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The Phoenicopteriformes are flamingoes. These are gregarious wading birds, which use a filter-feeding mechanism to catch algae and invertebrates. There are just 6 species of flamingo, 4 from the Americas, and 2 from the Old World. Young flamingoes hatch with white plumage but the feathers of an adult flamingo range from light pink to red due to carotenoids obtained from their food. They also have 12 black feathers in each wing.
Author: Robert Davis
Last updated: 21/11/05
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