There are four flamingo species in the Americas and two species in the Africa and Asia.

Flamingos are very social birds that live in colonies that can number in the thousands. These large colonies are believed to serve three purposes for the flamingos; predator avoidance, maximizing food intake and exploiting scarce suitable nesting sites.

The Relationship with humans

In Ancient Rome, flamingo tongues were considered a delicacy.

Andean miners have killed flamingos for their fat, believed to be a cure for tuberculosis.

Ancient Egyptians believed flamingos to be the living representation of the god.

The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped nature and placed emphasis on animals, often depicted flamingos in their art.

Pink plastic flamingo statues are popular lawn ornaments in the USA.