Senses

HEARING
Flamingos have good hearing. Vocalizations are important and may be used to keep flocks together and for parent-chick recognition.

EYESIGHT
1. Vision plays an important role in helping flamingos synchronize collective displays of several hundred to several thousand birds.

2. Some biologists believe that a flamingo’s night vision is poor, but better than a human’s.

3. Like most birds, flamingos have well-developed color perception.

4. In zoological settings, flamingos recognize their uniformed keepers among visitors.

TACTILE
Tactile organs on the tongue can be used to ensure that only food is ingested.

TASTE
The sense of taste is poorly developed in birds.

SMELL
Flamingos have little or no sense of smell.