The most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. Found in parts of Africa, southern Asia (including India), the Middle East, and southern Europe, this species is noted for its striking pink plumage, long, lean, curved neck, and similarly lengthy and slender legs.
During the breeding season, the plumage of Greater Flamingos becomes more vibrant. The intensity of their pink coloration is diet-dependent, with pigments known as carotenoids (found in their natural food sources like shrimp, plankton, and algae) playing a crucial role. Additionally, these flamingos engage in a unique behavior known as “make-up” where they use their uropygial glands to spread pigmented oil over their feathers, enhancing their coloration. This cosmetic application not only intensifies their hue but may also be a factor in mate selection.
Greater Flamingos are gregarious birds that find strength in numbers. They form large colonies that can number in the thousands, which offers individual birds protection against predators. Within these colonies, birds often form smaller groups that engage in synchronous nesting and cooperative vigilance, ensuring the safety and survival of their offspring.
The young flamingos hatch with gray feathers and do not acquire the characteristic pink plumage until they are about two years old. The coloration process is gradual and correlates with their maturing diet, which begins to include more carotenoid-rich foods.
Human activity poses significant threats to the Greater Flamingo. Disturbance from development and tourism can lead to the abandonment of breeding sites, resulting in reproductive failure. Additionally, these birds require specific environmental conditions for feeding, including shallow water where they can filter-feed on small organisms. Changes in water levels due to irrigation, droughts, or other human-induced water management can force flamingos to migrate in search of suitable foraging grounds.
Distribution
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No