Prague Zoo: Cuban flamingos enjoy the rays of the sun
Flamingos with the reddest feathers are among the most delicate, but according to the curator of bird breeding, Antonín Vaidl, they have already adapted to our climate. When they are cold, on the unfeathered parts of the body, which are mainly the legs. “They go to the water in which they stand during the day to warm up. It’s from our wells, it’s about eight degrees, it’s not too cold, so when it’s freezing, it’s warmer than the air. “ explains.
In addition, flamingos at the Prague Zoo have a heated house at their disposal, which is 12 to 15 ° C. He mainly spends nights in it. “They have electric heaters there and instead of a door there is an air heat shield,Adds Vaidl. So flamingos can choose, but they don’t mind our mild winters. Therefore, visitors can enjoy their charm all year round.
Prague Zoo breeds three species of flamingos. In addition to Cuban also Chilean and pink. The Chileans are the most resilient, because in nature it occurs at the highest altitudes. The pinks live in southern Europe, among other places, and they don’t mind the cold either.
Red from crustaceans
Cuban flamingos differ from others richer pink to reddish feathers. The upper half of the beak is also markedly colored and red legs are typical for them. The crustaceans that contain carotenes and which these birds feed on add color to all flamingos. Why are Cubans even “red”? Their food is the richest in nature on crustaceans, and evolution has also played a role, which has already established their rich coloring in their genes.
Cuban flamingo reaches a height of up to 140 cm and weighs almost three kilos. His homeland is Cuba, some other islands in the Caribbean and the coastal mainland of South America. It seeks fresh waters, such as shallow lakes, lagoons, wetlands, but also inhabits the sea coast.
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Cuban flamingos enjoy the rays of the autumn sun at the Prague Zoo.
Author: Prague Zoo / Petr Hamerník, Tereza Mrhálková