Pronunciation: [flɛmˈɪŋɡə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "flamingo" is spelled as f-l-a-m-i-n-g-o with stress on the second syllable. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /fləˈmɪŋɡoʊ/. In this transcription, the first syllable is pronounced as "fluh," while the second syllable is pronounced as "min." The third syllable is pronounced as "go" with a long "o" sound. The word's spelling matches its pronunciation and effectively captures the distinctive sound of the bird's name.
Flamingo is a noun that refers to a large wading bird belonging to the family Phoenicopteridae. It is characterized by its long legs, a long thin neck, a slender and slightly curved bill, and vibrant plumage, typically in shades of pink. The word "flamingo" is derived from the Spanish and Portuguese word "flamengo," which means "flame-colored."
Flamingos are known for their striking appearance and elegant postures. They are mainly found inhabiting shallow lakes, lagoons, and wetland areas in various parts of the world, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Their long legs are adapted to wade through water, and their unique beak is specially designed to filter-feed on small aquatic organisms, such as algae, plankton, and mollusks.
These fascinating birds often live in large colonies that can comprise thousands of individuals. Social behavior is a notable characteristic of flamingos, as they communicate through various displays, vocalizations, and synchronized movements. Their mating rituals are particularly enchanting, involving elaborate dances and intricate courtship displays.
Flamingos hold ecological significance by their ability to transform their environment. Through their feeding habits, they help control algae growth and maintain the health of wetland ecosystems. They also serve as indicators of overall ecosystem health, as their presence or absence can reflect the quality of the environment.
Due to their captivating appearance and graceful demeanor, flamingos have become popular subjects in art, literature, and symbolism, often representing beauty, harmony, and grace. They have also become iconic figures in tourism, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to witness their beauty in their natural habitats.
A long-legged, web-footed bird of a crimson or red colour, belonging to Africa and the S. of Europe.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "flamingo" originated from the Portuguese word "flamengo", which means "flame-colored" or "flaming". This is derived from the Latin word "flamenco", which has the same meaning. The similarity in appearance between the vibrant pink color of the bird's feathers and the flame of a fire likely inspired its name. The word eventually entered the English language in the 16th century.
