Waterfowl and Cranes

The term waterfowl can refer to bird species whose ancestors are aequornithes, as well as bird species that breed, or whose habitat is, in an environment with water. It concerns very diverse groups - from ducks, geese and swans to grebes, ibises, spoonbills, storks, cranes and various waders.

Ideal environment for waterfowl

When breeding waterfowl, it’s best to provide them with enough feeding places. This way you give less dominant birds or chicks the opportunity to eat peacefully. Never feed your waterfowl cut grass! After all, when this grass gets under their tongues, they can’t remove it themselves.

Facts about flamingos

Flamingos are usually classified as storks, although DNA research suggests a connection with grebes and pigeons. Like pigeons, flamingos are monogamous and feed their young with milk. The red crop milk that flamingo chicks receive during the first days of life is given by the parents through a widening of the oesophagus.
The colour of flamingo feathers is determined by the natural pigments present in their food: shrimp and lobster.

The colour of flamingo feathers is determined by the natural pigments present in their food: shrimp and lobster. The bright red colour comes from the carotene in the algae that the birds eat directly or indirectly. A flamingo filters its food from the water through its beak. This is done through small ‘brushes’ on the side of its beak.

A flamingo usually stands on one leg to regulate its body heat. Flamingos can rest their weight stably on one leg without having to use its muscles.

Tips for cranes

Cranes are monogamous birds, which, once they form a pair bond, stay together all their lives. Cranes prefer to nest in tall grass. Therefore, provide an outdoor enclosure sown with grass and possibly a water feature. Cranes love to bathe in water.

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