Greater Flamingo

About the Greater Flamingo

Also known as: Eurasian Flamingo, European Flamingo

The Greater Flamingo is the most widespread of all flamingos. It can be found in Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe. The oldest known Greater Flamingo in Adelaide Zoo in Australia is thought to be at least 75 years old.

These large pink birds live and feed in large groups called flocks or colonies. This protects individual birds from predators while their heads are in the mud as they search for food. The shrimp-like crustaceans that they eat are responsible for their pink plumage. Birds in captivity get paler unless they get supplemental food.

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Details & Statistics

Added to Birdorable
Hatched on 07 December 2008
Scientific Name
Phoenicopterus roseus
  • Phoenicopteriformes
  • Ciconiidae
  • Phoenicopterus
  • P. roseus
Birdorable Family
Conservation Status
Least Concern (as of 5 April 2020)
LC
  • Least Concern (LC)
  • Near Threatened (NT)
  • Vulnerable (VU)
  • Endangered (EN)
  • Critically Endangered (CR)
  • Extinct in the Wild (EW)
  • Extinct (EX)
Source: IUCN Red List
Measurements
Units: Imperial / Metric
43 to 59 inches
55 to 65 inches
74 to 145 ounces

Range

International Names

Chinese (汉语) 大红鹳
Czech (Cesky) Plameňák Růžový
Danish (Dansk) Stor Flamingo
Dutch (Nederlands) Gewone Flamingo
Finnish (Suomi) Flamingo
French (Français) Flamant Rose
German (Deutsch) Rosaflamingo
Italian (Italiano) Fenicottero Maggiore
Japanese (日本語) ベニイロフラミンゴ (Beniiro-furamingo)
Korean (한국어) 홍학 (Honghak)
Norwegian (Norsk) Stor Flamingo
Polish (Polski) Flaming Różowy
Portuguese (Português) Flamingo-comum
Russian (русский язык) Фламинго обыкновенный
Spanish (Español) Flamenco Común
Swedish (Svenska) Större Flamingo
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