The Pink Flamingo
American Flamingo - Phoenicopterus ruber - An extremely slim rose-pink wading bird as tall as a Great Blue Heron but much more slender. Note the sharply bent bill or broken "Roman nose." Feeds with the bill or head immersed. In flight it shows much black in the wings; its extremely long neck is extended droopily in front and the long legs trail behind, giving the impression that the bird might easily fly backward as forward. Pale washed-out birds may be escapes from zoos as the color often fades under captive conditions. Immatures are also much paler than normal adults.
Voice - Gooselike calls, gabbling; ar-honk, etc.
Occasional on the Florida coast; accidental elsewhere.
Habitat - Salt flats, saline lagoons.
