Bonaire Bits - Flamingos

The Flamingo, Bonaire's national symbol, is a bird in a class all by itself.  Did you know that Caribbean flamingos have the brightest coloration?  They get their bright pink color from a diet rich in alpha and beta carotenoid pigments found in brine shrimp, brine fly pupae, small clams, and other micro-delectable algae and insects.  And, did you know flamingos have little or no sense of smell?  Often regarded by some as resembling flying sticks, flamingos have to get a running start in order to fly.

Bonaire is one of only four places in the world where flamingos breed.  Did you know more flamingos live on Bonaire than humans, though at first glance it appears to be just the opposite?  The Pekelmeer Sanctuary, found amongst the salt pans on the southern part of the island, is a special breeding ground for the birds.  Admittance to this reserve is prohibited because these birds are very sensitive to disturbances, but you can often observe the flamingos from the road.  Another location to find these birds is at Lake Gotomeer, in Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north.  At both places, it is important to keep your distance and not disturb the birds.

Another flamingo factoid:  Flamingos generally lay one egg, and as chicks flamingos are gray and white in coloration.

Flamingos, amongst themselves, are social animals, and a minimum of 15 to 20 birds is required before they will begin to breed. They mate for life, and what actually causes them to nest and breed is still something of a mystery (though several studies suggest that a good rainfall is highly influential).  Once a pair does mate, both the male and the female share equally in the tasks of building a nest, sitting on the egg for about a month, and feeding the chick.  After about three months, the chick will be capable of making the 56 mile flight to Venezuela required when food becomes scarce on Bonaire.

When you do spot flamingos, please remember these birds are so sensitive to noise and intrusion that the slightest disturbance will cause them to quickly flee. They will never come close to people.  Bonaireans are as protective of their flamingos as they are of their reefs so the best way to get a great photograph is to bring a telephoto lens.