Bonaire is bursting with flamingos. A true diva among birds, it is also the island's figurehead. The Caribbean flamingo is affectionately called 'chogogo' on Bonaire, referring to the nasal sound they produce. The typical sound of flamingos is similar to the sound made by geese. The Caribbean flamingo has an orange-pink plumage, a black bill and hard pink legs. They get their fabulous plumage colour from the carotenoids (natural dyes) found in their prey animals. Bonaireans have taken the orange-pink colour to their hearts and painted countless buildings on the island in this flamingo colour.
Pieter Smit was born in Arnhem and has lived on Bonaire since 2010. In his spare time, he enjoys taking photos, mainly of the Caribbean island's colourful birds... Read more…