Lesser Flamingo
Phoeniconaias minor
Lesser Flamingos are highly social wading birds famous for forming massive colonies of up to several million individuals, particularly on the saline soda lakes of East Africa. As the smallest of all flamingo species, they are specialized filter feeders, possessing a deep, dark red bill that is uniquely adapted to strain microscopic blue-green algae (spirulina) from highly alkaline waters. They thrive in environments that are caustic and toxic to most other forms of life, using Lake Natron as their primary breeding site.
Lesser Flamingo Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lesser Flamingo
The Lesser Flamingo is nomadic and partially migratory, moving in large numbers between alkaline soda lakes in sub-Saharan Africa and western India in response to water levels and food availability.
The Lesser Flamingo lives on alkaline soda lakes, salt pans, and coastal lagoons in sub-Saharan Africa and western India, with Lake Natron in Tanzania being its primary breeding site.
The Lesser Flamingo feeds almost exclusively on microscopic blue-green algae (Spirulina) and benthic diatoms, filtering them from caustic waters using its specialized bill.
The Lesser Flamingo is listed as Near Threatened due to its reliance on a small number of key breeding and feeding sites, which are vulnerable to pollution, disturbance, and climate change.
The Lesser Flamingo is usually colonial.
The Lesser Flamingo is typically crepuscular / nocturnal (often travels at night).
The main threats facing the Lesser Flamingo include Pollution and runoff, Habitat degradation, and Disturbance at breeding sites (e.g. Lake Natron).
The Lesser Flamingo population trend is currently decreasing.
Well-known places to look for the Lesser Flamingo include Lake Natron (Tanzania), Lake Nakuru (Kenya), Lake Bogoria (Kenya), and Little Rann of Kutch (India).
Natural predators of the Lesser Flamingo include Hyenas, Jackals, Baboons, and Fish eagles.
Famous for creating the 'pink parade' of East Africa's Rift Valley lakes, drawing tourists from around the world.
The Lesser Flamingo is part of the Phoenicopteridae family and a Phoenicopteriformes order.
The Lesser Flamingo weighs about 2 kg, stands around 90 cm tall, reaches about 90 cm in length, and has a wingspan of about 100 cm.
The Lesser Flamingo can reach speeds of around 60 km/h.
