Lesser Flamingo
Lesser Flamingo
95
2 months ago
door
Henk Spuijbroek
Points:
95
The Lesser Flamingo is the smallest and most numerous flamingo species, characterized by its deep pink plumage and distinctive dark red bill with a black tip. It forms vast, spectacular flocks in alkaline and saline lakes across Africa and Asia. This species is a specialized filter-feeder.
Where to spot
Primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Great Rift Valley lakes (e.g., Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria). Also found in parts of South Asia (e.g., India, Pakistan) and occasionally the Arabian Peninsula.
How to spot
Identify by its smaller size, deeper pink plumage, and darker red bill with a black tip (compared to Greater Flamingo). Observe them in vast, dense flocks, filter-feeding by sweeping their bills through the shallow, often caustic, water. Use a spotting scope for distant views of large groups.
When to spot
Year-round resident in its range, often moving between lakes based on water levels and food availability. Best observed during daylight hours at large alkaline lakes where they gather in immense numbers.
Where to spot
Primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the Great Rift Valley lakes (e.g., Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria). Also found in parts of South Asia (e.g., India, Pakistan) and occasionally the Arabian Peninsula.
How to spot
Identify by its smaller size, deeper pink plumage, and darker red bill with a black tip (compared to Greater Flamingo). Observe them in vast, dense flocks, filter-feeding by sweeping their bills through the shallow, often caustic, water. Use a spotting scope for distant views of large groups.
When to spot
Year-round resident in its range, often moving between lakes based on water levels and food availability. Best observed during daylight hours at large alkaline lakes where they gather in immense numbers.
Credits:
By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151065374
The Lesser Flamingo can tolerate extremely alkaline waters that are lethal to most other animals, allowing it to feed on blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) that thrive in these harsh conditions.
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- 1 (Seen in the last 3 months)
- Last spotted
- 2 months ago door Henk Spuijbroek
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