The word "flamingo" comes from the Spanish and Latin word "flamenco" which means fire, and refers to the bright color of the birds' feathers. There are only six species of flamingos, but they are found around the world from the Caribbean and South America to Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) lives in the West Indies, Yucatán, in the northern part of South America and along the Galapagos Islands. The largest amount are found around the Caribbean which is why it is often called the Caribbean Flamingo. It is entirely pink except for black-tipped bill that is bent at a curious angle. The American Flamingo is the most widespread species of the flamingo family.
