The American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) is a large species of flamingo closely related to the greater flamingo and Chilean flamingo. It is also known as the Caribbean flamingo, although it is also present in the Galápagos Islands.
The American flamingo is the only one found in the Bahamas and have the brightest plumage of all flamingo species. One of the most distinctive attributes of P. ruber is its unipedal stance, or the tendency to stand on one leg. While the purpose of this iconic posture remains ultimately unanswered, strong evidence supports its function in regulating body temperature
In the mid-twentieth century, Caribbean flamingos were experiencing a steady decline. A population once over 10,000 strong had decreased to little over 3,000 and there was serious concern that these beautiful birds were in danger. The Bahamian government at the time implemented strict laws to protect the animals and Ardastra Gardens took in a flock of flamingos to see if they could be bred in captivity.
Despite the breeding program having little success, the number of Caribbean flamingos began to increase, and today the breed is not considered at risk.
Things to Do
Stamp Releases
1965 Definitive Series – 3d Flamingo
1966 Decimal Overprint Definitive Series – 4c on 3d Flamingo
1967 Definitive Series – 4c Flamingo
1971 Definitive Series – 11c Flamingos
Postcards
1959 – Lofthouse Agency Ltd (P1900 Series – Type A)
1959 – Lofthouse Agency Ltd (P8400 Series – Type A)
1971 – Dexter Press (DT-74800-C Series – Type D)
Dexter Press (DT-74800-C Series – Type F)
References
- Ardastra
- Nassau Paradise Island: Birds of a feather – The Flamingos of Ardastra Gardens
- Wikipedia: American Flamingo
