Flamingo.

Kight, Caitlin R.

ISBN 10: 1780234252 / ISBN 13: 9781780234250

Published by London: Reaktion Books, 2015., 2015

About this Item

Octavo,175 pp.,photographs, illustrations, bookplate, softcover. The flamingo is possibly the most easily recognized bird in the world. But it is not a single species - there are six different species of flamingos, each differing in size and colour. Caitlin R. Kight presents this fascinating creature in an accessible way, introducing the history of the bird, its behaviour, habitats and symbolism. She describes how the bird gets its rosy pink colour and discusses how and why it has become such an iconic animal throughout the world. A wonderful cultural history for birdlovers and animal enthusiasts alike, Flamingo provides valuable insights into just what makes our pink-feathered friend so special.

Seller Inventory # 37920

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Flamingo.
• Publisher: London: Reaktion Books, 2015.
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1780234252
• ISBN 13: 9781780234250
• Binding: Soft cover

About this title

Synopsis

With their distinctive pink coloring and one-legged stance, flamingos are easily the most recognizable bird in the world. Most of us don't know, however, that there are actually six different species of flamingo, each differing in size and hue––and, despite excellent fossil records, scientists have had a difficult time positioning the flamingo within the avian genetic tree. In Flamingo, Caitlin R. Kight untangles the scientific knowledge about this unusual ornithological wonder and looks at how it has figured in popular culture.
    
Kight presents the flamingo in a concise and accessible way, introducing its detailed scientific history alongside what we know about its often hostile habitats and complex social behavior. She explores its genetic lineage and the confusions it has caused, and she details the significance it has had for many cultures, whether as a spiritual totem or a commercial symbol of the tropical life. She even explains how it gets its extraordinary color (hint: it has to do with its diet). A wonderful resource for any bird lover, Flamingo provides valuable insight into just what makes this flashy-feathered character so special.

About the Author

Caitlin R. Kight is the marketing and communications manager for the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campuses. She is also an editor and writer for Current Conservation and host of the science and nature radio program Wild Side. She lives in Falmouth, UK.