ExploreBirds

Lesser Flamingo

Phoeniconaias minor

The Lesser Flamingo is a beautiful bird known for its pink feathers and long legs. They love to live near lakes and eat tiny shrimp, which makes them pink!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Lesser Flamingo is the smallest flamingo species, distinguished by its deep carmine-pink bill with a black tip and bright pink plumage. Its overall color is often more vibrant than other flamingos, with contrasting dark flight feathers.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPhoenicopteriformesFamilyPhoenicopteridaeGenusPhoeniconaias
Lesser Flamingo
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Lesser Flamingo

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A single flock can have over a million birds, making an epic pink cloud!

Some flamingos can drink water so hot and salty, it would burn other animals!

Their knees actually bend backward, but what you see are their ankles!

They use a special bill to scoop up tiny algae, turning water into food!

Special abilities

Ability

Extreme Filterer

Lesser Flamingos can filter tiny algae from harsh soda lakes because of their unique deep-keeled bill shape.

Ability

Toxic Lake Survivor

Lesser Flamingos have tough skin and legs that help them thrive in caustic, highly alkaline waters.

Ability

Massive Flock Power

Lesser Flamingos can gather in huge flocks of millions, which helps them find food and spot predators.

Measurements & details

Length
80-90 cm
Wingspan
90-100 cm
Weight
1.5-2.5 kg
Lifespan
20-30 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
28-31 days
Migration Distance
2000 km

Diet & Feeding

These tiny flamingos filter microscopic blue-green algae and diatoms from salty water.

Primary Foods

  • Arthrospira fusiformis
  • diatoms
  • Dunaliella salina

Foraging Method

  • Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eaten by

Tawny Eagle

Aquila rapax

Eagles prey on vulnerable flamingo chicks and eggs.

eaten by

Marabou Stork

Leptoptilos crumeniferus

Storks often raid nests for eggs and young chicks.

eaten by

African Fish Eagle

Haliaeetus vocifer

Eagles opportunistically hunt adult flamingos.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch flamingos from a distance to keep them safe and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Lesser Flamingo?

80-90 cm

What is Lesser Flamingo's wingspan?

90-100 cm

How much does Lesser Flamingo weigh?

1.5-2.5 kg

How long does Lesser Flamingo live?

20-30 years

How fast can Lesser Flamingo move?

60 km/h

What does Lesser Flamingo eat?

These tiny flamingos filter microscopic blue-green algae and diatoms from salty water.

Where is Lesser Flamingo usually found?

Wetlands

How does Lesser Flamingo hunt?

Filter Feeding

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

More Birds