Greater Flamingo

Scientific Name: Phoenicopterus ruber

Description : Large bird with long, pink legs and webbed feet, an elongated neck and a large curved beak. The shade of pink plumage is sharper at the neck on the breast and on the back; the wings are rather red.
It measures between 0.9 and 1.5m in height and its wingspan can reach 1.50m. It weighs 2 -3kg.

Diet : some crustaceans(Artemia salina which accentuates the natural pink colour), some molluscs, some insects and small sea snakes.

Habitat : Saltwater lagoons of the Mediterranean.

Reproduction : sexual maturity: between 3 and 5 years.
Courtship begins in the month of January. Incubation period is 28 to 30 days. The female and the male both cover the egg, which is white.

Nest : It is in the shape of a conical trunk 30cm in height and about 40 cm in diameter. It is made with the mud from the small sandy islands.

Conservation :The nesting islands are protected and it is forbidden to disturb the flamingo pairs.
These birds are ringed soon after their birth.

Lifespan : approxiamately 25 years

Cry : The cry is short strong and melodious.

Migration : They begin to migrate at the end of August. More and more flamingos choose to remain in their habitat.

Predators : Foxes and seagulls are the only predators of the flamingo.The adults are not afraid but it is the young ones that are in danger.