Interesting facts about flamingos

October 13, 2009 | In: Animal facts for kids

Flamingos are found in warm, shallow, watery regions on many continents.

Flamingos live an average of 20 to 30 years.

Flamingos put there head underwater and scoop backward with the head upside down to eat.

The pink of the flamingo comes from the carotenes that they consume. Their plumage, feathers, and bills are pink and red because of what they eat.

The word “flamingo” stems from the Latin word meaning flame.

Flamingoes can drink water from geysers at temperatures that are almost boiling.

Flamingoes have been known to fly up to 600 km in one night (373 miles).

Flamingoes range from 6-7 pounds in weight. They have a wingspan between 55-65 inches.

Flamingoes have no firm mating season.

Although flamingos are tropical or subtropical, there is one species that lives high in the Andes Mountains of South America.