flamingo

views updated May 11 2018

fla·min·go / fləˈming/ • n. (pl. -os or -oes) a tall wading bird (family Phoenicopteridae) with mainly pink or scarlet plumage. It has a heavy bent bill used to filter-feed on small organisms. Its four species include the greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber).

flamingo

views updated Jun 08 2018

flamingo XVI. — Pg. flamengo — Pr. flamenc, f. flama FLAME + Gmc. suffix -iŋg- -ING3; so named because of its bright plumage.

flamingo

views updated May 18 2018

flamingo Long-necked, long-legged wading bird of tropical and subtropical lagoons and lakes. They have webbed feet and a plumage that varies in colour from pale to deep pink. Their bills have fine hair-like filters which strain food from the muddy water. Height: to 1.5m (5ft). Family Phoenicopteridae.