ORDER - CICONIIFORMES
(ALSO LISTED AS ORDER PHOENICOPTERIFORMES)
-Members of this order have long legs and long necks.
Order Ciconiiformes also includes storks, herons, and ibises.
-The classification of flamingos has puzzled taxonomists for years.
The skeletal structure, egg-white proteins
and behavior patterns cause scientists to link flamingos to various groups.
-The pelvis and ribs of a flamingo are similar to those of storks.
• The composition of egg-white proteins in flamingo eggs are similar to that of the herons.
• Behavior patterns, especially those of chicks, link them closely to geese (Order Anseriformes). Flamingos also have webbed feet and waterproof plumage like geese.
• More recently, taxonomists have grouped flamingos in their own Order - Order Phoenicopteriformes.
FAMILY - PHOENICOPTERIDAE
-Flamingos are the only members of the family Phoenicopteridae.
Distinguishing characteristics include long legs; a long, curved neck; and a goose-like voice.
