Flamingos are large water birds famous for their pink or deep red plumage. They are primarily found in saline lakes, swamps, and lagoons in Africa, South America, and India. These are aquatic birds that prefer to live in groups.
Flamingos represent an ancient avian family. They have been soaring through the skies of Earth for over 40 million years. However, they remain a mysterious species with many secrets yet to be uncovered regarding their classification, feeding habits, reproduction, and self-defense mechanisms.
A video clip has surfaced online, evoking such feelings in the community, with many even finding it… eerie. It depicts two flamingos, one seemingly pecking at the head of the other, causing bright red blood to drip into the mouth of a chick below.
The video was posted on a Facebook page called “Science Channel,” with a description stating that this is how flamingos feed their chicks. The clip left many viewers shocked and saddened, as no one expected that flamingos—a species symbolizing romance—would have such a… gruesome way of nurturing their young.
Flamingos are the only birds in the world capable of producing milk for their chicks.
However, as noted, nature is full of surprises. The Science Channel later revealed that the bright red liquid flowing out is not blood, but milk!
For those who may not know, flamingos are the only birds on Earth that can produce milk for their chicks, which is known as “crop milk.” This is due to their unique feeding habits, which rely heavily on their specially adapted beaks that are not fully developed at birth. Therefore, young flamingos must consume this liquid in their early days, necessitating both parents to produce milk.
It is known that crop milk is rich in protein and fat, secreted from the crop of the bird—a thin membrane surrounding the extension of the beak. In the case shown in the video, the flamingo above (let’s call it the father) was dripping milk onto the head of the mother flamingo, allowing the liquid to flow gradually into the mouth of the chick rather than pecking at it. “Flamingos can produce crop milk in their digestive system, then regurgitate it to feed their young,” as explained on the Science Channel.
The video has garnered millions of views and tens of thousands of shares. Initially, many viewers were horrified by the scene. However, once the truth was revealed, some felt moved, considering it a beautiful moment in nature.
Flamingos are indeed peculiar and beautiful birds, characterized by their pink feathers, curved beaks, and long legs, bringing countless surprises and admiration to humans.
They also exhibit complex and mysterious behaviors, such as reverse filtering, group dancing for courtship, and milk feeding, which evoke curiosity and respect among people. However, flamingos face numerous threats and challenges such as wetland degradation, climate change, and illegal hunting, leading to population declines and reduced distribution ranges.
Therefore, we should enhance the protection and management of flamingo populations as well as their habitats, so that these pink angels can continue to showcase their grace and vitality on Earth.
