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What if I told you, there's a bird that isn't born pink, can sleep while standing on one leg, and lives in giant groups with thousands of others. Today we're learning about one of the most colorful birds God ever created, the flamingo. I'm your host, Garrett Maroon, and before I introduce my three favorite bird watchers, let me say a special thank you. Thank you to Oliver from Longview, Texas, and Lydia from Newport News, Virginia for this week's topic. And a very special happy birthday to Charlotte, who turns nine on July 9th in Luxembourg. If you want to say hi to the Nature Loving Kids, suggest a topic, get a birthday shout-out, or send us a joke to use, please email us at Nature LovingKids Podcast at gmail.com. Now on to my three favorite bird watchers.

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Hi, I'm Hattie, and I always thought flamingos were just funny looking birds. And I'm Dylan. And I want to know why they're always standing on one foot. And I'm Ivy, and I'm standing on one foot too.

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Let's find out why they always stand on one foot. Now here's our first surprise. Baby flamingos are gray or white, not pink.

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Seriously? How do they turn pink?

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It all comes from their food. Flamingos eat tiny shrimp, algae, and other small creatures that contain natural pigments called carotenoids.

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Carotenoids?

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They're natural color makers found in certain plants and animals. They're also what make carrots orange. As flamingos eat these foods, the pigments build up in their feathers until they turn bright pink.

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So they literally become what they eat.

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Exactly, Dylan. Now let's answer the question that everyone asks.

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Why do flamingos stand on one leg? Maybe because the other leg got tired.

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That's a good guess, Dylan. Scientists think one reason is that it helps them stay warm. When they're standing in cool water, pulling one leg up helps reduce heat loss.

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Yeah, like putting your hand in your pocket on a cold day.

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And here's something even cooler.

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Flamingos can actually sleep while balancing on one leg. That's incredible. I can barely stand on one leg for three seconds. Wanna learn something really cool? Yaa Flamingos are very social birds. They live in a huge group called colonies. Some colonies have thousands of flamingos. Thousands? Why so many thousands? Living together helps protect them from predators. More eyes means it's easier to spot danger. They also build their nest close together too. It's like a giant flamingo neighborhood. Exactly.

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All right, bird joke time. What do you have, kiddos?

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What did a flamingo say to when stand it on one leg with pants on? What? Fresh. That makes no sense.

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But it's funny. Alright, Dylan.

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Why do flamingos stand on one leg? Why? Because if they lifted both legs, they fall over.

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Here's another amazing fact. Flamingos eat with their heads upside down.

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Wait, upside down?

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Yep. They lower their heads into the water, flip their beaks upside down, and use them like tiny strainers. Their beaks filter out tiny shrimp, algae, small plants, and microscopic animals.

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That's a really clever design.

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It is. Very few birds eat that way.

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For their babies, flamingos build nests out of the mud.

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They shape the mud into little towers with a shallow bowl on top.

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Why bell it up so high?

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It helps keep the egg above the water and mud. When the baby hatches, both mom and dad help care for it. They even feed their chick a special nutrient-rich milk made inside their bodies called crop milk.

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It's cool that both parents help. Sounds like they're a great team.

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When you look at a flamingo, it's hard not to smile. Bright pink feathers, long legs, curved beak, and all balancing on one foot.

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They're definitely one of the most unique birds.

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They really are. God could have made every bird look the same, but instead he filled creation with incredible variety. From tiny hummingbirds to giant eagles to bright pink flamingos, every animal reflects his creativity in a different way. Alright, time for one more joke break. What do you have for us, kiddos?

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What do you call a flamingo at the North Pool? What you but lost. Why did uh flamingo cross the road? Why? To prove it wasn't chicken.

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Think about this. A bird that turns pink because of what it eats, balances on one leg while sleeping, filters food upside down, and lives with thousands of friends.

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That's one amazing bird.

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It really is. Nature is full of creatures that remind us how creative God is. Flamingos aren't just beautiful birds. They're incredible engineers, expert filter feeders, and amazing parents. From their bright pink feathers to their one-legged balancing act, they remind us that nature is full of incredible surprises. Thanks for joining us on the Nature Loving Kids Podcast.

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If you like this episode, share it with a friend. And remember, click the follow button. New episode every Wednesday. And please leave a review. We read every one. And see if you can stand on one leg longer than a flamingo. And don't eat too many shrimps. It might turn pink.

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Until next time, stay curious, get outside, and remember, the world is full of wild wonders.

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The world is full of wild creatures.