Long-Legged WADERS of Africa
The long-legged waders are comprised of the egrets, herons, ibises, spoonbills, storks, and flamingos. They are a diverse group, united by their long legs that enable them to wade for food. The egrets and herons are in the Ardeidae family, while the ibises and spoonsbill belong to Threskiornithidae. These two families belong to the same order and it is considered by some to be the same order as the storks (Ciconiiformes), but DNA information is prompting them to be moved to a different order. The flamingos belong to their own order, Phoenicopteriformes.
Flamingos
Order Phoenicopteriformes - 1 family Family Phoenicopteridae - 1 genus
Flamingos are the only species in their family and also in their order. Their closest relatives are a matter of debate, with current thought leaning towards the grebes. Flamingos are long legged, and very often seen resting on one leg. They tend to be of pink color, the depth of pink being a factor of diet.
Genus Phoenicopterus
Flamingo, Greater Phoenicopterus roseus Found: Europe, Asia, Africa
Photographed by: 1) Aschaf - France 2) Dick Daniels - Birds of Eden, South Africa 3) Dick - Tanzania
Flamingo, Lesser Phoenicopterus minor Found: North America (escaped), Africa
Photographed by: 1) Darren Bellerby - Kenya 2) Jerry Friedman - Kenya 4) Dick Daniels - Tanzania
All photos on this site are available for general use. Please credit the photographer. Some images have additional constraints such as no commercial use or no modifications. Click the photo credit link for details. Dick Daniels, webmaster.