Greater Flamingo
Phoenicopterus roseus
Greater Flamingo, filter-feeds on algae in African shallow lakes and wetlands.
| Scientific name | Phoenicopterus roseus |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Mbalamwezi Mkubwa |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Size | Male: 3.3-4.5 kg, body length 120-145 cm; female: slightly lighter, weight approx. 3.0-4.0 kg |
How to identify
Large body size, long and curved neck; plumage mainly pink with some white and red; large downward-curved bill with black tip; long, slender pink legs; inner wing feathers notably black in flight.
Habitat
Shallow lakes, alkaline salt lakes, lagoons, wetlands, and estuarine mudflats
Diet
Filter feeder, primarily consuming algae, plankton, small crustaceans, and insect larvae
When it is active
Diurnal, active during the day for feeding and socializing
Where it lives
Distributed across northern and eastern Africa (including Kenya), southern Europe, the Middle East, and western India; in Kenya mainly found in Lamu, Lake Bogoria, and Lake Nakuru
How to spot it
Photograph during early morning or late evening with soft light, use binoculars to observe group behavior, maintain distance to avoid disturbance
Photography tips
Use telephoto lenses to capture details, photograph flight and feeding dynamics, keep background simple to highlight pink plumage
Threats
Habitat loss and degradation, water pollution, human disturbance, and illegal hunting
Similar species
Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor), smaller with brighter coloration; Andean Flamingo, differing in bill shape and body coloration
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