Swimming and Wading:
Flight:
- Because flamingos have long legs, they can wade into much deeper water than most other birds. Webbed feet support them on soft mud.
- When the water is beyond their wading depth, flamingos swim at the surface while feeding. Webbed feet allow the flamingo to swim.
- There is no evidence that flamingos dive into the water
Flight:
- To take off, a flamingo runs several steps, begins flapping its wings, and lifts into the air. When landing, the procedure is reversed: the bird touches down and then runs several paces.
- A flamingo flies with its head and neck stretched out in front and its legs trailing behind.
- Flight speed of a flock of flamingos can reach 50 to 60 kph (31-37 mph).
- Flamingos have been known to fly 500 to 600 km (311-373 mi.) each night between habitats.