Browse the database

• Cladogram
• Scientific Name
• Common Name
• Skeletal Element
• Temporal Interval
• Geographical Location
• Specimen Number

Aves - Neognathae - Phoenicopteriformes - Phoenicopteridae - Phoenicopterus - Phoenicopterus ruber

Sternum (Breast Bone) of a Phoenicopterus ruber (American Flamingo)

Rotate: left click on mouse
Zoom: right click on mouse (PC) or command and click (Mac)
Move: left and right click simultaneously (PC) or shift and click (Mac)

Species Description
The American Flamingo lives in the saline lagoons, mudflats, and shallow brackish coastal flats of the Galapagos Islands and coastal Colombia and Venezuela, and north to the Yucatan and northern Caribbean (sightings in Florida may be escapees, but could be legitimate wanderers from Cuba). It filters water through its beak to catch planktonic plants and animals, as well as mollusks and crustaceans. The Flamingo’s plumage ranges from pale pink to bright red, depending on location and diet; the color comes from chemicals (carotinoids) found in crustaceans. It is a very social bird, flocking in large numbers both during and outside the breeding season. In fact, the American Flamingo will not nest unless there are a number of other flamingos present.
Skeletal Elements Available

Sternum (Breast Bone)

External Links
Animal Diversity Web Encyclopedia of Life Wikipedia American Flamingo Page