Lesser Flamingo
NameLesser Flamingo
Common NameLesser Flamingo
Scientific NamePhoeniconaias minor
FamilyPhoenicopteridae
Wingspan (cm)95
Length (cm)85
Weight (g)2000
Plumage DetailsOverall pale pink plumage, with brighter rose-pink patches on the wings and black primary and secondary flight feathers. The head and neck are also pale pink. The bill is a deep reddish-black with a prominent black tip, and the eyes are bright yellow to orange-red.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include nasal honks, grunts, and goose-like calls, often heard in large choruses within their colonies.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant populations in the Great Rift Valley lakes. A smaller, disjunct population also exists in South Asia, particularly in India and Pakistan.
Identifying FeaturesSmallest flamingo species, Deep-keeled, dark red bill with black tip, Pale pink plumage with brighter wing patches, Bright yellow/orange-red eyes, Long, slender pink legs
Description
The Lesser Flamingo is the smallest species of flamingo, known for its pale pink plumage and distinctive deep-keeled, dark red bill with a black tip. These birds are highly social, often forming massive flocks in their specialized wetland habitats, where they filter-feed on microscopic algae.
