The Little Book of North American Birds

Colorful, clever, and often right in your backyard, North America''s birds are absolutely fascinating! Now it''s your turn to meet them in The Little Book of North American Birds, part of the Little Library of Natural History. Discover dozens of North America''s most remarkable birds with details about their habitats, diets, wingspans, and more. Gorgeous vintage artwork by some of the world''s most enduring nature illustrators fill this irresistible volume. From the book: The name flamingo originates with the Spanish and Latin word flamenco, meaning ''fire.'' Their bright-colored feathers are not only glamorous, but the bold, pink color comes from a flamingo''s food. Similar to ibis, flamingos feed on algae and crustaceans that have carotenoid pigments. The pigments, once ingested, create a flamingo''s pink coloring. However, a flamingo''s color doesn''t come at birth. Several years must pass before they reach peak color and grow their distinctive curved bills. Flamingos are incredibly social birds; they congregate in a flock called a flamboyance and are always near bodies of water. Here, flamingos find mates for life and begin families with one egg per year.