A
black flamingo was recently spotted among a group of pink flamingos
at a lake in Cyprus, the third biggest island in the Mediterranean
Sea. Experts think that this rare flamingo currently may be the
only one in the world.
The black flamingo is thought to have a genetic condition that causes
it to produce more pigment melanin, which is what gives the birds
their coloring. This particular bird probably produces more pigment
melanin and, as a result, has black feathers rather than the pink
feathers that flamingos are known for.
This genetic condition is seen in other birds, including hawks and
ducks, but just once before in flamingos. A black flamingo was seen
in Israel in 2013. However, because this condition is so rare and
because flamingos are able to fly long distances, experts think
that the black flamingo seen in Israel may be the same black flamingo
now in Cyprus.
Flamingos are social and live together in colonies. The black flamingo
appears to be accepted by other birds in its colony. However, experts
wonder if it will be more difficult for the black flamingo to attract
a mate because flamingos usually choose mates based on how pink
their feathers are.