The American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is a distinctive wading bird known for its vibrant pink plumage and long, gracefully curved neck. It is the only species of flamingo native to North America and the Caribbean. American Flamingos typically measure between 3.6 and 4.6 feet in height, with a wingspan ranging from 3.3 to 5 feet. They weigh between 4.4 and 8.8 pounds, with males generally being slightly larger than females.

Distinguishing field marks of the American Flamingo include its striking pink coloration, which is most vibrant on its wings and neck. Their legs are long and slender, and their bills are distinctive, with a downward bend near the tip. Juvenile flamingos may have duller plumage and a straighter bill, but they gradually acquire the characteristic pink coloration as they mature.

American Flamingos are highly social birds, often found in large flocks numbering in the thousands. They inhabit shallow coastal lagoons, estuaries, and saltwater marshes where they feed on a diet primarily consisting of algae, crustaceans, and small invertebrates. Their specialized bills are adapted for filter-feeding, allowing them to strain food particles from the water.

While American Flamingos are largely non-migratory, they may exhibit some seasonal movements in response to changes in food availability and environmental conditions. In regions where their breeding colonies are established, they may remain year-round. However, flamingos in other areas may undertake local movements or short-distance migrations to find suitable feeding grounds.

Breeding populations of American Flamingos are found in coastal regions throughout the Caribbean, as well as in parts of Mexico, Central America, and the northern coast of South America. They typically nest in large colonies on mud flats or islands, constructing cone-shaped mounds of mud and plant material. Both parents take turns incubating the single egg, and the chick is cared for by both parents until it is able to fend for itself.

Despite their iconic status and relatively stable populations in some areas, American Flamingos face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance to their nesting sites. Conservation efforts aimed at protecting and restoring their coastal habitats are essential for ensuring the continued survival of this charismatic species.