Caribbean Flamingo

When I was growing up, in South Florida, I remember occasionally seeing these distinct creatures in the wild. It was rare; but truly unforgettable when it would happen. I'm referring to the Caribbean Flamingo ( Phoenicopterus ruber), also called the American Flamingo. 
Instantly recognizable, thanks too its hot pink plumage; the Flamingo starts its life as a small gray chick.  As the bird matures, it develops the deep pink color: this is a result of their diet. Their brilliant color comes from the pigments in the algae and in some of the crustaceans, that the birds eat.
Caribbean Flamingos are found in everglades, lagoons, mudflats and salt lakes of the Caribbean, Southern Texas and  Florida, Yucatan Peninsula, and the Galapagos Islands. They are highly social birds and they live in colonies that can contain thousands.
Taken at the Nashville Zoo on 10-29-12.