Following in mum's footsteps: The tiny flamingo chick with huge feet shows them off for the first time

For most youngsters the pressure is soon on to prove they can go it alone and stand on their own two feet.



But in spite of the apparent size of this chick's feet, this new-born flamingo is struggling to make it on its own.

The baby pink flamingo was born in captivity at a zoo in Cali, Colombia, and was spotted following in the footsteps of his mother soon after.



Leggy: This flamingo chick appears to have unusually big feet but has yet to develop enough strength in his legs to stand up straight Although it appears to have unusually long feet, chicks can take some time to develop the strength below the bends in their legs, leaving them to balance on the bends in their legs. Typically, this friendly youngster has been keeping close to its family since it hatched, common amongst flamingos which are known to be very social birds and remain in flocks. Despite its colour now, the beta-carotene in their diets, which comes mostly from algae and shrimps, will give this chick its famous pink feathers.

Pink: Despite its colour now this chick will eventually develop its eye catching pink plumage

It can also be expected to grow as tall as four feet and develop a wingspan of more than five feet.

The beautiful birds, famed for their long necks and standing on one leg, are just one of more than 1,800 species of birds at the South American zoo.

Noted for resting on one leg the flamingo often positions itself in this way for comfort and to reduce the amount of body heat lost to the cool water.

The webbing between their toes helps them stand in soft mud and when swimming in deeper water.

Big feet: A pink flamingo born in captivity balances itself on its long legs