Flamingo Beaks: How They Eat in Salty Lakes

In our episode about flamingos, we learned how their amazing beaks work like special strainers to help them eat in salty lakes, and how they have a secret way to get rid of salt. Let's build our own flamingo beak to see how it works!

The Big Question

How can a beak act like a strainer?

What You'll Need

• A plastic cup
• Scissors
• Coffee filters or paper towels
• A rubber band
• A bowl
• Water with a little bit of salt and some glitter mixed in (to represent food particles)

Mission Steps

1. Cut the Cup. Carefully cut off the bottom of the plastic cup.
2. Make the Beak. Stretch a coffee filter or paper towel over the cut end of the cup and secure it tightly with a rubber band. This is your flamingo's "beak."
3. Scoop and Strain. Dip your cup-beak into the salty, glittery water. Try to scoop up some of the water and glitter.
4. Filter the Food. Hold the cup-beak over the empty bowl and let the salty water drain out through the coffee filter. See what gets trapped inside!

Talk About It

• What did your "flamingo beak" catch when you strained the water?
• How is your pretend beak like a real flamingo's beak?
• What would happen if a flamingo didn't have a beak that could filter?

Take It Further

For older rangers, try experimenting with different materials for the filter. Would cheesecloth or a piece of a sponge work better? How does the size of the "food" particles (glitter) affect how well your beak filters them out?

FAQ

Q: Is it safe to make my own salty water at home? A: Yes, as long as you use regular table salt and don't drink it. Make sure a grown-up helps with the scissors. Q: Why do flamingos eat in salty lakes? A: They eat tiny food like algae and shrimp that grow in those salty lakes, and their special beaks and salt glands help them survive there where other animals can't.