"Flamingo" is the common name for birds that belong to the family Phoenicopteridae. There are six living species classified under three genera. However, according to the most recent findings by biologists, they are now categorized into the European species, the Rosa species, and the Cuban species, which itself has two subspecies due to their ability to interbreed.

Flamingos are characterized by their long, slender legs, an equally long, curved neck, and rose-colored feathers. One of their most distinctive features is their bent beak, which they use to filter food from water or mud — the upper part of the beak acts as a natural sieve. The reddish tones in their feathers vary depending on the amount of carotene in their diet. Young birds in captivity, which are fed a diet low in carotene, typically have white feathers.

Flamingos are found in Africa, Southwest and Central Asia, Southern Europe, and Central and South America. They live in large colonies in areas with still waters such as lakes, salt lakes, or lagoons. These birds often inhabit regions with extreme environmental conditions where few other animal species are found. Their diet mainly consists of arthropods like crabs, shrimp, and Artemia, as well as ant larvae and algae.