Greater Flamingo Skull Replica

Description

Greater flamingo bird skull replica measures 6.3 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches. Phoenicopterus roseus is a museum-quality polyurethane resin cast of a California Academy of Sciences specimen. 2-part skull (separate cranium and mandible). 1:1 scale. Made in USA.

Lesser flamingos live in sub-Saharan Africa and western India. Northern sightings represent vagrant birds.

Lesser flamingos represent the smallest flamingo species. Adult birds reach 31 to 35 inches in height. Weight measurements span from 2.6 to 6.0 pounds.

Pinkish white feathers color most of the body. Extensive black coloration on the bill separates this bird from the greater flamingo.

Microscopic blue-green algae and diatoms comprise the entire diet of this species. Filter feeding occurs as the bird pumps water through the bill structures. Flocks gather on alkaline lakes to scoop up food.

Breeding colonies produce a single chalky white egg each year. Mud nests protect the egg from rising water levels. Both parents share incubation duties for one month.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Phoenicopteriformes
• Family: Phoenicopteridae
• Genus: Phoenicopterus
• Species: P. roseus
• Binomial name: Phoenicopterus roseus Pallas, 1811
• Conservation status: Least concerned (IUCN 3.1)

Four wetland friends gathered on a grassy bank for a game of Duck, Duck, Goose.

Pinky, the greater flamingo bird skull replica started the game first, circling around the group. She tapped Rosey on the head and screamed Duck.

Rosey, the roseate spoonbill skull replica, got up and ran around the circle of friends and did not tap anyone’s head for a long time. Finally, she tapped Magenta’s head and screamed Goose.

Magenta, the lesser flamingo skull replica, got up and immediately tapped Snow White on the head and yelled Duck.

Snow White, the American white pelican skull replica, jumped up and quickly ran halfway around the circle and tapped Pinky on the head.