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Pink Flamingos
Pink Flamingos
The only bird of the family, Phoenicopteriformes
Is the "flame-coloured" flamingo, so named by the Spanish.
A wader on long legs with arcuate filtering bill;
Eater of shrimp and algae that pigment feathers pink.
Posed confidently, balanced on one leg to conserve energy,
They display beauty and grace under an aura of innocence;
In a relaxed atmosphere, appearing flirtatious,
Congregating in pats exhibiting social behaviours.
In Spring, the birds participate in mating rituals,
Of synchronized dance steps marching in unison:
With necks stretched, heads flagging and wings flapping;
To encourage nesting and pair bonding.
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Notes:
Phoenicopterus: ‘Phoenicopterus' is the Latin name for flamingo. Flamingo comes from the Portuguese or Spanish meaning “flame-coloured.”
Pat (aka Flamboyance): A ‘pat (aka flamboyance)' is a group of flamingos.
Copyright ©
Dennis Spilchuk
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