Get to Know the REAL Wild Things: The American Flamingo

Published on

December 29, 2015

Written by

wes

Photo credit

wes

Phoenicopterus ruber

 

Island Conservation science cabritos isla island science dominican republic flamingo
The flamingos prefer the area around Cabritos when the lake level is somewhat lower.

Island Conservation science cabritos isla island science dominican republic flamingo

Group courtship displays are typical of this flamingo, with thousands of individuals raising their wings, turning their heads, or bowing their necks in spectacular synchrony.

Island Conservation science cabritos isla island science dominican republic flamingo
Sightings decreased as the lake level rose to record heights, but more flamingos will likely be returning since the lake level is dropping and once again exposing the shallow flats they prefer.

 

There are two parts to the chemistry that makes a Flamingo pink; the carotenoids in the food that provide the pigments, and the specific enzymes produced by the species which utilize those pigments, providing its brilliant pink color. Photo by: PelicanPete flic.kr/p/nEtqsL
There are two parts to the chemistry that make a flamingo pink; the carotenoids in the food that provide the pigments, and the specific enzymes produced by the species which utilize those pigments, providing its brilliant pink color.

Photo by: PelicanPete/flic.kr/p/nEtqsL

Island Conservation science cabritos isla island science dominican republic flamingo
Adult American Flamingos are smaller on average than Greater Flamingos but are the largest flamingos in the Americas. They measure from 120 to 145 cm (47 to 57 in) tall.

 Join our Campaign to Save Cabritos Iguanas

Our goal is to raise $22,000 by February 1, 2016 to save the Critically Endangered Ricord’s Iguana and Vulnerable Rhinoceros Iguana. By continuing removal of invasive species from Cabritos Island. This funding will be put directly on the ground to purchase supplies and feed our Dominican field team as they battle the scorching temperatures, avoid the crocodiles, and remove invasive species—all to save these wondrous and wild iguanas who, without your help, could be lost forever. Over the next several months we’ll be reaching out to conservation heroes like you, the queens and “kings of all wild things”, to amplify this “wild rumpus”. You can join the campaign by donating directly (all gifts support the Cabritos Island Restoration Project or by becoming an ambassador for the campaign and sharing with your friends, family, and colleagues.

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#SAVECABRITOSIGUANAS

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