The flamingo does not have a specific mating season. Once the flamingos have selected a mate after the group dance, the male and female build a nest. This nest is created in the shallows on the edge of the lake and is made from mud. The mud is scraped together to form a circular mound that sticks out above water level, and is about 30-50 centimetres deep. The eggs are sometimes destroyed when the water levels rise substantially during wet periods. The male and female take turns in incubating the eggs.

Number of Young

One egg is laid at a time.

Gestation

About 30 days.

Birth

When it is first born the flamingo chick does not look like a flamingo. The baby has pink legs, a straight pink bill and a grey cover. As it grows the bill bends downward and the feathers change colour. Both parents take part in feeding the young, giving it a rich milk which they produce within their digestive systems. After the chicks hatch, the parents keep a close eye on them ensuring that the young don¿t fall out of the nest into the water. The chicks begin to explore their home lakes as soon as they are able to leave the nest, as they wait for their parents to bring them food at mealtimes. The parents care for the young for about 75 days, upon which the chick begins to fly. Once the bill has formed a complete bend the chick is capable of feeding itself. When the young birds leave the nest for good, they herd together in large creches. Young flamingos are able to run and swim well at an early age. The grey feathers begin to change colour at about 2-3 years of age, when the pink adult plumage starts to grow.