flamingo, n. [Sp. flamenco, cf. Pg. flamingo, Prov. flammant, F. flamant; prop. a p. pr. meaning flaming. So called in allusion to its color. See Flame.].

Any bird of the genus Phœnicopterus. The flamingoes have webbed feet, very long legs, and a beak bent down as if broken. Their color is usually red or pink. The American flamingo is P. ruber; the European is P. antiquorum. [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

flamingo, n. (pl. -os or -oes) any tall long-necked web-footed wading bird of the family Phoenicopteridae, with crooked bill and pink, scarlet, and black plumage.

Etymology

Port. flamengo f. Prov. flamenc f. flama flame + -enc = -ING(3)

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