Longevity
Experts have not yet determined how long flamingos live.
Egg Laying
Flamingos most often lay one large egg. Eggs range in size from about 78 by 49 mm (3 x 1.9 in.) and 115 g (4 oz.), to 90 by 55 mm (3.5 x 2.1 in.) and 140 g (4.9 oz.).
The egg is oblong in shape, similar to that of a chicken.
The egg is usually chalky white, but may be pale blue immediately after it is laid.
Females have been known to lay two eggs, but this is rare.
Incubation
Incubation begins soon after the egg is laid. The incubation period is between 27 and 31 days.
Both the male and female take turns incubating the egg by sitting on top of the nest mound.
Eggs that fall from the nesting mound are not retrieved.
Hatching
Hatching takes between 24 and 36 hours.
The chick calls frequently as it breaks out of the shell.
The chick breaks through the shell using a growth on its bill called an "egg tooth". The egg tooth is not a true tooth and falls off soon after the chick hatches.
Flamingo parents appear anxious while their chick is hatching. They stand, look at the egg, and vocalize.
The adult stands, looks down, and gently preens and nibbles at the emerging chick.
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