Lesser Flamingo
1. Bird Name
The Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
2. Appearance
The Lesser Flamingo is easy to recognize, with predominantly light pink or white feathers splashed with brighter patches of pink and black flight feathers that are visible when in flight. The bill is uniquely shaped – curved downward, with the majority being black except for a conspicuous pink base. Its eyes are yellow and are surrounded with patches of crinkly, bare skin that gives this species its peculiar look. The legs are pinkish-red. There is no significant difference in appearance between males and females.
3. Size
Lesser Flamingos boast a length of 80-90 cm/31-35 inches, and have an average wingspan of about 90-105 cm/35-41 inches. They typically weigh between 1.2 and 2.7 kg.
4. Habitat & Distribution
The Lesser Flamingo is found across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of India. This bird species prefers alkaline or saline lakes or lagoons where algae and small crustaceans, its primary source of food, thrive. Notable regions include the East African Rift Valley and the Makgadikgadi Pan.
5. Interesting Facts
Unlike most birds, Lesser Flamingos are not visited by their spouses during incubation. Instead, the incubating flamingo must leave the nest to feed and then return. Also, these flamingos are among the most gregarious of bird species; flocks can number in the hundreds of thousands.
6. Diet
Lesser Flamingos are filter-feeders, meaning they use their bills to sift food out of the water. Their diet principally consists of cyanobacteria, known as ‘blue-green algae,’ though they will also eat small crustaceans and mollusks when available.
7. Behavior & Sounds
The Lesser Flamingo has a typical goose-like honking call. They are social birds, living in large densely packed colonies. Their synchronized group displays during courtship are a spectacle – head-flagging, wing salutes, twist-preen, and marching in tight formations while alternately lifting their wings.
8. Conservation Status
The Lesser Flamingo is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to a variety of threats, including habitat loss, pollution of feeding grounds, and interruption of their breeding sites by tourism activities.
9. Lifespan
These birds have a long lifespan, typically living up to between 30 and 50 years in the wild, though some individuals have been known to live over 60 years in captivity.
10. Additional Notes
Locally in Africa, the Lesser Flamingo is often referred to as ‘Pink Flamingo.’ They play a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling the populations of the microorganisms they feed on, which if unchecked, could upset the ecological balance. With the vast population size, these flamingos also become important food resources for some predators.
Flamingos have a special place in human culture, being symbolic of beauty, balance, and grace. However, their close interaction with human societies can often lead to conflicts, mainly when their feeding or breeding grounds are jeopardized due to urbanization, pollution, or tourism. Most countries have legal protective measures for these beautiful birds, and their conservation often involves international cooperation, given their migratory nature. Their flamboyant colors and fanciful behavior have made them true icons of the wild.
