Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

The Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the largest and most widespread species of the flamingo family, gracing shallow wetlands across Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, and southern Europe. Known for their striking pink plumage, these birds owe their coloration to carotenoid pigments in their diet of algae and crustaceans. Greater Flamingos exhibit a distinctive long neck and legs, which help them wade through water while feeding by filtering small organisms through their specialized beak structure. Highly social, these birds often gather in large colonies, engaging in synchronized group displays and dances during the breeding season. Nesting typically occurs on mud mounds, where a single egg is laid and incubated by both parents. Juveniles are born with grey feathers, achieving their iconic pink hue as they mature. With a graceful and elegant demeanor, the Greater Flamingo continues to captivate birdwatchers and biologists alike, contributing to the dynamic ecosystems of their wetland habitats.