Our flock of Greater flamingos came to the park in 2019 from Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
Flamingos are filter feeders, tilting their head to the side and submerging their beaks in the water upside down they use their specialised beak to catch algae and aquatic invertebrates.
Flamingo chicks are actually white; they get their pink colouration from the food they eat, a type of shrimp.
Flamingos live in large flocks, pairing up and mating for life after an elaborate courtship dance.
They are known for standing on one leg; this is done for two reasons, one to help keep them warmer, the second to conserve energy, to help with a quick getaway if a predator attacks.
Scientific Name::
Phoenicopterus roseus
Status::
Least concern
Size::
1.5m wingspan of 1.4 - 1.7m
Weight::
2.5 – 3.5kg
Life Span::
up to 50 years
Habitat::
Coast, Wetlands, marsh
Diet::
Aquatic Insects and algae (filter feeders)
Aquatic Insects and algae
Southern Europe, Central Asia, North West India, Southern Africa
Not a big problem but chicks can be taken by storks or vultures and big cats can be a problem.
In a flock, mating for life
Habitat destruction, very sensitive to human disturbance
