Flamingo

Description

The flamingo is possibly the most easily recognized bird in the world. From their long necks to their unmistakable pink colour, they are certainly one of the most unusual-looking animals. But the flamingo is not a single species – there are at least five different species of flamingos, each differing in size and colour. And despite leaving some of the best fossil records, allowing scientists intimate knowledge of their evolution, little is known about where these birds are truly positioned in the avian family tree. Originally it was believed that they were most closely related to birds like storks and herons, but only recently it has been agreed that they are actually closer to grebes. The classification of this distinctive pink bird continues to baffle the scientific community today. Caitlin R. Kight’s Flamingo presents this fascinating creature in an accessible way, introducing the history of the bird, its behaviour, habitats, and symbolism. She describes how the bird gets its rosy pink colour – from pigments in the organisms they eat – and discusses how societies throughout history have each had their own word for the brightly-coloured bird, and why it has become such an iconic animal throughout the world. Flamingo is a wonderful resource for bird-lovers and animal enthusiasts alike, providing valuable insight into just what makes our pink-feathered friend so special.