Greater flamingos

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the largest and most widespread of the living flamingos. It is easy to recognise by its long neck and legs, pink-and-white feathers and beak that bends downward in the middle.

Where does it live?

It lives in shallow salt lakes, lagoons and deltas in Africa, southern Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. In Türkiye, Lake Tuz is one of the world's most important flamingo breeding sites; the Gediz Delta and other wetlands are also places where flamingos are often seen.

What does it eat?

It puts its head upside down in the water and uses sieve-like structures in its beak to filter small crustaceans, algae and other tiny organisms. The pink colour of its feathers comes from pigments called carotenoids in this food.

Behaviour and social life

Flamingos are very social birds that live in colonies of thousands or even tens of thousands. They find mates through synchronised group "dances". They often rest standing on one leg.

Chicks

Pairs lay a single egg on a cone-shaped nest built of mud. Both parents incubate and feed the chick with a special secretion called crop milk. Chicks are born with grey down; the pink colour develops over the years.

Conservation status

The greater flamingo is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. However, the small number of breeding sites, drained wetlands, changing water levels and disturbance can affect some regional populations.

Fun facts

• Flamingos use their beaks upside down while feeding.
• Standing on one leg is thought to save energy and body heat.
• Young flamingos can stay grey for years before their feathers turn pink.