We Love Animals
Animals Nature Wildlife

Extremely Rare Black Black Flamingo Captured On Camera In Cyprus

A flamingo in black? Some people may think that this kind of ultra-rare animal just appears in fairy tale books and Disney cartoon movies. But it was actually spotted, guys.

An extremely rare black flamingo was captured on camera in a salt lake at the Akrotiri Environmental Centre on the southern coast of Cyprus.

Unlike its pink fellows, this flamingo is in black, making it stand out from the crowd.

There is an explanation for its black plumage. The bird inherits a genetic condition called melanism. This makes its body generate more of the pigment melanin, turning it dark rather than the usual pink color.

Melanism can be found in hawks and ducks, but incredibly rare in flamingo.

You can watch the video of the striking flamingo below.

As you may know, dark feathers help birds a lot in hiding in nature, away from predators. But this doesn’t happen with this melanistic flamingo. The excessive pigment causes its feathers to become brittle and breakable.

There is another concern for the flamingo’s black plumage. Black feathers make it hard to attract mates during the breeding season.

The reason is understandable. Black is rare in flamingo’s colony.

How do you think of this black flamingo? Share this post with your friends to let them notice this gorgeous creature!

(since 2015)

H/T: National Geographic

Related posts

Meet Grandala Coelicolor, A Spectacular Bird With Spellbinding Blue Plumage

Margot Nolan

Rare White Spirit Bear Spotted Catching A Fish Near Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

Margot Nolan

Meet Bob The Street Cat, Who Helped A Homeless Man Turn His Life Around

Carolyn Mullet

Rescued Since A Newborn, Two Abandoned Baby Elephants Form A Special Bond At The Wildlife Trust

Margot Nolan

10+ Heartwarming Pictures That Will Instantly Save You From Sadness And Fatigue

Carolyn Mullet

Poor Foxes Were Rescued From A Fur Farm After Left To Starve Here

Olivia

15+ Fluffy Friends Who Love Copying Their Owners’ Behavior

Carolyn Mullet

30+ Hilarious Pics Of Pet Caught Red-Pawed When Stealing Food

Carolyn Mullet

A Tiny Bird That Somehow Manages To Squeeze Seven Different Hues Onto Its Tiny Body Creating A Dazzling Rainbow Of Color!

Carolyn Mullet

An Unmistakable Bird With Red Head, Yellow-Orange Chest, And Olive Green Wings

Margot Nolan

10+ Animals Who Can Brighten Up Our Lives With Their Charm

Carolyn Mullet

This Cat Has A Special Friend Who Teaches Her How To Eat Hay

Carolyn Mullet