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A photo of a Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Greater Flamingo

Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

The greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. It is found in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and in southern Europe. Most of the plumage is pinkish-white, but the wing coverts are red and the primary and secondary flight feathers are black. The bill is pink with a restricted black tip, and the legs are entirely pink. The call is a goose-like honking. Chicks are covered in gray fluffy down. Subadult flamingos are paler with dark legs. Adults feeding chicks also become paler, but retain the bright pink legs. The coloration comes from the carotenoid pigments in the organisms that live in their feeding grounds. Secretions of the uropygial gland also contain carotenoids. During the breeding season, greater flamingos increase the frequency of their spreading uropygial secretions over their feathers and thereby enhance their color. This cosmetic use of uropygial secretions has been described as applying "make-up".
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Greater Flamingos on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A map showing the sighting location
🦉
Albert Grobler
Tuesday 19 Sep 2023 - 4:25am
South Africa
A photo of a Greater Flamingo photographed in  South Africa
🦉
Liz Turner
Monday 18 Sep 2023 - 2:15pm
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
Profile picture for Buzzy Joell
Buzzy Joell
Monday 18 Sep 2023 - 9:04am
Namibia
A photo of a Greater Flamingo photographed in Marievale Bird Sanctuary--Duiker Hide South Africa
🦩
Zenia McQuirk
Sunday 17 Sep 2023 - 10:29am
South Africa
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