Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

Genus · Large Flamingos Family · Flamingos
Observation tips Difficulty: MODERATE
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
Coastal shallowsMuddy margins

Look for them in salt pans and lagoons. In flight, they extend their long necks and legs, showing bright pink and black wings.

Greater Flamingo
Stats
Wingspan140–170 cm
Weight2000–4500 g
Length120–150 cm
Lifespan wild20–35 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeMound
Clutch size1 eggs
Incubation27–31 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourColonial

Diet: Filter feeder

🌿Algae
🦀Crustaceans
🦗Insects
🐚Mollusks

Habitat

🛶 Lake wetlands🌊 Marine🏞️ River🏜️ Scrub wasteland
✦ Fun Fact

The pink color comes from pigments in the organisms they eat. Without this specific diet (like brine shrimp), their feathers would eventually turn white.

About

The largest flamingo species and a symbol of Mediterranean wetlands. In Europe, they form spectacular colonies in France, Spain, and Italy. They are tall, social birds with pale pink plumage and long legs. They are nomadic and move between lagoons depending on water levels.

Behaviour

Flamingos are filter-feeders. They hold their curved bills upside down and pump water with their tongue to strain out small crustaceans and algae. They often stand on one leg to conserve heat. They build volcano-shaped mud mounds in shallow water to protect their eggs.
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