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Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

Not Evaluated ↑

Diet

Omnivore

Lifespan

40 years

Length

1.3 m

Weight

3.5 kg

Population

680.0K

Trend

↑ Increasing

About

The most widespread flamingo species, greater flamingos reach 1.2 meters in height and inhabit saline and alkaline lakes across Europe, Africa, and South Asia. Their distinctive pink coloration derives from carotenoid pigments in the algae and crustaceans they filter-feed through specialized bent bills. They breed in dense colonies numbering tens of thousands on hypersaline lakes toxic to most other species. Listed as Least Concern with stable populations.

Fun Facts

✨ Flamingos are born with gray feathers.
✨ They can only eat with their heads upside down.
✨ They stand on one leg to conserve body heat.

Habitat & Distribution

Typically found in a wide range of habitat types.

🌋 Marine Coastal/Supratidal 💧 Wetlands (Inland)

Found across Europe (7 countries).

🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇧🇪 Belgium 🇩🇰 Denmark 🇫🇷 France 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇳🇱 Netherlands

Diet & Behavior

🍽️

Omnivore

Greater Flamingo is classified as omnivore, adapted to its ecological niche.

Diet

🍽️ Omnivore

Plant ~60% Animal ~40%

Full Taxonomy

Kingdom

Animalia (สัตว์)

Phylum

Chordata (สัตว์มีแกนสันหลัง)

Class

Aves (นก)

Order

Phoenicopteriformes (Flamingos)

Family

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

Genus

Phoenicopterus (Flamingos)

Species

Phoenicopterus roseus (Greater Flamingo)

Names in Other Languages

Japanese ヨーロッパフラミンゴ

Chinese 大紅鸛

Spanish Flamenco común

French flamant rose

German Rosaflamingo

Portuguese flamingo-rosado

Russian Розовый фламинго

Arabic مالك الحزين

Similar Species in Phoenicopterus

Phoenicopterus chilensis

Not Evaluated

View all species in Phoenicopterus →

Explore More

Marine Coastal/Supratidal

Compare Species

vs American Flamingo vs Chilean Flamingo

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name of Greater Flamingo?

The scientific name of Greater Flamingo is Phoenicopterus roseus. It belongs to the genus Phoenicopterus.

Where does Greater Flamingo live?

Greater Flamingo is found in Found across Europe (7 countries).. Countries include Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.

What family does Greater Flamingo belong to?

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) belongs to the genus Phoenicopterus, which is part of the taxonomic family Phoenicopteridae.

What does Greater Flamingo eat?

Greater Flamingo is omnivore. Its diet is adapted to its natural habitat and ecological niche.

How long does Greater Flamingo live?

Greater Flamingo has an average lifespan of approximately 40 years in the wild.

How many Greater Flamingo are left in the wild?

The estimated wild population of Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) is approximately 680,000 individuals.

What kingdom does Greater Flamingo belong to?

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) belongs to the kingdom Animalia (สัตว์).

What are the closest relatives of Greater Flamingo?

The closest relatives of Greater Flamingo in the genus Phoenicopterus include American Flamingo, Chilean Flamingo.