Lesser flamingos primarily feed on which organisms in shallow waters?

Lesser flamingos primarily feed on which organisms in shallow waters?

• A. Large fish
• B. Insects in mud
• C. Algae and small crustaceans
• D. Seeds

Answer: (C)

Lesser flamingos are adapted to filter feeding in shallow waters. They use the comb-like edges of their beaks to strain tiny organisms from the water as they feed with their heads turned upside down. In their lake habitats, the most plentiful and important foods are microalgae, especially blue-green algae, along with small crustaceans that are carried in with the algae-rich water. This combination provides the energy and pigments they need, which is why algae and small crustaceans are their primary diet. Large fish aren’t pursued by these birds, insects in mud aren’t the main resource they target, and seeds aren’t typical fare for their filter-feeding style.

Lesser flamingos are adapted to filter feeding in shallow waters. They use the comb-like edges of their beaks to strain tiny organisms from the water as they feed with their heads turned upside down. In their lake habitats, the most plentiful and important foods are microalgae, especially blue-green algae, along with small crustaceans that are carried in with the algae-rich water. This combination provides the energy and pigments they need, which is why algae and small crustaceans are their primary diet. Large fish aren’t pursued by these birds, insects in mud aren’t the main resource they target, and seeds aren’t typical fare for their filter-feeding style.