Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Aves · Phoenicopteriformes · Phoenicopteridae

About

The greater flamingo is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. Common in the Old World, they are found in Northern (coastal) and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.

Fun Fact

Greater flamingos are born white and turn pink from carotenoid pigments in the algae and brine shrimp they eat — in zoos, without these foods, they fade to white unless given colour supplements.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Shallow lakes and lagoons

Diet

Omnivore

Lifespan

20-30 years

Threats

Invasive Aquatic Species
Water Pollution

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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