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SPECIES PROFILE

Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus / Phoeniconaias minor)

Phoenicopterus / Phoeniconaias

IUCN STATUS

Least Concern (Greater); Near Threatened (Lesser)

Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus / Phoeniconaias minor) — Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, parts of Asia/Europe

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least Concern (Greater); Near Threatened (Lesser)

CLASS

Aves

GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE

Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, parts of Asia/Europe

DIET

Omnivorous

HABITAT

Alkaline lakes, wetlands, coastal lagoons

🔬 Classification

PHYLUM

Chordata

CLASS

Aves

ORDER

Phoenicopteriformes

FAMILY

Phoenicopteridae

GENUS

Phoenicopterus / Phoeniconaias

📋 Description

SIZE

1.1-1.5 m tall, 2-4 kg

COLORATION

Pink from diet (carotenoids); black-tipped wings

ADAPTATIONS

Filter-feeding beak; long legs for wading

🌿 Ecology

HABITAT

Alkaline lakes, wetlands, coastal lagoons

DIET

Omnivorous

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, parts of Asia/Europe

REPRODUCTION

1 egg on mud mound; incubation 27-31 days

DIET DETAILS

Algae, shrimp, small organisms

⚠️ Threats & Conservation

PRIMARY THREATS

Habitat loss, pollution

💡 Interesting Facts

1

Flamingo Pink: Their vibrant pink color comes from carotenoid-rich diets of brine shrimp and algae, fading to grey if food sources dwindle. This dietary link creates stunning flocks that turn lakes into living art, a phenomenon visible from miles away.

2

One-Legged Stance: Flamingos stand on one leg to conserve body heat in chilly waters, tucking the other into their feathers like a natural thermostat. This quirky habit also reduces muscle fatigue, letting them rest for hours in harsh saline environments.