Puna and Chilean Flamingos are considered Near Threatened, while the Andean Flamingo is categorized as Vulnerable, according to the IUCN Red List. Three of the four flamingo species found in the Americas are in rapid decline. When this happens, they are usually flightless for about three weeks while new feathers grow. They usually molt their flight feathers over extended periods, and this ensures that they can always fly, but sometimes (especially in captivity) they do molt all of their flight feathers at once. (Alterations to flamingo tendons or bones are considered by many to be inhumane, but they are widely used because they are permanent.) Do Flamingos Fly Often? Why Don't Flamingos Fly in Zoos?įlamingos in captivity often have their flight feathers trimmed, or tendons or bones in their wings altered so that they cannot escape when kept in open ponds and other exhibits. When they face strong winds, they can take off with a single wing beat. Flamingos Are Big Birds How Do They Take Off?įlamingos take off by running on land or in shallow water while beating their wings. With each wing flap, flamingos send air backwards, helping to lift birds that follow. They tend to fly in rows or “V” formations, which helps save energy. Do Flamingos Fly in Groups?įlamingos are often found in large flocks, with a single group called a flamboyance. The American Flamingo will travel upwards of 50 miles in search of sustenance. Flamingos can roam widely in search of wetlands to find food. For example, the Andean Flamingo breeds in the high Andes and winters in lower altitudes along the Pacific coast. This species occurs in Eurasia and Africa.įlamingos that breed in temperate areas migrate to warmer climates outside of breeding season. Do Flamingos Migrate? How Far Can Flamingos Fly? When flamingos fly over the ocean, they tend to fly lower than they do when over ground. How high flamingos fly is largely dependent on the direction and strength of the wind, as well as the birds' destination. How High Can Flamingos Fly?įlamingos have been observed flying at altitudes of almost 20,000 feet (in birds moving across sites in South America's Andes). During flight, they continuously beat their wings, taking advantage of prevailing winds when possible to save energy. When flamingos fly, they hold their legs and necks out, often with their bills tipped upwards. Why? These social birds often fly together over flat waters that reflect their regal coloring - quite a sight to behold.įlamingos travel at approximately 35 miles per hour (mph) over short distances, but they can fly upwards of 40 mph during long-distance flights with supportive winds. Observing flamingos in flight can be a spectacular and beautiful experience.
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