The uncertain and multiple origins of flamingos have led scientists to group them in the distinct order of the phœnicopteriforms. It is, indeed, possible to compare them to storks and herons by the characteristics of their skeleton, musculature, digestive system, and the similarity of the proteins of the albumin of their eggs. On the other hand, their beak, voice, and the parasites of their plumage link flamingos to the anseriforms (ducks and geese).