Why Do Flamingos Stand in Shallow Lakes?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do flamingos stand in shallow lakes?

The Big Idea

Flamingos stand in shallow lakes because that is where their food is! They filter tiny shrimp and algae from the water. Long legs let them wade, and few predators can reach them there.

Wade In

Step one: wade into the lake. Flamingos wade in shallow, salty lakes. Long legs keep their bodies above the water, so their feathers stay mostly dry.

Filter Food

Step two: filter dinner. They hold their bills upside down in the water. Then they filter tiny shrimp and algae out of the water, like a strainer, and swallow what is left behind.

Turn Pink

Step three: turn pink. The algae and shrimp contain pink pigments. Those pigments turn the flamingos' feathers pink. The more they eat, the pinker they get!

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Long legs help them wade where it is deeper than you could. The curved bill works like a strainer. Tiny shrimp and algae are on the menu. And their food gives the feathers a pink color.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Baby flamingos are gray and turn pink as they eat. Flamingos often rest standing on one leg, which may help them keep warm. Few land predators can reach them in the middle of a lake. Watch them from far away, and stay out of deep water.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, measure the depth of a puddle with a stick. How deep is it? A flamingo's long legs let it wade where you would need tall boots. What advantages does wading in shallow water give it?

Outro

Flamingos are pink because of what they eat. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!