DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.28892636.v1
title: Supplementary Data 3. Global database of paleoichnological records attributed to flamingos (Mirandornithes, Phoenicopteriformes)

description: This dataset compiles ichnological records attributed to flamingos (<i>Phoenicopteriformes</i>), including both taxonomically indeterminate traces and ichnogenera such as <i>Phoenicopterichnum</i>, from multiple Miocene to Pliocene formations across four continents. The data were gathered from published sources and represent a wide range of sedimentary environments and lithologies associated with trace-producing behavior in fossil flamingos.The primary goal of this compilation is to support a broader neoichnological and paleoichnological investigation into the diagnostic potential of biogenic structures produced by flamingos — particularly foot-stamping traces — as proxies for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. This dataset constitutes Supplementary Data 3 for a manuscript exploring the environmental patterns associated with flamingo foraging behavior and assessing whether such traces are reliable indicators of specific depositional contexts in both modern and ancient settings.The dataset is organized in a standardized format with the following fields:Species: Taxonomic attribution of the trace-making organism, including indeterminate records (e.g., <i>Phoenicopteridae indet.</i>) and named ichnotaxa (e.g., <i>Phoenicopterichnum vinchinaensis</i>).Formation: Geological formation where the ichnofossil was recorded.Country: Modern-day country of occurrence.Time bin: Geochronological interval (e.g., Late Miocene, Late Pliocene).Landform: General geomorphological setting (e.g., continental, coastal).Sedimentary paleoenvironment: Interpretation of the depositional environment at the time of trace formation (e.g., fluvio-lacustrine, saline lake, wet interdune pond, marginal marine pan).Lithology: Descriptions of the sedimentary rocks associated with the ichnofossils, including mudstone, evaporite, laminated sandstones, carbonate laminae, and gypcreted mudstones.Source: Bibliographic references for each record.This dataset is relevant to researchers working in the fields of: 1) paleoichnology and ichnotaxonomy; 2) paleoenvironmental reconstruction; 3) sedimentology and taphonomy of continental systems; 4) neoichnology and ethology of flamingos and other wading birds; 5) comparative studies between extant and extinct trace-makers.<b> </b>By linking trace fossil occurrences with lithological and environmental data, the dataset enables testing of whether modern behavioral traces — such as those documented in <i>eBird</i> videos and ecological studies — can be effectively used as analogs for interpreting fossil ichnofacies and reconstructing ancient wetland conditions.Taxonomic attributions vary in precision depending on the source and preservation quality. “Indet.” designations are used where no specific ichnogenus was assigned. All entries are referenced to their original publications, and no new fieldwork or sampling was conducted for this dataset. The dataset is intended to be updated as new ichnological records become available in the literature.If using this dataset, please cite this Figshare repository along with the original sources indicated in the dataset. The dataset accompanies the work:<br><i>“</i>Flamingo neoichnology: Stamping behavior, biogenic structures, environmental controls and paleoenvironmental meaning<i>”</i>.