The flamingo prefers fresh water for drinking and may even drink rainwater running off its plumage . Zoo Diet Soupy mixture of grain, chicken mash, canned dog food, vitamin supplements. Predators Man, rats and large predators at the nesting areas. Miscellaneous American and Chilean flamingos are the most commonly exhibited. The red color of these birds is thought to be determined by components of the diet.
Escapees are probably responsible for the American flamingo population in Florida.
Phoenicopterus ruber is now referred to as the American flamingo was previously known as the greater or common flamingo.