Classification

The classification of flamingos has puzzled taxonomists for years. Flamingos have characteristics in common with a number of bird groups, and it remains unclear to which group they are most closely related. Flamingos are sometimes placed in the Order Ciconiiformes but it is now generally accepted that flamingos should be placed in their own Order, Phoenicopteriformes.

Related groups and shared characteristics:

Ciconiiformes (storks, herons & ibises)

Pelvis and ribs similar to storks
Composition of egg-white proteins similar to herons

Anseriformes (ducks, geese & swans)

Behavior patterns, especially those of chicks, similar to geese
Webbed feet and waterproof plumage similar to geese
Bile acid similar to that of ducks and geese (Hagey, 1990)
Three genera of feather lice in common with ducks (Hopkins, 1942)

Charadriiformes (waders/shorebirds & allies)

Fossil record suggests flamingos arose from ancient shorebirds (Feduccia, 1976)

Podicipediformes (grebes)

Feather lice similarities with grebes (Johnson et al, 2006)
DNA evidence linking flamingos with grebes (Hackett et al, 2008)

Related Publications

>>	A phylogenomic study of birds reveals their evolutionary history From Science 2008
>>	Convergence and divergence in the evolution of aquatic birds From Proceedings: Biological Sciences 2001
>>	ß-phocacholic acid in bile: biochemical evidence that the flamingo is related to an ancient goose From The Condor 1990
>>	Osteological evidence for shorebird affinities of the flamingos From The Auk 1976
More publications >>

Information

Resources

Discussion

Classification

Related Publications

Related Links