Flamingos are some of the most unusual birds in the world with their bright pink plumage, long legs, graceful neck, and imposing beak. When we think of flamingos, we might picture them standing on one leg in their classic pose while resting, or perhaps with their heads upside down in water foraging for food. We might even think of their spectacular courtship dance when thousands group together and perform synchronised moves to attract a mate.
But for many people, a flying flamingo may not necessarily be the first thing that springs to mind. Despite this, flamingos can fly, and they can fly rather well.
Flamingos are large birds. The greater flamingo is the tallest species of flamingo measuring up to 150 cm in height and weighing up to 3.5 kg. However, that is almost diminutive when compared to the world’s heaviest flying birds which include bustards, swans, vultures, and albatrosses.
But coupled with their long, thin necks and legs, and relatively bulky bodies, their size means flamingos don’t find taking off very easy. To do so, they run several steps along the ground or in the water to help them gain speed, then flap their wings vigorously to get themselves airborne.
Once in the air, they extend their necks forward and trail their feet backwards, so they are aligned in an arrow shape and continues to perform rapid wing beats. This position helps them stay balanced and reduces drag.
From underneath, you can observe the black flight feathers, and dark pink wing coverts. Melanin, which is the pigment responsible for producing the dark colours, strengthens the wing feathers so they are more resistant to wear and tear. Many otherwise pale birds have black feathers on their wings and wingtips like flamingos.
Flamingos are generally non-migratory and spend all year in the same area. However, changes in their habitats may cause them to migrate. For example:
Most flamingos that migrate will eventually return to their breeding grounds and original colony, although some may join new colonies.
When flamingos migrate, they tend to fly at night when it is clear, and tailwinds are favourable. In calm, cooler air they expend less energy from flapping and less water from evaporation. They are also at less risk from predators. They can travel up to 600 km in one night flying at a speed of about 55 km/h, and will fly in classic V-formation or in irregular lines to take advantage of air currents.
As they fly, they make loud honking noises, similar to geese, to communicate to other members of the flock about location, possible threats, and to keep themselves organised. They also use vocal communication to help recognize each other, particularly between parents and chicks.
If flamingos have to migrate during the day, they will fly at high altitudes of up to 4.5 km. Again, this helps them conserve energy and minimises the risk of predation by eagles.
As they come in to land, flamingos lift their heads up and push their feet down and forwards until they are in an upright position. They can land on water or on the ground and come to a stop by gently pedalling for a few steps before resuming their usual graceful stance.
Unless you’ve been lucky enough to see a flamingo in its natural habitat then most of us will only have ever encountered them in zoos or wildlife parks.
Unlike many birds in zoos, flamingos are usually not kept in a cage. To prevent them flying away they have their wings clipped. This can be done by removing just a few feathers which will eventually grow back, or by amputating part of the wing in a procedure known as pinioning. Although pinioning is permanent, the practice is considered cruel and in many parts of the world it is banned or restricted. In England, for example pinioning may only be carried out by a vet, and if the bird is older than 10 days it must be performed under anaesthetic.
Flamingos who have had their wings clipped may escape from zoos when the feathers grow back and some occasionally turn up on UK estuaries or lakes, looking rather out of place.
2 Responses
I think I saw flamingos flying yesterday evening, in Spain. They were silent and in a straight line. Is this likely?
Lol. I literally had no idea flamingos could fly. TBH I never thought about it before as I’ve never seen one except in a zoo. Woukd love to see one in the wild as there my favourite animal/bird. Would love to see one flying too.