Greater Flamingo
Phoenicopterus roseus
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<birdfyi-bird slug="greater-flamingo"></birdfyi-bird>The pink of the Greater Flamingo is not innate but drawn from its food: carotenoid pigments in the algae, diatoms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans it filters from shallow alkaline and saline water. The largest flamingo species, it is predominantly white-pink with crimson wing coverts revealed in flight, long pink legs, a sinuous neck, and a downward-bent, black-tipped bill built for filter feeding. It gathers on alkaline lakes, coastal lagoons, mudflats, and salt pans across Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, requiring large undisturbed areas to breed. One to three eggs are incubated for 27 to 31 days, with young fledging between 71 and 98 days. Colonies keep up a loud, goose-like honking chorus. The species is classified as Least Concern.
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Sobre
The greater flamingo is the most widespread flamingo species and one of the most recognizable birds in the world. Their pink color comes entirely from carotenoid pigments in their crustacean and algal diet. Flamingos are social birds that breed in enormous colonies sometimes numbering tens of thousands.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 130,0 cm | 51.2 in |
| Envergadura | 160,0 cm | 63.0 in |
| Peso | 3500,0 g | 123.46 oz |
Identificação
Plumagem
Predominantly white-pink plumage with bright crimson-pink wing coverts revealed in flight. Long pink legs and a sinuous neck. Intensity of color depends on diet.
Bico
Large, downward-bent bill — pink with a black tip, adapted for filter feeding
Habitat & Range
Shallow alkaline or saline lakes, coastal lagoons, mudflats, and salt pans. Requires large undisturbed areas for breeding colonies.
Distribuição geográfica
Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. Irregular visitor to northern Europe.
Diet & Feeding
Algae, diatoms, brine shrimp, and small crustaceans filtered from shallow alkaline or saline water. Carotenoid pigments in food produce the pink coloration.
Estado de conservação
Comportamento e reprodução
Nidificação
Nest type: CP,HC. Incubation: 27-31 days. Fledging: 71-98 days.
Tamanho da postura
1-3
Som
Canto
Loud, nasal goose-like honking 'ka-ha' calls, often in chorus at breeding colonies. Also gives softer gabbling and grunting sounds while feeding and preening.
Taxonomia
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Ordem | Phoenicopteriformes (Flamingos) |
| Família | Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos) |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Espécies | Phoenicopterus roseus |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Rosaflamingo |
| Spanish | Flamenco Común |
Distribution
Greater Flamingo has been recorded in 7 countries.
countries highlighted
External Databases
Perguntas frequentes
What does the Greater Flamingo eat?
Where does the Greater Flamingo live?
Is the Greater Flamingo endangered?
How does the Greater Flamingo nest?
What does the Greater Flamingo sound like?
How big is the Greater Flamingo?
What order and family does the Greater Flamingo belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Phoenicopteridae family