Trivia question for Nov-06-2011

Carter wants to figure out how to change the color of these guys to blue and green (to match their OMG Corporate colors) and he is convinced he will someday figure it out.  In the meantime, here is his trivia.  These guys inhabit tropical salt-pans, lagoons and alkaline lakes.

These are the most widespread species of this family. It is found in parts of Africa, southern Asia (coastal regions of Pakistan and India), and southern Europe (including Spain, Sardinia, Albania, Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal, and the Camargue region of France). Some populations are short distance migrants, and records north of the breeding range are relatively frequent; however, given the species’ popularity in captivity whether these are truly wild individuals is a matter of some debate.  These birds resides in mudflats and shallow coastal lagoons with salt water. Using its feet the birds stir up the mud, then sucks water through its bill and filters out small shrimp, seeds, blue-green algae, microscopic organisms and mollusks.

So here are Carter’s questions:  Tell us what kind of bird this is and tell us what is so special about their skin on their feet and legs?  Also, tell us what happens to males if their feathers don’t turn pink?  As a bonus, tell us which Indian state uses this bird as their ‘state bird’?

Good Luck 😉

Answer:

Congratulations goes out to Isabel from Taunton MA for being the first with the correct answers.  The colorful birds we featured are the The Greater Flamingo which are the most widespread species of the flamingo family.

These birds have special skin in their legs and feet which can withstand burning effects of caustic soda, found in alkaline lakes.  Males rely on their food source for achieving their bright pink color.  The flamingos’s pink feathers are a vital stimulus for reproduction.  Poor diet can cause a bird to lose its color and opportunity to breed. The Greater Flamingo is the state bird of Gujarat, India.  Here is more on these cool looking birds: Greater Flamingo

Thanks for playing along 😉