The greater flamingo is the largest and most widespread of the flamingo species. Adults stand 110–150 centimeters tall and have a wingspan of about 140–165 centimeters. Their pale pink to deeper rose coloration comes from carotenoid pigments in the algae and small crustaceans they eat. The color intensity varies with diet and age.
Greater flamingos are found in parts of Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. They prefer shallow saline or alkaline lakes, lagoons, and coastal mudflats.
Feeding and anatomy
They are filter feeders. The uniquely shaped bill is held upside-down in the water while the bird pumps water through comb-like structures (lamellae) that trap tiny organisms. Their long legs and webbed feet allow them to wade in soft sediment. They often feed in large flocks, which may help stir up food and provide safety from predators.
Breeding and conservation
Greater flamingos breed in large colonies, often on remote mudflats or islands. They build conical mud nests and usually lay a single egg. Both parents incubate and later feed the chick with a nutrient-rich “crop milk.” The species is listed as Least Concern overall, though some local populations are affected by habitat loss, water diversion, and disturbance at breeding sites.
Their striking appearance and large flocks make greater flamingos one of the most recognizable wetland birds in the world.