The word ‘flamingo’ comes from the Latin word ‘flamenco’ which means fire. This is in reference to their bright colored feathers. But flamingos aren’t actually born pink. They are grey or white, and turn pink over the first couple of years of their lives due to the pigments found in the algae and invertebrates that they eat.
In the Egyptian culture, the Flamingos are a representation of the god Ra, who was known as the god of the sun.
In Peru, the Flamingo is considered to be a sacred animal. They have been preserved in various types of artwork. In Peruvian legends, the Flamingo is the savior of animals.