Caribbean flamingos, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

© Claudio Contreras/NPL/Minden Picture

Flamboyance in flight. Caribbean flamingos, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Ever seen a group of flamingos take to the skies? If you have, they may have been Caribbean flamingos, also known as American flamingos, as seen in Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, in today's image. Flamingos are referred to as a flamboyance when in a group, but they can also be called a stand, colony or pat. The Caribbean flamingo is the largest species in the Americas and the only one native to North America. These vibrant birds are typically found around brackish and saltwater areas, like marshes, estuaries and along coastlines. Because of their pink colour, they're often confused with roseate spoonbills. However, their long necks and bent bills distinguish them from other wading birds like the great blue heron and wood stork.

Found across regions like the southeastern United States, northern South America, the Galápagos Islands and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Caribbean flamingos are well adapted for short migrations in search of food. Using long legs and webbed feet, they hunt shallow waters for shrimp, crustaceans, molluscs, fish and algae. Their habitats are increasingly threatened by coastal development, pollution and rising sea levels, putting their population at risk. Yet, Caribbean flamingos still amaze us when they soar gracefully through the skies.