American flamingo

Description:

Flamingos are beautiful birds, although somewhat gangly looking at times when walking. A number of the birds seen were easily over four feet in height.

Habitat:

While long known as the Caribbean flamingo, this bird species inhabits the southern U. S. a- primarily Florida, Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, and also the Galapagos. This specimen has also been called the Rosy flamingo.

Notes:

These birds were photographed at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Centre in Nassau, Bahamas. Using their long necks to preen themselves frequently, they perform acts of contortion. As was noted in a naturalist presentation, what appears to be this bird's knee is actually its ankle, while its knee is just below its body.