The new chick has white downy plumage, a straight red beak and thick, swollen red legs. The red beak and legs turn black in seven to ten days. At two to three weeks the downy plumage turns gray and the beak begins to bend. At four weeks the first contour feathers grow in. At nine months to a year, the young molt to a pale plumage similar to the adults.
Adult plumage is attained in eighteen months to two years.
The young reach full size at two years of age. Sexual maturity is attained at six years. Approximately 30 years. Diet Small swimming Crustacean algae and unicellular organisms. The flamingo prefers fresh water for drinking and may even drink rainwater running off its plumage .