it.

Notes:

These Caribbean Flamingos are at the entrance to the San Diego Zoo. They build nests and lay eggs every year. Both the male and female incubate the egg, and both make "crop milk" (as do pigeons) to feed the chick.