LESSER FLAMINGO
Phoenicopterus minor
DESCRIPTION
The Lesser Flamingo is a medium-sized wading bird known for its striking pink plumage and long legs. It is the smallest species of flamingo and is often found in large colonies near saline lakes.
FUN FACTS
- Lesser Flamingos are known for their unique feeding technique, which involves filtering water through their beaks | They can live for over 30 years in captivity | Their pink coloration is a result of their diet rich in carotenoids
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild
Average Weight1.5-2.5 kg
Average Length0.8-1.0 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuregroup — they are often found in large colonies that can number in the thousands.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonWet season (varies by region)
- Habitat
- They inhabit shallow, saline lakes and lagoons, often in arid regions. These habitats provide the necessary conditions for their food sources to thrive.
- Biomes
- Wetlands, Desert
- Native Range
- The native range includes parts of Africa, particularly in the East and South, as well as some areas in India.
- Continent
- Africa, Asia
- Countries
- Kenya, Tanzania, India, Botswana, Namibia
- Diet
- Lesser Flamingos primarily feed on algae and small crustaceans, which they filter from the water using their specialized beaks. Their diet is rich in carotenoids, which contribute to their pink coloration.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- algae, brine flies
- Social Structure
- group — they are often found in large colonies that can number in the thousands.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 100-1,000
- Territorial
- 0
LC
1.5-2.5 kg
Weight
0.8-1.0 m
Length
- Coloration
- pink with darker pink or reddish hues on the wings and neck
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Wet season (varies by region)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but local declines have been observed in some areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000+
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to human encroachment and pollution of their feeding grounds. Climate change also poses a risk to their breeding sites.
- Predators
- None significant; however, eggs and chicks may be vulnerable to birds of prey.
- Found in Zoos
- Common